Hong Kong: 'Father of Democracy', 82, arrested
The shocking arrests took place in Hong Kong on Saturday, of 82 year-old Catholic, Martin Lee, described as the 'Father of Hong Kong's Democracy', together with leading human rights lawyer, Margaret Ng and 12 others, accused of "organising and participating in unlawful assemblies" on 18 August and 1 October 2019.
The Catholic diocesan Justice and Peace Commission of Hong Kong has described the arrests as "obviously political persecution," and called for a stop to every arrest until an independent commission is set up to vet the work of the police, based on the five demands expressed for months by the anti-extradition bill movement.
Pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo, said the arrests are the start of a "reign of terror." According to Mo, the government is terrified that the opposition might win a majority in the next legislative elections in September.
Lord Alton commented: "Martin Lee is a deeply committed Catholic and last year spoke at the annual conference of the International Catholic Legislators' Network. Legislators from around the world are protesting to the Chinese Government about the arrest of this 82 year old lawyer - often called "the father of Hong Kong democracy " and one of the authors of the "two systems one country" agreement made between China and Britain. He is a truly great man whose arrest is an attempt to further frighten and intimidate Hong Kong's pro democracy movement.
"I know Margaret Ng, Martin Lee, and some of the others who have been arrested and have, this morning contacted UK Government Ministers urging them to urgently remonstrate with the Chinese Government.
These arrests are a classic example of CCP opportunism - using the opportunity of the distraction of the Covid 19 pandemic as a moment to strike.
But, not for the first time, they have miscalculated.
The CCP mask slipped when they arrested doctors trying to warn the world of the dangers of Coronavirus.
That was a wake up call to the world about the true nature of the CCP
Today's shocking arrest of respected democrats will only serve to re-enforce the growing global understanding of the Beijing regime and its ideology- and that they will never live with "two systems in one country."
Since June 2019, protests have been held every weekend in Hong Kong calling for a proposed extradition bill to be scrapped. Eventually the rallies began to demand full democracy for the territory and guarantees for Hong Kong's way of life, on the basis of the principle of "one country, two systems."
Police had authorised a rally on August 18 in Victoria Park, but the presence of 1.7 million people spilled over into nearby streets and squares. For the police, this was illegal. The demonstration on 1 October had not been allowed and for this reason has been deemed a riot.
A Foreign & Commonwealth Office spokesperson said: " We are concerned about the arrests of a number of political figures in Hong Kong, and are following these cases closely. We expect any arrests and judicial processes to be conducted in a fair and transparent manner. The right to peaceful protest is fundamental to Hong Kong's way of life and as such is protected in both the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law. It is essential that any protests are conducted peacefully, and that the authorities avoid actions that inflame tensions."
Commenting on the arrests, the co-chairs of the APPG on Hong Kong, Baroness Nathalie Bennett and Alistair Carmichael MP, said yesterday: "Taken together, this declaration from the office of the Bejing representative in Hong Kong that it does not have to comply with the Basic Law, and the arrest of fourteen prominent, peaceful democratic campaigners, are an iron fist being deployed by the Chinese Communist Party to attack the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong.
"If China is hoping that the world's attention is diverted by the COVID-19 virus and that the international community will not react with outrage at this assault on the provisions of a binding international treaty, it is sorely mistaken. The Foreign Secretary must act immediately, and we must have an urgent statement to both Houses of Parliament."
The APPG on Hong Kong was inaugurated on 5th November 2019. Its aim is to promote democracy and the rule of law, defend human rights in Hong Kong, share information about Hong Kong and to nurture relations between the United Kingdom and the people of Hong Kong.
LINKS
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Print
Email
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
LinkedIn
Pinterest