Conservatives Condemn the Sentencing of the 45 Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Activists

November 19, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ottawa, ON – The Honourable Michael Chong, Conservative Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, released the following statement on the sentencing of the 45 pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong:

“Conservatives condemn the sentencing of the 45 pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong. These activists were wrongfully convicted and sentenced under the PRC-imposed National Security Law, which violates the fundamental rights and freedoms of Hong Kongers guaranteed by the Sino-British Joint Declaration. The National Security Law also severely undermines the ‘one country, two systems’ framework guaranteed by the Joint Declaration.

“Since the inception of the PRC-imposed National Security Law in 2020, more than 280 people – including pro-democracy activists – have been arrested under the false pretext of endangering national security.

“The National Security Law puts a chill on free speech, debate, and peaceful protest in Hong Kong and now has resulted in the wrongful imprisonment of 45 Hong Kongers simply for exercising their democratic rights. It also increases police powers over pre-charge detention and eliminates procedural steps in national security trials, further undermining the rule of law in Hong Kong.

“Conservatives stand in solidarity with the 45 pro-democracy activists, the people of Hong Kong, and against the increasing repression of the civil rights of Hong Kongers. We urge the government of Hong Kong and the government of the People’s Republic of China to respect the Sino-British Joint Declaration, an international treaty which guarantees Hong Kong’s rights and freedoms until 2047.”