Resolution on the new security law in Hong Kong and the cases of Andy Li and Joseph John

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the new security law in Hong Kong and the cases of Andy Li and Joseph John.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, Renew, Greens/EFA and the ECR groups.

On 19 March 2024, the Hong Kong Legislative Council passed the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO). The SNSO expands the National Security Law (NSL) imposed by China and authorises even more radical infringements of basic freedoms and liberties, in breach of the Sino-British and Sino-Portuguese Declarations, the one country, two systems principle, and international human rights obligations.

Andy Li, a pro-democracy activist and key witness in Jimmy Lai’s trial, allegedly confessed, under torture, to conspiracy and collusion with foreign entities. The case of Joseph John, a HK-Portuguese dual national, is the first extraterritorial application of the NSL to an EU citizen. John was arrested for allegedly posting anti-China social media content and committing, from Europe, incitement to ‘secession’, and was sentenced on 11 April 2024 to five years’ imprisonment.

Members are appalled by the shutting down of pro-democracy political forces, civil society, news outlets and the arrest of over 200 people since the adoption of NSL. They urged the Hong Kong government to immediately and unconditionally release Andy Li, Joseph John, Jimmy Lai, all other pro-democratic activists, and drop all charges against them.

Parliament strongly condemned the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance in Hong Kong and urged China and Hong Kong to repeal the NSL and the SNSO.

Parliament is also alarmed that the SNSO significantly impacts the work of the EU’s Office and the Member States’ Consulates-General, and EU citizens, organisations and companies in Hong Kong.

Members demanded that the Council review its 2020 Conclusions on Hong Kong and adopt sanctions under the EU global human rights sanctions regime against Chief Executive John Lee and all officials responsible for the crackdown on freedoms in Hong Kong. They are also concerned about the Safeguarding National Security Ordonnance’s extraterritoriality and retroactivity, targeting the Hong Kong diaspora, and urged Member States to suspend extradition treaties with China and Hong Kong.