Over 10 Taiwanese civil rights groups gathered outside the legislature on Monday to demand the release of 47 pro-democracy leaders from Hong Kong. These individuals were jailed under China’s national security law for their participation in the 2020 Legislative Council primaries.
The groups criticized the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for suppressing democracy and called for the immediate withdrawal of the controversial law, which they view as a tool to stifle political dissent in Hong Kong.
Demands for Justice and Reform
The activists made three key demands:
- Immediate release of all jailed Hong Kong pro-democracy leaders.
- Dropping of all politically motivated charges.
- Restoration of democracy in Hong Kong through universal suffrage.
Lo Chun-xuan, Director of the Peng Foundation for Culture and Education, described the crackdown as a “death knell” for Hong Kong’s democracy, emphasizing the CCP’s disregard for human rights.
Taiwan Urged to Learn from Hong Kong
Sang Pu, Director-General of the Taiwan Hong Kong Association, warned that Taiwan must resist CCP overtures and safeguard its freedoms. “Hong Kong’s fate should serve as a lesson for Taiwan,” he stressed, urging vigilance against China’s attempts at annexation.
Call for Global Solidarity
Yang Huang Maysing, Chairwoman of the Asia-Pacific Liberal Women Association, urged the international community to impose economic sanctions on China in response to the crackdown. She encouraged Hong Kong citizens to continue their fight for freedom, reassuring them of global support.
Sky Fung, Secretary-General of Hongkongers Outlanders, highlighted that the people of Hong Kong do not align with China’s government, urging sustained international attention on their struggle for democracy.
Erosion of Hong Kong’s Autonomy
Hong Kong was promised autonomy under the “one country, two systems” framework after its 1997 handover from Britain to China. However, under President Xi Jinping, the CCP has tightened its grip, eroding freedoms of speech, press, and assembly.
The activists emphasized that the world must act to preserve the remaining freedoms in Hong Kong and support its people in their fight for democracy.
Conclusion
The rally in Taiwan underscores growing concerns over Hong Kong’s autonomy and serves as a call to action for the international community to stand against China’s suppression of democratic values.
