A huge appreciation to over 200 Hong Kongers and trade union members who participated in our rally protest last Saturday (30 November) in support of the HK45 pro-democracy activists. Braving the cold wind outside the Chinese Embassy, we held our handcrafted protest signs, and chanted slogans “Free Hong Kong45,” and “Free All Political Prisoners,” loudly and passionately. We are confident that our voice will not only draw international attention to the CCP’s suppression of democracy and freedom in Hong Kong but also resonate with our comrades imprisoned for their fight for democracy in Hong Kong.
Christopher Mung, our Executive Director of Hong Kong Labour Rights Monitor spoke in the rally, ‘Despite these tough situations, our comrades in prison have not given up. As long as we still have the freedom to speak out overseas, we have no reason to give up. We can be frustrated and disappointed, but we should never lose hope. When the people on the ground are silenced by political suppression and cannot voice out freely, raising our voices for them is even more important. Today, our voice will go beyond the boundaries, reaching those incarcerated in Hong Kong, and reminding them that they never walk alone.”
He recalled the international support from the United Nations and other countries following the sentencing in the case. He emphasised that at least 14 trade unions from countries such as France, Australia, Canada, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Spain, and Myanmar issued solidarity statements condemning the sentences. Notable among these were international unions like the International Trade Union Confederation, BWI Global Union, and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). Some unions even took further action by writing to their local foreign ministers and consuls, urging the release of the 45 imprisoned pro-democracy individuals.
Last Saturday’s rally also garnered strong backing from British trade unions, including the British Airlines and Stewards and Stewardesses Association (BASSA), Fire Brigades Union (FBU), Public Solidarity and Commercial Service Union (PCS), UK Performing Arts & Entertainment, and UNISON.
In his speech, PCS Assistant General Secretary, John Moloney pointed out: “This protest is not only about supporting Hong Kong’s pro-democracy activists but also about defending fundamental human rights globally. Through social media, our voices will reach Hong Kong and even mainland China, bringing encouragement and hope to those imprisoned pro-democracy activists.”
A UK Performing Arts & Entertainment Trade Union representative also condemned the sentencing in the primary election case. He highlighted that pro-democracy activists such as Winnie Yu, former Hospital Authority Employees Alliance chair and Carol Ng, former Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions chair were merely upholding their principles and conscience by participating in the primary election to fight for democracy. He called on everyone to speak out for the trade unionists and pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong and China who face persecution for their efforts.
In addition to the rally in front of the London Embassy, we also participated a solidarity rally organized by Hong Kongers in Cardiff last Sunday (December 1).