Wong Expresses Concern With Impending Sentencing of Australian Citizen by Hong Kong Court

The Australian minister has issued a statement in response to the developments in the Beijing-controlled Hong Kong.

Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong speaks during a joint press conference following an Australia and South Korea Foreign and Defence Ministers meeting on May 1, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. Asanka Brendon Ratnayake-Pool/Getty Images

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has expressed grave concern as Australian citizen Gordon Ng faces sentencing from a Hong Kong court.

“This is a deeply difficult time for Mr Ng, his family, and supporters. Our thoughts are with them following the sentencing,” Wong said in a statement on Nov. 19.

The government has continued to advocate at senior levels for Ng’s welfare and sought consular access.

Ng and other members of the group, NSL47, were arrested in January 2021 for organising and participating in an election primary.

He was later convicted under the controversial National Security Law (NSL) on May 30, 2024.

“Australia has expressed our strong objections to the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities on the continuing broad application of national security legislation, including in application to Australian citizens,” Senator Wong said.

Wong also called on Beijing to end the suppression of freedoms and urged compliance with recommendations from the U.N. Human Rights Committee and Special Procedures.

Global and Local Reaction

According to Reuters, the U.S. has described the trial and its guilty verdicts as “politically motivated” while demanding the release of the defendants.

Hong Kong authorities maintain that the legal process has been impartial, condemning criticism from Western democracies as baseless and “malicious smearing.”

In October, human rights advocacy groups urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to use his visit to China to advocate for Ng’s release.

Ng, who moved to Australia as a child before returning to Hong Kong 15 years ago, faces a maximum life sentence under the Security Law.

He is expected to appear in court before the end of the year.

Australia Hong Kong Link, a community organisation, condemned the sentencing in a social media statement.

“Participating in a lawful democratic primary and bravely representing public opinion does not make these Hongkongers criminals,” it said, accusing the judges and communist regime of committing human rights violations.

“The true criminals are those persecuting them. They have sealed their own fate by committing grave violations that will lead to international condemnation and the judgement of history,” the statement added.

It also urged the Australian government to actively negotiate with Chinese and Hong Kong authorities to secure Gordon Ng’s release.

“So he can reunite with his family and return to Australia.”