The Hong Kong Parliament Electoral Organizing Committee (HKPEOC) has issued a strong statement denouncing the recent sentencing of 47 defendants involved in the 2020 Hong Kong Legislative Council Primaries case. The statement labels the trial as a politically motivated attack on democracy and urges the international community to intervene and hold responsible officials accountable.
The HKPEOC expressed deep shock at what it describes as ‘unjust political trials’ orchestrated by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government. ‘These 47 individuals are political prisoners and should be unconditionally released immediately,’ the statement declared. The Committee criticized the trial as a blatant effort to suppress dissent and called for immediate and widespread global attention and action to support the defendants.
The Legislative Council primary elections, as the HKPEOC emphasized, were conducted in strict adherence to democratic principles, allowing citizens to freely choose their representatives. The Committee firmly rejected the subversion charges against the defendants, deeming them baseless and the case a severe violation of international civil and political rights standards.
In a pointed appeal, the HKPEOC urged the international community to investigate the actions of HKSAR and Chinese Communist Party officials involved in the case. They suggested that the officials’ conduct may amount to crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute. To ensure justice, the Committee advocated for enhanced sanctions, such as those provided under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, against those responsible for the persecution.
The HKPEOC underscored the importance of continuing the democratic movement in Hong Kong, urging Hongkongers locally and abroad to actively participate in the upcoming Hong Kong Parliament election scheduled for March 2025. ‘By standing as candidates and casting votes, we can uphold the spirit of democracy and demonstrate our determination to fight for freedom,’ the statement urged.
The sentencing of the 47 defendants, who were accused of subversion for their involvement in the primaries, has drawn international criticism. Human rights organizations have called the trial a significant setback for democracy in Hong Kong. The HKPEOC has amplified calls for global solidarity and action with this latest statement.
As tensions continue to escalate, the international community will face increased pressure to respond decisively to safeguard the democratic aspirations of Hong Kong’s citizens.
