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Written question asked by Bishop of St Albans (Bishops (affiliation)) on Thursday, 17 March 2022, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 31 March 2022. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Wednesday, 30 March 2022 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Benedict Rogers

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Hong Kong following reports of threats and intimidation of Benedict Rogers, a UK citizen and Chief Executive of Hong Kong Watch.

Answer

As stated by the Foreign Secretary on 14 March, the unjustifiable action taken against the UK-based NGO Hong Kong Watch is clearly an attempt to silence those who stand up for human rights in Hong Kong. In parallel, our officials have raised our concerns in the strongest terms about this issue directly with the Hong Kong and Chinese authorities in London, Hong Kong and Beijing. We also continue to make clear our wider concerns about the National Security Law and the targeting of pro-democracy activists and groups.

The Chinese Government and Hong Kong authorities must respect the universal right to freedom of speech, and uphold that right in Hong Kong in accordance with international commitments, including the Joint Declaration. Attempting to silence voices globally that speak up for freedom and democracy is unacceptable and will never succeed.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL7070
Session
2021-22
Subjects
Intimidation Rogers, Benedict
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk