Leaders of human rights groups and several Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislators have publicly shown support for Hong Kong’s July 1st rally.
The rally is an annual protest march on the anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China from British rule. Protesters call for democracy and express their opposition to Beijing’s increasing encroachment on Hong Kong’s freedoms.
The march this year is anticipated to be massive as Lam Wing-kei, the owner of Causeway Bay Books, will be leading the marchers. Lam was recently released after spending 10 months in detention in mainland China for selling controversial books on Beijing’s leaders. In recent weeks he has spoken out about the human rights abuses he endured, including forced confessions. A number of Lam’s colleagues have also been detained in China, including two who were arrested in Hong Kong itself. This represents a grievous breach of the autonomy of the special administrative region.
Yang Sen-hong, chair of the Taiwan Association for China Human Rights, showed support for this year’s march. He said Taiwan cannot observe breaches of human rights in Hong Kong and not do anything.
“Taiwan is actually an ark of human rights, much like Noah’s Ark in the Bible. Now is a crucial moment because human rights are being violated in Hong Kong and it is time for Taiwan to play the ark role [and carry people to safety]," said Yang.
Yang also said that Lam had previously expressed his preference to seek refuge in Taiwan if he were subjected to further persecution and has to leave Hong Kong. Yang has called on the Mainland Affairs Council and the National Immigration Agency to offer help and protection in the event of an emergency.