Voices of Support, Awards and Recognition
Local Government | Government Statements | Politicians | European Parliament | United Nations | NGOs | Others
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Video: Swedish People Join Practitioners to Appeal Against Article 23 (photo)
2003-01-01At the moment, 6.5 million people in Hong Kong are being threatened with the loss of their basic right of expression, belief and association by Article 23, a proposed law in Hong Kong. Swedish Falun Gong practitioners appealed to the public to support an international petition against this threat to the human rights of Hong Kong citizens. -
Speech in the European Parliament Debate on Article 23
2002-12-31"Last weekend, a large demonstration in Hong Kong illustrated the genuine concerns that Article 23 laws could undermine existing human rights and civil and religious liberties. I share these concerns and I urge the Hong Kong SAR Government to address them in the final proposals that they bring forward." -
Speech in the European Parliament Debate on Article 23
2002-12-30"In September the government of Hong Kong put forward a suggestion for a new law that threatens freedom of speech, freedom of the press and freedom of belief in the region. The Falun Gong movement, as well as Christian Churches that are not approved of by the Chinese government, would have the same legal status in Hong Kong as it has had in China since 1999." -
Interviews with MEPs about Article 23
2002-12-30At this moment, civil rights is not just a concern in Hong Kong, it is a global concern...What we need to do is to express those concerns to the Hong Kong government to ensure that this unique law is not used to suppress peoples rights. -
The Economist: Chinas Re-education Through Labor Camp, A Jail by Another Name
2002-12-30 -
Speech in the European Parliament Debate on Article 23: Cecilia Malmström MEP
2002-12-29"The strength of Hong Kong lies in the fact that the one country, two systems principle has been able to be maintained. I fear, and many with me, that this change will undermine that principle severely. This would, of course, be completely unacceptable. The fact that Mainland China is exerting pressure to make this change happen is not comforting...If a group such as Falun Gong, which is forbidden in China, were also to be forbidden in Hong Kong, it would be a serious violation of the principle: one country, two systems." -
Speech by Christians Against Torture and Capital Punishment
2002-12-27"Power, money and economy are treading on human rights. This vicious circle must be broken in as many regions as possible. A very good opportunity has been provided to Zürich to highlight the issue of Falun Gong in China. Human rights have been squashed in China, especially issues of conscience and belief." -
Speech from the European Parliament Debate on Article 23
2002-12-27"Note, as an article that only gained its form after the Tiananmen massacre in Beijing, Article 23 therefore reflects the Chinese communist paranoia of then and now. The negative reaction of even the business class in Hong Kong speaks for itself. It reflects a broad civil discontent about a diffuse consultation process about the legal execution of article 23." -
MEP Speaks out Against Article 23
2002-12-26"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." -
UK: Queen Elizabeth replies to Letter from European Friends of Falun Gong
2002-12-26European Friends of Falun Gong wrote to Queen Elizabeth to inform her about the persecutory nature of Article 23. Friends of Falun Gong is a non-profit making organisation consisting of non-practitioners who support freedom of belief for Falun Gong practitioners. To find out more, please visit www.fofg-europe.org. -
Austria: International Christian Group Launches a Postcard-Sending Campaign to Commemorate Practitioners being Persecuted in China
2002-12-26The Austrian Christian Solidarity International (CSI) is a Christian human rights organization. To arouse peoples concern over those being cruelly persecuted in China, and ensure people do not forget practitioners being incarcerated and physically abused, a Christmas card campaign was launched on December 24. -
Epoch Times: Living Through this Critical Moment in History: European Parliament Passes a Resolution Against the Article 23 Legislation in Hong Kong
2002-12-26'One Hong Kong citizen told a reporter that she was brought up in Mainland China where she and her family were persecuted. She had been sentenced to eight months of labour re-education [Jiang regime's term for brainwashing] without trial. She said that she did not want to see Beijings terror tactics exported to Hong Kong.' -
Epoch Times: Many Different Associations Gather in Frankfurt to Appeal Against Article 23
2002-12-25The European branch of the Global League Against Article 23 gathered in Frankfurt to protest against the establishment of Article 23 in Hong Kong. This protest activity received support from many non-governmental organizations, including student associations from across Germany and democratic rights associations. -
UK: Leader of Liberal Democrat Party Takes Concerns Over Article 23 "very seriously"
2002-12-24"I appreciate you taking the time write to me and am very sympathetic with the points that you raise. I would like to assure you that my colleagues and I in the Liberal Democrats take your concerns very seriously..." -
Letter from the German Association of Civil Servants Appealing Against Article 23
2002-12-24'Article 23 will endanger the integrity of Hong Kongs [financial and judicial] systems and will block the free flow and exchange of information and ideas. By doing this, Article 23 will endanger economic vitality and stability in Hong Kong, things which have always been the mainstay and strength of the region.'