The U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Jan. 11, 2021
The U.S. House of Representatives on Monday (April 19) passed a resolution formally condemning the Chinese Communist government and the Hong Kong government for working together to “violate civil rights and freedoms in the region” and calling for the release of pro-democracy activists arrested and imprisoned.
The House voted 418-1 to call on the Communist government and the Hong Kong government to release pro-democracy activists and politicians arrested in connection with last year’s National Security Law. The House condemned the bill for curtailing Hong Kong’s autonomy and imposing harsh penalties on dissenters.
“With this resolution, the House sends a strong bipartisan message that we demand that the Chinese (Communist) and Hong Kong governments respect the will of the people of Hong Kong. We will continue to promote democracy and respect for human rights in Hong Kong,” said Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, “and we will continue to demonstrate our solidarity with the democrats and activists who have made great sacrifices for their city and for core human rights. “
Monday’s vote comes just days after a Hong Kong court sentenced several pro-democracy activists to prison for unauthorized assembly. Among the convicted pro-democracy activists was the founder of Apple Daily and media mogul Lai Chi-ying.
Former President Donald Trump signed legislation last year calling for sanctions against parties responsible for human rights abuses in Hong Kong and entities that have materially contributed to the Communist Party’s efforts to undermine Hong Kong’s autonomy.
Shortly before that, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution condemning the Chinese Communist Party’s human rights abuses and forced labor practices against Uighurs in Xinjiang.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), in a speech on the Senate floor earlier Monday, condemned the Chinese Communist Party’s practice of imprisoning and sentencing Hong Kong pro-democracy activists, saying, “For those global business and government leaders who have not yet spoken out, I hope you are paying close attention to this. He also said the move showed that Beijing has no regard for “basic international norms.
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