On the Passage of Article 23: A Call for Japan to Act
- Location
- Tokyo
- Date
- 19 March 2024
English translation of a statement originally published in Japanese by Lady Liberty Hong Kong, 19 March 2024 — For Immediate Release.
Lady Liberty Hong Kong expresses grave concern and unequivocal condemnation at the rapid passage of the "national security bill" under Article 23 of the Hong Kong Basic Law, due to take effect on 23 March 2024. This legislation goes beyond the impact of the National Security Law imposed by Beijing in 2020, deals a serious blow to Hong Kong's freedoms and human rights, and sets back the region's democratic progress by decades.
The passage of Article 23 defines five principal offences that broadly criminalize peaceful and lawful engagement in human-rights activity, threatening in particular the freedom of speech and freedom of expression. The vague wording of the bill — including the extension of detention periods and restrictions on access to legal representation — significantly undermines the fundamental freedoms of the people of Hong Kong.
In the face of these alarming developments, Lady Liberty Hong Kong demands the immediate repeal of the National Security Law and the newly enacted Article 23 legislation, and an end to the persecution of activists and journalists and to the suppression of free speech.
Furthermore, Lady Liberty Hong Kong urges the Japanese government to act — to stand up and condemn the Hong Kong and Chinese authorities who have dismantled the civil rights of Hong Kong's people and set back decades of democratic progress. As a firm defender of human rights and democracy in Asia, Japan's role is vital in confronting these violations and supporting the freedom and autonomy of the people of Hong Kong.
The passage of Article 23 clearly demonstrates Beijing's disregard for basic human rights such as freedom of speech and freedom of expression. It is important that the international community, and Japan in particular, show support for the democratic values Hong Kong has long upheld, and make clear to the authorities in China and Hong Kong that such violations will not be tolerated.
— Alric Lee, Executive Director, Lady Liberty Hong Kong
Lady Liberty Hong Kong will continue to act in defence of the rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong. So that Hong Kong's voice may be heard and protected, we call on allies and supporters in Japan and around the world to join this vital effort.