This undated file photo shows the Central Government Offices in Tamar, Hong Kong. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)
HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government on Wednesday strongly condemned the so-called "staff research report" published by the United States Congressional-Executive Commission on China for disseminating slanders and attempting to intimidate HKSAR prosecutors.
In a statement issued on Wednesday night, a government spokesperson said the so-called report manifested US hegemonism and was “most despicable” for threatening to impose a so-called "sanction" against Secretary of Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok and 15 prosecutors of the HKSAR government.
Secretary of Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok has reiterated that he is not concerned about being subjected to the so-called "sanction"
“This is clearly trampling on legal justice and attempting to threaten by way of hegemonism the HKSAR government officials who have been discharging their due prosecution role dutifully with justice upheld,” the spokesperson said.
ALSO READ: DoJ, Bar Association slam US lawmakers' sanctions call
“Such gross interference in Hong Kong matters constitutes a serious violation of fundamental principles of international law.”
Lam has reiterated that he is not concerned about being subjected to the so-called "sanction", according to the statement.
"We will not be intimidated. I have full confidence in my colleagues and will do whatever possible to ensure that they will be able to discharge their duties at ease," he was quoted as saying in the statement.
The spokesperson pointed out that, under the Basic Law, the Department of Justice control criminal prosecutions free from any interference.
READ MORE: China slams US consular official's remarks on HK policy
“'Interference' includes any foreign interference,” the spokesperson said. “Prosecutorial decisions have always been, and will continue to be, made based on the law, the evidence and the Prosecution Code – nothing more, nothing less.”
The spokesperson added that the attempt of the United States Congressional-Executive Commission on China to repeat a lie numerous times “as if it were a truth simply reflects its ill intent and amounts to nothing more than an indecent act".