This photo taken on June 29, 2020 shows a billboard promoting the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the Central district in Hong Kong. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

The Hong Kong SAR government on Friday strongly condemned politicians of the United Kingdom for unreasonably smearing the National Security Law for Hong Kong (NSL) and attempting to "demonize" the lawful actions taken by the Hong Kong Police Force.

A spokesman for the HKSAR government emphasized that no country or region can stand idly by in the face of activities that endanger national security, and the law enforcement agencies of Hong Kong have always taken actions based on evidence, in strict accordance with the law

A government spokesperson urged them to recognize the facts and stop interfering in China's internal affairs, according to a statement.

On July 3, the Hong Kong police issued an arrest warrant for eight fugitives who allegedly endangered national security and fled overseas to escape justice. Police also announced a reward of HK$1 million ($128,000) for each of them.

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The spokesman emphasized that no country or region can stand idly by in the face of activities that endanger national security, and the law enforcement agencies of Hong Kong have always taken actions based on evidence, in strict accordance with the law.

No matter how some countries might try to cover up for the absconders, they cannot change the fact that they are suspected of continuing to endanger national security, the spokesperson said.

He added that the scope of application of the NSL fully aligns with the principles of international law, international practice and common practice adopted in various countries and regions. There are also numerous examples of extraterritorial application in the national security laws of other countries, including the UK, and government officials and politicians of the countries concerned have been meddling in Hong Kong police’s actions.

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“This shows to the whole world their double standards and exposes their manipulation to put politics above everything," said the spokesperson.

The government will continue to implement the NSL resolutely, fully and faithfully, so as to allow Hong Kong to advance from stability to prosperity, the spokesman added. 

Contact the writer at mikegu@chinadailyhk.com