Hong Kong's Legislative Council (LegCo) on Saturday (Aug. 22) issued a statement strongly opposing and condemning what it described as "malicious attacks" by various Western countries on the city's judicial system and national security laws, following the High Court's conviction of the now-dismantled Hong Kong Alliance and two of its former leaders for inciting subversion.
LegCo said it was deeply dissatisfied with what it called slanders and smears from external forces, including anti-China media outlets, organizations, and politicians. The legislature said the court found the defendants guilty of inciting subversion by, among other actions, stirring up public hatred toward the Communist Party of China and advocating an end to the Party's leadership.
A LegCo spokesperson said the Constitution is the country's fundamental law and makes clear that the Communist Party's leadership is the cornerstone of the constitutional order of the People's Republic of China. As an inalienable part of the country, Hong Kong must firmly uphold that constitutional order, the spokesperson said.
The statement urged external actors to immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs, respect the rule of law and judicial independence in the city, and refrain from applying what LegCo described as double standards when commenting on Hong Kong's judicial system.
LegCo added that the court's reasons for the verdict were set out in detail, stressing that the trial was not targeted at the defendants' political views but was decided on the basis of law and evidence, in accordance with the Hong Kong National Security Law and other relevant legislation. According to the statement, the defendants continued to pursue subversive activities after the national security law took effect, and their actions went beyond the boundaries of lawful freedom of expression.
LegCo also said the trial procedures were open and transparent and that the verdict was lawful, fair, and reasonable, aligning with Hong Kong's fundamental interests. The spokesperson reiterated that safeguarding national security is a prerequisite for the city's prosperity and stability and a key premise of "one country, two systems," adding that protecting sovereignty, security, and development interests helps ensure residents' lawful rights and supports Hong Kong's long-term development.
The statement concluded that Hong Kong's transition "from stability to prosperity" requires equal emphasis on security and development, arguing that the two are complementary rather than mutually exclusive.
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