EU Parliament condemns arrest of Cardinal Joseph Zen, 4 other Hong Kong democracy activists
- The non-binding resolution also calls on EU nations to provide more emergency visas and temporary shelter for Hong Kong activists and political leaders
- ‘This parliament continues to actively show solidarity with Hong Kong democrats and against Chinese communist oppression’
The European Parliament passed a non-binding resolution on Thursday condemning the arrest of senior Hong Kong cleric Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun and four other trustees of the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund in Hong Kong, saying it was “an attack on the freedoms guaranteed in the Hong Kong Basic Law, including the freedom of religion or belief”.
The relief fund was established in 2019 to provide legal and financial help to those involved in pro-democracy demonstrations. It ceased activity in 2021 after police announced an investigation into its work, and a notice on its website this week said it has stopped taking donations.
In passing the resolution, the EU Parliament said the cardinal’s arrest demonstrates Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s intention to clamp down on critical voices in the region. The measure will next be discussed by the European Council.
In May, Hong Kong’s national security department arrested the 90-year-old retired Roman Catholic leader along with former opposition lawmaker Margaret Ng Ngoi-yee; singer Denise Ho Wan-sze; academic Hui Po-keung; and former Legislative Council of Hong Kong member Cyd Ho Sau. They face charges of “collusion with foreign forces”.
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Former Hong Kong bishop pessimistic about religious freedom as Beijing tightens grip on city
