The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today strongly condemned US senators who requested a review, through a so-called bill, that includes a number of judges and the Department of Justice’s prosecutors in a so-called list of sanctions, in an attempt to intimidate Hong Kong SAR personnel who safeguard national security.
In a press statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government made it clear that safeguarding national security falls within the internal affairs of a sovereign jurisdiction, and the implementation of the National Security Law is free from any intervention.
It further pointed out that the US politicians, however, insisted on turning a blind eye to facts and even clamoured for so-called sanctions against the Hong Kong SAR personnel and judges who dutifully safeguard national security.
Stressing that it despises any so-called sanctions and shall never be intimidated, the Hong Kong SAR Government said the city shall continue to resolutely discharge the responsibility of safeguarding national security. It also strongly urged the US politicians concerned to discern facts from fallacies, stop acting against the international law and basic norms of international relations, and stop interfering in Hong Kong matters, which are purely China’s internal affairs.
Separately, the Hong Kong SAR Government said its law enforcement agencies have been taking enforcement actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the people or entities concerned, which have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation.
It also emphasised that the Department of Justice is in charge of criminal prosecutions of the Hong Kong SAR makes all its prosecutorial decisions on an objective analysis of all admissible evidence and applicable laws.
Furthermore, the Hong Kong SAR Government noted that the Judiciary exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law, and everyone charged with a criminal offence has the right to a fair hearing.
It explained that the courts decide cases strictly in accordance with the evidence and all applicable laws, and cases will never be handled any differently owing to the professions, political beliefs or backgrounds of the persons involved. Additionally, the prosecution has the burden to prove beyond reasonable doubt the commission of an offence before a defendant may be convicted by the court.
The Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that any attempt to interfere with Hong Kong’s judicial proceedings by means of political power is a reprehensible act undermining the city’s rule of law. Making any statement with the intent to interfere with or obstruct the course of justice, or engaging in conduct with the same intent, is very likely to constitute the offence of criminal contempt of court or the offence of perverting the course of justice.
Furthermore, it elucidated that it will, as always, resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the National Security Law, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR, to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law.
The Hong Kong SAR Government added that it will uphold the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of “one country, two systems”.
