Last Friday (June 6), the Hong Kong police arrested the former Secretary-General of the Hong Kong Federation of Students, Joshua Wong Chi-fung, who was serving a sentence in prison with a new charge of “colluding with foreign or overseas forces to endanger national security.” He was escorted to the court, sparking international attention. On the sixth anniversary of the anti-extradition movement, Chinese communities in Los Angeles gathered to support Wong and protest against the continued suppression of Hong Kong’s freedom by the Chinese Communist Party.
In 2019, Hong Kong citizens erupted in protests against the proposed amendment to the “Fugitive Offenders Ordinance,” which eventually evolved into the widespread anti-extradition movement in June. The Chinese Communist authorities later introduced the “National Security Law for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,” leading to widespread arrests of protesters, journalists, and pro-democracy figures. Wong was convicted of subversion in the primary election case and sentenced to four years and eight months in prison last year. This is Wong’s second charge under the “National Security Law,” with the hearing postponed to August 8. If found guilty, he could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Last Sunday (June 8), dozens of Chinese residents in Los Angeles gathered outside the Chinese consulate to participate in the “Global Support for Hong Kong’s Six Years of Resistance” event organized by the International Coalition for China Democracy.
During the gathering, the event organizer, former Mainland nurse Julie, led the protesters in a recap of the important milestones and heartfelt stories of the anti-extradition movement. She stated that the Hong Kong anti-extradition movement ignited the awakening consciousness of Chinese people worldwide, emphasizing the need to make more people understand the struggle of blood and tears and strengthen the determination of pro-democracy individuals to overthrow the Chinese Communist Party.
The event coordinator, Wang Zhijun, remarked that the 2019 Hong Kong anti-extradition movement was the peak of peaceful protest and a moment of awakening for countless individuals. Despite facing tear gas and batons, millions of citizens bravely defended freedom and rule of law through peaceful and rational means, a sight that was moving. However, the Chinese Communist Party resorted to violence to disperse and suppress peaceful demonstrators.
Feng Zhao, a member of the Chinese Democracy Party, expressed that the attempt to convict Wong under the charge of colluding with overseas forces is a manifestation of the tyranny of the Chinese Communist regime.
One of the event organizers, former Mainland piano teacher Kong Beibei, stated, “The anger and tears that ignited the streets of Hong Kong six years ago are still vivid in our minds. With Wong being arrested again and more Hong Kongers being imprisoned, we cannot remain silent.”
Liu Min, a member of the Chinese Democracy Party, highlighted that Hong Kong, once the brightest pearl of Asia, has been silenced under the oppression of the Chinese Communist Party with censorship of speech, closure of media outlets, cleansing of the legislature, arrests of dissidents, and brainwashing in education. “A Hong Kong that was once free, prosperous, and civilized has been destroyed. Six years have passed, but we must not forget and should never stay silent!”
Jie Lijian, Chairman of the International Coalition for China Democracy, emphasized that the tragedy in Hong Kong is not just a Hong Konger’s tragedy but one that the entire Chinese nation must confront. He urged people to recognize the true nature of the Chinese Communist Party: a regime built on lies, maintained by violence, and sustains its rule by depriving people of their freedom. “Only by overthrowing the Chinese Communist Party can people truly be free.” ◇