Hong Kong: Speech by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell in the EP plenary on the security law

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Thank you very much. Before I begin my speech, let me applaud Members of the Parliament, Reinhard Bütikofer [and Fabio Massimo] Castaldo for their constant fight for human rights and being the champions of defending what is the basis of our Union. Thank you very much for that.

President, Honourable Members,

The European Union has repeatedly expressed its grave concerns about the National Security Law that Beijing imposed on Hong Kong in June 2020. Since then, hundreds of opposition politicians, journalists, [and] civil society activists have been arrested. Independent media outlets were forced to close. Many civil society organisations disbanded.

This has seriously undermined the rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong. The new national security legislation that was adopted on 19 March threatens to further accelerate the erosion of fundamental freedoms and political pluralism in Hong Kong.

The definition of "state secrets" found in the new legislation is exceedingly broad and imports the definitions prevailing in mainland China to Hong Kong. The law features sweeping stipulations on external interference that are likely to affect engagement with international organisations. Other troubling aspects are significantly increased penalties and expanded powers for the police and [the] Chief Executive.

A bill including such far-reaching changes would have required ample time to allow for thorough scrutiny. However, the law was adopted hastily only 20 days after the end of a one-month public consultation process.

The High Representative [Josep Borrell] issued a statementon behalf of the European Union on the new legislation on 19 March. All EU Member States supported this statement. This underlines the European Union's serious concerns about this law. The European Union will closely monitor the application of the national security legislation and the impact on the exercise of rights and freedoms by the people of Hong Kong.

The EU Office in Hong Kong is closely following the trial against Jimmy Lai and regularly attending court hearings. Andy Li is a key prosecution witness in this case. The European Union shares concerns highlighted by the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture [Alice Jill Edwards] that evidence against Jimmy Lai may have been obtained by torture. These allegations should be investigated thoroughly and transparently.

The EU Office in Hong Kong also regularly attended the trial against Joseph John, including the sentencing two weeks ago. Joseph John is a holder of a Portuguese passport and Hong Kong identity documents. He was arrested by the Hong Kong National Security Police on 1 November 2022 and sentenced to five years under the National Security Law for 'incitement to secession' on 11 April. This case is another example of the harsh restrictions on freedom of expression in Hong Kong.

Thank you.

Link to the video (starting from 12:20): https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-256117