Foreign Ministry’s office slams arrest criticism

The Foreign Ministry’s office in Hong Kong on Tuesday strongly condemned foreign criticism of a sedition-related arrest by national security police the day before.

A spokesman for the Commissioner’s Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong said comments made by US State Department spokesman Ned Price and other groups interfered with the SAR and China’s internal affairs, and that foreign forces should stop their “frivolous political show”.

The spokesman also said press freedom is protected in Hong Kong but must not be used to undermine national security.

In a tweet, Price called for the release of journalist Allan Au and said Hong Kong’s position as a global financial centre depends on the free flow of information and opinions.

Au was freed on bail on Monday evening after his arrest earlier in the day.