指鹿为马 丑陋“双标” 祸心不改
——评美国等少数国家政府及政客对香港维护国家安全司法案件的攻击抹黑
港澳平
日前，香港特区法院依法就戴耀廷等人“串谋颠覆国家政权案”作出量刑裁决。香港社会各界纷纷表示戴耀廷等人罪有应得，对裁决拍手称快。但美国等少数国家政府及政客又急不可耐地跳将出来，对香港特区法院的判决进行攻击抹黑，肆意诋毁香港国安法律和香港民主自由状况，甚至叫嚣对香港实施新的所谓制裁。此种卑劣行径必然受到包括香港同胞在内的全体中国人民的强烈谴责，必定徒劳无功并将受到坚决反制回击。
——美国等少数国家政府及政客捏造虚假叙事混淆视听，尽展颠倒黑白、指鹿为马之能事。
以此案中被定罪的人员来说，他们是什么民主人士吗？世人皆知，该案主谋戴耀廷等人，是非法“占中”的策划者、“港独”和“真揽炒”的鼓吹者，是外部势力在香港策动“颜色革命”的马前卒，其兜售的“违法达义”“真揽炒”等歪理邪说是造成“修例风波”期间“港独”猖獗、“黑暴”肆虐、“揽炒”横行的思想毒瘤。他们哪里是什么民主人士，而是长期欺骗、误导香港居民和国际社会，祸国乱港、侵害港人根本利益的民主破坏者！以此案的性质来说，那些人的做法是争取民主吗？庭审揭示的大量事实证据已清晰显示，所谓“初选”只是个幌子，其实质是妄图夺取立法会过半数议席，瘫痪特区政府运作，制造宪制危机，目的是破坏、摧毁或推翻现行的政治制度，以及香港特区根据基本法和“一国两制”方针所建立的体制。如此行为哪里是什么争取民主，而是打着民主幌子的有组织、有预谋、有行动，以非法手段串谋颠覆国家政权的严重危害国家安全犯罪！这恰恰是在破坏香港选举制度和民主发展进程！以此案的审判来说，对那些人的审判是所谓“政治审判”吗？香港特区司法机关依法独立行使审判权，程序公正透明，充分保障被告合法权利，量刑裁决严格依据事实和法律，体现罪责刑相适应原则，充分彰显法治公义。这样犯罪性质清晰、证据确凿、得到依法审判的严重危害国家安全案件，竟被美国等少数国家政府及政客套上“民主运动”的光环，把特区依法惩治犯罪分子的正当正义之举污蔑为破坏自由民主，其指鹿为马的欺世行径荒诞虚妄到何种地步？！
——美国等少数国家政府及政客在维护自身国家安全上无所不用其极，却对香港维护国家安全横加指责，其丑陋“双标”令人不齿。
美国等少数国家在维护自身国家安全问题上搞铜墙铁壁，更无限泛化滥用国家安全概念，肆意侵犯人权自由。美国、英国、澳大利亚、加拿大和一些欧盟成员国的国安法律纷繁复杂且愈加严苛，在打击颠覆国家政权等危害国家安全犯罪方面毫不手软，甚至屡屡爆出滥用国安名义侵犯人权自由的丑闻。比如美国涉国安法律达20多部，冠绝全球，早在上世纪四十年代就通过《史密斯法案》把故意煽动或教唆以枪支或暴力手段推翻美国联邦政府以及加入这类组织列为犯罪，《美国法典》第115章还对煽动颠覆的罪行作了详细规定。在2021年发生的美国国会山骚乱事件中，超过1200人被逮捕并检控，多人罪名都与颠覆国家政权相关，其中最重刑期达22年。英国去年实施的新国安法，因相关条文模糊、对执法人员授权宽泛等广受诟病。在今年的反移民抗议活动中，英国警方迅速逮捕超过1000人，多间法院全天24小时快速审理只为尽快将骚乱参与者送进监狱，如此儿戏完全罔顾涉案人员正当合法权利。美国等少数国家政府及政客无视自身在维护国家安全方面的严刑峻法，在保护自由人权方面的斑斑劣迹，不反躬自省，却对香港特区依法判决戴耀廷等“串谋颠覆国家政权案”说三道四，横加干预，其玩弄虚伪“双标”的嘴脸真是丑陋之极！
——美国等少数国家政府及政客如此粗暴践踏法治原则、包庇反中乱港犯罪分子，实乃“乱港遏华”祸心不改。
香港特区法治水平举世公认。香港国安法和香港维护国家安全条例实施以来，危害国家安全行为得到惩治，香港社会秩序恢复，法治精神彰显，营商环境优化，香港居民的合法权利在更安全的环境中得到更好保护。而美国等少数国家政府及政客一心想要破坏这来之不易的大好局面，频频干预香港司法、破坏香港法治，为反中乱港分子撑腰张目。以戴耀廷等“串谋颠覆国家政权案”为例，自涉案人员被依法拘捕起，他们就不断通过发表所谓声明、报告，并派出领事官员旁听法庭审理等，向特区政府和特区司法机构施压，甚至狂妄要求废除香港国安法、释放已定罪罪犯。在特区法院依法作出量刑裁决后，他们又打着“关切香港民主自由”的名号，大肆攻击判决结果、抹黑香港法治，甚至再次威胁制裁香港，粗暴干预香港司法独立，践踏法治公义。如此行径早已让世人看清，美国等少数国家政府及政客根本不是关心香港的民主和自由，而是为了搭救其代理人，以方便他们沆瀣一气继续在香港搞破坏；根本不是为了维护港人的福祉，而是要阻挠香港由治及兴和“一国两制”的成功实践，以扰乱中华民族伟大复兴进程。
维护国家安全在任何国家和地区都是头等大事，有法必依、违法必究是法治的基本原则。香港特区法院对戴耀廷等“串谋颠覆国家政权案”依法作出判决，是维护国家安全和香港法治的正当必要之举，无可指摘。香港社会全力支持特区政府维护国家安全和香港法治，民调显示超过85%的受访者认为“串谋颠覆国家政权案”罪行严重，超过86%的受访者支持法庭裁决。事实已经并将继续证明，外部势力的干预威胁再多再滥都只是嗡嗡蝇声、张张废纸。
中央政府坚定支持香港特区全面准确实施香港国安法律，依法防范、制止、惩治危害国家安全的行为，坚决捍卫法治尊严，并将坚决反制回击任何制裁威胁，全力保护特区政府官员和司法人员的合法权益。香港的司法独立不容侵犯，任何“乱港遏华”的妄想都必将被新时代列车“香港号”滚滚向前的车轮碾压粉碎！
Falsehoods, double standards, and ill intention
-- The smear campaign by the United States and some other countries against Hong Kong’s national security related judicial case
Gang Aoping
A court in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) recently delivered sentences for the case of "conspiracy to subvert the state power" in Hong Kong, which involves Benny Tai Yiu-ting and others. People from all walks of life in Hong Kong widely recognizes that people like Tai deserve their punishment, and expressed their approval of the sentences. However, the governments of a handful of countries, including the United States, and certain politicians have impatiently come forth to attack the court ruling, wantonly smearing the national security legislation in Hong Kong and the situation of democracy and freedom in the region. They even went so far as to clamor for so-called new "sanction" measures against Hong Kong. Such despicable behavior will undoubtedly be strongly condemned by all Chinese, including the people of Hong Kong, and their efforts will undoubtedly be proved futile and be met with resolute countermeasures.
——The falsehoods, distortion of facts and disinformation by the governments and certain politicians of the United States and a few other countries
Are the convicts in the case real advocates of democracy? It is widely known that the main culprits in this case, including Tai, are perpetrators of the illegal "Occupy Central" movement, proponents of "Hong Kong independence," and fervent supporters of the so-called "mutual destruction" schemes. They serve as the pawn for external forces in instigating a "color revolution" in Hong Kong. Their promotion of fallacious concepts like "breaking the law in the name of so-called justice" and "mutual destruction" has been the ideological cancer fueling the rampant "Hong Kong independence" activities, the violent riots, and the destruction actions during the violent turbulence of 2019 . They are far from being genuine advocates of democracy. Instead, by deceiving and misleading both the people of Hong Kong and the international community, betraying the nation and wreaking havoc in Hong Kong, and trampling upon the fundamental interests of the Hong Kong people, they are the true destructors of democracy in Hong Kong.
In terms of the nature of this case, can we consider their actions as a pursuit of democracy? The trial has revealed a wealth of factual evidence that clearly demonstrates the so-called "primary election" was nothing but a pretext. In essence, it was an attempt to seize a majority of seats in the Legislative Council, paralyze the functioning of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, and create a constitutional crisis. Its ultimate aim was to undermine, destroy, or overthrow the existing political system and the framework established under the Basic Law and the "One Country, Two Systems" principle. Such behavior is not at all a pursuit of democracy, but an organized, premeditated, and active effort of conspiracy to subvert the state power through illegal means, posing a serious threat to national security. It is precisely an act that undermined the electoral system and the process of democratic development in Hong Kong.
In terms of the trial in this case, can we label the judgment against those individuals as a so-called "political trial"? The judicial authorities of the HKSAR exercise their judicial powers independently in accordance with law. The proceedings are fair and transparent, fully guaranteeing the legal rights of the defendants. Sentencing decisions are strictly based on facts and law, reflecting the principle of proportionality between crime and punishment, and fully demonstrating the rule of law and justice. It is absurd to see how a serious national security case, with a clear criminal nature and solid evidence, that has been lawfully tried, is being wrongly portrayed by the governments of the United States and relevant countries and certain politicians as one that involves "democratic movement." Their attempt to distort the legitimate and just actions of the SAR in lawfully punishing criminals, and to smear the case as undermining freedom and democracy, is utterly ludicrous and groundless.
—— The double standards by the governments of the United States and relevant countries and certain politicians on national security issues
When it comes to safeguarding their own national security, the United States and a few other countries have been maintaining an extremely strict approach, often going so far as to abuse the concept with excessive and overly broad-reaching measures, capriciously violating human rights and freedoms. The national security-related laws of the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and some EU countries are convoluted and increasingly stringent, showing no leniency in combating relevant crimes, such as subversion of the state power. Numerous scandals have emerged, revealing their abuse of national security as a pretext to violate human rights and freedoms. Take the United States for example, it has more than 20 national security-related laws. The Smith Act passed as early as the 1940s has made it a criminal offense to advocate the violent overthrow of the government or to join any group devoted to such purpose. Also, detailed provisions regarding the crime of sedition and subversive activities are outlined in the U.S. Code Chapter 115. Over 1,200 individuals were arrested and prosecuted in connection with the U.S. Capitol riots in 2021, with many charged with crimes related to subversion. The heaviest sentence among them is up to 22 years. United Kingdom’s new national security law, implemented last year, has been widely criticized for its vague provisions and broad powers granted to law enforcement. During this year’s anti-immigration protests, British police swiftly arrested more than 1,000 individuals, with courts operating around-the-clock to expedite trials and send protest participants to prison as quickly as possible. Such a reckless approach completely disregards the legitimate rights of those involved.
Governments and politicians in the United States and a few other countries ignore their own harsh laws on national security and their poor track records in protecting freedom and human rights. Instead, they interfere unjustifiably with the HKSAR’s legitimate and just rulings, such as the convictions of Benny Tai Yiu-ting and others for conspiracy to subvert state power, revealing their hypocritical double standards.
——The governments and politicians of the United States and a few other countries blatantly trample on the principles of the rule of law and shield anti-China rioting elements in Hong Kong, revealing their unchanging malicious intent to destabilize Hong Kong and contain China.
The rule of law in the Hong Kong SAR is widely recognized. Since the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, activities endangering national security have been curbed, social order restored, the spirit of the rule of law upheld, and the business environment optimized. Hong Kong residents’ legitimate rights are better protected in a safer environment.
Nevertheless, the governments and politicians of the United States and a few other countries are intent on undermining this hard-won progress. They have repeatedly interfered in Hong Kong's judicial affairs, sought to damage its rule of law, and openly supported anti-China and destabilizing forces in Hong Kong.
For instance, in the case of Benny Tai Yiu-ting and others who were charged with conspiracy to subvert the state power, foreign officials exerted undue pressure on the SAR government and judiciary, issuing statements and reports, dispatching consular officers to attend court hearings, and even demanding the repeal of the National Security Law and the release of convicted individuals. Following the court’s sentencing, they attacked the rulings under the pretext of “concerns for Hong Kong’s democracy and freedom,” smeared Hong Kong’s rule of law, and even threatened to impose sanctions. Such actions blatantly interfere with Hong Kong’s judicial independence and undermine the fairness of its legal system.
Such actions have long revealed the true intentions of the governments and politicians of the United States and a few other countries. They are not genuinely concerned about Hong Kong’s democracy and freedom but are instead trying to rescue their proxies to continue their destructive activities in Hong Kong. Their true intention is not to protect Hong Kong residents' welfare but to obstruct Hong Kong’s progress and the successful practice of “One Country, Two Systems” to disrupt the process of China’s national rejuvenation.
Safeguarding national security is a top priority in any country or region. Adhering to the law and holding violators accountable are fundamental principles of the rule of law. The HKSAR court’s judgment in the case of Benny Tai Yiu-ting and others is a necessary and legitimate measure to safeguard national security and uphold the rule of law in Hong Kong. It is beyond reproach.
Hong Kong society fully supports the SAR government’s efforts to safeguard national security and the rule of law. Polls show that over 85 percent of respondents believe that the crime of conspiracy to subvert the state power is serious, and more than 86 percent support the court’s ruling. The facts have and will continue to demonstrate that external interference and threats are nothing but noise and empty rhetoric.
The central government firmly supports the HKSAR in fully and accurately implementing the national security legislation in Hong Kong, preventing, suppressing and posing punishment for the acts that endanger national security in accordance with the law, resolutely safeguarding the dignity of the rule of law, and strongly countering any sanctions or threats. It will also fully protect the legitimate rights of SAR government officials and judicial personnel.
Hong Kong's judicial independence must not be infringed upon. Any delusions of "destabilizing Hong Kong and containing China" will inevitably be crushed under the wheels of the "Hong Kong" train, as it moves forward in the new era!