Saturday, January 09, 2021

IndustriALL Global Union statement on activists jailed in Hong Kong


7 January, 2021

Activists jailed in Hong Kong as new law attempts to suppress opposition


IndustriALL Global Union calls for the immediate release of 53 activists who were arrested on 6 January in Hong Kong under the National Security Law for allegedly subverting state power by holding primaries for pro-democracy candidates in the postponed Hong Kong elections.

Carol Ng, Chair of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions, is among those detained. She is a dedicated trade union activist who is respected globally for her work supporting aviation workers.

The arrest of 53 activists, including Carol Ng, is a shocking attack against fundamental human and workers’ rights in Hong Kong. The arrests are a clear indication on how people are punished when they peacefully fight for democracy in Hong Kong.

The global trade union movement will not stand idly by as this continued repression worsens in Hong Kong. IndustriALL condemns the use of the new National Security Law to silence and intimidate trade union leaders and other activists.

Any legislation that forbids the rights to freedom of assembly and expression protected under international human rights law, must be repealed. IndustriALL calls on the Hong Kong government to repeal the National Security Law imposed since June.

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