Hong Kong Democracy Advocates Harshly Sentenced

Mass Trial in Hong Kong: Beijing’s Attempt to Silence Dissent

International Tibet Network strongly condemns the sentencing of 45 pro-democracy advocates in Hong Kong.

On Tuesday 19 November, 45 Hong Konger Democrats received prison sentences of up to 10 years on baseless ‘national security’ charges that further expose the deteriorating human rights situation in Hong Kong.

The longest sentence was ten years for ex-University of Hong Kong law professor Benny Tai, and journalist-turned-activist Gwyneth Ho was jailed for seven years.

International Tibet Network calls on the Hong Kong government to immediately quash these convictions and release all of those convicted.

The verdict is a clear demonstration of how the authoritarian government is using the National Security Law to suppress civil society and restrict basic freedoms.

We also urge the international community to take concrete actions to protect political dissidents and activists, including providing asylum for Hong Kongers in exile. International organisations, institutions, and governments need to publicly and formally take a strong stance against the sentences, call for an immediate release of the political prisoners, and hold the Hong Kong government accountable for its blatant disregard for fundamental human rights.