The news of the arrest of more than 50 people in Hong Kong ─ including politicians who were democratically elected in last year’s District Council elections – confirms the fears which we have expressed since the national security law entered into force in July: the law is being used to suppress the opposition, silence critical voices and curtail the liberties of Hong Kong citizens.

China is thereby moving further away from the commitments it made to the people of Hong Kong and the international community. We call on the Chinese Government to live up to its international obligations with respect to Hong Kong and to uphold the rights of the individuals affected and the rule of law commitments that are enshrined in its Basic Law.