Leaders in Taiwan and Beyond Condemn Sentencing of Hong Kong Activists

TaiwanPlus News

Exiled Hongkongers living in Taiwan are among the many activists and leaders around the world who have condemned the sentencing of 45 pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong under the territory's national security law imposed by Beijing.

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00:00Why should Hong Kongers be held accountable?

00:03We are Hong Kongers.

00:05A mother reacts to news that her son's been sentenced for political crimes in Hong Kong.

00:10He's one of a group of convicted pro-democracy activists known as the Hong Kong 47,

00:15all but two of whom were given four to ten years in prison.

00:19Here in Taipei, exiled Hong Kongers gathered to condemn the decisions.

00:24They say it's a devastating blow to the Hong Kong democracy movement.

00:28If we don't defend our freedom and democracy,

00:33it's possible that tomorrow will be like Hong Kong,

00:38and we won't be able to hold a memorial service.

00:41The sentencing further solidified the fear amongst the citizens of Hong Kong,

00:48and I think the Chinese Communist Party are very happy about that.

00:55The Hong Kong activists were charged under a national security law imposed by Beijing

01:00that criminalizes a wide range of political activities.

01:04The crimes in this case related to an unofficial primary election

01:08to choose candidates for the territory's 2020 election.

01:12It's not only Hong Kongers living abroad that have condemned the sentencing of the 45 activists.

01:18Statements from the United Nations Human Rights Office to leaders from around the world

01:22have all raised concerns about the decision.

01:25Taiwan's presidential office has also condemned the sentencing,

01:28saying democracy is no crime, and citing the case as proof

01:32that the one country, two systems model proposed for both Hong Kong and Taiwan is not viable.

01:38The U.S. has also slammed what it calls the unjust sentencing

01:42and said it was imposing new visa restrictions on Hong Kong officials.

01:46And international organizations have weighed in as well.

01:50We are gravely concerned by the use of the security laws

01:54and the breadth to criminalize conduct protected by human rights

01:58to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association.

02:03Officials from both Hong Kong and China have defended the sentences,

02:07saying they protect national security.

02:10Despite the outcome, pro-democracy activists say they're standing strong.

02:14We're not giving up on democracy.

02:17As long as we don't give up on it, we'll still have democracy.

02:20We know that many people choose not to plead guilty in the trial.

02:25This is also a form of resistance.

02:28Showing that the sentences, though a blow to the movement, may not be its end.

02:34Hank Hsu and Chris Gorin for Taiwan Plus.

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