'HK remains calm though undercurrents remain'

Police Commissioner Joe Chow stated that while Hong Kong is generally calm, there remain undercurrents of unrest. This was evident in the sentencing of three former leaders of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, who were given prison terms between five years and seven years and three months.

Chow explained that the case was not typical of a national security case and that the sentences reflected its gravity. He emphasized that the minority of people who seek to incite others and make unreasonable slanders against the government still pose a threat, and that the public must remain vigilant and report any public processions under the Public Order Ordinance.

The police will conduct risk assessments taking into account factors such as national security, public safety, public order, and whether the rights of all individuals may be affected. The government also strongly condemned Western countries and anti-China media for their "malicious attacks, smears and slanders" following the sentences.

They accused these external forces of hypocrisy in attacking Hong Kong for upholding its duty to safeguard national security in accordance with the rule of law. The government stated that human rights in Hong Kong must be respected and protected while ensuring laws are observed and strictly enforced.