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Writer's pictureCFHK Foundation

U.S. Consul General Says Treatment of Political Prisoners Must Improve

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Gregory May, the U.S. Consul General to Hong Kong, said that Hong Kong must improve the treatment of political prisoners before its relationship with the U.S. can change. “We do want a better relationship with Hong Kong, but that’s going to require some changes on the Hong Kong side, specifically the treatment of political prisoners,” May said, citing the cases of Jimmy Lai and the Hong Kong 47. The diplomat also emphasised that U.S. concern over Hong Kong’s implementation of national security legislation is “completely bipartisan”.


Gregory May, Credit: South China Morning Post


Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong (CFHK) Foundation's Policy and Advocacy Coordinator Frances Hui spoke at the University of Chicago's Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression on how the death of free speech in Hong Kong has implications for the U.S. In her remarks, Hui discussed how she became involved in social movements at a young age and detailed the targeted transnational repression she experienced in the U.S., which led to a federal criminal indictment against her mainland Chinese harasser. She emphasised that the sort of harassment and intimidation she experienced are part of the CCP's coordinated campaign to control free speech worldwide and it's crucial for American society to recognise the depth of the issue to defend free speech in the country.

 

Michael Davis, Victoria Hui, and Anna Kwok also spoke at the event, where they shared personal stories and provided analyses of Hong Kong's political environment and changes under the 2020 National Security Law. 


Frances Hui speaks at the University of Chicago’s Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression


Hong Kong


Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has nominated Hong Kong Free Press (HKFP) for a journalistic independence prize at their 2024 Press Freedom Awards on December 3 in Washington DC. “HKFP remains one of the rare media covering subjects considered taboo by Beijing,” RSF said.

 

The Law Society of Hong Kong has sent warning letters to lawyers who received money from the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund, a now-defunct organization which provided financial and legal assistance to individuals detained in connection with the 2019 protests. According to the HKFP, Law Society of Hong Kong President Roden Tong said that supporting pro-democracy protesters could compromise the lawyers’ integrity and the reputation of the profession, potentially breaching the Solicitors’ Practice Rules.

 

Hong Kong Security Chief Chris Tang announced plans to introduce confidential national security guidelines for all civil servants in early 2025, which will detail how public servants can safeguard national security in their daily duties. Tang said he aims “to change the mentality and mindset of our colleagues, to embed the concept of national security into civil servants' brains.”


UK - Hong Kong


On November 13, the CFHK Foundation and Blair McDougall MP will host a panel in the British Parliament on Jimmy Lai and the fight for media freedom. The panel will include discussion of Jimmy Lai’s trial and how the UK and other democracies can defend free speech and the media amidst a crackdown by authoritarian states around the world.



To RSVP, please visit the Event Page or email alyssa.fong@thecfhk.org. RSVP required to attend.


Jimmy Lai's Trial Update


Jimmy Lai's trial is expected to resume on November 20, 2024. Lai is expected to take the stand.


Lai has been imprisoned for over 1,400 days on national security law charges. His ongoing national security trial did not begin until he had been held for three years and has been characterised by its sluggish pace. Proceedings were expected to be completed this past spring; instead, the defence has not even started to present its evidence. The CFHK Foundation condemns this appalling delay, one which clearly illustrates the erosion of the rule of law in Hong Kong.


Detailed trial updates available here: Support Jimmy Lai


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