Beijing’s national security arm in Hong Kong has pledged to adopt a “zero tolerance” approach in safeguarding next month’s Legislative Council election, as the city’s anti-corruption agency charged three people for allegedly inciting others to boycott the poll.
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The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) charged three individuals for allegedly reposting online messages that urged others not to vote and, on Thursday, issued arrest warrants for two men suspected of making such posts.
The law enforcement action coincided with a renewed warning from the Office for Safeguarding National Security against any attempts to disrupt the December 7 election, issued on the same day.
“Some anti-China forces and external forces have not given up their evil intentions and continued to incite others – openly and covertly – to boycott the election,” a spokesman of the Office for Safeguarding National Security said.
He accused these forces of spreading rumours and disrupting electoral order under the guise of “democracy and freedom”, with a “true aim” of dragging Hong Kong back into political chaos.
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The Beijing office noted that the city’s law enforcement and judicial authorities had taken firm action against any attempts to interfere with the election.