2024-05-30 12:24:13
A Hong Kong court docket convicted 14 pro-democracy activists on Thursday of subversion, sparking a powerful response from the European Union.
Authorities cost 47 main opposition figures with “conspiracy to overthrow state energy”The activists, most of whom have been detained since January 2021, organized an off-the-cuff major to pick opposition candidates for the legislative elections.
Prosecutors mentioned the transfer was geared toward prompting then-pro-Beijing chief Carrie Lam to resign. All subsequently confronted life imprisonment.The protection argued that the plan was permitted by Hong Kong’s Primary Legislation, citing political relatively than authorized points.
47 charged, 14 convicted
Of the 47 folks charged, 16 have pleaded not responsible. 14 folks have been convictedThey embody former lawmakers Leung Kwok-hung (nicknamed “Lengthy Hair”) and William Chan, in addition to former journalist He Jiong.
The court docket acquitted two former district councillors, Lawrence Lau and Lee Shun-li, however the Ministry of Justice introduced plans to attraction the choice. The decision will probably be handed down later this yr.
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The European Union expressed “deep concern” in regards to the determination, condemning the “additional deterioration of elementary freedoms” in China.
The West criticizes this assault on democracy
The trial was carried out with out a jurywhich noticed French and Italian diplomats attend the listening to, whereas the USA and different nations Western nations criticize Beijing for lowering freedoms A promise made through the handover of the previous British colony.
The European Union expressed “deep concern” in regards to the determination, condemning the additional deterioration of elementary freedoms in China. The convicted particular person was punished for peaceable political exercise, which is authorized in any democracy..
“The central authorities strongly helps the Hong Kong police and judiciary.”
Different arrests occurred this week
China urges worldwide neighborhood to cease interfering in Hong Kong affairs The central authorities firmly helps the Hong Kong Particular Administrative Area police and judicial organs in performing their duties in accordance with the legislation and stopping every kind of acts endangering nationwide safety, mentioned Mao Ning, a spokesman for the Chinese language Ministry of International Affairs.
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