The UN warns of the “criminalization” of activists in Hong Kong after the conviction of 45 dissidents

Calls for repealing the law so that it adjusts to the principles of legitimacy and proportionality

Nov. 19 (EUROPA PRESS) –

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has warned of the “criminalization” of activism represented by the sentence imposed by the Hong Kong Justice against 45 dissidents within the framework of the new national security law, which according to critical voices restricts the fundamental rights and freedoms of the population of the region.

“We are deeply concerned about the use of the National Security Law to convict and impose harsh sentences against 45 people in Hong Kong. The use of these regulations constitutes an example of the criminalization of conduct protected by Human Rights,” said the spokesperson. from the office, Jeremy Laurence.

This type of legislation, he said, has a negative impact on members of Hong Kong civil society, including journalists, lawyers, students, artists and deputies, among others.

Thus, it has requested that these sentences be “duly reviewed by the relevant appellate courts” based on “Hong Kong’s international obligations in matters of Human Rights.” “All cases that do not fully comply with these standards must be annulled,” he stated.

“We urge the authorities to repeal the law and, in the meantime, suspend its application. Any national security legislation must be clear in its scope and definition, and only allow restrictions on Human Rights that are strictly necessary for a purpose legitimate and proportionate,” he stated.

The people convicted this Tuesday are part of the group known as ‘the Hong Kong 47’, and among them are activists, deputies and councilors accused of conspiring to “commit acts of subversion” in the framework of the 2020 primary elections.

The jurist Benny Tai has received the highest sentence, ten years in prison, after being found guilty of being the “mastermind” of the alleged conspiracy against the Government. He was originally given a 15-year sentence, but this was reduced to ten after judges took into account his guilty plea.

Joshua Wong, one of the most visible faces of the movement, has been sentenced to four years and eight months in prison after receiving a reduction of one third after admitting the commission of the crimes with which he was accused.