Fundamental rights must be protected in Hong Kong

Today, MEPs are voting on a resolution on the violation of fundamental rights in Hong Kong. MEPs are calling for the release of political prisoners, a free press, sanctions against Hong Kong's political leadership and a review of the city's status in the World Trade Organisation. Since the National Security Law came into force, more than 150 representatives of the democratic camp, activists, journalists have been detained, publishing houses closed and people intimidated. The final vote results will be announced later today with a large majority expected.

Reinhard Bütikofer MEP, Greens/EFA Chair of the European Parliament's China Delegation, comments:

"The crackdown on the democratic movement in Hong Kong cannot remain without a consistent response from EU member states. The National Security Law is an instrument for the eradication of Hong Kong's freedoms. Political prisoners must be released immediately and the repression of the media must stop. Suspension of Hong Kong's membership of the World Trade Organisation must not be a taboo. The European Parliament stands with the citizens of Hong Kong and their struggle for democracy and freedom. Now, EU Foreign Affairs High Representative Josep Borrell, the Commission and the Member States must also act. The measures adopted in July 2020 have not yet been implemented."

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Resolution on violations of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong.