He made the comments after three former leaders of the now‑defunct Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China – Albert Ho, Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang‑tung – received prison terms on Friday ranging from five years and two months to seven years and three months.
Speaking to reporters after a passing-out parade on Saturday, Chow said the case was not an ordinary national security case, and that the sentences reflected its seriousness.
“I think this very clearly shows that there is still a small minority of people who hope that in Hong Kong’s calm society, they can incite others, so that others will make some very unreasonable slanders against the central government or the local SAR government,” he said.
“So for us, we still cannot lower our guard. It is also often said that this is not only the responsibility of the police force; in fact, it should be the responsibility of every ordinary member of the public.”
Chow added that people must notify the police of any public processions under the Public Order Ordinance.
“Our police will carry out risk assessments based on different factors, including national security, public safety, public order, or whether the rights of the public, or the rights of other members of the public who do not participate, may be affected,” he said.
The government, meanwhile, strongly condemned various western countries and anti-China media that launched “malicious attacks, smears and slanders” after the sentences were handed down.
“These external forces adopt double standard to attack the SAR for fulfilling its duty to safeguard national security in strict adherence to the principle of the rule of law. This is complete hypocrisy and a despicable political manoeuvre,” said a government spokesman in a statement.
The spokesman added that human rights in Hong Kong shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security, stressing that authorities are committed to ensuring that laws are observed and strictly enforced.
