Oppose Hong Kong Article 23 — Shinjuku Rally
- Project
- ACT-006
- Location
- Shinjuku Station South Exit, Tokyo, Japan
- Date
- 23 March 2024
- Partners
- Stand with HK@JPN
On 19 March 2024, the Hong Kong government forced through Article 23 of the Basic Law — a sweeping national security ordinance passed under the banner of national security, despite widespread international condemnation. The legislation criminalises sedition, espionage, external interference, and the disclosure of state secrets, with penalties of up to life imprisonment. Civil society groups, legal scholars, and governments across the democratic world warned that it would permanently extinguish Hong Kong's remaining freedoms.
Four days later, Hongkongers in Japan and their supporters gathered at Shinjuku Station South Exit from 18:00 to 19:00 to make their opposition visible. Protesters carried black flags bearing the words "光復香港，時代革命" (Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of Our Times) and held banners reading "自白色恐怖 自由を奪う" — White Terror Steals Freedom. The rally was co-organised by Lady Liberty Hong Kong and Stand with HK@JPN.
Article 23 represents the CCP and Hong Kong government's attempt to lock Hong Kong permanently behind the iron curtain of authoritarianism. Hongkongers will not submit to white terror. The rally in Shinjuku was one of many held around the world that week — a reminder that the struggle for Hong Kong's freedoms continues wherever Hongkongers stand.
Photo credits: @柴田のりよし