This photo dated Oct 28, 2014 shows the Central Government Offices at Tamar, Hong Kong. (PHOTO/HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Friday condemned the European Parliament for passing again a Hong Kong-related resolution that disregards the rule of law.

In a statement, the HKSAR government said that the European Parliament has repeatedly passed so-called resolutions, demanding the immediate release of suspects arrested by the HKSAR law enforcement agencies, or suggesting that people of certain occupations or with certain political beliefs should be immune to legal sanctions.

European countries have their own laws to safeguard national security, yet the European Parliament blatantly asked the central authorities to repeal the National Security Law, defying logic and manifesting its double standards.

Spokesman, HKSAR govt

"This is totally absurd. It not only disrespects the rule of law but also constitutes gross interference" in the internal affairs of China and the HKSAR, a spokesman for the HKSAR government said.

The government also said the latest resolution smacks of double standards.

READ MORE: EU parliament's political grandstanding condemned

“European countries have their own laws to safeguard national security, yet the European Parliament blatantly asked the central authorities to repeal the National Security Law, defying logic and manifesting its double standards,” the spokesman said.

Since the National Security Law's implementation in June 2020, its positive effect in restoring peace and stability and safeguarding individual rights and freedoms in the city has been obvious and indisputable, the statement reads.

The spokesman also noted that actions and decisions taken by the law enforcement and prosecution departments against suspected offenders or institutions are strictly in accordance with the law and the evidence.

“Those actions have nothing to do with the political stances, backgrounds or professional fields of the people or institutions concerned,” the spokesman said.

According to the Basic Law, the courts of the HKSAR can exercise independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication, free from any interference.    

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The HKSAR government condemned the European Parliament for disregarding the facts on the ground, disregarding international law and basic norms governing international relations, and attempting to interfere in the internal affairs of China and the HKSAR. 

Officers of the HKSAR government will not be intimidated by the so-called sanctions by foreign governments, the statement reads.

“They (officers of the HKSAR government) will continue to discharge their responsibility of safeguarding national security resolutely,” the spokesman said.