Today’s decision to dismiss four opposition members of Hong Kong’s Legislative Council is part of a trend toward the erosion of pluralism and freedom of opinion which has been a source of deep concern for us, particularly since the introduction of the national security law.

The citizens of Hong Kong have a right to free and fair elections, as well as the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Basic Law. These rights and freedoms must be respected and the high level of autonomy to which Hong Kong is entitled must be preserved. China has entered into international obligations to that effect.

One essential step here is to hold the postponed elections to the Legislative Council as soon as possible in line with democratic principles.