In its 22nd annual report on Hong Kong, the EU said key freedoms continued to be upheld in 2019 in general, but noted there were worrying trends in respect to freedom of speech, especially in relation to anti-government protests. It underlined the enactment of the anti-mask law, and Beijing’s suggestion that Hong Kong courts cannot rule on the constitutionality of local legislations. The EU said any steps to curb the prerogatives of the courts “would undermine the autonomy vested in Hong Kong, including the independence of its judiciary and the rule of law”. It said in the report that “universal suffrage would give the Hong Kong government greater public support and legitimacy, which would help in attaining Hong Kong’s economic objectives and tackling its socioeconomic challenges". A government spokesman said foreign countries’ sanctions targeting Hong Kong are “flagrant violations of international law” and could hardly be in the interest of Hong Kong people and the SAR’s bilateral partners.

Source: The Standard July 23, 2020 05:37 UTC