PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
VISUAL ARTISTS GUILD CONDEMNS THE DEATH OF DEMOCRACY ON THE ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL SECURITY LAW IN HONG KONG
July 1st, 2021
The Visual Artist Guild, along with several million Hongkongers around the world, mourn the first anniversary of The National Security Law.
This law, written by the Chinese Communist Party in Beijing (CCP), grants them extra powers to strip Hong Kong of any resemblance as the last stronghold of freedom of expression in China.
The law became effective on July 1st, 2020, the 23rd anniversary of the transfer of authority from Britain to China. This resulted in the end of the “One Country, Two Systems” policy in Hong Kong. The Tiananmen massacre and Hong Kong crackdowns by the Chinese Communist Party, have crushed any move for democratic reform. The Hong Kong Security Law targets individuals and groups around the world with the threat of arrest. The law makes it illegal for any Chinese citizen or group, to work with other countries to advocate for the seven million Hong Kong residents.
Past participants of Tiananmen Commemorative Vigils, the Yellow Umbrella Movement, journalists, and other activists have been arrested. This includes democracy activist Joshua Wong who is still in jail. In the education sector, teachers, and students have been suppressed, and the materials taught have been censored. Jimmy Li, the publisher, who promotes freedom of the press, has been arrested and his assets frozen. This led to the closure of his newspaper of “The Apple Daily News” and further arrests. Numerous pro-democracy politicians and activists are in exile or have been sentenced to long prison terms.
One of many leaders opposing The National Security Law is American citizen Samuel Chu. He is the founder and Director of the Hong Kong Democracy Council in Washington, D. C. The CCP has issued an arrest warrant for him. He was instrumental in the passage of 2 laws in the US Congress, “The Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act” and “The Hong Kong Autonomy Act.” He has also promoted several other policies.
The National Security Law has created a climate of fear. On the anniversary of this law, Hong Kong residents are pressured to pledge their loyalty to Beijing, children are encouraged to look for traitors, and neighbors are urged to report on one another.
Therefore, The Visual Artists Guild condemns The National Security Law and its role in the degradation of basic human rights that were once enjoyed by the people of Hong Kong.
From: The Board of Directors of the Visual Artists Guild
Visual Artists Guild is a non-profit organization that champions the right of freedom of speech and expression. Established in May 1985, it holds the belief that the right of freedom of expression is the lifeblood of all artists. Its mission is to bring to the world attention whenever such a right is threatened or suppressed.
Contact
Email: info@VIsual-Artists-Guild.org
P.O. Box 861132
Los Angeles CA, 90086-1132 USA
310-433-0697