TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC, 大陸委員會) urged Hong Kong authorities on Tuesday (Nov. 19) to protect freedoms and human rights, calling for the release of those imprisoned in the inciting subversion of state power case. This appeal followed the sentencing of Benny Tai Yiu-ting (戴耀廷), a former associate professor at The University of Hong Kong (香港大學), to 10 years in prison.
MAC expressed deep concern and regret over the sentencing of Hong Kong's pro-democracy figures. The Hong Kong government prosecuted 47 pro-democracy activists under the national security law for their involvement in the 2020 Legislative Council primary elections. Many have faced detention without trial for up to three years, with 45 accused convicted.
MAC emphasized the international community's strong concern over the case, noting repeated calls for authorities to cease political prosecutions and release detainees. The situation has caused global advocates for democracy and freedom to feel deep sorrow and regret over Hong Kong's deteriorating environment.
The council highlighted how recent international evaluations and numerous cases have shown a decline in democracy, freedom, and human rights in Hong Kong, negatively impacting its global image.
Reports from Sing Tao Daily (星島日報) revealed that the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts (西九龍裁判法院) regarded Tai as the mastermind and sentenced him to 10 years, while Joshua Wong Chi-fung (黃之鋒), former secretary-general of Demosisto (眾志), received a sentence of 4 years and 8 months.
