Parliamentary Meeting with Representative Jin Matsubara on Hong Kong Human Rights
- Project
- ACT-009
- Location
- House of Representatives, Tokyo, Japan
- Date
- 25 November 2024
To advocate for action by the Japanese Parliament on Hong Kong's human rights situation, Alric Lee, Representative Director of Lady Liberty Hong Kong, met on 25 November 2024 with Jin Matsubara, independent member of the House of Representatives. The meeting covered the verdict in the Hong Kong pro-democracy primary election case, developments in the Jimmy Lai trial, and policy recommendations — including measures to bar entry into Japan for Hong Kong officials and judges responsible for human rights violations. Representative Matsubara expressed serious concern about the situation in Hong Kong and stated that he would continue consulting with members of other parties in Parliament on future action.
Earlier in November, Representative Matsubara had submitted a formal written inquiry to the Ishiba Cabinet, calling on the Japanese government to take a public position on the suppression of freedom of speech and press freedom in Hong Kong, and urging Japan to join allied nations in jointly condemning the Hong Kong government's violations of the "One Country, Two Systems" framework.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba responded in writing, stating that his government regarded the infringement of fundamental human rights in Hong Kong with serious concern and would consult with allies on appropriate responses. Lady Liberty Hong Kong formally received the Prime Minister's written reply and committed to maintaining ongoing communication with the Japanese Parliament in pursuit of substantive policy action on Hong Kong.