HK govt slams BBC over 'smearing' national security law

The Hong Kong government has slammed Britain’s public service broadcaster BBC over “smearing” the national security law in an article regarding the sentencing of 12 Hongkongers convicted of rioting.

Titled "Hong Kong: Actor Gregory Wong among 12 jailed over 2019 protest”, the news report mentioned that the 2019 protests resulted in the implementation of a stringent national security law, which expanded the scope of prohibited dissenting activities and diminished Hong Kong's autonomy. 

According to an official statement, the government spokesperson has expressed disapproval and condemnation towards the report. It has emphasised that Article One of the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL) stipulates the purpose of the enactment of the law is to ensure the resolute, full and faithful implementation of the policy of “one country, two systems” under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy. 

”The report concerned completely disregarded the relevant provision and slandered the NSL with false accusations that it reduced Hong Kong's autonomy. It is necessary for the government to set the record straight,” said the government spokesman.

"Moreover, what the NSL targets are people who conduct acts and activities endangering national security. In fact, endangering national security is a very serious offence. No country will watch with folded arms acts and activities that endanger national security. The report attempted to shift the focus with false accusations to mislead people into believing that the legislative intent of the NSL is to 'make it easier to prosecute protesters', thereby creating a negative impression of the law," the government spokesman added.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to BBC for a statement.

Don't miss: HK govt slams The Times over 'misleading' report on Article 23

On the other hand, the Hong Kong government has recently condemned news reports from news outlets twice regarding the Article 23 legislation. 

Last Wednesday (13 March), the government said The Times’ news report regarding Article 23 legislation is “extremely misleading” after the news publication released an article titled “Hongkongers to be jailed for keeping old newspapers”. 

Furthermore, a government spokesperson expressed strong dissatisfaction and condemnation regarding Bloomberg's reporting on 6 March 2024, which has resulted in misunderstandings and panic concerning the legislative proposals of Article 23.

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