Reference image: Protesters hold a legislative election day rally in Hong Kong. On September 6, 2020, riot police raised warning flags during anti-government protests in Hong Kong. Nearly 300 people were arrested during protests against the government's decision to postpone the Legislative Council election due to the newly implemented National Security Law. (Photo by Anthony Kwan/Getty Images)
[People News ] The international community has severely condemned Hong Kong for harshly sentencing 45 Hong Kong pro-democracy figures on charges of "conspiracy to subvert state power."
According to Voice of America reports, the reason these 45 pro-democracy figures were harshly sentenced is that in 2020, they advocated for or participated in a primary election within various pro-democracy factions to contest the Hong Kong Legislative Council elections. However, Hong Kong authorities deemed this democratic electoral activity illegal based on the so-called Hong Kong National Security Law, and in 2021, arrested these individuals on charges of "subversion of state power."
On Tuesday (November 19), Hong Kong's High Court delivered a verdict on this case, in which University of Hong Kong associate professor Benny Tai was sentenced to ten years, former "Demosisto" Secretary-General Joshua Wong was sentenced to 4 years and 7 months, and the remaining defendants received sentences ranging from four to seven years.
Australia
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that the Australian government has "serious concerns" about the sentencing of Australian citizen Gordon Ng and other activists. Wong said that Australia strongly opposes the Chinese government and Hong Kong authorities' continued broad implementation of the National Security Law.
United Kingdom
UK Foreign Office Minister for Indo-Pacific Catherine West stated that the verdict clearly shows that Hong Kong authorities are using the National Security Law to convict political dissenters.
"Those sentenced today were merely exercising their rights to freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and political participation," West said.
European Union
The EU stated that the ruling is "another unprecedented blow" to Hong Kong's fundamental freedoms, democratic participation, and diversity.
In a statement, the EU expressed deep concern for the victims prosecuted for politically motivated reasons for participating in peaceful political activities. The statement said that such activities should be lawful in any political system that respects fundamental democratic principles.
Taiwan
Taiwan Presidential Office spokesperson Kolas Yotaka on Tuesday condemned the Chinese Communist Party for using judicial means and unfair procedures to suppress the political participation and freedom of speech of Hong Kong's pro-democracy figures. She stated that this sentencing "severely infringes" on the Hong Kong people's pursuit of freedom and democracy, not only breaking the promises of "50 years unchanged" and "high degree of autonomy," but also further proving that "one country, two systems" is unworkable.
Kolas Yotaka further stated that Taiwan will continue to support Hong Kong, providing practical assistance through the "Hong Kong Humanitarian Aid and Concern Action Project." She emphasized that democracy and freedom are universal values and called on the international democratic camp to pay attention to the situation in Hong Kong, resist the expansion of authoritarian forces, and continue to work hand in hand with partners defending freedom.
United Nations
UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights spokesperson Jeremy Laurence expressed serious concern about the use of the National Security Law to criminalize actions protected under the freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, and association.
"We will continue to engage with the Chinese authorities as we have in the past," Laurence said.
United States
The U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong issued a statement strongly condemning the verdict, stating that the defendants were harshly prosecuted and imprisoned for participating in normal political activities protected under Hong Kong's Basic Law.
"We urge (Beijing) and Hong Kong authorities to cease politically motivated prosecutions of Hong Kong citizens and immediately release all political prisoners, as well as individuals detained for peacefully advocating for rights and freedoms," the statement said.
U.S. Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio, appointed by President-elect Donald Trump, held a firm critical stance on the case handled by Hong Kong authorities. In an open letter, Rubio denounced the verdict as evidence of the National Security Law's "comprehensive infringement on Hong Kong's autonomy, rule of law, and fundamental freedoms."
Last British Governor of Hong Kong
Chris Patten, the last British Governor of Hong Kong, issued a statement saying that the verdict "is not only an insult to the people of Hong Kong but also an insult to everyone in the world who values individual rights and freedoms."
Patten condemned the "hypocritical" ruling and called on the British government not to ignore the outcome of this case by the Hong Kong authorities. He stated that the activists are an integral part of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement.
Amnesty International
Sarah Brooks, Director of Amnesty International’s China program, stated that individuals convicted in "politically motivated" cases should not spend even a single day in prison.
"None of the 45 individuals sentenced committed any internationally recognized crime. They were imprisoned solely for exercising their human rights," Brooks said.
Human Rights Watch
Maya Wang, Deputy Director of Human Rights Watch’s China division, said, "In Hong Kong, participating in elections and attempting to win is now considered a criminal act, punishable by up to ten years in prison."
Ms. Wang noted that these harsh sentences reflect the sharp decline in Hong Kong's civil liberties and judicial independence over the past four years since the implementation of the National Security Law.
News magazine bootstrap themes!
I like this themes, fast loading and look profesional
Thank you Carlos!
You're welcome!
Please support me with give positive rating!
Yes Sure!