World Uyghur Congress condemns Hong Kong court’s sentence on pro-democracy activist

The World Uyghur Congress has strongly condemned the sentencing of 14 pro-democracy activists by the Hong Kong High Court in the biggest case under the National Security Law (NSL) imposed by China in 2020.

Hong Kong’s 14 pro-democracy leaders, including opposition lawmakers, are among 47 people convicted in 2021 of the crime of “abuse of state power” for participating in the primary elections. They face up to life imprisonment.

“It is no surprise that China uses NSLs to silence dissidents,” WUC President Dolkun Isa said in a statement. “But this punishment is also evidence of the systematic erosion of democracy, fundamental freedoms, and the shrinking space for civil society under the CCP,” said a press statement issued by the World Uyghur Congress.

“It is no surprise that China uses NSLs to silence dissidents, but the sentencing also makes clear the systematic erosion of democracy, fundamental freedoms and the shrinking space for civil society under the CCP,” the WUC president said. @dolkun_isa,

— World Uyghur Congress (@UyghurCongress) May 30, 2024

The NSL, implemented in response to the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong in 2019, criminalises acts of “collusion, terrorism, secession and subversion”, which are punishable by life imprisonment.

Critics argue it serves as a tool for Beijing to suppress dissent and tighten its grip on the semi-autonomous region.

In solidarity with democracy supporters, WUC demands their immediate release and urges the international community, including the European Commission, to take decisive action.

Calling for sanctions against those responsible, the WUC stressed the urgent need to prevent the erosion of democracy and fundamental freedoms.

“In view of the upcoming global elections, including the EU elections, democratic governments need to hold China accountable for its continued assault on democracy and disregard for human rights,” Isa stressed.

As the world grapples with these challenges, the calls for justice are growing ever more intense, signaling a defining moment in the fight to defend democratic principles against authoritarian encroachment.