HONG KONG – The Commissioner's Office of China's Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Saturday voiced firm opposition to and stern condemnation of unwarranted comments smearing Hong Kong's rule of law and freedom.
The remarks came after the HKSAR court delivered the sentencing decision for former members of the "Hong Kong Alliance" for inciting subversion.
A spokesperson of the Commissioner's Office said that the "Hong Kong Alliance" and the defendants have long engaged in anti-China and Hong Kong-destabilizing activities, adding that their crimes posed a severe challenge to the constitutional order of the HKSAR jointly established by the Constitution of China and the Basic Law, and constituted egregious violations of the Hong Kong National Security Law.
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The spokesperson emphasized that law enforcement, prosecution, and judicial organs of the HKSAR strictly perform their duties in accordance with the law, with procedures that are open, transparent, fair, and just.
The Commissioner's Office solemnly warned relevant parties to face reality, genuinely respect China's sovereignty and the rule of law in Hong Kong, and urged them to immediately stop making irresponsible remarks regarding the judicial proceedings, and cease any form of interference in Hong Kong's judiciary and China's internal affairs.
On Saturday, the HKSAR government also expressed strong dissatisfaction with and resolute opposition to relevant parties who launched malicious attacks, smears and slanders regarding the "Hong Kong Alliance" case.
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Incitement to subversion is an extremely serious offence, a spokesperson for the HKSAR government said, adding that the conviction verdict and sentence of this case have fully reflected the criminal responsibilities of the defendants and exerted a strong deterrent effect.
It is the common obligation of all the people of China, including Hong Kong compatriots, to safeguard the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the People's Republic of China, the spokesperson said.
