Open Letter to Hong Kong Officials and Citizens

We are a group of people who care deeply about human rights. We are writing this article to bring your attention to a trial that is currently taking place in Hong Kong. This trial may at first seem insignificant and to concern only a small group of people, yet the impact it could have on many small and under-developed countries, as well as the future of Hong Kong, is enormous.

As you know, Hong Kong has been governed by China under the “One Country, Two Systems” policy since 1997. More and more, reports and statistics show that Hong Kong’s autonomy is rapidly eroding. The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong government is appointed by China, and many administrative decisions about Hong Kong are actually made by the Chinese government. Hong Kong citizens fear a significant loss of freedom and that their government may no longer be allowed to respond to their concerns.

Their fears are well warranted. A very convincing example is the high-profile trial of 16 Falun Gong practitioners facing charges of obstruction and assaulting police currently underway. In March 2002, 4 Swiss Falun Gong practitioners were joined by 12 Hong Kong locals to begin a 3-day hunger strike in front of the Peoples’ Republic of China Liaison Office. Photos and a video clip clearly show that these people were peaceful and posed no threat to anyone. (Please visit: www.faluninfo.net/focus/hongkong.asp for details.) Yet their legal appeal was ended hastily because within a few hours, police barricaded the area and used force to drag the practitioners into police vans, injuring nine.

Subsequently, the police laid charges of obstruction and assault, and prosecuted the Falun Gong practitioners. During the trial, which began August 2, the prosecutor could not produce a single third-party witness. Observers expressed severe concern at the judge’s emotional and biased comments and behaviour during the case. The judge was even asked to step down, yet he refused. In a case where the evidence is overwhelmingly in favour of the defendants, it appears that the outcome may reflect Jiang Zemin’s political will more so than the justice for which the Hong Kong judiciary has historically enjoyed a fine worldwide reputation.

The 4 Swiss went to Hong Kong to protest Jiang Zemin’s “shoot on sight” order [for Falun Gong practitioners], having already been blacklisted and refused entry to China. The 16 are not only championing Falun Gong, but are also protecting the basic rights of all Hong Kong citizens – freedom of speech, freedom of belief and freedom of assembly.

We appeal to you to do all in your power to ensure that your colleagues, friends and family learn the truth of this trial. Please sign and return the text of the letter below as a way to express your wish to see a fair and just conclusion to the trial. Your signature will also voice your concerns for the well being of all the Hong Kong people. We will forward this letter and all collected responses to the Hong Kong government.

Thank you for your immediate attention in this matter.

Respectfully,

A Group of Peace-loving Canadians
Sue Zhang
[email protected]

Open letter to Hong Kong Officials and Citizens

August 9, 2002

Dear elected and appointed officials and citizens of Hong Kong,

As non-government organizations and individuals in Canada, we are seriously concerned about the trial currently underway in Hong Kong. In short, we believe that the future of Hong Kong is at stake. The trial is political in nature and is a test case for Hong Kong’s “one country, two systems” policy. We appeal to you as elected and appointed officials to seriously consider the ramifications of the trial on Hong Kong as a free and lawful society. We would urge you to fulfill your responsibility of upholding the basic rights of Hong Kong citizens through withdrawing the charges against these practitioners.

This case has drawn widespread international attention and concern. It is seen overseas as a blatant attempt by Jiang’s regime to disrupt Hong Kong’s historically impeccable judicial system. The British government recently expressed serious concern over the Hong Kong government’s suppression of protests, highlighting this trial of Falun Gong practitioners. The Swiss section of Pax Christi, an international Catholic movement for peace, has condemned the proceedings as violating articles 18, 19 and 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

A reputation for democracy and human rights is an honor as well as an enormous responsibility. History is filled with examples of those who have persecuted people of upright beliefs. In all cases, such persecution did not result in long-term prosperity. It is hoped that Hong Kong will not go the wrong way. Please, release the Falun Gong practitioners from their unjust and illegal trial.