Risch on Hong Kong Sentencing of Pro-Democracy Leaders

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement on the Hong Kong government's sentencing of dozens of pro-democracy leaders and the restart of Jimmy Lai's trial:

"The Hong Kong government's harsh sentencing of 45 pro-democracy leaders is a travesty of justice. Rule of law and autonomy are already dead in Hong Kong, but this ruling puts another nail in the coffin. It highlights how afraid President Xi and the regime in Beijing are of a few solemn individuals who dare to disagree with them.

"I also continue to be disgusted by Jimmy Lai's treatment at the hands of Beijing and Hong Kong authorities. Mr. Lai's advanced age and declining health make his solitary confinement without access to independent medical care even more abhorrent. He, and the 45 pro-democracy leaders, should be released immediately.

"All of this is happening while international CEOs attend a financial summit in Hong Kong this week. Pretending like it is business as usual in Hong Kong only emboldens China's human rights abuses in Hong Kong and elsewhere. Instead, the U.S. government and business community must support the dignity and fundamental freedoms of the Hong Kong people, and all those persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party."

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