指鹿為馬 醜陋「雙標」 禍心不改
——評美國等少數國家政府及政客對香港維護國家安全司法案件的攻擊抹黑
港澳平
日前,香港特區法院依法就戴耀廷等人「串謀顛覆國家政權案」作出量刑裁決。香港社會各界紛紛表示戴耀廷等人罪有應得,對裁決拍手稱快。但美國等少數國家政府及政客又急不可耐地跳將出來,對香港特區法院的判決進行攻擊抹黑,肆意詆毀香港國安法律和香港民主自由狀況,甚至叫囂對香港實施新的所謂制裁。此種卑劣行徑必然受到包括香港同胞在內的全體中國人民的強烈譴責,必定徒勞無功並將受到堅決反制回擊。
——美國等少數國家政府及政客捏造虛假敘事混淆視聽,盡展顛倒黑白、指鹿為馬之能事。
以此案中被定罪的人員來説,他們是什麼民主人士嗎?世人皆知,該案主謀戴耀廷等人,是非法「佔中」的策劃者、「港獨」和「真攬炒」的鼓吹者,是外部勢力在香港策動「顏色革命」的馬前卒,其兜售的「違法達義」「真攬炒」等歪理邪説是造成「修例風波」期間「港獨」猖獗、「黑暴」肆虐、「攬炒」橫行的思想毒瘤。他們哪是什麼民主人士,而是長期欺騙、誤導香港居民和國際社會,禍國亂港、侵害港人根本利益的民主破壞者!以此案的性質來説,那些人的做法是爭取民主嗎?庭審揭示的大量事實證據已清晰顯示,所謂「初選」只是個幌子,其實質是妄圖奪取立法會過半數議席,癱瘓特區政府運作,製造憲制危機,目的是破壞、摧毀或推翻現行的政治制度,以及香港特區根據基本法和「一國兩制」方針所建立的體制。如此行為哪是什麼爭取民主,而是打着民主幌子的有組織、有預謀、有行動,以非法手段串謀顛覆國家政權的嚴重危害國家安全犯罪!這恰恰是在破壞香港選舉制度和民主發展進程!以此案的審判來説,對那些人的審判是所謂「政治審判」嗎?香港特區司法機關依法獨立行使審判權,程序公正透明,充分保障被告合法權利,量刑裁決嚴格依據事實和法律,體現罪責刑相適應原則,充分彰顯法治公義。這樣犯罪性質清晰、證據確鑿、得到依法審判的嚴重危害國家安全案件,竟被美國等少數國家政府及政客套上「民主運動」的光環,把特區依法懲治犯罪分子的正當正義之舉污衊為破壞自由民主,其指鹿為馬的欺世行徑荒誕虛妄到何種地步?!
——美國等少數國家政府及政客在維護自身國家安全上無所不用其極,卻對香港維護國家安全橫加指責,其醜陋「雙標」令人不齒。
美國等少數國家在維護自身國家安全問題上搞銅墻鐵壁,更無限泛化濫用國家安全概念,肆意侵犯人權自由。美國、英國、澳大利亞、加拿大和一些歐盟成員國的國安法律紛繁複雜且愈加嚴苛,在打擊顛覆國家政權等危害國家安全犯罪方面毫不手軟,甚至屢屢爆出濫用國安名義侵犯人權自由的醜聞。比如美國涉國安法律達20多部,冠絕全球,早在上世紀四十年代就通過《史密斯法案》把故意煽動或教唆以槍支或暴力手段推翻美國聯邦政府以及加入這類組織列為犯罪,《美國法典》第115章還對煽動顛覆的罪行作了詳細規定。在2021年發生的美國國會山騷亂事件中,超過1200人被逮捕並檢控,多人罪名都與顛覆國家政權相關,其中最重刑期達22年。英國去年實施的新國安法,因相關條文模糊、對執法人員授權寬泛等廣受詬病。在今年的反移民抗議活動中,英國警方迅速逮捕超過1000人,多間法院全天24小時快速審理只為盡快將騷亂參與者送進監獄,如此兒戲完全罔顧涉案人員正當合法權利。美國等少數國家政府及政客無視自身在維護國家安全方面的嚴刑峻法,在保護自由人權方面的斑斑劣跡,不反躬自省,卻對香港特區依法判決戴耀廷等「串謀顛覆國家政權案」説三道四,橫加干預,其玩弄虛偽「雙標」的嘴臉真是醜陋之極!
——美國等少數國家政府及政客如此粗暴踐踏法治原則、包庇反中亂港犯罪分子,實乃「亂港遏華」禍心不改。
香港特區法治水平舉世公認。香港國安法和香港維護國家安全條例實施以來,危害國家安全行為得到懲治,香港社會秩序恢復,法治精神彰顯,營商環境優化,香港居民的合法權利在更安全的環境中得到更好保護。而美國等少數國家政府及政客一心想要破壞這來之不易的大好局面,頻頻干預香港司法、破壞香港法治,為反中亂港分子撐腰張目。以戴耀廷等「串謀顛覆國家政權案」為例,自涉案人員被依法拘捕起,他們就不斷通過發表所謂聲明、報告,並派出領事官員旁聽法庭審理等,向特區政府和特區司法機構施壓,甚至狂妄要求廢除香港國安法、釋放已定罪罪犯。在特區法院依法作出量刑裁決後,他們又打着「關切香港民主自由」的名號,大肆攻擊判決結果、抹黑香港法治,甚至再次威脅制裁香港,粗暴干預香港司法獨立,踐踏法治公義。如此行徑早已讓世人看清,美國等少數國家政府及政客根本不是關心香港的民主和自由,而是為了搭救其代理人,以方便他們沆瀣一氣繼續在香港搞破壞;根本不是為了維護港人的福祉,而是要阻撓香港由治及興和「一國兩制」的成功實踐,以擾亂中華民族偉大復興進程。
維護國家安全在任何國家和地區都是頭等大事,有法必依、違法必究是法治的基本原則。香港特區法院對戴耀廷等「串謀顛覆國家政權案」依法作出判決,是維護國家安全和香港法治的正當必要之舉,無可指摘。香港社會全力支持特區政府維護國家安全和香港法治,民調顯示超過85%的受訪者認為「串謀顛覆國家政權案」罪行嚴重,超過86%的受訪者支持法庭裁決。事實已經並將繼續證明,外部勢力的干預威脅再多再濫都只是嗡嗡蠅聲、張張廢紙。
中央政府堅定支持香港特區全面準確實施香港國安法律,依法防範、制止、懲治危害國家安全的行為,堅決捍衛法治尊嚴,並將堅決反制回擊任何制裁威脅,全力保護特區政府官員和司法人員的合法權益。香港的司法獨立不容侵犯,任何「亂港遏華」的妄想都必將被新時代列車「香港號」滾滾向前的車輪碾壓粉碎!
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!