Hong Kong condemns Western criticism over HK Alliance ruling
Bastillepost · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government said it strongly opposed and condemned what it called baseless smears by some Western countries, anti-China media outlets, organizations and politicians following the court’s conviction ruling in the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China subversion case. Officials said the court had made clear that the defendants were not prosecuted for their political views or beliefs, but were judged on the relevant law and evidence. The government argued that the defendants sought to stir hostility and division, undermine trust in the Chinese Communist Party, and thereby damage the fundamental system of the People’s Republic of China. It also urged residents to distinguish the case from ordinary freedoms of association, assembly and speech, and not be misled by outside criticism.
Key Points
- The HKSAR government said criticism of the court’s conviction ruling in the HK Alliance “inciting subversion of state power” case was groundless and defamatory.
- A government spokesman said the court clearly stated the defendants were not on trial because of political opinions or personal beliefs.
- According to the government, the court considered only case-related law and evidence in deciding whether the prosecution proved the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
- Officials said the defendants remained hostile to the Chinese Communist Party and the central government even after the Hong Kong National Security Law took effect.
- The Legislative Council separately condemned what it called attacks on Hong Kong’s judiciary and national security laws, and urged external forces to stop interfering
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, the official response sets out how the government is framing the boundary between protected freedoms and conduct it says endangers national security. The separate intervention by the Legislative Council also shows that criticism of the ruling is being treated not only as a legal dispute, but as a challenge to Hong Kong’s judicial system and constitutional order