Lawmakers, rights groups urge S.F. Police to probe attacks on Anti-China protesters at APEC Summit
OAN’s Taylor Tinsley
2:05 PM – Thursday, November 30, 2023
Human rights groups and Congressional lawmakers are calling for San Francisco police to investigate assaults on anti-China protesters during the recent APEC Summit.
On Wednesday, Kaiyu Zhang told reporters that he and a 74-year-old man were assaulted by a group of pro-CCP protesters outside of the San Francisco International Airport on November 17th.
“I remember someone just grabbed me from behind and then I remember I kind of lying down and all the people hitting me,” said Zhang.
The incident occurred as anti-China and pro-Beijing demonstrators clashed during President Xi Jinping’s visit to the Golden City for the APEC Summit.
“How could this happen in America? This thing’s supposed to only happen in China. Now we see it happening in America,” Zhang said. “It’s ridiculous. And if America ends up like a second China, then which country can I go to escape?”
On Tuesday, Representative Chris Smith (R-N.J.) and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), who are the chair and co-chair of the Congressional Executive Commission, expressed their outrage from videos showing harassment and assault against human rights activists.
“We, the Chairs of the CECC, strongly condemn the reported violence perpetrated against individuals exercising their rights of freedom of expression and assembly in the United States. We urge San Francisco County police to review these reports and pursue justice as appropriate.”
San Francisco police continue to investigate reports of violence during the demonstration, but it’s unclear whether they’ll specifically look into allegations of assault on anti-China protesters.
One human rights organization accused counter-protesters of being alleged ties to the Chinese consulate, raising concerns of official Chinese support for such attacks.
The Justice Department has charged several individuals for working with the People’s Republic of China.
In October of 2023, two people were arrested and 13 others, including members of the PRC security and intelligence apparatus, were charged in separate cases for alleged efforts to exert influence on the U.S. for the benefit of the PRC government.
The defendants were charged “with participating in a scheme to cause the forced repatriation of a PRC national residing in the United States” and are accused of “conducting surveillance of and engaging in a campaign to harass and coerce a U.S. resident to return to the PRC as part of an international extralegal repatriation effort.”
Additionally, two U.S. Navy service members were arrested for transmitting military information to China in August of last year.
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What actions has the San Francisco police department taken in response to the assaults on anti-China protesters during the APEC Summit?
Rancisco police have confirmed that they are investigating the assaults and have requested any witnesses or individuals with video footage to come forward. The police department has also stated that they take these allegations seriously and will not tolerate any acts of violence or intimidation.
The APEC Summit, attended by leaders from Asia-Pacific economies, was meant to be a platform for discussing economic cooperation and addressing regional challenges. However, it quickly turned into a battleground for opposing groups with differing views on China and its Communist Party.
The assault on anti-China protesters highlights the growing tensions and divisions regarding China’s human rights record and its influence on the international stage. The incident raises questions about the ability to exercise freedom of expression and assembly in the United States, a cornerstone of American democracy.
Human rights groups and lawmakers are rightly demanding a thorough investigation into these assaults, as well as a review of the security measures in place during the summit. It is crucial that those responsible for the attacks are held accountable and that measures are taken to ensure the safety and well-being of protesters, regardless of their political views.
Representative Chris Smith and Senator Jeff Merkley, in their roles as the chair and co-chair of the Congressional Executive Commission on China, have condemned the violence and called on the San Francisco County police to review the reports and pursue justice. Their statement highlights the importance of protecting the rights of individuals to express their opinions freely without fear of reprisal.
The incident not only raises concerns about the safety of protesters but also about the broader implications for the democratic values and principles that the United States upholds. If individuals are prevented from expressing their views and protesting peacefully, it undermines the foundation of democracy and freedom upon which the country was built.
The investigation into the assaults on anti-China protesters at the APEC Summit is a critical step towards upholding these values and ensuring that all individuals can exercise their rights without fear of violence or intimidation. It is a reminder that even in a democratic society, constant vigilance and protection of these rights are necessary.
As the investigation progresses, it is essential that the findings are made public and that necessary actions are taken to prevent such incidents from happening in the future. Ultimately, the aim should be to create an environment where peaceful dialogue and the exchange of ideas can take place, fostering understanding and progress.
In conclusion, the assaults on anti-China protesters during the APEC Summit in San Francisco have raised concerns about the safety of individuals exercising their rights to freedom of expression and assembly. Human rights groups and lawmakers are calling for a thorough investigation into the incidents and for measures to be put in place to prevent such violence in the future. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting democratic values and principles, and the need for constant vigilance in upholding these rights.
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