China news agency, Beijing, July 30 -

Questions: first judgment in the case, Hong Kong, Xian Jian An Fali country

　　China News Agency reporter Chen Xiaoyuan

　　The High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region issued a verdict on the 30th in the first case of violating the Hong Kong National Security Law. The defendant Tang Yingjie was sentenced to 9 years in prison for the crime of inciting secession and terrorist activities.

For Hong Kong, which implements case law, it is of great indicator significance.

On the afternoon of July 30, the High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region sentenced Tang Yingjie in the case of violating the Hong Kong National Security Law. Tang Yingjie was sentenced to nine years in prison for inciting others to secession and terrorist activities.

The picture shows the Correctional Services Department vehicle escorting Tang Yingjie away from the High Court.

Photo by China News Agency reporter Li Zhihua

　　On the evening of June 30 last year, the Hong Kong National Security Law came into effect.

At that time, people from all walks of life generally expected this law to punish anti-China chaos in Hong Kong and bring peace to Hong Kong, which has experienced the "regulations" and violent storms.

　　The day after Hong Kong's National Security Law came into effect, Tang Yingjie drove a motorcycle with the "Hong Kong Independence" slogan in Wan Chai and dashed across three police defense lines, causing three police officers to be seriously injured.

This was not only a threat to the personal safety of the police and inciting secession of the country, but also a provocation to the Hong Kong National Security Law that had only been implemented for a few hours at that time.

　　The rule of law is a core value that Hong Kong citizens are proud of.

The "Regulations Amendment Disturbance" and the black storm that broke out in June 2019 have had a serious impact on the rule of law in Hong Kong.

The formulation and implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law is an important measure to safeguard Hong Kong's prosperity and stability and national sovereignty, security and development interests from the perspective of the rule of law.

　　The Hong Kong National Security Law provides for four types of crimes and criminal responsibilities that endanger national security.

Officials have repeatedly emphasized that the law is aimed at anti-China chaos in Hong Kong and foreign interfering forces, and it protects the vast number of law-abiding Hong Kong citizens.

There is widespread concern at home and abroad whether this law can achieve the legislative purpose.

　　After the Hong Kong National Security Law came into effect, it has formed a deterrent to anti-China chaos in Hong Kong, and the SAR has ushered in a major transition from chaos to governance.

However, there are still a small number of people who continue to challenge the authority of the law for personal gain or manipulation by foreign forces and commit acts that endanger the security of Hong Kong and the country.

　　People from all walks of life in Hong Kong hope that the relevant departments of the Special Administrative Region will punish crimes in accordance with the law, demonstrate legal authority, and protect Hong Kong's tranquility.

Before the verdict of this case, a Hong Kong citizen called for severe punishment of criminals outside the court.

　　The judgment made by the High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in accordance with the law on the same day showed that Hong Kong's national security law is not a "toothless tiger", but a sharp sword hanging over the heads of anti-China chaos in Hong Kong. It is a powerful guarantee for the protection of Hong Kong and national security.

　　Hong Kong Police Commissioner Xiao Zeyi pointed out that the sentence in the first case of the Hong Kong National Security Act has a landmark effect and will be a great deterrent for people who attempt to commit similar crimes in the future.

He also said that if anyone attempts to commit a crime that endangers national security, the police will never be merciless. There must be laws that must be followed, and violations must be investigated.

　　As Hong Kong is a region where case law is implemented, the penalty in this case has a guiding role for similar cases that may appear in the future.

Especially in this case, the court made it clear that the "Hong Kong Independence" slogan has a separatist nature, and has drawn a red line of national security in the judicial field.

　　After the verdict of the case, people from all walks of life in Hong Kong generally stated that national security has a bottom line and that "Hong Kong independence" cannot be allowed to harm Hong Kong.

The verdict in this case will also help the SAR to promote the work of law popularization and make more people understand Hong Kong’s national security law.

　　It is believed that as the relevant departments of the SAR strictly enforce the law and impartial justice to other cases of violations of the Hong Kong National Security Law, and the national security is effectively guaranteed, the "Pearl of the Orient" will become even more dazzling.

(Finish)