During this year’s Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany, a group of more than thirty people caught the attention of many attendees. They were seen holding long banners, tied with red ropes, their mouths covered with red tape, standing silently on the square in front of Hall Three, in the music titled “Everything is Fine in Hong Kong,” conducting a silent protest.
This action was organized by Hongkongers in Deutschland e.V., Amnesty International Frankfurt, and Verein zur Verteidigung der Menschenrechte und Religionsfreiheit e.V. on October 18 to shed light on the censorship, oppression, and propaganda under the rule of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The protest aimed to expose the hypocrisy of the CCP presenting a facade of “everything is fine” to the world, as they showcased Xi Jinping’s works in multiple languages and CCP’s external propaganda discourse at the Frankfurt Book Fair.
The Frankfurt Book Fair (Frankfurter Buchmesse) is the world’s largest international book fair, held annually in October in Frankfurt, Germany, since 1949, considered pivotal in international book trade.
The “Everything is Fine” silent protest art event also received support from Omid Nouripour, the Vice President of the German Bundestag and the leader of the Green Party. He was present at the scene, sharing the story of the “Global Lady Liberty Hong Kong” statue. Two years ago, he attended the unveiling ceremony of this statue in Frankfurt.
Aniessa Andresen, a participant in the silent protest, expressed, “On the land that nurtured us, silence replaces freedom, fear obscures the truth, and freedom has become a luxury. We stand silently for the oppressed voices, alerting the world that what is suppressed is not only voices, but real lives.”
Monika Wittkowsky, a spokesperson for Amnesty International Frankfurt, stated that the Chinese (CCP) government suppresses freedom of speech and other human rights through repressive laws and measures. Human rights defenders are arrested, prosecuted, and sentenced to harsh punishments, advocating solidarity with the silent protest action.
Monika Klein, Chairperson of Verein zur Verteidigung der Menschenrechte und Religionsfreiheit e.V., said, “As defenders of human rights and religious freedom, we stand in solidarity with the people of Hong Kong and all those persecuted by authoritarian regimes. Remaining silent in the face of injustice is not neutral but complicit. This action serves as a reminder that freedom of thought, belief, and speech must be protected worldwide.”
According to the organizers, choosing the Frankfurt Book Fair for this event is symbolic as books represent freedom of thought. However, in China and Hong Kong, people’s freedoms have been stripped away by the CCP. Since the implementation of the National Security Law in Hong Kong in 2020, the once vibrant press freedom, civil society, and cultural spaces have disintegrated, with political parties disbanded, journalists imprisoned, and publishers silenced. The CCP uses the Frankfurt Book Fair as a platform for external propaganda, displaying books praising Xi Jinping in numerous languages, underscoring their attempt to infiltrate global platforms.
The organizers emphasized that the Frankfurt Book Fair, as a crucial stage for global intellectual exchange, is the ideal venue to counter these actions, reminding the world that freedom of speech is not a given but must be staunchly defended.
Many passersby were drawn to the “Everything is Fine” silent protest, pausing to take photos, record videos, listen to the music, and engage with the participants. It was noted that two protesters with their eyes covered, holding the last issue of Apple Daily, symbolizing the loss of press freedom in Hong Kong. A lot of people expressed their support for this protest activity.
Aniessa Andresen, Chairperson of Hongkongers in Deutschland e.V., mentioned to a reporter, “Our supporters not only include German parliamentarian Nouripour but also visitors from various countries such as South Korea, Italy, the United States, Gambia, Turkey, and many German citizens concerned about Hong Kong.” She shared that an African man who had lived in Hong Kong for ten years expressed his gratitude, understanding the significance of their action in spreading awareness globally.
Andresen also recounted an incident where a non-German-speaking lady, upon learning about the suppression of language, culture, and history in Hong Kong, wanted to purchase an English version of “The Story of Sheep Village.” However, only the German version was available that day. Ultimately, the lady bought a full set of three German picture books, saying, “I don’t understand German, but I want to support your cause. I will give these books to my German friends and share your experiences.”