Statement by Member States of the CoD Governing Council on recent developments in Hong Kong

We, the undersigned members of the Community of Democracies Governing Council, with the Secretary General of the Community of Democracies, express deep concern over the Hong Kong government’s issuance of new arrest warrants, bounties, and cancellation of passports targeting overseas democracy activists, a form of transnational repression.

We also express deep concern over the sentencing of 45 Hong Kong lawmakers and activists for their peaceful participation in political activities protected by the Basic Law. Beijing and Hong Kong authorities showed a lack of respect for the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. These actions undermine the democratic principles enshrined in the Warsaw Declaration and are incompatible with adherence to the rules-based international order.

We continue to call on Hong Kong authorities to end their politically motivated prosecution of Jimmy Lai. The undersigned members of the Community of Democracies Governing Council, with the Secretary General of the Community of Democracies, call on Beijing and Hong Kong authorities to release all unjustly detained political prisoners, uphold a free and open system, and ensure the democratic development of Hong Kong.

Canada, Lithuania, the United Kingdom, the United States