Hong Kong Government Heavily Sentences Pro-Democracy Activists; Pelosi Slams Rulings as "Absurd"

On November 19, 2024, U.S. Congresswoman and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi speaks at a press conference in response to the sentencing in the Hong Kong 47 case. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

[People News] On November 19, Hong Kong’s High Court sentenced 45 pro-democracy activists to prison terms ranging from 4 to 10 years for "conspiracy to subvert state power." Former University of Hong Kong law professor Benny Tai received the heaviest sentence of 10 years, marking the harshest ruling under the Hong Kong National Security Law. Social activist Owen Chow was sentenced to 7 years and 9 months, while former Demosistō Secretary-General received 4 years and 8 months.

According to Voice of America, at a rally in Washington, D.C., near Capitol Hill on Tuesday, U.S. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi criticized the Chinese government for criminalizing peaceful protestors. She described the sentencing as "absurd." 

"Our concern is not just for the 47 pro-democracy activists but for the 1,500 political prisoners in Hong Kong whose detentions are outrageous and unacceptable," Pelosi said. "We tell the Chinese government: If you think that arresting them means we won’t talk about it, that this issue will disappear on its own, or that these prisoners will be forgotten—you are completely wrong. We stand here in a bipartisan way to immediately call out these absurd rulings against peaceful protests that have been criminalized."

Pelosi stated that she was honored to have served as Speaker of the House when the U.S. Congress passed the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act in 2019. The legislation aimed to punish Beijing for its human rights violations that year, demonstrating America’s solidarity with brave democratic fighters. She emphasized that Congress will continue to condemn the Chinese government’s human rights abuses in a bipartisan manner.

Chris Smith, Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) and Republican Congressman from New Jersey, called the day of the Hong Kong court’s sentencing a “dark and grim day.” He noted that the 45 individuals were sentenced to a total of 245 years and 6 months in prison simply for exercising their democratic rights.

Smith emphasized that one necessary response is for Congress to pass the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Certification Act, which would revoke U.S. certification of Hong Kong’s Economic and Trade Offices. This bill was co-sponsored by Smith and Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA).

"We are outraged by everything Xi Jinping and his cronies have done to the suffering people of Hong Kong under his dictatorship," Smith said. "These offices represent Hong Kong in propaganda efforts toward Americans. I reviewed the websites of the three cities hosting these offices, and they are filled with lies and deceit about the National Security Law. They actively promote this law while surveilling and harassing Hong Kong diaspora communities. We must shut down these offices." Smith noted that the legislation had already passed in the House and urged the Senate to act quickly before time runs out.

Exiled Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Sunny Cheung, who is on the Hong Kong government's wanted list with a bounty on his head, was disqualified from running for office after securing the second-highest votes in the 2020 pro-democracy primaries.

Cheung expressed that while he has escaped Hong Kong, his heart remains with his friends who have been sentenced. He commended their bravery in leading Hong Kong's democracy movement. Despite the grim current situation, Cheung emphasized that history reminds Hongkongers to hold on to hope.

Cheung stated: "Decades ago, people said the Soviet Iron Curtain would never fall. They said the people of Eastern Europe would always live under oppressive regimes. Yet, the Berlin Wall fell, and nations regained their freedom. The Cold War did not end because people gave up; it ended because they believed in something greater—the power of hope and solidarity. Hong Kong's struggle for freedom is no different. Beijing wants us to believe that resistance is futile, hope is naive, and we are powerless. But we know better. We have seen how tyranny reacts when people refuse to stay silent. The courage of the Hong Kong 47 and all who defend democracy proves that the spirit of freedom cannot be extinguished."

Cheung urged the international community, especially the United States, to increase targeted sanctions and diplomatic pressure on the Chinese government. He called on the world to stand resolutely with Hongkongers and support those fighting for freedom. Cheung also advocated for the closure of Hong Kong's Economic and Trade Offices, highlighting that this is about defending universal values of democracy, human rights, and individual dignity. "One day, like those who tore down the Iron Curtain, Hong Kong will achieve freedom and liberation. But that day will only come if we refuse to give up," Cheung concluded.