HKSAR LegCo firmly supports the court's lawful sentencing in the case of "incitement to subversion of state power by the Hong Kong Alliance"
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The Legislative Council (LegCo) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) stated, through a spokesperson, today (September 12) that LegCo firmly supports the sentencing handed down by the Court of First Instance of the High Court in accordance with the law concerning the case of "incitement to subversion of state power by the Hong Kong Alliance". LegCo considers this ruling a demonstration of legal justice that robustly upholds the constitutional order of the HKSAR as established by the Constitution of the People's Republic of China (the Constitution) and the Basic Law. LegCo resolutely opposes the malicious smears and defamatory attacks made by certain western countries regarding this case, among others.
The LegCo spokesperson pointed out that the court clearly stated in its ruling that the defendants were not being tried for their political beliefs or for actions taken prior to the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law. Instead, the court focused solely on the law and evidence, which demonstrated that, after the Hong Kong National Security Law came into effect, the defendants continued to pursue the goal of overthrowing and undermining the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) as established by the Constitution. They engaged in various acts of incitement over a period of 14 months, attempting to erode trust in the CPC among people of all ages in Hong Kong, thereby aiming to subvert the fundamental system of the People's Republic of China and seriously endangering national security. Based on solid facts and legal grounds, and following an open, transparent, fair and impartial trial, the court ruled in accordance with the law that the case fell within the category of "serious" offenses and imposed reasonable and lawful sentences. The litigation rights of defendants were safeguarded in accordance with the law, and the independent judicial process remained free from any interference.
The LegCo spokesperson reiterated that the Constitution is the fundamental law of the state. It clearly stipulates that the leadership by the CPC is the core of the fundamental system established by the Constitution, which establishes the CPC's governing status. No country's constitution permits citizens to subvert the established constitutional order and the fundamental system of the state. As a Special Administrative Region of China, Hong Kong must respect and uphold the fundamental system of the state.
The LegCo spokesperson emphasized that the HKSAR consistently upholds the rule of law and safeguards national security, strictly adhering to the fundamental principles that the law must be observed and strictly enforced to bring offenders to account. This is also the universal principle shared by the international community. All defendants in this case received a fair and open trial, with their rights guaranteed under the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights. Punishing acts of incitement to subvert state power in accordance with the law serves to uphold the rule of law and national security. There is no basis for claims about "undermining confidence in the rule of law".
However, certain western countries, anti-China organizations and media outlets have engaged in malicious smears and attacks regarding various cases—including the one at hand—making reckless judgements about Hong Kong's rule of law and court rulings. They have even attempted to glamorize criminal acts that gravely endanger national security, interfering in Hong Kong's judicial system and the internal affairs of our country through double standards. These acts have precisely and truly undermined the rule of law in Hong Kong.
The LegCo spokesperson emphasized that court rulings on various national security cases have clearly established that freedom of expression is not absolute. Citizens cannot engage in acts endangering national security under the name of human rights, democracy or freedom. In fact, since the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, the rule of law in Hong Kong has been further enhanced, and the various freedoms lawfully enjoyed by residents have received more substantive protection. Different indicators demonstrate that Hong Kong is a safe, stable and investment-friendly society. It fully proves that security and development go hand in hand, bringing immense benefit to the development of Hong Kong.
As an integral part of the governance team of the HKSAR, LegCo supports the HKSAR Government in governing in accordance with the law, fully and accurately implementing the laws safeguarding national security, ensuring the steadfast implementation of "One Country, Two Systems", resolutely defending national sovereignty, security and development interests, and safeguarding the high-quality development of the nation and Hong Kong with a high level of security.
Ends/Saturday, September 12, 2026
Issued at HKT 15:30
Issued at HKT 15:30
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