The Coalition is appalled by the guilty verdicts handed down against democracy defenders in Hong Kong today.
The verdicts imposed under Hong Kong’s draconian national security laws include a guilty verdict against Australian, Gordon Ng.
We urge the Albanese Government to raise Australia’s concerns, particularly for Mr Ng as well as other defenders of democracy and basic rights, with both Hong Kong and Chinese authorities.
The decimation of freedoms and rights in Hong Kong in recent years is a tragedy that cannot and should not be put in the rear view mirror. The Chinese Government’s actions warrant constant and consistent pressure from Australia and nations which also valued the freedoms and rights that Beijing promised to uphold in Hong Kong but has instead destroyed.
The Coalition offers its strong bipartisan support for all actions that send a clear message opposing the diminution of rights and freedoms for the people of Hong Kong. We continue to call for reinstatement of those rights previously guaranteed by the Basic Law and Sino-British Joint Declaration.
Two Australian residents from Hong Kong still have a bounty over their heads from Hong Kong authorities seeking their return to face trial for their support of pro-democracy activities. This action must be dropped for the two Australians as well as others outside of Hong Kong.
The blatant destruction of individual human rights in Hong Kong cannot and should not be forgotten or accepted by Australia.