HONG KONG, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Saturday evening made a statement to express strong disapproval and opposition against the harboring of criminals in any form by any country.

The HKSAR government emphasized that any suggestion that certain individuals or organizations should be immune from legal consequences for their illegal acts 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 that following the "black-clad violence" and the Hong Kong version of "color revolution" in 2019, a number of criminals who have committed serious offences endangering national security absconded. While absconding, they continued to blatantly engage in acts endangering national security. These are out-and-out shameful and cowardly acts.

The spokesperson said that in Hong Kong, any arrest and prosecution is directed against the criminal act and has nothing to do with the political stance, background or thought of the persons concerned. Arrest and prosecution are based on facts and evidence, and conducted in strict accordance with the law. Hong Kong has an independent judiciary with the power of final adjudication. Everyone shall receive a fair and just trial.

Any country that harbors Hong Kong criminals in any form shows contempt for the rule of law, grossly disrespects Hong Kong's legal systems and barbarically interferes in the affairs of Hong Kong, the spokesperson said, adding that absconders will ultimately be held liable for their acts constituting serious offences endangering national security and be punished by the law.

The spokesperson reiterated that endangering national security is a very serious crime. The HKSAR government will do everything possible and use all legal means to pursue and combat criminals who endanger national security as well as to hold them accountable, thereby safeguarding national security.