Invitation to sign joint statement condemning Jan. 6th mass arrests in Hong Kong

CALL FOR ACTION IN RESPONSE TO THE MASS ARREST OF HONG KONG PRO-DEMOCRACY ACTIVISTS INVOLVED IN THE 2020 PRIMARY ELECTION

January 6, 2021

In the morning of January 6 Hong Kong time, over 50 pan-democratic legislators, primary election candidates and organizers were arrested for subverting state power under the national security law that was imposed on Hong Kong. We strongly condemn this massive assault on the freedoms and liberties of the people of Hong Kong. It is a stark contrast to Article 26 of the Hong Kong Basic Law that permanent residents of Hong Kong shall have the right to vote and the right to stand for election.

This mass arrest of pan-democratic legislators and election candidates further exemplifies the determination of the Chinese Communist Party and their subordinates in Hong Kong to assimilate Hong Kong into another Chinese city where any dissent is silenced. Canada was one of the international witnesses to the Sino-British Joint Declaration and the Basic Law which ensures the rights and freedoms of the Hong Kong people are protected after the handover.

As it becomes apparent that the Chinese and Hong Kong governments have no intention to keep their promises in respecting those documents, Canada should not tolerate such violations of human rights any longer.

We urge the Government of Canada to take strong coherent actions to show Canada’s commitment and determination to human rights, freedoms, and democracy.

Therefore, we call upon the Government of Canada to:

1. Apply Magnitsky sanctions to officials responsible for actions undermining Hongkongers’ rights and freedoms.
2. Condemn the mass arrest of pan-democrats involved in election primaries and urge the Hong Kong and Chinese governments to respect the rights and freedoms of Hongkongers.
3. Expedite the implementation of special measures to assist Hongkongers under or at risk of political persecution.
4. Work with our international allies to develop a strategic and sustainable approach towards China.

Hong Kong is on the frontline of the fight between authoritarianism and democracy. The Canadian government must recognize the threat the Chinese Communist Party poses to democratic values around the world and take actions swiftly and cooperatively.

Signatories:
Action Free Hong Kong Montreal
Canada-Hong Kong Link
Friends of Hong Kong - Edmonton
Human Rights Manifesto
Saskatchewan Stands with Hong Kong
McMaster Stands With Hong Kong
Mustard Seeds HK Concern Group
Ontario Hong Kong Youth Action (OHKYA)
Torontian Hongkongers Action Group
Vancouver Christians for Love Peace and Justice
Vancouver Society in Support of Democratic Movement (VSSDM)

Jenica Atwin, Member of Parliament
Kenny Chiu, Member of Parliament
Kerry Diotte, Member of Parliament
Hon. Linda Frum, Senator
Hon. Leo Housakos, Senator
Michael Kram, Member of Parliament
Jenny Kwan, Member of Parliament
Paul Manly, Member of Parliament
Lindsay Mathyssen, Member of Parliament
Elizabeth May, Member of Parliament
Phil McColeman, Member of Parliament
Hon. Jim Munson, Senator
Jeremy Patzer, Member of Parliament
Kyle Seeback, Member of Parliament
Warren Steinley, Member of Parliament
Cathay Wagantall, Member of Parliament
Bob Zimmer, Member of Parliament

Add your name to the list: https://www.facebook.com/THKAG/posts/481894936527684