In a blow to the democracy movement in Hong Kong, the police said they arrested 15 leading activists over the weekend. Among them were the „father of democracy“, Martin Lee, the well-known media entrepreneur Jimmy Lai and former and incumbent MPs.
The detainees are accused of organizing and participating in illegal gatherings in the Chinese Special Administrative Region in August and October of last year. Five of those arrested are said to have campaigned for illegal gatherings in September and October. All 15 activists have to appear in court in mid-May.
The well-known democracy activist Martin Lee said that he was „very relieved“ about his indictment after he was released on bail. Lee is the founding chair of Hong Kong’s first political party and is considered the „father of democracy“ in the Special Administrative Region. Hong Kong police chief Chris Tang criticized Lee’s statements: „He continues to incite young people to break the law.“
USA and Human Rights Watch concerned
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed concern about the arrests. The human rights organization Human Rights Watch described it as „another coffin nail“ for the principle „one country, two systems“, according to which the citizens in the former British Crown Colony of Hong Kong are guaranteed numerous freedoms that do not exist in the People’s Republic.
