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Hong Kong arrests average of 66 people annually in 2020-25 for national security offenses: Chief Executive

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jun 17, 2025 01:12 PM

Before attending the Executive Council meeting on Tuesday, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive John Lee revealed that since the implementation of the National Security Law (NSL) for Hong Kong in June in 2020, law enforcement authorities have arrested a total of 332 individuals — averaging about 66 people per year. Given that the police make around 30,000 arrests annually, and those arrested for national security-related offenses account for only 0.2 percent of the total.

The numbers reflect the authorities' cautious and serious approach in implementing the NSL for Hong Kong, showing that they have adhered to the stated position and purpose at the time of its enactment — namely, targeting only a very small number of individuals who endanger national security, Lee said.

The enactment of the NSL for Hong Kong had an immediate and significant impact, swiftly stopping violence and restoring order, Lee noted. As a result, Hong Kong has returned to being stable, safe, and orderly, allowing residents to resume normal lives and enabling economic development.

Lee also emphasized that the law has brought tangible benefits to Hong Kong in terms of stability and security.

When asked about the National Security Department (NSD) of the Hong Kong Police Force earlier urging the public not to download a certain video game, referring to a Taiwan region-developed mobile game Reversed Front: Bonfire citing violations of the NSL for Hong Kong, Lee said that everyone has the responsibility to safeguard national security and comply with the law.

The NSD has already made it clear that downloading, distributing, or providing financial support for the game may constitute a violation of the law, Lee said, according to Sing Tao News.

If any related acts or activities emerge, they will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law, with zero tolerance, Lee emphasized. However, he expressed satisfaction in seeing a downward trend in national security-related offenses, and believed that with more public education efforts, awareness campaigns, and exhibitions, the public will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of safeguarding national security and will take the initiative to uphold it.