BEIJING: Central government officials on Tuesday firmly rejected foreign politicians’ interference in, and condemnation of the Hong Kong police’s lawful act of putting eight fugitives on the wanted list for endangering national security.
On the same day, Hong Kong officials pledged to adopt all lawful means to catch the eight fugitives and thoroughly investigate the forces behind them. Legal experts and political heavyweights expressed full support for the police move, saying it is prudent, legitimate and can carry a deterrent effect on other activists.
Hong Kong police on Monday offered a reward of HK$1 million ($128,000) for each of the eight fugitives wanted for endangering national security after the court approved the issuance of arrest warrants against them. They comprise three exiled former lawmakers and five other people who have allegedly advocated separatism and sought foreign sanctions against Hong Kong.
A group of overseas politicians and organizations, including a spokesperson for the United States’ Department of State, relevant congressional bodies, the US Consulate General in Hong Kong, and the British foreign secretary, have since criticized the arrest warrants and openly slandered the National Security Law for Hong Kong. –The Daily Mail-China Daily news exchange item
