The Presidential Office said Nov. 19 that democracy is no crime and that Taiwan condemns China’s suppression of political participation and freedom of speech in Hong Kong.

The office released remarks following the sentencing hearings of 45 pro-democracy activists. Spokesperson Karen Kuo described the prison terms handed out by Hong Kong’s high court, ranging from four to 10 years, as a severe infringement of the pursuit of freedom and democracy, adding that they demonstrate unequivocally that “one country, two systems” is not a viable option.

Kuo said that since the people of Taiwan and Hong Kong share democratic values, Taiwan will continue to provide practical support to the city through the Hong Kong Humanitarian Aid Project. She concluded that as a member of democratic society, Taiwan would continue to collaborate with the international community to counter the expansion of authoritarian force.

The Mainland Affairs Council also conveyed concern over the 47 imprisoned pro-democracy figures in Hong Kong, many of whom had been jailed for three years for their participation in a Legislative Council primary election in 2020.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned China for exploiting judicial tactics and unjust procedures in its oppression of democratic campaigners. The ministry called on the Chinese government to halt its oppression of Hong Kongers, while urging the local government to uphold human rights and release those involved in this case.


Source:  Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)