In the statement released on Tuesday, it said the now-defunct Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China “has always maintained and promoted its five operational goals, including 'ending one-party dictatorship.'”

The objective meaning of this goal is to end the leadership of the Communist Party of China when reading it in context, it read.

It also said Lam made the decision after considering the recommendation and views of the Commissioner of Police and Secretary for Security, and representations submitted by the alliance and by one of its directors.

Lam agreed that the alliance sought to overthrow the basic system of China established by the Constitution, with a view to subvert China's state power. The alliance therefore becomes a threat to national security as well as public safety and order.

Richard Tsoi Yiu-cheong, liquidator of the alliance, said he felt sorry for government's decision, which was one that he could not understand.

Tsoi pointed out that the alliance had been operating legally in the city for over 32 years. He added that the accusations made by the government without providing sufficient evidence were against article 27 and 39 of the Basic Law, which protect Hongkongers' freedom of association.

The statement on the other hand read that if the alliance were a society under the Societies Ordinance, it could have its operations prohibited by the Secretary for Security.

The government stressed that the prohibition is a necessary and proportionate restriction on the rights to freedom of association and freedom of speech or expression.

There is a practical need for the government to take speedy measures in accordance with the law, in order to minimize the risks that the alliance endangers national security, a government spokesperson said.