In this issue: One Year Since Article 23: Hong Kong’s Deepening Repression | International Solidarity | Event | HK Labour Rights Newsflash
One Year Since Article 23: Hong Kong’s Deepening Repression
On March 19, 2024, the Hong Kong government passed Article 23, expanding its authoritarian grip under the pretext of national security. The law has led to the prolonged imprisonment of political prisoners, suppression of free speech, and escalated transnational repression.
The government amended prison regulations to deny national security prisoners the right to sentence reduction for good behaviour upon completion of two-thirds of their sentences. At least 16 imprisoned democrats, including Claudia Mo, Jeremy Tam and Carol Ng, were denied early release, showing how Article 23 is being weaponised to extend the imprisonment of deviants and deprive them of fundamental rights.
Authorities also weaponised “sedition” charges against Tiananmen commemorations, arresting eight activists, including Chow Hang-tung. Individuals were charged with sedition under the new law for acts as minor as putting graffiti on a bus and wearing T-shirts with political slogans. Courts also ruled that intent to incite violence need not be proven in pro-democracy activist Tam Tak-chi’s case of final appeal, broadening speech criminalisation.
The crackdown extended overseas, with authorities revoking exiled activists’ passports, prohibiting financial support, and freezing their families’ assets.
We urge the UK and international community to take diplomatic action and implement policies against transnational repression to safeguard Hongkongers’ rights.
INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY
ITF Speaks Out for Carol Ng, Urges Action for Jailed Unionists
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) issued a statement on the World Day of Social Justice, strongly condemning the Hong Kong government’s crackdown on the independent labour movement and expressing solidarity with former Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions chair Carol Ng, who was sentenced to four years and five months in prison for participating in the 2020 pro-democracy primaries.
ITF Secretary General Stephen Cotton stated, “The global trade union movement stands in solidarity every day with those who are persecuted by authoritarian governments for their union activities…This is why we always say—‘an injury to one is an injury to all.”
The ITF demanded the immediate release of all imprisoned trade unionists, including Carol Ng, and urged governments and international organisations to take concrete action to end the Hong Kong government’s suppression of independent trade unions.
EVENT
Women’s Day Action | Stand in Solidarity with Winnie Yu, Carol Ng, Chow Hang Tung, and All Female Political Prisoners
Women’s Day commemorates women’s historic struggles for equality and universal suffrage. On March 8, we joined forces with multiple UK-based groups, including Workers Against the CCP, Taiwan Democracy, Democracy for Hong Kong – D4HK, and Women’s Fightback, to protest outside the Chinese Embassy in London. We demand the CCP release all imprisoned female political activists, including Chow Hang-tung, Winnie Yu, Gwyneth Ho, Carol Ng, Prince Wong, and many others.
Remember their names and their courage. The fight is not over—we will continue to speak out!
Protest Against the China’s London “Mega Embassy”
Following the large-scale protest in February, we gathered once again outside the Royal Mint in mid-March, with over 5,000 people chanting: No to the CCP! No to dictatorship! No to transnational repression! Among us were Tibetans, Uyghurs, Taiwanese, and others persecuted by the Chinese regime. The plan for this “Mega Embassy” is an attempt by the CCP to extend its reach into the UK, threatening exiled communities. We strongly oppose this super surveillance base, and the UK government must not be complicit in aiding authoritarian oppression!
HK Labour Rights Newsflash
- HK Govt Expands Importation of Foreign Labour—A 23-Fold Surge in 18 Months <Read more>
- Deliveroo Exits Hong Kong, Leaving 10,000 Riders Without Severance<Read more>
- Survey: 30% of Sick Migrant Domestic Workers Fired in Hong Kong, Groups Urge Stricter Enforcement<Read more>
- The minimum wage rises to HK$42.1 on May 1, with a record-low increase and beneficiaries <Read more>