Zou Xingtong, the former vice chairman of the stake accused by the police as a "foreign agent," was charged with "inciting subversion of state power" and refused to submit information. Recently, his application for bail was refused again.
Four special rapporteurs of the United Nations Human Rights Council issued a joint statement yesterday (12th) expressing their deep concern about the incident.
They believe that the "Minato National Security Law" is inconsistent with international law and China's human rights obligations. It is an improper use of terrorism and sedition charges to stifle the exercise of basic rights. The Chinese government expressed concern.
The Department of Justice responded that the enactment of the "Hong Kong National Security Law" is a lawful exercise of national sovereignty and conforms to the practice of safeguarding national security in the international arena. , A peaceful environment to enjoy rights and freedoms.
Query to subvert the country to quell dissent
The four special rapporteurs all come from related fields, including the "Special Rapporteur on Combating Terrorism while Promoting and Protecting Human Rights" Fionnuala Ní Aoláin.
They were concerned about the arrest of Zou Xingtong and related persons, and believed that Zou's stake only held the annual June 4th candlelight vigil, but related persons were arrested and faced similar charges in accordance with the Hong Kong National Security Law.
They claim that the allegations from the "Minato National Security Act" are strangling the human rights protected by international law, including freedom of speech and assembly, and the right to participate in public affairs; they also call terrorism and subversion of the country extremely serious crimes, and international law has strict definitions When the government improperly uses these allegations to quell domestic dissent, limit protests, and curb criticism from society and human rights defenders, it will devalue the seriousness of the charges, undermine the integrity of relevant legal standards, and weaken the protection of human rights and international peace and security. Binding norms.
National Security Law raises concerns about fair trial
The joint statement also pays attention to the definition of "foreign agents" in the Minato National Security Act, and believes that any organization seeking, accepting and using foreign funds should not be improperly impeded. They claim that the punishment for this is a violation of human rights such as freedom of association. .
The statement mentioned that the "Hong Kong National Security Law" has raised concerns about fair trials, including the judge's refusal to apply for bail on the grounds that Zou's release will continue to threaten national security.
They pointed out that "Hong Kong needs to revitalize its independent judiciary, suspend the application of this law, and fundamentally reconsider its use."
01News
Five members of the stake were accused of refusing to submit information to the National Security Office. The two members of the Standing Committee of the High Court refused to apply for bail. The National Security Office freezes the stake’s property and bank accounts. Aiming to overthrow the CCP and support the Hong Kong government to pursue the investigation to the end, Zou Xingtong called for participating in the June 4th rally and was accused of inciting prosecution of the dispute. Whether the trial is constitutional.
