Statement from the French Tibetan Association regarding Article 23 in Hong Kong

Supporters of the Tibetan cause wholeheartedly join the demonstration against this “anti-subversion law” in Hong Kong. Since Hong Kong was returned to China in 1997, basic liberties have been constantly decreased; freedom of thought, freedom of association, freedom of belief...movements like Falun Gong are being repressed more and more.

In Hong Kong, despite the promise to preserve liberties in a democratic state, China is now crushing the island under a repressive steamroller. This suppression of liberties reminds us of the suppression of Chinese dissidents and Tibetans for 50 years, not to forget the Oriental Turkestan and South Mongolia, which are also occupied by China. In Tibet, the recent arrests and death penalties of Tibetan monks seem to indicate that the new Chinese leaders are following the path of their predecessors.

This is why we support all initiatives that defend people’s fundamental right of freedom.

Release from French Tibetan Association, December 19th, 2002