Residents hold banners and protest against American politicians' threats of sanctioning Hong Kong officials, judges, and prosecutors involved in safeguarding national security, outside the Consulate General of the United States of America in Hong Kong on Nov 6, 2023. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

As of Monday morning, over 278,268 Hong Kong netizens signed a joint online petition to oppose American politicians' threats of sanctioning Hong Kong officials, judges, and prosecutors involved in safeguarding national security.

Recently, some US lawmakers proposed a so-called “bill”, which requires the US government to review listing 49 Hong Kong judges, prosecutors and government officials on a sanction list, for their roles in legal cases involving national security.

The online petition was launched on Sunday. A local group which organized the campaign underlined that judges embody the principles of fairness and justice, and any attempts to sanction them are unjust and unacceptable.

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Members of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong protest against US politicians' threats of sanctioning Hong Kong officials, judges, and prosecutors involved in safeguarding national security, outside the United States Consulate General in Hong Kong on Nov 6, 2023. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

They condemned the despicable bullying behavior of the US politicians, strongly opposing any foreign interference that hampers the integrity of Hong Kong's judicial system.

Noting that the US’ national security laws are among the most stringent globally, the group also slammed the American politicians’ double standards.

They expressed unwavering support for judges, prosecutors, and officials to steadfastly uphold national security, while also supporting both the central government and the Hong Kong SAR government in launching counter-measures.

Convener of the Executive Council and  legislator Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee (left) and former secretary for security and legislator Lai Tung-kwok (right) address the media during a protest against American politicians' threats of sanctioning Hong Kong officials, judges, and prosecutors involved in safeguarding national security, outside the United States Consulate General in Hong Kong on Nov 6, 2023. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

The convenor of the group believes that their sentiments resonate with many Hong Kong residents. He added that the online platform was created to provide a convenient means for the public to voice their opinions, and also allow the US authorities to witness the authentic public sentiment from Hong Kong.

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Calling for wide participation in the petition, he emphasized that there is no predefined target for the number of signatures, adding that they will also consider offering versions in other languages in addition to Chinese and English.