US Lawmakers Urge Action on Hong Kong Political Prisoners’ Rights
In Washington DC, the chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party has raised concerns about the treatment of political prisoners in Hong Kong. A letter was sent to Secretary of State Antony J Blinken, highlighting issues such as torture, poor food, and denial of religious materials faced by detainees. The letter urges the US Consul General in Hong Kong to evaluate prison conditions and check for human rights violations. It also requests a briefing on efforts to release political prisoners and hold Hong Kong accountable for arbitrary detentions.
The lawmakers call for a discussion at the UN Human Rights Council, supported by over 50 human rights experts, and advocate for US diplomatic efforts in Geneva to investigate prison conditions. The case of political prisoner Owen Chow and his lawyer, Phyllis Woo, who faced penalties for attempting to file complaints, is highlighted. Concerns are also raised about media mogul Jimmy Lai’s prolonged solitary confinement and lack of medical care.
Reports of abuse in juvenile detention centers and the Hong Kong government’s attempts to silence information about prison conditions are alarming. The lawmakers emphasize the need for independent investigations and international pressure, committing to work with global parliamentarians to address human rights issues in Hong Kong and beyond.
Doubts Revealed
US Lawmakers -: US lawmakers are people who make laws in the United States. They are like the leaders who decide on rules and regulations for the country.
Hong Kong -: Hong Kong is a special region in China. It used to be a British colony and has its own system of government, different from mainland China.
Political Prisoners -: Political prisoners are people who are put in jail because of their political beliefs or actions. They might disagree with the government and are punished for it.
US Consul General -: The US Consul General is a representative of the United States in a foreign country. They help US citizens abroad and work on international relations.
UN Human Rights Council -: The UN Human Rights Council is a group of countries that work together to protect human rights around the world. They discuss and address issues where people’s rights are being violated.
Owen Chow -: Owen Chow is a person from Hong Kong who has been in trouble with the authorities for his political actions. He faced penalties for speaking out against the government.
Jimmy Lai -: Jimmy Lai is a businessman and media mogul from Hong Kong. He is known for supporting democracy and has been jailed for his political views.
Solitary Confinement -: Solitary confinement is when a prisoner is kept alone in a cell, away from other people. It is a form of punishment that can be very hard on a person’s mental health.