The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (August 22) expressed strong dissatisfaction with and firm opposition to, and strongly condemned, the baseless slanders and smearing against the HKSAR by various western countries, anti-China media, organisations and politicians, using the court's verdict of conviction yesterday (August 21) concerning the incitement to subversion case of the "Hong Kong Alliance" (the Alliance). 

     A spokesman for the HKSAR Government pointed out, "The Constitution is the fundamental law of the state, forming the most important part of the constitutional order of the HKSAR. The Preamble to the Constitution makes it clear that the leadership by the Communist Party of China (the CPC) is the core and foundation of the constitutional order of the People's Republic of China (the PRC). No country's constitution would allow citizens to subvert the constitutional order and the fundamental system of the country established by the constitution." 

     The spokesman stressed, "The reasons for verdict handed down by the court clearly emphasised that the defendants were put on trial not because of their political views or beliefs. The court would only consider the laws and evidence relevant to the case to decide whether the prosecution is able to prove the charge beyond reasonable doubt. The court also pointed out that the defendants had all along been hostile towards the CPC and the Central Government under its leadership. After the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL), the defendants refused to pull back from the brink and were bent on embracing the resistance line of the Alliance to the very end. Even though the defendants knew that what they had said and done might have already gone beyond the scope of lawful freedom of expression, they paid no regard to it." 

     "The courts have earlier clarified the boundaries of exercising freedoms and rights. The Court of Appeal's judgment in another case affirmed that criticising the Government, the administration of justice including judgments of courts, or engaging in debates about or raising objections to government policies or decisions, however strong, vigorous or critical that may be, does not constitute a seditious intention. The issue lies in whether the person concerned has the intention to incite hatred or subversion. Based on this, as far as this case is concerned, the defendants intended to cause others to lose confidence in the CPC by stirring up hostility and causing division, so as to achieve the objective of undermining the fundamental system of the PRC. Their conspiracy was abundantly clear, which must be brought to justice." 

     The spokesman added, "Just as the case with other places in the world, many rights and freedoms are not absolute. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights also expressly states that some of them, including freedom of speech, may be subject to restrictions as prescribed by law that are necessary for protection of national security, public safety, public order or the rights and freedoms of others, etc. Members of the public should not be misled by the external forces' attempts to smear, but must be able to distinguish between right and wrong, and clearly understand the difference between this case and the normal situation regarding the exercise of freedoms of association, assembly and speech. 

     "Hong Kong is a society underpinned by the rule of law. The HKNSL and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance clearly stipulate that the principle of the rule of law shall be adhered to in preventing, suppressing and imposing punishment for offences endangering national security. As guaranteed by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights, all defendants charged with a criminal offence shall have the right to a fair trial by the Judiciary exercising independent judicial power. The verdict handed down by the court in this case is forceful and compelling, as well as well-reasoned and sound, meticulously explained the court's analysis of the relevant legal principles and evidence, as well as the reasons of the conviction." 

     The spokesman reiterated, "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 PRC. Hong Kong residents must clearly recognise the fact that incitement to subversion is an extremely serious offence. The HKSAR Government will resolutely combat acts and activities endangering national security."

Ends/Saturday, August 22, 2026
Issued at HKT 12:20

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