The General Secretary of Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU), Lee Cheuk Yan and 13 pro-democracy activists were arrested on Saturday, 18 April 2020 and being charged of unlawful assembly stemming from huge demonstrations against proposed China extradition legislation.
The ITUC-AP jointly with ITUC has urged the Hong Kong government once more to respect the people’s right to freedom of assembly and to (1) drop all criminal charges against Lee Cheuk Yan and all the peaceful protesters associated with the anti-extradition bill protests; (2) lift all restrictions on peaceful assemblies and ensure that peaceful assemblies can be conducted without police interference; (3) stop anti-union discrimination and unfair dismissals and ensuring re-instatement of workers affected; (4) stop arresting and prosecuting people who participated in peaceful assemblies; and (5) establish an independent commission of inquiry to investigate human rights violations, including excessive police violence and arbitrary detentions.
Lee Cheuk Yan and 13 pro-democracy activists were released on bail and the court hearing scheduled in May.
The ITUC/ITUC-AP letter to the Chief Executive of Hong Kong is attached for any necessary action.