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End political persecution, reinstate democracy in HK

The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih 2.0) condemns the use of tear gas by the Hong Kong police to disperse the Occupy Central peaceful protesters in the city on Sept 28, 2014. We are appalled by the injuries inflicted upon at least 41 persons and the arrest of 78 persons.

This is a sorry episode in Hong Kong’s proud history as one of Asia’s shining democracies that had hitherto respected the right to peaceful assembly. The Hong Kong authorities and the Chinese government must recognise and uphold this freedom as it is indispensable to citizens’ full enjoyment of their rights, especially the right to expression of political beliefs.

While Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung has promised a consultation to resolve the current crisis, he must know that any such consultation will amount to naught if he and the Hong Kong authorities continue to arrest and do not release all those detained for participating in Occupy Central.

Bersih 2.0 strongly urges the Hong Kong authorities and the Chinese government to honour its promise of democratic elections to the Hong Kong citizenry. This includes reinstating political reforms that must adequately reflect the demands of Hong Kong people for democracy and resuming public consultation on democratic reforms in accordance with international standards.

Bersih 2.0 urges the Hong Kong authorities to immediately release all detainees of Occupy Central.


This statement was issued by the following members of the Steering Committee of Bersih 2.0: Maria Chin Abdullah (chairperson), Masjaliza Hamzah (treasurer), Farhana Abdul Halim, Jannie Lasimbang (Sabah representative), Ahmad Awang Ali (Sarawak), Abd Halim Wan Ismail (East Peninsula), Thomas Fann (South Peninsula), Simon Lee Ying Wai (Central Peninsula) and Dr Toh Kin Woon (North Peninsula).

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