Resolution on the deterioration of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong, notably the case of Jimmy Lai

The European Parliament adopted by 483 votes to 9, with 42 abstentions, a resolution on the deterioration of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong, notably the case of Jimmy Lai.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, Renew, Greens/EFA, ECR groups and Members.

Since the Chinese regime imposed the National Security Law (NSL) on 30 June 2020, fundamental freedoms, the rule of law and the judiciary’s independence in Hong Kong have deteriorated alarmingly. The PRC has fully breached the ‘one country, two systems’ principle, the Sino-British and Sino-Portuguese Joint Declarations and the ICCPR.

Jimmy Lai, a prominent businessman,  has been detained since February 2021 on trumped-up charges, accused under the NSL of collusion with foreign forces and of fraud. His trial starts in September 2023 and he faces a possible life sentence. His British lawyer has been refused permission to represent him at the trial and several independent media outlets, such as Apple Daily and Stand News, have been forced to cease operations.

Parliament urged the Hong Kong Government to immediately and unconditionally release and drop all charges against Jimmy Lai and all the other pro-democracy representatives and activists who have exercised their freedom of expression and basic and human rights. It also reiterated its call on the Council to introduce targeted sanctions under the EU global human rights sanctions regime against John Lee and all other Hong Kong and PRC officials responsible for the ongoing crackdown on human rights in Hong Kong.

Parliament called on the authorities to repeal the NSL and to stop impeding the work of all journalists.

The EEAS is called on to adequately support the EU Office to Hong Kong in intensifying trial observation and to report on the most prominent trials. Parliament called on the EU Office to request a prison visit. It also reiterated their call on all EU Member States to suspend any extradition treaties with Hong Kong and the People’s Republic of China.