China News Service, Hong Kong, February 20 (Xinhua) The Hong Kong SAR government expressed its firm opposition and strong condemnation of the joint statement by "Hong Kong Watch" and other organizations on the legislation of Article 23 (Article 23) of the Hong Kong Basic Law on the 20th. A spokesman for the SAR government said that the joint statement is full of deliberately smearing and completely inconsistent with the facts.
The spokesman pointed out that in relation to the measures mentioned in the Article 23 Consultation Paper that may consider law enforcement powers, proceedings and the prison sentences of persons found guilty, the UK National Security Act 2023 and the Terrorism Offenders Act 2020 There are similar provisions in legislation such as the (Restriction on Early Release) Act. The SAR refers to relevant foreign laws and puts forward possible measures based on the shortcomings revealed by its own experience in handling crimes endangering national security. The approach is well-founded.
"These organizations, without any consideration of the relevant laws of the countries in which they are located, falsely claim that the SAR government's legislative proposals on Article 23 harm human rights, which is sheer hypocrisy and double standards," the spokesman said.
The spokesperson pointed out that the remarks in the joint statement regarding crimes related to "seditious intent" and that "seditious intent" related crimes criminalize peaceful criticism of the government are obviously wrong and are purely alarmist. Speeches based on objective facts, reasonable and legitimate criticism, pointing out problems, and suggestions for improvements regarding government policies will not violate crimes related to "inciting intent" at all.
The spokesman said that the joint statement calling on foreign chambers of commerce and international companies in Hong Kong to re-examine the risks, and even calling for so-called "sanctions" on relevant officials who handled the legislation of Article 23, is a contempt for the SAR's constitutional responsibilities and the SAR's legislative process. blatant trampling. The relevant practices use threats to interfere in Hong Kong affairs, which are purely China's internal affairs. They not only violate international law and basic norms of international relations, but are also suspected of constituting the crime of colluding with foreign countries or external forces to endanger national security under Article 29 of the Hong Kong National Security Law.
The spokesperson stressed that what the joint statement advocates reflects the continued threat to national security posed by anti-China and destabilizing forces in Hong Kong. The SAR government will complete the legislative work as soon as possible to plug the relevant national security gaps. In the process, it will certainly listen to constructive opinions from all sectors of society. (over)