Overseas politicians are hypocrites, says Beijing

The Foreign Ministry’s Office in Hong Kong on Sunday accused overseas politicians of being “hypocrites”, saying their calls for the release of several pro-democracy activists jailed for taking part in an unauthorized protest in 2019 ignores the “mainstream view” of Hong Kong people.

Media tycoon Jimmy Lai as well as four former lawmakers, including Lee Cheuk-yan, were sentenced to up to 18 months in prison for organising and taking part in the August 18, 2019 protest against the now-shelved extradition bill. Four others were given suspended jail sentences.

In a statement, the office said the politicians from the EU, UK and US were trampling on Hong Kong’s rule of law and “glorifying convicted criminals as democracy campaigners.”

“They are being hypocritical in saying they want to stand with Hong Kong people, but yet they ignored the mainstream view of the SAR and once again hurt the city’s rule of law, prosperity and stability. They are in fact standing opposite of Hong Kong people,” a spokesman said.

He said any intervention and pressure is destined to be futile, as the only result will be that they will smash their own foot while trying to lift a stone.

The sentencing of nine veteran pro-democracy activists has drawn international criticism, with Hong Kong’s last colonial governor Chris Patten saying the “assault on the freedoms of Hong Kong and its rule of law continues relentlessly”.