MEP Speaks out Against Article 23

Madam Maes MEP made the following statement concerning Article 23:

Maes (Verts/ALE) - "We hope that Hong Kong will not follow the Chinese system of general regulations that allow completely random persecution of political dissidents. In particular we fear, just like Mrs. Malmström, for the adherents of Falun Gong whose peaceful protest cannot justify any persecution. Hong Kong should be able to stay as it is, waiting for China to also follow the way of democracy and human rights. Only on that basis can dialogue and cooperation be maintained. During a visit to China that I, together with some of our members of the green and EVA-fraction, were allowed to make, I noticed how much the large cities in Mainland China are using the economic model of Hong Kong. Still, in the field of human rights, democracy and freedom of speech, “one country, two systems” is still applicable. In this regard Hong Kong remains independent of any Chinese sphere of influence.

Many people in China have told us that in the long run a greater evolution of democracy and human rights can be expected. It is therefore with the greatest concern that we see the development of an anti-subversion law in Hong Kong, because we fear that this will cost people freedom of speech, objective justice, expression of religious and artistic freedom, of scientific work and so on. And that would be exactly the opposite of what we hope for, namely that a large area with democracy and human rights may be established."