The SAR government issued a statement today (28th) in response to British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly’s speech on the “Hong Kong National Security Law” at the UN Human Rights Council meeting. The spokesperson denounced it as malicious fabrication and political hype for political purposes: "It's purely political smearing and distorting facts." He also described it as a hypocritical act of double standards on the British side, and a despicable tactic in which politics overrides the law.
The spokesperson reiterated that the SAR government strongly urges the British government to immediately stop actions that do not comply with international law and basic norms governing international relations, and immediately stop interfering in the affairs of the Hong Kong SAR.
British Foreign Minister Qi Zhanming (James Cleverly) spoke at the UN Human Rights Council meeting on the 27th of this month, during which he talked about Hong Kong, Xinjiang and the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Qi Zhanming also pointed out that under the "Hong Kong National Security Law", some independent media have ceased operations, Hong Kong's freedom of speech and assembly has been eroded, and those who spoke out were arrested, including the founder of Next Media, Li Zhiying.
He also called on the Hong Kong and Beijing authorities to abide by the Sino-British Joint Declaration and implement the recommendations of the Human Rights Council report.
The Hong Kong government spokesman pointed out in a statement that Qi Zhanming's statement on the implementation of the national security law in Hong Kong is untrue and unreasonable, emphasizing that national security belongs to the central government, and every country has the responsibility and right to maintain its national security.
The United Kingdom has a large number of national security laws, but relevant government officials continue to wantonly slander the "Hong Kong National Security Law", deliberately ignoring the fact that the implementation of the "Hong Kong National Security Law" has brought the life and economic activities of Hong Kong citizens back to normal and the business environment has resumed.
The spokesperson pointed out that Hong Kong's law enforcement agencies have always taken law enforcement actions based on evidence, strictly in accordance with the law, and based on the behavior of relevant persons, institutions or organizations, regardless of their political positions, backgrounds or occupations; pointing out that British government officials seem to advocate some background People should not be punished by the law for their illegal behavior and activities, which is equivalent to giving the relevant people the privilege of breaking the law, which completely violates the spirit of the rule of law, which is really shocking.
The spokesperson emphasized that the "Hong Kong National Security Law" clearly stipulates that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall respect and protect human rights in order to maintain national security, and protect Hong Kong residents in accordance with the "Basic Law" and the "International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights" and "Economic, Social and Cultural Rights". The relevant provisions of the International Convention applicable to Hong Kong enjoy the rights and freedoms of speech, press, publication, assembly, etc.
However, the relevant rights and freedoms are not absolute. International conventions stipulate that certain rights and freedoms may be restricted in accordance with the law when it is necessary to protect national security, public safety, public order, or the rights and freedoms of others.
The spokesman added that since the implementation of the "Hong Kong National Security Law", the media environment in Hong Kong remains vigorous.
As always, the media can exercise the right to supervise the work of the SAR government; as long as it does not violate the law, the media comment and criticize the government's policies, not only are they free and unrestricted, but they are routinely happening.
British Foreign Minister Urges Russia to Release Political Prisoners Urges China and the Hong Kong Government to Abide by the "Joint Statement" Meets with US Consul General in Hong Kong Melvin Liu Guangyuan to Draw Three "Red Lines" Urges No Political Infiltration "Steady and far-reaching
