MEPs Adopt Resolution Expressing Concern Over Article 23

MEPs expressed concern over pending legislation in Hong Kong that could affect fundamental freedoms by adopting a resolution which calls on the Hong Kong Government to ensure that the new proposals, now known as "Article 23 proposals" and taken on the pretext of cracking down on subversive activities, "will not be used to silence opposition, restrict freedom of speech of the press and of publication, freedom of association, of assembly, of procession and of demonstration, the right and freedom to form and join trade unions and to strike, and the right to engage in academic research, literary and artistic creation and other cultural activities, in accordance with Articles 27 and 34 of the Basic Law."

The resolution emphasises that the future development of relations with China hinges on respect for the full autonomy of Hong Kong. The resolution passed by a margin of 59 to one, with one abstaining.