The European Hong Kong Diaspora Alliance (EHKDA) strongly condemns the politically motivated sentencing of 45 pro-democracy activists and politicians in the Hong Kong 47 case under the draconian National Security Law (NSL). These sentences, handed down today on November 19, represent a grave affront to the freedoms and rights of the people of Hong Kong.

 

The 47 prominent activists and politicians have been unjustly persecuted for participating in peaceful primary elections, a fundamental component of democracy. Their actions, grounded in the exercise of political rights guaranteed under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Sino-British Joint Declaration, must not be criminalised as part of the regime's systematic crackdown on the Hong Kong pro-democracy movement.

 

Before receiving their sentences today, most of these activists had already been detained for over 3 years. The imposition of harsh minimum sentences, ranging from three years to life imprisonment, under subversion charges marks a disturbing escalation in the erosion of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong. The tiered sentencing framework, which targets participants based on their roles in the 2020 elections, serves to intimidate, silence, and dismantle political opposition. This dangerous precedent further undermines the principles of autonomy, pluralism, and open democratic processes.

 

The sentencing starkly illustrates the ongoing repression of dissent in Hong Kong and the shrinking space for political participation. It underscores the urgent need for authorities to honour their commitments to uphold Hong Kong’s autonomy and protect judicial independence.

 

We therefore call on the European Union and its Member States to take concrete actions, including:

 

• Providing safe haven for activists and political dissidents facing persecution.

• Strengthening public advocacy by raising the issue in international forums, such as the United Nations and G7, to hold the Hong Kong and Chinese governments accountable for their breaches of international obligations.

• Reviewing the diplomatic status of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices in Brussels and Berlin. 

 

Defending these freedoms is vital not only for the people of Hong Kong but also for the global commitment to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

 

19 November 2024

 

Signed by:

Befria Hongkong (Sweden)

Finnish Hongkongers (Finnland)

Freiheit für Hongkong (Germany)

Hong Kong Committee in Norway (Norway)

Hongkongi Maja (Estonia)

Netherlands for Hong Kong (The Netherlands)

PL4HK (Poland)

Støt Hong Kong (Denmark)

 

Coordinated by:

The European Hong Kong Diaspora Alliance