In 2020, Beijing altered its approach, bypassing public opinion in Hong Kong and directly
implementing the Hong Kong National Security Law through the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. Since this law took effect, more than 252 individuals have been arrested under national security offenses, with 155 charged and 79 convicted or awaiting sentencing. These include political leaders, former Legislative Council members, academics, students, social activists, lawyers, and journalists, accused of offences including participation in unauthorized assemblies and conspiracy to subvert state power. With over 100 cases concluded, the conviction rate stands at 100 percent.
The Hong Kong government is once again forcibly advancing the legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law, this time with even more stringent provisions and heavy-handed measures, posing a long-term and grave threat to the human rights and freedoms in Hong Kong, and challenging the values of rule of law and democracy in an unprecedented manner. However, with the freedom of speech now stripped, the people of Hong Kong are left without the means to protest or resist.
We hereby urgently call on the Hong Kong government to immediately withdraw the legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law. The international community must stand up, express its opposition to this legislation, and demand that the Hong Kong government release all political prisoners and safeguard the freedom of speech and rule of law in Hong Kong .
March 20,2024
If you firmly believe in the value of freedom and strongly resonate with the resistance against the legislation of Article 23 under the Basic Law, we sincerely invite you to join us in signing this petition to collectively raise our voices. We hereby extend an invitation to various community organizations and individuals to sign together. Please fill in the information below. Thank you!