The Department of Justice has called on the public to respect the law when exercising their rights, and not over-step the boundary allowed under the law.
It issued the statement today in respect of the Court of Appeal case concerning Joshua Wong, Alex Chow and Nathan Law, noting they were convicted not because they exercised their civil liberties, but because their conduct during their protest contravened the law.
It said the judgment the Court of Appeal delivered today clarifies the legal principles and sentencing standards, and can provide guidance to similar future cases.
The department said it deals with all criminal cases in accordance with the Prosecution Code, the law and evidence, adding the state of judicial independence in Hong Kong cannot be doubted.
It rejected allegations the case was politically motived, reiterating that the Government respects freedom of speech, and the right to demonstration and assembly. However, people must also respect the law when exercising such rights, and should not over-step the boundary allowed under the law, it added.
