Hong Kong rejects EU report’s claims on freedoms as ‘unfounded and biased’

The Hong Kong government has dismissed an annual European Union report accusing the local administration of eroding the city's fundamental freedoms, dismissing the allegations as "unfounded and biased". The report, released on Tuesday, detailed concerns over national security trials of pro-democracy activists, the dismantling of the Democratic Party, and the extraterritorial influence of the national security law.

The government spokesman stated that the EU should respect facts, international law, and basic norms, and cease its interference in Hong Kong's internal affairs, which are solely within China's jurisdiction. He emphasized that Hong Kong is an inalienable part of China and enjoys substantial autonomy under the "one country, two systems" principle.

The spokesman defended the implementation of the national security law, asserting that it had maintained national security, stability, and provided a solid foundation for Hong Kong's economic and social development. He also criticized the EU for repeatedly distorting and confounding right from wrong, unscrupulously smearing the laws protecting national security.

Regarding constitutional rights, press freedom, and academic independence, the spokesman maintained that these remained protected, although subject to standard legal boundaries and responsible journalism. The EU report highlighted severe strain on Hong Kong's rule of law due to national security proceedings, such as delays, prolonged pretrial detentions, solitary confinement, and adjudication by hand-picked judges.

The report also mentioned the extraterritorial reach of the national security law, citing arrest warrants with bounties issued for 34 overseas activists, including a European citizen. The EU further claimed that political pluralism in Hong Kong continued to shrink as opposition groups were disbanded under political pressure. The government spokesman defended Hong Kong's independent judicial power and due process, stating that high-profile national security trials were conducted strictly according to evidence and law, without political interference.

He also defended the reform of the electoral system, noting that there is no single model of democracy worldwide, and forms of democracy are inherently diverse.