[Commentary] On February 2, Deng Bingqiang, Chief of the Hong Kong Police Service, held a press conference at the police headquarters to review the public security situation and police work in Hong Kong in 2020, and announce the direction and focus of work in the new year.
Deng Bingqiang said that since the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law on June 30, 2020, social security has become stable.
So far, the Hong Kong police have arrested 97 people.
[Concurrent] Director of the Hong Kong Police Department Tang Bingqiang
Regarding the enforcement figures of Hong Kong’s National Security Law, up to now, our police have arrested 97 people on suspicion of splitting the country, subverting state power, terrorist activities, colluding with foreign forces, using money or other financial assistance to split the country. Some people are also involved in publishing. Eight of them have been prosecuted for incitement to writing, fraud, money laundering and other crimes.
[Explanation] Deng Bingqiang said that with the gradual restoration of social order to stability, the violence and illegality caused by the "Regulations Amendment Disturbance" will ease in 2020.
As of the end of 2020, a total of 10,200 people have been arrested.
[Concurrent] Director of the Hong Kong Police Department Tang Bingqiang
As of the end of December last year (2020), a total of 10,200 people were arrested in the "anti-revision law" incident, of which about 40% were reported to be students.
Our police have prosecuted nearly 2,450 people, of which more than 940 have completed judicial procedures, and more than 80% of the defendants have to bear the legal consequences, including conviction or signing of conservative behavior.
Last month, illegally imprisoning and assaulting three mainland reporters, Fu Guohao, at the airport, were convicted of riots and imprisoned for four years, three months to five and a half years, which is currently the heaviest sentence.
In addition, the maximum sentence for petrol bombs is four years.
Three people who blatantly encouraged the masses to surround the police chief were sentenced to 7 to 13 and a half months in prison.
The two persons who broke into and wantonly vandalized the MTR station were sentenced to two years and two months in prison, etc.
[Commentary] Deng Bingqiang reiterated that the police will continue to strengthen patrols and strictly enforce the law to prevent the resurgence of illegal activities.
Talking about the direction of work in the new year, Deng Bingqiang said that compared with previous years, the chief action item of the Commissioner of Police in 2021 has added one more "maintenance of national security".
[Concurrent] Director of the Hong Kong Police Department Tang Bingqiang
This year (2021) the Commissioner of Police’s primary (action) projects will be changed from the previous 7 items, namely, combating violent crimes, combating triads, criminal syndicates and organized crimes, combating drugs, combating "quick money" crimes, and strengthening cyber security In addition to combating scientific and technological crimes, improving public safety, and strengthening anti-terrorism efforts, there is an additional item of safeguarding national security.
Our police will start from the three aspects of intelligence, law enforcement, and publicity and education, so as to effectively prevent and suppress acts and activities that endanger national security, and win public trust and support.
Reporter Fan Siyi and Li Yue from Hong Kong
Editor in charge: [Li He]