HONG KONG, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Friday strongly opposed and disapproved of the slanderous remarks by the European Union (EU) on the HKSAR's lawful act to pursue wanted persons who have endangered national security and absconded from Hong Kong.
The "Hong Kong Parliament" is an organization that aims to subvert state power; its objectives include promoting "self-determination," promulgating the so-called "Hong Kong Constitution," and overthrowing or undermining the basic system of the People's Republic of China (PRC) established by the Constitution of the PRC or overthrowing the body of the central power of PRC or the body of power of the HKSAR with unlawful means, said a spokesman for the HKSAR government.
"Any suggestion that certain individuals or organizations should be immune from legal consequences for their illegal acts, including those involving collusion with foreign or external forces, is no different from advocating a special privilege to break the law, and this totally runs contrary to the spirit of the rule of law," the spokesperson said.
Extraterritorial effect for offences under the national security law in Hong Kong and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance fully aligns with the principles of international law, international practice and common practice adopted in various countries and regions, the spokesperson said, adding that it is both necessary and legitimate, and is also in line with those of other countries and regions around the world.
As the law enforcement department of the HKSAR safeguarding national security, the Hong Kong Police are duty-bound to pursue the liability of those who have allegedly endangered national security outside Hong Kong.
It is necessary for the Police to take all lawful measures to strongly combat the acts of abscondment, and such actions are fully justified, necessary and legitimate, the spokesperson noted.
"Absconders should not think they can evade criminal liability by absconding from Hong Kong. Ultimately, they will be held liable for their acts constituting serious offences endangering national security and be punished by the law," the spokesperson said, stressing that any country or organization should neither harbor criminals nor try to exonerate these people with different excuses.
The HKSAR government strongly demands that the EU immediately stop acting against international law and basic norms of international relations and interfering in Hong Kong matters, which are purely China's internal affairs, the spokesperson reaffirmed.
