EDITORIAL | As Hong Kong Locks Up Activists, Free World Must Push Back

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Forty-five pro-democracy activists were sentenced to prison on November 19. It was a severe act of repression by Beijing and the Hong Kong government. The Hong Kong courts have dealt another blow to the already broken "one country, two systems" framework, which once promised Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy.

In 2021, pro-democracy activists were put on trial for their involvement in the 2020 Hong Kong Legislative Council primary elections. Forty-five of them were charged with conspiring to subvert state power under the Hong Kong National Security Law.

On November 19, the Hong Kong High Court sentenced the 45 democracy activists to prison. Their terms range from 4 years and 2 months to 10 years.

These individuals had organized or participated in the primary elections as part of legitimate political activities. However, the court ruled these actions were a conspiracy to commit subversion, imposing harsh and unjust sentences. The court's judgment is a clear affront to political freedoms and cannot be accepted.

Punished for Seeking Freedoms

Evidently, the Hong Kong authorities intend these sentences to deter any citizens seeking democracy and freedom.

*Hong Kong police officers patrol the area around the Hong Kong courts on May 30, where 14 of 16 defendants who pleaded not guilty would be convicted of conspiring to subvert state power. (©Kyodo)*

Mutually agreed upon, the "one country, two systems" framework was put in place at the 1997 handover from the United Kingdom to the People's Republic of China. It was supposed to protect Hong Kong from authoritarian rule for 50 years.

Yet, this promise was betrayed. Hong Kong is now effectively controlled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

It is a city now fully at the mercy of the CCP. In trials related to the national security law, judges appointed by the Hong Kong government preside over cases. The once-independent judiciary that protected citizens' rights no longer exists.

Japan Reacts

The crackdown under the national security law is not limited to Hong Kong citizens. Repressive measures against pro-democracy activists could even extend to foreign nationals, including Japanese citizens.

At a press conference after the court issued its judgment, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi expressed Japan's concerns. He stated, "The continued erosion of trust in 'one country, two systems' has intensified, and we are deeply concerned, especially with the recent verdict."

Hayashi called on both the Chinese government and Hong Kong authorities to respect the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong citizens.

Eroding Hong Kong's Vitality

The United States State Department also condemned the sentences. More specifically, they called for the immediate and unconditional release of the 45 activists.

A statement read, "We continue to urge the PRC government and Hong Kong authorities to uphold Hong Kong's judicial independence, cease the use of vague national security laws to silence those peacefully expressing their political views, and restore the openness that was so crucial to Hong Kong's vitality and success."

The US has also imposed sanctions, including visa restrictions, on Hong Kong officials who supported the National Security Law.

The British foreign ministry echoed these concerns. It stated, "China's imposition of the national security law in Hong Kong has eroded the rights and freedoms of Hong Kongers."

In response, the Chinese foreign ministry dismissed these criticisms as "interference in internal affairs," insisting, "We firmly oppose slandering and destroying Hong Kong's legal system."

However, it is the national security law imposed by the Chinese Communist Party that is dismantling Hong Kong's legal and political structures.

In light of this, Japan and the international community must continue to demand the repeal of these repressive measures on behalf of the silenced people of Hong Kong.

Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun

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