In response to western criticism of the recent conviction of 14 pro-democracy activists for subversion, the Hong Kong government has firmly defended its actions, denouncing the allegations as “untruthful, slandering and smearing”.
The United States expressed “deep concern” over the guilty verdicts announced in the national security law trial of the activists. The state department condemned what it described as “politically motivated prosecution”. The US urged Hong Kong authorities to release the detainees immediately and uphold judicial independence.
In a retaliatory move, the US announced new visa restrictions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials involved in implementing the national security law, which was enacted in 2020 following widespread protests. However, the Hong Kong government dismissed these measures as “despicable political manipulation”, defending the trial proceedings.
According to a government statement, the convicted activists were found guilty of offences aimed at undermining the existing political system, emphasizing that such acts endangered national security and were unrelated to the pursuit of democracy and human rights.
The convictions mark the culmination of the largest trial of activists charged under the national security law. While two defendants were acquitted, the majority faced conviction.
The 16 defendants were among 47 individuals arrested in January 2021 for their involvement in organizing an informal primary election the previous year. The election aimed to nominate pro-democracy candidates for Hong Kong’s parliament. However, subsequent legislative changes limited the nomination of candidates.
