Foreign governments and activists criticize Hong Kong security law verdicts. China defends them

HONG KONG (AP) — The conviction of 14 pro-democracy activists Thursday in Hong Kong drew condemnation from human rights groups and expressions of concern from foreign governments.

China, which authored the 2020 national security law that activists were prosecuted under, backed Hong Kong authorities. The former British colony is part of China but has its own governing and judicial system.

In all, 47 people were charged in what was the largest case brought since the promulgation of the national security law. Of those, 31 had earlier pleaded guilty and two others were acquitted on Thursday.

The UNITED STATES

Rep. Chris Smith and Sen. Jeff Merkley, who lead a U.S. congressional panel on China, criticized the Hong Kong government for “bulldozing” the freedoms and rule of law that once made the city so vital. They called on the administration of President Joe Biden to sanction judges and prosecutors responsible for these political prosecutions.

“Let us be clear: The Hong Kong 47 verdicts violate international law and treaty obligations,” their statement wrote.

THE EUROPEAN UNION

The conviction “marks a further deterioration of fundamental freedoms and democratic participation in Hong Kong,” the European Union’s foreign affairs office said. It added that the defendants “are being penalized for peaceful political activity that should be legitimate in any political system that respects basic democratic principles.”

The case calls into question Hong Kong’s commitment to openness and pluralism, the cornerstones of the city’s attractiveness as an international commercial and financial center, the office said.

AUSTRALIA

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia is deeply concerned by the verdicts, including for Australian citizen