Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Tuesday that no country should give refuge to criminals, after Singapore denied entry to wanted fugitive Nathan Law Kwun-chung.
Law, the former chairman of the disbanded pro-democracy group Demosisto, holds British refugee status but is wanted in Hong Kong for alleged breaches of the National Security Law. Authorities have offered a HK$1 million reward for information leading to his arrest. Singaporean officials refused him entry on Saturday, September 27.
Speaking ahead of his weekly Executive Council meeting this morning, Lee vowed the SAR government would “use all possible means” to bring fugitives to justice and “will not let any criminals escape”.
He said Law stands accused of offences that endanger national security, with a court warrant issued for his arrest, and is therefore classified as a fugitive under the National Security Law.
“Endangering national security is a serious crime,” Lee said, adding that the government will strictly enforce the law and hold violators accountable. “No country should harbour criminals.”
Lee also commented on the activities of the city's newly arrived US Consul General Julie Eadeh, who recently hosted a welcome reception attended by former Chief Secretary Anson Chan Fang On-sang and others.
He stressed that diplomats have a duty to observe international conventions and act within diplomatic norms, warning against interference in China’s internal affairs and Hong Kong matters “under any pretext”.
He urged all consuls in Hong Kong to engage in constructive actions rather than destructive ones.
