Dear Sir/Madam
A matter of serious concern has come to my attention, which is why I write to you now.
The proposed legislation concerning article 23 of the Basic Law has shocked the international community. This legislation appears to far exceed the requirements of protecting national security, at the expense of individual freedoms.
A report from the Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor claims,
“These proposals represent the end of Hong Kong as a free society and the creation of a repressive state” Both the Business community and media organisatios have highlighted the damaging consequences to the freedom of speech and information in the territory if this legislation is passed. “It’s almost as if they are trying to scare investors away from Hong Kong” - Mark Clifford, Businessweek.
It seems this was written under direct pressure from China. More worrying are recent comments from the vice premier Qian Qi Chen on National television when he stated that Hong Kong must pass the article 23 legislation so that Falun Gong can be banned in the territory. This could also apply to Christians or democracy activists. Fears of the Roman Catholic Church also abound. One Bishop stated, “ The Bible would be a seditious publication under these proposals.”
I urge you to join the widespread calls for a white paper on this issue and to respect the rights of the citizens of Hong Kong.
Yours sincerely
Marianne Eriksson (MEP - Sweden)
Jonas Sjostedt (MEP - Sweden)
Permille Fralin (MEP - Denmark)
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