More Beijing bodies back Hong Kong Alliance sentences
AM730 · 11 SOURCES8 minutes ago7 MIN
Summary
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the sentencing in the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China case showed the court regarded the offences as extremely serious and deserving of severe punishment, adding that the law would not tolerate anyone using the banner of human rights, democracy or freedom to harm the country and its people. The case ended with Chow Hang-tung (鄒幸彤) being jailed for 7 years and 3 months, Lee Cheuk-yan (李卓人) for 7 years, and Albert Ho Chun-yan (何俊仁), who pleaded guilty before trial, for 5 years and 2 months, while the alliance itself was fined HK$1.5 million. Later on Friday, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, the central government’s liaison office in Hong Kong, the Office for Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong, and the Foreign Ministry all issued statements supporting the sentencing and condemning what they described as outside interference or smears. Those bodies said the proceedings were lawful, open and fair, while arguing that the case involved conduct that challenged the constitutional order established by the Constitution and the Basic Law.
Key Points
- John Lee said the court had found the defendants’ conduct went beyond lawful freedom of expression and amounted to inciting others to use unlawful means to subvert state power.
- Lee cited the earlier conviction reasons, saying the defendants stirred hostility and division to erode trust in the Chinese Communist Party and damage the PRC’s fundamental system.
- The Hong Kong government said defendants were not tried for political views, and that the court considered only law and evidence under Basic Law and Bill of Rights protections.
- The Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office said the sentencing powerfully defended the Hong Kong SAR’s constitutional order and showed activities threatening sovereignty and central authority would not be tolerated.
- The liaison office, national security office and Foreign Ministry all criticized Western politicians, organizations or media for comments they said smeared Hong Kong’s rule of law or interfered in judicial matters.
Why It Matters
The official response widened over the course of Friday from the Hong Kong government to several mainland authorities with Hong Kong portfolios, showing a coordinated public line after the sentencing. For Hong Kong readers, that points to continued emphasis on national security enforcement through the courts and continued rebuttals to overseas criticism of such cases.