TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Civil society groups held a press conference in Taipei on Wednesday to mark one year since the implementation of Hong Kong’s strict new security law Article 23.
Hong Kong Outlanders (香港邊城青年) Secretary-General Feng Zhao-tian (馮詔天) said the press conference was to oppose Article 23, support Hong Kong political prisoners, and reject China's cross-border repression, per CNA.
In March 2024, Hong Kong passed Article 23, expanding on the 2020 Beijing-imposed national security law, per AP. It punishes treason and insurrection with up to life imprisonment, up to 20 years for espionage, and up to 10 years for disclosing state secrets.
Article 23 allows for closed-door trials, and suspects can be detained for up to 16 days without charges. Some provisions allow criminal prosecutions for acts committed overseas, with a greater emphasis on crimes involving foreign parties.
Amnesty International Taiwan (國際特赦組織) Secretary-General Chiu Yi-ling (邱伊翎) said the Hong Kong government has systematically suppressed dissidents by citing “national security” concerns. Chiu also pointed to cross-border repression, as Hong Kongers overseas or their family and friends also face pressure.
Judicial Reform Foundation (民間司法改革基金會) Deputy Director Li Ming-lu (李明洳) called for Taiwanese to pay attention to the situation in Hong Kong. He said citizens must support these activists, who are still fighting for their rights and freedoms.
Taiwan Youth Association for Democracy (台灣青年世代共好協會) Vice Chair Lin Si-kai (林思愷) said the purpose of China's cross-border suppression is to scare people. The government’s tactics make people self-censor and avoid speaking about politics.
Lin said Taiwan and Hong Kong are on the front lines in the fight against Chinese suppression. Taiwanese must reject "one country, two systems,” defend Taiwan's sovereignty, and protect against the expansion of China’s influence, Lin added.
Taiwan Association for Human Rights (台灣人權促進會) Secretary-General Shih Yi-hsiang (施逸翔) urged Taiwan to establish a refugee asylum mechanism for people persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party.
