Hong Kong Government Condemns Western Criticism After Alliance Leaders Sentenced
Quick Look
The Hong Kong government strongly condemned Western criticism following the sentencing of former leaders of the disbanded Hong Kong Alliance to prison terms ranging from over five to seven years.
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Why It Matters
Leaders of the disbanded Hong Kong Alliance were sentenced to prison terms following a national security trial.
The Hong Kong government on Saturday also strongly condemned Western countries, anti-China media, overseas organisations and politicians for launching “malicious attacks” over the trial of the disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, which concluded on Friday.
The alliance’s former chairman Lee Cheuk-yan and former vice-chairwoman Chow Hang-tung were sentenced to seven years and seven years and three months behind bars, respectively. Former vice-chairman Albert Ho Chun-yan, who pleaded guilty ahead of the trial, was sentenced to five years and two months.
Commissioner of Police Joe Chow Yat-ming warned on Saturday that national security risks persist despite the recent sentencing.
“The public may think that society appears peaceful after a major national security case has concluded. But as always, undercurrents are everywhere. We cannot state that there are no other risks. There are undercurrents and soft resistance,” Chow said after attending a police passing-out parade.
Open Questions
- What specific Western criticisms prompted the government response?
- How will police address ongoing national security risks?
