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Press Release: WUC Denounces Unjust Sentencing of Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Leaders

Press Release: WUC Denounces Unjust Sentencing of Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Leaders

Press Release – For immediate release
19 August  2017

Contact: World Uyghur Congress www.uyghurcongress.org
0049 (0) 89 5432 1999 or [email protected]

The World Uyghur Congress expresses its strong concern after the unjust sentencing of Hong Kong pro-democracy figures Joshua Wong, Nathan Law and Alex Chow. The result leaves no doubt that Hong Kong authorities have chosen to side with injustice and the silencing of peaceful dissent since the rise of the umbrella movement in 2014.

The Court of Appeal of the High Court of Hong Kong sentenced Joshua Wong, Alex Chow and Nathan Law between six and eight months in prison for their involvement in demonstrations that resulted in the 2014 Umbrella Movement. The sentences relate to a specific incident on September 26, 2914 when a number of students pushed their way into a fenced-off area of Civic Square.

The sentencing disqualifies the three figures from running for elected office for five years, which invariably represents a blow to the momentum of the Movement that began in 2014. On the other hand, the sentencing has the potential to galvanise further support and opposition to Hong Kong authorities for the openly unjust verdict.

Such a decision merely illustrates the anxiety present within the current Hong Kong power structure. These figures, and the movement that they head, have shown Hong Kong, China and the international community the potential for real change.

The World Uyghur Congress therefore expresses its clear opposition to such a decision, but also our hopefulness looking forward. China will continue to attempt to silence dissent, but what will and has already emerged is a more resolute population yearning for a system in which their voices are truly heard.