Hong Kong hits back at Western ‘slander’ over verdict on Tiananmen vigil leaders

Hong Kong's government has strongly rejected accusations of "baseless slander and smearing" by Western nations regarding the conviction of the disbanded Tiananmen Square vigil alliance and its leaders for inciting subversion. The authorities emphasized that the court's verdict was "well-reasoned and sound". The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China was found guilty by three High Court judges, who determined that attempting to overthrow or undermine the Communist Party of China's leadership constituted a subversion offense, as the country's constitution does not allow Western-style democracy.

The fourth defendant, Albert Ho Chun-yan, had already pleaded guilty. The government spokesman condemned the "baseless slander and smearing" against Hong Kong from "various Western countries, anti-China media, organizations, and politicians". The spokesman defended the court's decision, stating that the defendants were not targeted due to their political views but rather for their hostility towards the Communist Party and central government.

The spokesman also noted that the defendants continued their resistance efforts despite the 2020 imposition of the national security law. The government assured that the defendants' rights to a fair trial were protected under the Basic Law and Hong Kong Bill of Rights, and that the judiciary exercised its power independently. The verdict was deemed forceful, compelling, and well-reasoned by authorities. The conviction carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison under the national security law.