On November 26th, in front of the Flushing Library in New York, anti-communist and pro-democracy activists braved the rain to hold a rally protesting the harsh sentencing of the Hong Kong pro-democracy activists in the “Hong Kong 47 Case” and condemning the Chinese Communist Party’s suppression of freedom in Hong Kong.
Over a dozen new immigrants from mainland China, who have personally experienced the oppression and persecution under the Chinese Communist Party, expressed their outrage as they witnessed Hong Kong’s transformation from a free city to one resembling the mainland, where human rights and freedoms are no longer respected. Holding banners that read “Free Hong Kong! Down with the CCP!,” they shouted slogans in support of releasing political prisoners in Hong Kong and denouncing CCP’s tyranny.
Bai Jiemin, the President of the China Democracy and Human Rights Alliance in the Eastern United States, stated that the case once again revealed the brutality of the CCP. The current situation in Hong Kong serves as a warning to the people of Taiwan, emphasizing the importance of not trusting the Communist Party. He called for the U.S. to impose sanctions on the CCP economically, diplomatically, and politically.
Democracy activist Duan Yuxian voiced the need for the U.S. government to not only voice support and criticize the CCP but also take concrete actions to disengage from China and encourage solidarity among European and American countries to isolate the CCP rather than rely on Chinese products and economy.
Wu Pingqi from Hubei expressed that the loss of freedom and the oppression faced by the people of Hong Kong today are unbearable for anyone who values peace, freedom, and human rights.
He emphasized the necessity to recognize the evil nature of the Communist Party and eradicate this demonic force to prevent catastrophic consequences for humanity in the future. Many countries believe that temporary communication and compromise with the CCP might bring short-term benefits, but in the long run, it will have destructive effects on the entire human race.
Member of the China Democracy and Human Rights Alliance, Wei Libin, remarked that the current state of Hong Kong deprived of freedom of speech, assembly, and press resembling mainland cities vividly exposes the evil of the CCP. He expressed the hope for the CCP to disappear from Hong Kong, China, and the earth, which is their greatest wish.
A young man named Michael stated that overseas youth could not suppress their desire to protest after witnessing the wickedness of the CCP. They stand in solidarity with democratic and human rights values, protesting against the tyranny of the CCP and supporting the people of Hong Kong.
Upon seeing the protest, some passersby praised and supported the young protesters, while others joined in chanting slogans alongside them.
The recent verdict in the Hong Kong pro-democracy primary election case (known as the Hong Kong 47 Case) handed heavy sentences, with former Associate Professor of Law at the University of Hong Kong, Benny Tai, receiving a 10-year imprisonment. Most defendants who did not plead guilty were sentenced to over 6 years. This case, implemented on June 30, 2020, marked the first subversion of state power case since the enactment of the National Security Law and involved the largest number of defendants related to the “national security law.”
In July 2020, the Hong Kong pro-democracy camp held an informal primary election to select representative candidates for the Legislative Council election. The 47 pro-democracy figures were accused of organizing and participating in the “primary election,” with the intention to secure a majority of seats in the legislature to veto the government’s budget and “paralyze” the Hong Kong government. In February 2021, the 47 individuals were charged with “conspiracy to commit subversion of state power,” including pro-democracy leaders, district councilors, legal professionals, and scholars, with 45 individuals recently being convicted.