STATEMENT: 7 January 2021
The Liberal International (LI) Bureau strongly condemns the continuing violations of fundamental political and human rights of Hongkongers by the Chinese authorities. The arrest of an international lawyer amongst the 53 people detained in early morning raids on Wednesday, 6 January 2021, represents an escalation of Beijing’s suppression; demonstrating the dangers of dissent in the would-be new Hong Kong that China seeks to create.
The arrested former legislators and activists, who participated in the opposition’s primary elections last year, have been charged with plotting to overthrow the government. This is the latest example of Chinese authorities using the national security law to aggressively persecute and silence its critics. Arresting pro-democracy activists only days after signing the EU-China investment agreement demonstrates the cynicism of the authorities in Beijing.
LI stands by our previous statements in support for democracy and the people of Hong Kong. The Hong Kong administration must, without delay, drop these fabricated charges against legitimate political actors and immediately release them from detention. Further, the administration must cease committing further acts that intimidate, harass, and threaten the political opposition in Hong Kong. We call on the European Union to act in coordination with the incoming US administration to ensure that the Chinese crackdown on Hong Kong has consequences. We know that liberals across the globe will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Hongkongers until they have won their fight.
