Chief Executive John Lee said the sentence delivered by the Court of First Instance on a conspiracy to commit subversion case shows the court confirmed that the offence of the defendants was extremely serious and they should be severely punished.

The court’s verdict given earlier this year, involving 45 convicted individuals, pointed out that the ultimate aim and purpose of the so-called “Project 35+” had been very clear and made known to the public, ie to undermine, destroy or overthrow the existing political system and structure of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region established under the Basic Law and the “one country, two systems” principle.

The offenders were sentenced to up to 10 years' imprisonment, as handed down by the court today.

Mr Lee said: “This case shows that anyone who intends to subvert state power and endanger national security will ultimately be punished in accordance with the law.

“Anti-China, destabilising forces harm and destabilise Hong Kong and subvert state power under the pretext of so-called democracy, freedom and human rights. The Hong Kong SAR Government will pursue their legal liabilities and severe punishment will be imposed in accordance with the law.”

At a media session this afternoon, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung also remarked that the level of sentencing reflects the severity of the offences.

Mr Tang said: “We will look into individual cases to see if there is any need for us to review the case.”

For those who were implicated or previously arrested and not charged, he added that: “For every case, if we have sufficient evidence, we will arrest and we will prosecute them.”

Furthermore, noting that the US and some Western countries, anti-China organisations, anti-China politicians and foreign media have recently made malicious attacks and smears on various cases, the Hong Kong SAR Government reiterated that like all cases, this subversion case was handled strictly on the basis of evidence and in accordance with the law; all defendants received a fair trial, free from any interference.

It also emphasised that safeguarding national security is an inherent responsibility of every citizen, whilst the Hong Kong SAR Government is resolutely determined to crack down on acts and activities that endanger national safety.