Govt rebuts ten-nation statement on Wong case

The Hong Kong government vehemently disagreed with a statement issued by ten nations regarding the sentencing of Joshua Wong for conspiracy to commit collusion. The government spokesperson stated that the joint declaration from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and New Zealand distorted facts and attacked Hong Kong's autonomy.

The statement allegedly interfered with the region's independent judiciary and encouraged other countries to stay out of Hong Kong's internal affairs, which are China's sole responsibility. Wong admitted guilt to conspiring with foreign entities or external influences to undermine national security, and the court sentenced him based on the evidence alone.

The government spokesperson emphasized that misrepresenting lawful criminal judgments as interference in political expression or participation is a clear case of political manipulation, intended to confuse the public and blur moral judgments. The spokesperson reiterated that Hong Kong operates under the rule of law and the HKSAR government remains steadfast in its constitutional responsibility to protect national security, uphold legal principles, and ensure offenders are held accountable.