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Published: 17:50, July 31, 2021 | Updated: 19:18, July 31, 2021
Commissioner's office opposes meddling in HK court decision
By Wang Zhan
Published:17:50, July 31, 2021 Updated:19:18, July 31, 2021 By Wang Zhan

This Nov 17, 2016 photo shows the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Central. (PARKER ZHENG / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG - The Office of the Commissioner of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Saturday firmly opposed the irresponsible remarks made by some European Union politicians on the conviction of an offender under the National Security Law.

Contrary to the remarks of some European External Action Service members, the spokesperson of the office said there was conclusive evidence proving the crime committed in the case, so Hong Kong judicial authorities shall punish the offender in accordance with law and external forces should not interfere.

The spokesperson of the office said there is conclusive evidence about the violation of the law in this case, so Hong Kong judicial authorities shall punish the law-breaker in accordance with law and external forces shall not interfere

The purpose of preventing, stopping and punishing a handful of criminal acts endangering national security is to better protect the lives and property of the vast majority of residents and to better maintain law and order in Hong Kong, the spokesperson said.

Since the start of the implementation of the national security law last year, the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents have been fully protected, the rule of law and judicial independence have been safeguarded, Hong Kong people have enjoyed a peaceful life again, and social justice has been upheld, the spokesperson added.

The spokesperon also said that the law protects the security, stability and tranquility of Hong Kong and ensures the steady and sustained implementation of "one country, two systems."

ALSO READ: HK's 1st National Security Law offender gets 9 years jail term

The spokesperson said that certain foreign forces tried to disparage the national security law as against human rights and freedoms and then tried hard to defend criminals.

These people are obsessed with interfering with the judicial justice of others, turn a blind eye to criminal acts that endanger lives and the safety of the public, trample on international law and the basic norms governing international relations, and meddle with the internal affairs of others, the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson urged these politicians to immediately stop interfering in judicial proceedings in Hong Kong, stop harming its rule of law and judicial independence, and stop meddling with China's internal affairs. 

Meanwhile, the HKSAR government on Saturday also expressed deep regret and utter dismay at the irresponsible remarks made by officials from the US State Department and the European Union's office on foreign affairs and security policy on the case.

READ MORE: 1st person convicted under HK National Security Law

"We deeply regret and reject remarks by officials from the US and the EU which were blatantly trampling on Hong Kong's judicial strengths, let alone their usual politically motivated interference into the internal affairs of the HKSAR of the People's Republic of China," an HKSAR government spokesman said in a statement.

The spokesman noted that the facts of the case and the court's considerations in determining the sentence were clearly set out in written judgments “which are accessible by everyone under Hong Kong's open and transparent judicial system.”

"Every country has a right to safeguard national security and take resolute actions against any offenses. We are shocked to hear repeatedly from officials in the US and EU governments since enactment of the National Security Law that such an essential piece of legislation was being abused in Hong Kong without any evidence or substantiation,” the spokesman said.

“Their unjustified stance on Hong Kong matters clearly shows their arrogance and double standards,” he added.

The spokesman also said that there is no basis for the US and the EU to suggest that Hong Kong people's rights and freedom have been undermined.

READ MORE: High Court rules first security law defendant legally detained

"We urge the US and EU authorities to respect the rule of law and refrain from making any attempt to influence our courts in exercising their independent judicial power. Such contemptuous behaviors are detrimental to bilateral or multilateral relationship with the HKSAR on a wide range of subjects of mutual concern and benefits," he said.


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