HELP UKRAINE WIN THE WAR

UKRAINE VICTORY FUND

PLEASE DONATE
Halifax International Security Forum Calls on China to Drop Charges Against Democracy Activist
May 17, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, DC – “Politically motivated charges against Figo Chan and other pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong should be dropped immediately,” said Peter Van Praagh, President of the Halifax International Security Forum today.

Chan and human rights campaigner Emily Lau accepted the 2019 John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service at the Halifax International Security Forum last November from Mrs. Cindy McCain, wife of the late Senator and Forum board member.

Van Praagh’s call comes as Chan and 14 other activists are due to go to trial on charges related to demonstrations that took place in August and October last year.

“Just last month, China was appointed to the influential Consultative Group of the United Nations Human Rights Council,” Van Praagh said. “Figo Chan’s trial mocks that appointment.” 

China analysts say Beijing is attempting to profit from the world’s attention on the Coronavirus to pursue an ever more oppressive stance on Hong Kong, which last year saw sustained pro-democracy demonstrations by millions of people.

 “China caused alarm at the beginning of the first wave of the pandemic by arresting doctors and censoring scientists,” said Van Praagh.  “It is again defaulting to authoritarian measures that must be challenged.”  

“The courage of Figo Chan and pro-democracy activists is an inspiration to the whole world,” said Van Praagh. 

Halifax International Security Forum is a non-partisan, non-profit, non-governmental organization that runs North America’s leading foreign affairs and defense conference. Its mission is to strengthen strategic cooperation among the world’s democracies. The conference will take place this year on November 20-22. 

– 30 –

For interviews and other media inquiries, please contact: communications@halifaxtheforum.org.

FOLLOW HFX ON TWITTER

State Minister of Defense Ino: thank you for strong global leadership from 🇯🇵 @HFXforum looks forward to working more closely with you to connect the world’s democracies. twitter.com/ModJapan_en/st…

Türkiye will not be left to shoulder its terrible burden alone. The democratic world stands together with you in your time of need. 🇹🇷🌍 abcnews.go.com/Business/wireS…

Asia's leading democracy 🇯🇵 supporting Europe's bravest democracy 🇺🇦 is an inspiration to the rest of the world. China's visit to Russia pales in comparison. twitter.com/IuliiaMendel/s…

An important meeting with @NATOBrazeB. When the democracies work together, there is no challenge that can't be met. HFX is proud to call @NATO its partner in that vital mission. twitter.com/NATOBrazeB/sta…