Government welcomes verdict on dissolved Alliance's leaders

The government says the court's guilty verdict of incitement to subversion on the former leaders of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China is "forceful" and "well-reasoned."

After the delivery of the verdict, the national security police say they welcome the court decision.

Steve Li, Chief Superintendent of Police, says "This is a criminal court -- the standard is very, very high. The allegations about freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, but I would like to draw the attention to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, even the article 19 (under the covenant) says that when you exercise these kind of freedom, they have some restriction, sometimes, duties and also responsibility."

Meanwhile, Security Secretary Chris Tang warns that those who attempt to endanger national security will be dealt with in accordance with the principle of the rule of law. Security Secretary Chris Tang says "The socialist system is a fundamental system of the people's republic of China. And leadership by the communist party of China being the defining feature of socialism and with chinese characteristics is a pinnacle element of the fundamental system of the country."

"The court's reasoning for verdict clearly states that the defendants were put on trial not because of their political views or beliefs.Because a lot people try to make an excuse that they are not doing any illegal act, but they just try to express their view."

In a statement, Chief Executive John Lee says the Alliance had "long been deliberately planting seeds of hatred against the CPC and the Central Government." He stresses the government has the responsibility to safeguard national security and will "resolutely prevent, suppress and punish" any acts that undermine it.

{Government welcomes verdict on dissolved Alliance's leaders}