Security Law 'forces People To Flee': Police Chief

The commissioner of police, Chris Tang, has talked up the new national security law, saying it has been successful in cracking down on illegal activities, and even forcing suspects to flee.

In an interview with state-run Xinhua News Agency published on Monday, the police chief said the new law has proved to be a strong deterrent following the anti-government protests that began last year. "Violent incidents and illegal processions and assemblies have almost disappeared... and we can see the law is significant to maintaining public order in Hong Kong," he said.

"Of those who plotted to mess up Hong Kong, some have claimed to disassociate themselves with violence and some have absconded."

Tang said more than 20 people have been arrested on suspicion of breaching the new law since it took effect on July 1.

Critics of the new law, however, said it undermined people's freedoms in the name of national security, and various countries have spoken out against it and criticised Beijing for imposing it on Hong Kong.

Tang dismissed concerns about the rights of Hong Kong people being affected under the new law.

"The law stipulates clearly that the principle of the rule of law shall be adhered to in preventing, suppressing, and imposing punishment for offences endangering national security," he said.

"In law enforcement, the police have always adhered to the principle, acted in a highly professional and rational manner, and fully protected the lawful rights and interests of the public."

Tang said investigations into national security cases continues and further action will be taken "when there is sufficient evidence".

The new law targets secession, subversion, terrorist activities, and collusion with a foreign country or external elements.