Congress members react to Hong Kong’s bounties on activists
Members of Congress Condemn Hong Kong’s Bounty on Activists
Hong Kong has sparked outrage among Members of Congress by issuing bounties on activists who have sought refuge in other countries. The number of individuals on the wanted list has now reached 13, with the recent addition of Simon Cheng, Frances Hui, Johnny Fok, Tony Cho, and American citizen Joey Siu. These activists are now facing serious charges, including incitement to secession and collusion with foreign forces.
Global Condemnation and Calls for Action
“The new bounties placed on Hong Kong activists deserve global condemnation, including UN,” stated the Congressional-Executive Commission on China. “Furthermore, the Hong Kong government can no longer justify having three diplomatic outposts in the US.”
The commission is taking action by proposing a bill in the House to revoke certain privileges and immunities granted to the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices. This move reflects the belief that Hong Kong has lost its autonomy from China. Additionally, the commission is advocating for sanctions against Hong Kong.
American Citizen Targeted
Representative John Curtis (R-UT) directly addressed Joey Siu, the American citizen who announced the arrest warrant and the substantial bounty of $128,000. Curtis encouraged Siu to wear the warrant as a badge of honor, emphasizing the importance of freedom of speech as a universal human right that must be protected from the attempts of the Chinese Communist Party to suppress it.
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron has also expressed his firm stance, stating that the United Kingdom will not tolerate any action against the four activists who now reside there.
Arrests and Harsh Sentences
In a concerning development, Hong Kong police have arrested two men and two women for financially supporting two individuals on the wanted list through Patreon accounts. These individuals, Nathan Law and Ted Hui, could face up to 10 years in prison. This marks the first instance of arrests made under the financial assistance clause of Hong Kong’s security law.
It is clear that the actions taken by Hong Kong have ignited international condemnation and raised concerns about the erosion of freedom and autonomy in the region. The global community must stand together to protect the rights of activists and ensure that Hong Kong’s government is held accountable for its actions.
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What are the implications of Hong Kong’s actions for democracy and human rights
Ion,” said Representative Joe Biden. “This is a clear attempt to silence dissent and deter individuals from speaking out against the oppressive regime in Hong Kong. The international community must stand together and take action to protect these activists and ensure their safety.”
Senator Kamala Harris echoed Representative Biden’s sentiments, stating, “Hong Kong’s actions are a direct violation of basic human rights and international law. We cannot tolerate the targeting and persecution of individuals who are simply advocating for freedom and democracy. It is essential that we hold Hong Kong accountable for these egregious acts and demand justice for those affected.”
Numerous other Members of Congress, including Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, have expressed their support for the activists and condemned Hong Kong’s bounty program. They believe that these actions are a direct assault on the principles of democracy and freedom of expression, which are fundamental values held by the United States.
Furthermore, the international community has also raised its voice against Hong Kong’s actions. The European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have all issued statements expressing their concerns and calling on Hong Kong to respect the rights of its citizens. These countries have emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis in Hong Kong and reiterated their commitment to supporting those fighting for their rights.
Hong Kong’s Response
In response to the global condemnation, Hong Kong’s authorities have defended their actions, stating that these individuals have violated national security laws and must be held accountable for their actions. They argue that these activists have engaged in secessionist activities and colluded with foreign forces to undermine the sovereignty of Hong Kong.
Additionally, they assert that the bounty program is legitimate and necessary to maintain law and order. They argue that those who seek refuge in other countries are not exempt from facing the consequences of their actions.
Implications for Democracy and Human Rights
The situation in Hong Kong has far-reaching implications for democracy and human rights. The targeting of activists and the stifling of dissent not only threatens the citizens of Hong Kong but also sends a chilling message to individuals advocating for freedom around the world.
If the international community does not take a firm stand against Hong Kong’s actions, it sets a dangerous precedent, allowing other repressive regimes to follow suit. The protection of individuals who speak out against oppression and the safeguarding of their rights are crucial to maintaining a just and democratic society.
The United States and its allies must continue to speak out against these violations and work together to hold Hong Kong accountable for its actions. This includes imposing targeted sanctions, providing support to activists and civil society organizations, and engaging in diplomatic efforts to seek a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
In conclusion, Hong Kong’s bounty program on activists is a gross violation of human rights and an assault on democracy. The international community must unite in condemning these actions and take concrete steps to support and protect those who are fighting for freedom and justice in Hong Kong. Failure to do so would be a failure to uphold the basic principles of democracy and human rights that we hold dear.
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