Hong Kong Alliance sentencing draws official backing
Thestandard · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Court of First Instance on Friday sentenced the now-defunct Hong Kong Alliance and related figures in a case involving inciting subversion under the Hong Kong National Security Law. After the ruling, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung said the Hong Kong SAR Government believed the judgment showed justice had been done, while central government agencies in Hong Kong issued statements firmly supporting the sentences and criticizing overseas interference claims.
Key Points
- The High Court handed jail terms ranging from five years and two months to seven years and three months to Lee Cheuk-yan, Albert Ho Chun-yan and Tonyee Chow Hang-tung on Friday.
- According to Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung, the Alliance aimed to overthrow the leadership of the Communist Party of China and the PRC's fundamental constitutional system.
- Tang said the group had for a long period organized public activities intended to sow hatred against the Communist Party and the central government in Hong Kong society.
- He added that the court made clear the defendants were not prosecuted for political beliefs or conduct before the national security law took effect, but for unlawful acts during the charge period.
- The Liaison Office, the Office for Safeguarding National Security and the foreign ministry commissioner's office in Hong Kong all issued statements backing the sentences and condemning foreign criticism.
Why It Matters
The official response shows the case will continue to be framed by both the Hong Kong government and central authorities as a national security matter tied to the constitutional order, not a dispute over political expression. That means public debate around the ruling is likely to remain focused on legal boundaries under the national security framework and on rebutting overseas criticism.