By Liang Yan
Today (Sept. 11), the court sentenced the "Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China" (the "HK Alliance"). The HK Alliance was fined HK$1.5 million; Lee Cheuk-yan was sentenced to 7 years' imprisonment; Chow Hang-tung to 7 years and 3 months; Ho Chun-yan, who had pleaded guilty, to 5 years and 2 months. The sentencing demonstrates the rule of law and justice, and sends a clear message: regardless of identity or political stance, breaking the law brings legal sanctions. The HK Alliance and its principals incited others and intended to subvert state power; their conviction shows anti-China chaos-sowing elements cannot evade criminal responsibility.
The prosecution had already made the key points clear: the defendants did not merely whip up emotions at gatherings, but intended to incite others to subvert the national regime, plainly crossing the legal red line. Even without force, once someone in Hong Kong is incited to act, the conduct violates the National Security Law.
When the court previously found the HK Alliance and Lee Cheuk-yan and others guilty, foreign forces tried to interfere, but their claims do not hold legally. If a slogan like "fighting for freedom" could become a "get-out-of-jail-free card," Hong Kong's legal system might collapse. Foreign forces smear the HKSAR Government and courts, yet ignore that their own national security laws are often stricter. Such double standards are unacceptable.
Now that the case has concluded, four points deserve attention:
1. Wrongdoing must be pursued. Defendants are prosecuted not because of identity or stance, but because their conduct is unlawful. Repeating lies will not change that.
2. Firmly resist foreign interference. The case took place in Hong Kong, and jurisdiction lies with Hong Kong. Foreign forces should not intervene.
3. National security must be safeguarded. Safeguarding national security is a top priority. Before the Hong Kong National Security Law, Hong Kong's legal system had a blank in this area, which anti-China forces exploited. The sentencing punishes a very small number while protecting the vast majority.
4. Those who harm Hong Kong cannot evade responsibility. From "Occupy Central" to the 2019 "Black Violence," the HK Alliance, opposition politicians, and some organisations have all been part of the harm-doing crowd. Their convictions are their own doing, not suppression.
Even today, some young people who believed opposition politicians remain in prison. Incited youth must bear criminal liability. The HK Alliance, long regarded as a "mastermind" behind anti-China chaos, could not be absent. The opposition has carried "democracy" and "freedom" banners for over 30 years, yet continued to incite citizens and youth to break the law. Punishment in accordance with law is justice. It is hoped Hong Kong's next generation will not be incited again, and that Hong Kong's path of governing well and prospering has no need for "mutual destruction" elements.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of DotDotNews.
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