Amnesty International leaves Hong Kong for fear of reprisals – franceinfo

“It is increasingly difficult for us to continue to work in such an unstable environment.” Amnesty International announced Monday, October 25, the closure of its offices in Hong Kong. “This decision, taken with a heavy heart, is due to the Hong Kong National Security Law, which in practice makes it impossible for human rights organizations in Hong Kong to operate freely and without fear of serious reprisal from of the government”, explained Anjhula Mya Singh Bais, the president of the NGO, in a statement.

“The environment of repression and perpetual uncertainty created by the National Security Law makes it impossible to know what activities could lead to criminal sanctions.”

Anjhula Mya Singh Bais, President of Amnesty International

in a press release

Amnesty International has two offices in Hong Kong: its local branch will close on October 31 and its regional headquarters for Southeast Asia by the end of 2021. “THEhe recent targeting of local rights groups and unions signals an intensification of the authorities’ campaign to rid the city of dissent. “, regretted Anjhula Mya Singh Bais.

At least 70 people, many of the city’s most prominent pro-democracy activists, have been charged under the law, most of them simply expressing now illegal political views. Dozens of associations and unions have scuttled themselves in recent months for fear of being worried by the authorities.