Members of Parliament, Activists Condemn Widespread Incarceration of Hong Kong Protesters

November 20, 2024 TruthUSA

Support for the resistance against the Chinese Communist Party’s crackdown in Hong Kong has received bipartisan backing in the United States.

WASHINGTON—U.S. Reps. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) and Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) teamed up with a group of pro-democracy activists from Hong Kong to condemn the sentencing of 45 political prisoners, handed down under Hong Kong’s stringent Article 23 enforced by China’s national security law.

“We are appalled by the actions of Xi Jinping and his associates against the brave people of Hong Kong, who are enduring under their dictatorship,” Smith expressed during a press conference on Nov. 19 outside the Capitol building.

The sentences, issued on Nov. 19, were the result of arrests made in 2020 following the holding of democratic primary elections in Hong Kong in defiance of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Benny Tai, a legal scholar labeled an “organizer” by advocates, received the longest sentence of 10 years for “conspiring to commit subversion.”

Out of the 47 individuals initially arrested, two were acquitted, 14 pleaded not guilty but were convicted, and another 31 entered guilty pleas.

The politicians were accompanied by pro-democracy activists—some of whom are exiled from Hong Kong—including Frances Hui of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation, Anna Kwok and Carmen Lau of the Hong Kong Democracy Council, and Sunny Cheung, a candidate in the 2020 Hong Kong primary elections.

Cheung highlighted that the bravery of the prisoners and others persecuted by the CCP affirms that “the spirit of freedom cannot be extinguished.”

“Optimism is not a requirement; it is essential. Without it, we are already defeated. Without it, we cannot succeed,” Cheung emphasized.

Hui concluded the gathering by naming—and showcasing images—of the Hong Kong judges and prosecutors involved in the case.

Sunny Cheung, a nominee of the 2020 pro-democracy camp primary, speaks during a press conference at House Triangle on Capitol Hill in Washington on Nov. 19, 2024. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times) — Sunny Cheung, a nominee of the 2020 pro-democracy camp primary, speaks during a press conference at House Triangle on Capitol Hill in Washington on Nov. 19, 2024. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

During his speech, Smith urged the passing of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Certification Act, which would revoke certification from Hong Kong-based entities promoting CCP propaganda in the U.S.

Smith, who chairs the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, introduced the bill in the House, where it was approved 413–3 in September. However, it has yet to go for a vote in the Senate.

“There’s no time to waste. Just do it. I’m tired of excuses: ‘Oh, it can’t be done. We don’t have the capability or the bandwidth to achieve it.’ The Senate should act on this immediately. I’m tired of the delays,” Smith stated.

Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) speaks during a press conference about Hong Kong at House Triangle on Capitol Hill in Washington on Nov. 19, 2024. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times) — Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) speaks during a press conference about Hong Kong at House Triangle on Capitol Hill in Washington on Nov. 19, 2024. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

Pelosi also emphasized that failing to condemn the actions of the Hong Kong government due to economic interests would strip the U.S. of its moral authority to address human rights violations globally.

In response to the sentences, the U.S. State Department stated on Nov. 19 that it would impose sanctions on certain Hong Kong officials.

“We urge Hong Kong authorities to release these 45 individuals and other political prisoners immediately and unconditionally,” spokesperson Matt Miller articulated in a statement.

“These severe sentences undermine trust in Hong Kong’s judicial system and tarnish the city’s global reputation.”

Aldgra Fredly contributed to this report.

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