Global Affairs Canada today issued the following statement on the verdict on the "Hong Kong 47" trial:
"Canada is deeply concerned at the guilty verdicts handed down in the National Security Law (NSL) mass trial of 47 pro-democracy politicians and advocates known as the "Hong Kong 47" or "NSL 47.
"The 47 defendants in this case were arrested and prosecuted for peaceful political activity, including organizing an unofficial primary election. Among them, many were denied bail and held in pre-trial detention for almost two years.
"The trial's result demonstrates that Hong Kong's national security laws, including the recently enacted Safeguarding National Security Ordinance under Article 23 of the Basic Law, are being used to silence dissent not only in Hong Kong but also overseas.
"The Hong Kong government's decision to appeal the acquittal of two defendants is deeply troubling.
"Canada recognizes Hong Kong's need to address legitimate national security considerations. Hong Kong's national security laws, however, fail to safeguard the human rights and freedoms enshrined in the Basic Law and in international instruments to which Hong Kong is a party.
"Canada reiterates its recommendation to China at the UN's Universal Periodic Review of its human rights record to repeal the NSL and for Hong Kong authorities to end the prosecution of all individuals charged under it."
