Hong Kong’s next leader John Lee dismisses Western criticism of arrests of cardinal and activists, insists city’s rule of law targets only criminals and not dissent

Chief Executive-elect John Lee Ka-chiu has dismissed criticism from the West over the recent arrests of a cardinal and four other opposition activists, saying Hong Kong remains a place with the rule of law, where only criminals are targeted and not dissent.

A spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry’s office in the city also hit back on Sunday at US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who condemned the arrests and lauded Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun as an “outspoken champion of democracy” and “a critical voice of conscience”.

Lee, also a Catholic, said people who breached the law needed to be held accountable regardless of their background or beliefs, responding publicly for the first time to the action on Wednesday by national security police.

“There are often people whose background will attract special support or attention from others in any place,” the former security minister told a radio programme, without naming Zen. “But if his behaviour has breached the law, it needs to be addressed in accordance with the law.

“Hong Kong is a place under the international spotlight, and most of these issues are targeted at our nation’s development. When we take such action, we need to be open and candid, ensuring there is good legal basis.”