TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Presidential Office condemned Beijing’s suppression of political participation and freedom of speech in Hong Kong after its High Court found 45 pro-democracy advocates guilty of conspiracy to commit subversion on Tuesday (Nov. 19).
“Democracy is not a crime,” Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) said in a statement.
Forty-seven democratic activists were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit subversion in 2021. They were handed sentences ranging from 4-10 years.
Kuo said the rulings violated Hong Kongers' pursuit of freedom and democracy. She said it breaks China’s promised 50 years of high degree of autonomy for the territory and proves the "one country, two systems" framework is unfeasible.
The spokesperson said Taiwan will continue to support Hong Kong through the "Hong Kong Humanitarian Assistance and Care Action Plan.” Kuo called on the global democratic community to monitor the situation in Hong Kong and vowed that Taiwan would continue to work with partners to resist the expansion of authoritarian forces.
China passed the Hong Kong national security law in 2020, despite intense protests from locals. The law lists any activity deemed promoting secession, subversion, terrorism, and involvement with foreign organizations as crimes.
Four years later, Hong Kong approved the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, which empowers the government to investigate external interference, theft of state secrets, insurrection, and treason. Those found guilty of these crimes could face up to life imprisonment.