A Scholarism activist sends a leaflet demanding press freedom into Beijing's liaison office compound. Photo: RTHK
The student activists with their petition outside the US Consulate. Photo: RTHK
Members of the student activist group Scholarism have demanded an explanation from the central government over the disappearance of Causeway Bay bookstore operator Lee Bo and four of his colleagues.
The group allege that the mainland authorities kidnapped the five of them for selling politically sensitive books. Speaking outside Beijing's liaison office in Hong Kong, Scholarism convenor Joshua Wong demanded that the mainland authorities respect the rights of Hong Kong citizens.
Earlier the group had submitted petitions to the British and US consulates, asking for their help.
"China thinks that it’s just a matter for China," said Wong. "But I would like to say it’s a matter for all citizens worldwide."
Wong said he believes it is necessary to focus international attention on the issue, and said he hoped that more people would stand up for human rights in the SAR.
Last week, Scholarism member Agnes Chow called for more international media coverage about the disappearances in a video that went viral on the internet.
In the video, called "An Urgent Cry from Hong Kong", 19-year-old Chow said that if the apparent abductions were confirmed it would prove that Hong Kong is no longer a safe haven for free speech.
http://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1233940-20160106.htm
