45 pro-democracy activists including vocal trade unionists Carol Ng, Winnie Yu and labour advocate Leung Kwok-hung were convicted of “conspiracy to subvert state power” for their involvement in the 2020 primary elections and were sentenced to prison terms ranging from four years and two months to ten years. This sentencing represents a blatant act of political suppression, underscoring how authorities continue to weaponise the National Security Law to target civil society, with no indication of easing their repressive measures.
With most trade unions, civil society groups, and oppositional political parties unable to operate and the voices of Hong Kong’s people silenced under relentless political persecution. Even attending court to show support has led to individuals being subjected to police body searches and close surveillance. Outside the courts, actions like displaying banners or chanting slogans can result in criminal penalties.
We must not remain silent. We are responsible for speaking out for the people of Hong Kong, ensuring that the 45 pro-democracy figures sentenced in the primary election case, along with others oppressed for fighting for Hong Kong’s democracy, know they are not forgotten.
Hong Kong Labour Rights Monitor and Workers Against the CCP are collaborating with UK trade unionists and activists of civic organisations, including those from UNISON, PCS （ Public and Commercial Services Union ）, the British Medical Association, Borderless Movement, and Democracy for Hong Kong (D4HK). We will organise a “Free the Hong Kong 45” protest rally on Saturday, November 30.
Date: 30 November 2024(Saturday)Time: 3pm Venue: Embassy of China, 49 Portland Place, London W1B 1JL• Free Carol Ng, Winnie Yu, Leung Kwok-hung and all the HK47 – quash their convictions!• Free Lee Cheuk-yan, Chow Hang-tung and all Hongkongers repressed for pro-worker and pro-democracy activity!• Free political prisoners in mainland China including feminist Sophia Huang Xueqin, workers’ rights activist Wang Jianbing, civil rights activist Xu Zhiyong, and Uyghur intellectuals Rahile Dawut, Ilham Tohti and Perhat Tursun!• Freedom to organise independent trade unions and political oppositon in Hong Kong & China!
Supported by:
Borderless Movement 無國界社運
China Deviants
Democracy for Hong Kong – D4HK
HKersUnited
Workers’ Liberty
Emma Runswick, Deputy Chair (pc), British Medical Association
Ben Selby, Assistant General Secretary, Fire Brigades Union
Matthew Hull, Green Party National Executive Committee Trade Union Liaison Office
John Moloney, Assistant General Secretary, Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS)
Rhian Keyse, National Executive, University and College Union
Vicky Blake, National Executive, University and College Union
Elaine Jones, National Executive, UNISON
Ed Whitby, National Executive, UNISON
John McDonnell, MP
Nadia Whittome, MP