China News Service, Hong Kong, June 17 (Reporter Han Xingtong) Li Jiachao, Director of the Security Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, met with reporters on the 17th on the operation of the National Security Division of the Police Force.

Li Jiachao pointed out that any person or company that attempts to use journalism as an umbrella or cover to engage in crimes endangering national security will definitely be cracked down by the SAR government with the most severe measures in accordance with the law.

  The National Security Division of the Police Force took action on the morning of the 17th to search multiple locations, including the Next Media Building, in accordance with a court order, and arrested 5 company directors on suspicion of "conspiring to collude with foreign countries or foreign forces to endanger national security."

  Li Jiachao stated that the five persons arrested, including the directors and principals of three companies related to the "Apple Daily" publishing business and online business, were suspected of conspiring to collude with foreign powers by publishing dozens of articles in the "Apple Daily", calling on foreign countries to treat China. The People's Republic of China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region impose sanctions or hostile actions that endanger national security.

Li Jiachao said that they all play important roles in operations.

At the same time, the Security Bureau also froze the crime-related property of three companies including Apple Daily, about 18 million Hong Kong dollars.

  Li Jiachao pointed out that the action this time has nothing to do with normal journalism work. The action is aimed at suspected use of journalism as a tool to commit acts that endanger national security. Journalists are different from them.

  He emphasized that national security is a top priority, and crimes that endanger national security are extremely serious crimes.

Anyone engaged in any job must abide by the law, including the Hong Kong National Security Law.

Anyone or company that attempts to use journalism as an umbrella or cover to commit crimes that endanger national security will definitely be cracked down by the SAR government with the most severe measures in accordance with the law.

  As for the property frozen by the Security Bureau, Li Jiachao said that these are property related to crimes endangering national security and the property of suspected criminals.

Freezing the property of suspected criminals is an internationally recognized practice. The purpose includes preventing criminals from gaining benefits and preventing criminals from using their property to commit crimes or continue to commit harm.

These black money is different from the legal property of the public and law-abiding citizens.

  Li Jiachao also stated that the police's investigation work is actively proceeding and will investigate whether anyone, including people inside or outside the company, has participated in, assisted, abetted or funded crimes endangering national security.

He is full of confidence and trust in the police's evidence-search operations. He also reminds the public not to go with criminals who endanger national security. Associating with these criminals will pay a heavy price. They should cut off from the criminals so as not to regret it.

(Finish)