United Nations human rights office spokesman Jeremy Laurence condemned the use of the National Security Law to criminalize activities protected under international human rights law, including freedom of expression, association and human rights. peaceful meetings and association.
Most of the defendants sentenced Tuesday were opposition politicians, academics and lawmakers charged in 2021 with subversion for participating in an unofficial primary election to select opposition candidate in July 2020.
‘Abuse’ of the law
Enacted in July 2020, the National Security Law introduced harsh penalties for offenses described as subversion, secession, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces .
Volker Turk, High Commissioner for Human Rightsexpressed concern that broad and vague provisions could “be applied arbitrarily to limit freedom of expression and target dissenting voices.”
Since implementation, More than 100 people were arrestedincluding prominent pro-democracy figures such as media entrepreneur Jimmy Lai, who faced Life imprisonment if convicted legal.
In January, Special Rapporteur on torture Alice Edwards expressed concern about reports of torture being used to obtain evidence against defendants.
Mr. Türk also criticized the recent expansion of the National Security Law, including the law March 2024 Executive Order added new crimes, such as treason and sabotage.
Mr. Türk noted that these extensions increase the risk of “abuse” of the law and further repression of the opposition.
In addition to the large number of defendants directly affected by criminal proceedingsThese laws have had a major impact on others in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Call for abolition
The High Commissioner called for an urgent review of the judgments and asked the Hong Kong authorities to ensure compliance with international obligations under the Act. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
“Any national security law must be clear in scope and definition, and only permit restrictions on human rights that are absolutely necessary for a legitimate and proportionate purpose,” the statement said. . OHCHR emphasize.
Mr. Türk called for the immediate suspension of the law and its eventual repeal, stressing the importance of protecting human rights and democratic freedoms in Hong Kong.
