Hong Kong right to pursue lawbreakers

Hong Kong residents wave Chinese national flags to show support for the implementation of the national security law for the SAR at Causeway Bay in Hong Kong, June 30, 2020. [Photo/Xinhua]

In a move demonstrating Hong Kong's commitment to the rule of law and the strict implementation of the national security law for the SAR, Hong Kong police on Sunday issued warrants for the arrest of 30 people who are wanted on suspicion of serious violations of the law.

According to local media reports, the 30 people named in the warrants are suspected of committing offenses such as seeking to split the country and colluding with foreign forces to undermine the nation's integrity. Most of them have fled to Europe, the United States or the island of Taiwan.

Among the fugitives are former opposition lawmaker Ted Hui Chi-fung, disqualified opposition lawmakers Leung Chung-hang and Nathan Law Kwun Chung, former employee of the British Consulate General in Hong Kong Simon Cheng Man-kit and convener of the illegal "Hong Kong Independence Union" Wayne Chan Ka-kui.

The warrants are in line with the Hong Kong law enforcement authorities' strengthened efforts to crack down on violations of the law.

As they are suspected of committing such grave offenses, it is right that the SAR authorities should seek the return of those named in the warrants to stand trial and answer the charges against them.

Articles 1 and 12 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region — that the SAR is an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China and directly under the Central People's Government — are the fundamental provisions in the Basic Law, and no institution, organization or individual of the SAR is permitted to contravene these provisions in exercising their rights and freedoms.

Political zealots in Hong Kong should not indulge in the wishful thinking that they can challenge those two provisions with impunity nor underestimate the HKSAR government's resolve to uphold the law.

Since the national security law came into effect in Hong Kong on July 1, it has restored calm and order in the SAR and won wide support from local residents. Several months of law enforcement practice show the new law is an effective means to maintain social stability and ensure people can go about their daily lives without disruption.

This is a hard-won result that needs to be cherished by people from all walks of life in Hong Kong. The city cannot be allowed to slip into chaos again.

The warrants for fugitives who have fled overseas should serve as a deterrent to those who would dare to challenge the two fundamental provisions of the Basic Law in the mistaken belief they will be able to seek asylum overseas.