Press Statement– For Immediate Release
18 December 2023
Contact: World Uyghur Congress www.uyghurcongress.org
+49 89 5432 1999 or [email protected]

The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) stands in unwavering solidarity with the democracy movement in Hong Kong, particularly in light of the trial of Hong Kong businessman Jimmy Lai, which commences today in Hong Kong. The show trial is part of a systematic crackdown on pro-democracy leaders and freedom of expression following just one week after a new series of bounty announcements for five pro-democracy leaders living overseas by the Hong Kong authorities.

“The trial of Jimmy Lai and the crackdown on pro-democracy leaders in Hong Kong, orchestrated by the long arm of the CCP, are deeply alarming. We stand in solidarity with those bravely fighting for freedom of expression, human rights and democracy in Hong Kong,” said WUC President Dolkun Isa. 

The trial of Mr. Lai, a 76-year-old entrepreneur and former owner of the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, has begun amidst heightened security after nearly 1100 days in detention. His case symbolises the erosion of democratic values and media freedom in Hong Kong.

The proceedings follow just one week after the bounty announcement for five pro-democracy leaders living overseas. The Hong Kong police have offered rewards of HK$1m ($128,000) for information leading to their arrests. Among these activists are Simon Cheng, a former UK consulate employee detained in 2019 in a high-profile case, Frances Hui, Joey Siu, Johnny Fok, and Tony Choi. All are accused of violating the National Security Law.

The Hong Kong police’s move to offer rewards for the arrest of these activists has been widely condemned by the US and the UK, where several of the activists reside.

A British citizen, Mr Lai founded Apple Daily to hold those in power accountable and actively participated in peaceful protests alongside millions of fellow Hong Kongers in 2014, advocating for freedom against Chinese interference in the city. The charges against him, including “foreign collusion” and “sedition,” are widely perceived as efforts to suppress his advocacy for democratic values. 

Expected to last up to 80 days, the trial is widely considered to lack transparency and fairness, and Mr Lai has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The global community views this trial as a litmus test for assessing the decline of the legal system and media freedom in Hong Kong. The city was once a bastion of democratic principles in the region.

The World Uyghur Congress expresses solidarity with Mr. Lai, his family, the five Hong Kong pro-democracy leaders living overseas, and the people of Hong Kong during these challenging times in the fight for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.