Undemocratic
Forty-five activists—including former legislators—were convicted and sentenced by a Hong Kong court on charges of conspiracy to commit subversion. Each of the convicted defendants was sentenced to prison, with the longest sentence constituting 10 years. The charges in the case are described by Chinese officials as national security related, though the actions in question revolve around participation in an “unofficial” primary election in 2020 in support of opposition candidates.
International governments and observers were widely critical of the ruling and most defended the actions of the activists as typical political activity. The U.S. Consulate in Hong Kong called for “authorities to cease politically motivated prosecutions of Hong Kong citizens and to immediately release all political prisoners and individuals jailed for their peaceful advocacy for rights and freedoms.”
Analysis and eternal perspective: We as The Equipped have regularly reflected on the fact that the political freedoms enjoyed in the United States are not reflected in many parts of the world—a reality that has been true across the wide sweep of human history. This story is a stark reminder of that sober reality, as peaceful political activities have landed dozens of individuals behind bars.
Mankind was created to praise and glorify the living God (Is 43:21). We were also designed in God’s image (Gen. 1:26-27) and intended to live in possession of a freedom reflective of God’s character (Gal. 5:1). This design is frequently disregarded and assaulted by lesser ideals at the behest of governments of men. As Jesus followers—and specifically for those of us with a stated objective of being equipped to respond to events around us with the spirit of the living God—we should use the freedom we have to speak up for those who are being deprived of it (Gal. 5:13)
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Gal. 5:1).
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love” (Gal. 5:13).
The following article originally appeared in Thann’s “The Equipped” Weekly Newsletter. For more information on Thann’s weekly email, click here.