STATEMENT: The Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong reacts to the beginning of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics
Friday 4th February – Today, the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic opening ceremony will take place.
In 2008, Beijing agreed to stop reporting restrictions and unblocked its censored internet for journalists for the duration of the Games. This year there were no such promises, journalists and athletes have already been warned that there will be repercussions for those who speak out against the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and their actions.
In 2020, the CCP has introduced the National Security Law in Hong Kong which ensures that anyone who speaks out against the government is punished accordingly. Thousands have been arrested for protesting for democracy and seeking the freedoms they once held. Since the 2008 Beijing Olympics, China have been found to be committing genocide against its own people in the Xinjiang region and has threatened Taiwan and coerces many other nations through trade.
Inside China, the Games are already being hailed as a triumph for Beijing and its ability to rally against western criticism. Internationally, these Games may be remembered very differently.
President of the CFHK, Mark L. Clifford, said:
“Around the world, millions will be tuning in to watch exhilarating winter sport with athletes putting on a performance of a lifetime, across the next two weeks. However, we cannot be allowed to forget the atrocities which will be continuing under the radar whilst the world’s attention is focused on the Games.
"China is carrying out genocide in Xinjiang, committing abhorrent crimes against humanity against women and children and silencing anyone who speaks up against it. In Hong Kong, we have seen a crackdown on freedoms, including media freedoms and freedom of speech, and in Taiwan they have seen increased Chinese pressure designed to force the island to surrender to Chinese rule.
"As the Winter Olympics takes place, we will be reminding everyone of China’s persistent crackdowns both at home and elsewhere. The international community must take substantial action to hold the General Secretary Xi’s government accountable for its abuses.”
ENDS
About CFHK
The Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong presses for political and economic consequences for China’s failure to keep its promises to respect Hong Kong’s freedoms; supports the rule of law, freedom of expression, and the release of political prisoners; and urges the business community to stand against China’s assault on freedom and the danger it poses to Hong Kong’s status as an international financial center. Hong Kong’s fate is linked to the preservation of freedom, democracy, and international law in the region and around the world.
For more information, please contact:
E: media@thecfhk.org
www.thecfhk.org
@thecfhk
In 2008, Beijing agreed to stop reporting restrictions and unblocked its censored internet for journalists for the duration of the Games. This year there were no such promises, journalists and athletes have already been warned that there will be repercussions for those who speak out against the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and their actions.
In 2020, the CCP has introduced the National Security Law in Hong Kong which ensures that anyone who speaks out against the government is punished accordingly. Thousands have been arrested for protesting for democracy and seeking the freedoms they once held. Since the 2008 Beijing Olympics, China have been found to be committing genocide against its own people in the Xinjiang region and has threatened Taiwan and coerces many other nations through trade.
Inside China, the Games are already being hailed as a triumph for Beijing and its ability to rally against western criticism. Internationally, these Games may be remembered very differently.
President of the CFHK, Mark L. Clifford, said:
“Around the world, millions will be tuning in to watch exhilarating winter sport with athletes putting on a performance of a lifetime, across the next two weeks. However, we cannot be allowed to forget the atrocities which will be continuing under the radar whilst the world’s attention is focused on the Games.
"China is carrying out genocide in Xinjiang, committing abhorrent crimes against humanity against women and children and silencing anyone who speaks up against it. In Hong Kong, we have seen a crackdown on freedoms, including media freedoms and freedom of speech, and in Taiwan they have seen increased Chinese pressure designed to force the island to surrender to Chinese rule.
"As the Winter Olympics takes place, we will be reminding everyone of China’s persistent crackdowns both at home and elsewhere. The international community must take substantial action to hold the General Secretary Xi’s government accountable for its abuses.”
ENDS
About CFHK
The Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong presses for political and economic consequences for China’s failure to keep its promises to respect Hong Kong’s freedoms; supports the rule of law, freedom of expression, and the release of political prisoners; and urges the business community to stand against China’s assault on freedom and the danger it poses to Hong Kong’s status as an international financial center. Hong Kong’s fate is linked to the preservation of freedom, democracy, and international law in the region and around the world.
For more information, please contact:
E: media@thecfhk.org
www.thecfhk.org
@thecfhk