Published on : 28/07/2022 – 04:38
Two years ago, Beijing imposed a draconian national security law on Hong Kong. This Wednesday and for the first time since the entry into force of this law, the UN Human Rights Committee made up of 18 independent experts is concerned regarding the “deterioration” of the situation in the former British colony and asks the Hong Kong executive to repeal the law.
Two hundred people, including 12 children, were arrested. Many researchers, politicians, lawyers and businessmen are today muzzled, exiled or in prison. The dreaded national security law is an effective tool that has enabled Hong Kong’s executive branch to suppress a vibrant civil society and end giant pro-democracy protests that had thrown millions of Hong Kongers into the streets.
It is therefore unlikely that Beijing will follow the recommendation of the UN Human Rights Council, which asks for nothing less than the repeal of this law.
The 18 independent experts say to themselves “ deeply concerned regarding the overbroad interpretation and arbitrary application ” of text. Difficult according to them to know which behaviors and which words constitute a criminal offense – and easy then to accuse of sedition any person who would only exercise his “ legitimate right to freedom of expression ».
The Committee also regrets that national security cases have been transferred to Chinese jurisdiction and criticizes the excessive power of the Chief Executive. This can, according to the report, undermine the independence of judicial proceedings and the right to a fair trial.