We are a group of concerned citizens who have beenwere among the two million protesters marching on thewho filled the streets of Hong Kong. This is our sincere questplea for your help to defend our autonomy and freedoms. Here is why you should care.
China has been relentlessly extendingimposing their flawed authoritarian rule intoon Hong Kong since 1997. A recent example is the HKSARHong Kong Government’s proposed "Extradition Bill" that would allow the extradition of alleged “fugitives” from Hong Kong to China, a country that is notorious for its disrespectdisregard for the rule of law, and whose judicial system has a conviction rate of 99.9%.
Businessmen, journalists, tourists of all nations, and even ordinary Hong Kongerscitizens could be subject to arrests and sent to China for trials of alleged crimes and fabricated accusations. This will have a devastating impact on Hong Kong where global businesses reside, on the freedom of speech and religion, and on human rights – universal rights that each and every single one of us should enjoyis entitled to.
ThisThat is why two million of us took to the streets defiantly, even after unjustifiable violent suppression fromby the police onagainst peaceful and unarmed protestors who are then stigmatized by the government as “rioters”. Police acted brutally by beating protestors young and old withusing batons and firing 150 tear gas canisters at large crowds, by aiming rubber bullets and bean bag rounds at our heads. But we are determined to defend humanour last bits of inherent rights and our autonomy.
Withdrawal of the Extradition Bill should only be the beginning. We requestdemand the unconditional release of all the arrested, the retracting of the “riot” designation of June 12 incident, and the conducting of an independent commission of inquiry to look into police brutality. ButMost importantly, we demand universal suffrage which allows Hong Kongers to choose our own leaders and make them accountable for their actions. Please join Hong Kong in defendingupholding liberty and human rights against authoritarianism.
In view of the upcoming G20 Summit and the meeting between Presidents Trump and Xi, we implore you to deliver address our concerns and demands to your governments. We urge you to stand with us in preserving Hong Kong’s freedom and autonomy against China’s oppression.