The HKSAR Government strongly opposes external forces' smears and slanders against court's sentencing in the "Hong Kong Alliance" case
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A spokesman for the HKSAR Government pointed out, "In response to lies and scaremongering remarks fabricated by certain individuals who exploited national security offence cases, including the present one, to launch attacks against the situations of the HKSAR including rule of law and human rights, the HKSAR Government hereby sets out the facts again to set the record straight. First of all, the HKSAR Government has pointed out on multiple occasions that human rights in Hong Kong have always been robustly guaranteed constitutionally by both the Constitution of the People's Republic of China (the Constitution) and the Basic Law. Article 4 of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and section 2 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, and that the rights and freedoms, including the freedoms of speech, of the press, of publication, of association, of assembly, of procession and of demonstration that Hong Kong residents enjoy under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong, shall be protected in accordance with the law. Nonetheless, just as the case with other places in the world, such rights and freedoms are not absolute. The ICCPR also expressly states that certain rights and freedoms, including freedom of speech, may be subject to restrictions as prescribed by law that are necessary for the protection of national security, public safety, public order or the rights and freedoms of others, etc.
"In recent years, western countries have continuously generalised the concept of 'national security', intimidating individuals and enterprises engaging in legitimate activities, and suppressing dissidents using various means. The relevant governments and politicians have failed to reflect on their own actions, and their local organisations and media have turned a blind eye towards such acts. Yet, these external forces adopt double standard to attack the HKSAR for fulfilling its duty to safeguard national security in strict adherence to the principle of the rule of law. This is complete hypocrisy and a despicable political manoeuvre."
The spokesman supplemented, "We have also noted that people with ulterior motives have used the present case to attack 'one country, two systems'. The HKSAR is an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China (PRC), and our country always provides the strongest support to Hong Kong. This is an indisputable fact. 'One country, two systems' has enabled Hong Kong to successfully overcome various challenges, and the more firmly the 'one country' principle is upheld, the greater the strength of 'two systems'. National security is the cornerstone of Hong Kong's prosperity and stability. Safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests is the highest principle of 'one country, two systems'."
The spokesman stressed, "The law never allows anyone to harm their country and compatriots under the pretext of human rights, democracy and freedom. Regardless of the nature of the case, the court arrived at the verdict and sentences in strict accordance with the laws and evidence, fairly and impartially, free from any interference, and absolutely without any political considerations. Any suggestion that certain individuals or organisations should be immune from the legal consequences for their illegal acts is no different from advocating a special privilege to break the law, and this totally runs contrary to the spirit of the rule of law.
"No country's constitution would allow citizens to subvert the constitutional order and the fundamental system of the country established by the constitution. As stated in the court's reasons for verdict, the Constitution is the 'fundamental law' above any other laws of the state and 'has supreme legal authority'. The Constitution is also the constitution of the HKSAR and the foundation of the laws of the HKSAR. The Constitution and the Basic Law jointly establish the constitutional order of the HKSAR. The basic and core components of the Constitution, such as those related to constitutional order, national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity shall apply to the HKSAR. 'Leadership by the Communist Party of China (CPC)' in the Constitution is the core of the 'fundamental system' established by the Constitution. Under the Constitution, overthrowing or undermining the leadership status of the CPC is tantamount to overthrowing or undermining the 'fundamental system' of the PRC established by the Constitution to which Article 22 of the HKNSL refers."
The spokesman continued, "Incitement to subversion is an extremely serious offence. The verdict of conviction and sentence of this case fully reflect the criminal responsibilities of the defendants and serve a strong deterrent effect. The court's reasons for verdict have detailed in full the analysis of the legal principles and evidence of the case, as well as the considerations for conviction. As regards the length of sentence for individual defendants, the court's reasons for sentence have clearly and in detail set out the considerations for sentencing, including various reasons for determining that the present case falls within the category of 'an offense of a serious nature'.
"The court pointed out that the defendants had all along been hostile towards the CPC and the Central Government under its leadership, and adhered to the course of resisting the Central Government and refusing to make any compromise. After the implementation of the 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 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. The court also reiterated that the HKNSL had no retrospective effect and that the defendants were put on trial not because of their political ideology or their conduct before the HKNSL. They were convicted solely on the basis that they had committed acts prohibited under the HKNSL after the law came into effect.
"This case and recent court rulings on various cases in connection with offences endangering national security serve as solid evidence that the HKNSL and other relevant laws for safeguarding national security are indeed capable of preventing, suppressing and punishing all offences endangering national security. It is believed that without this strong legal barrier to bring criminals to justice, Hong Kong and our country will suffer significant harm with unimaginable consequences."
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 is a society underpinned by the rule of law. The HKSAR Government is committed to ensuring that laws are observed and strictly enforced to bring offenders to account. We will spare no effort in preventing, suppressing and punishing acts and activities that endanger national security. The HKSAR Government urges all sides to recognise the objective facts and stop making any baseless malicious attacks and despicable political manoeuvres."
Ends/Saturday, September 12, 2026
Issued at HKT 11:30
Issued at HKT 11:30
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