Nine pro-democracy activists, including the founder of Hong Kong Next Media Group, Lai Chi-ying, and the founding chairman of the Democratic Party and veteran barrister, Lee Chu-ming, were sentenced at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Court on April 16 on charges of organizing and participating in an unauthorized assembly on August 18, 2019. EU foreign and security policy spokesperson Nabila Massrali said through a statement the same day that “these developments in Hong Kong call into question China’s willingness to honour its international commitments, undermine trust and affect Europe-China relations.”
The EU statement noted that “ten prominent pro-democracy activists were sentenced today (April 16) in Hong Kong in two separate cases for their peaceful participation in demonstrations. Those sentenced include Martin Lee, Albert Ho, Lai Chi-ying, Ng Ng Yi-yee, Ho Sau-lan, Lee Cheuk-yan, Leung Kwok-hung, Au Nok-hin, Leung Yiu-chung and Yeung Sum. Their sentences ranged from 8 months to 18 months, with 5 of them receiving suspended sentences of 8 to 12 months. This is the latest sentence handed down following the sentencing of Wong Chi-fung and Koo Sze Yiu on April 13.”
The statement said, “The prolonged imprisonment of some individuals for non-violent acts in the exercise of their protected civil rights further exposes the shrinking democratic space and erosion of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong. The exercise of fundamental freedoms, including peaceful assembly, must be ensured, as guaranteed by the Hong Kong Basic Law and the Sino-British Joint Declaration.” The EU said, “These developments in Hong Kong call into question China’s willingness to meet its international commitments, undermine trust, and affect Europe-China relations.”
In addition, U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said via Twitter that she was “saddened and disturbed to see the verdict handed down to Li and other pro-democracy leaders in free and peaceful protest: another sign of Beijing’s violation of the rule of law.” She said, “Congress remains focused on legislative and diplomatic efforts, including working with our allies to hold China accountable, and supporting Hong Kong’s efforts to preserve and develop the rule of law and freedom of speech in our city.”
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