The erosion of democracy continues in Hong Kong.

The conviction this week of 45 former politicians and activists is only the latest proof that statements by the Chinese government that it would preserve the Special Administrative Region’s independence under the “one-country, two systems” model were empty promises.

Human rights are being dismantled in Hong Kong. The National Security Law, passed in 2020, has proven its worth to the Chinese government as it decapitates and dismembers the SAR’s democracy movement. The world must not stand idly by as this tragedy unfolds.