Island-Wide Signature Collection Drive in Taiwan Against Article 23 Supports Freedom in Hong Kong (Photos)

(Clearwisdom.net) Facing the imminent crisis of Hong Kong Article 23 legislation on July 9, 100, 000 the Hong Kong people will hold a grand march on July 1^st to express their voices. The Taiwanese people also extend their helping hands by holding an island-wide signature collection drive to support the Hong Kong people.

Caption: Taipei citizens hold signature collection on the streets to support the Hong Kong people against Article 23

In parks, railway stations, or on the streets, Taiwan citizens, old or young, could be seen carrying a piece of white cloth on which to collect signatures. They are striving for the freedom of the Hong Kong people.

Article 23 legislation is to be enacted. Taiwan citizens who have experienced the times of "white terror" pressure showed great concern for the human rights crisis Hong Kong is facing. The Global Coalition Against Article 23 Legislation Taipei Chapter invited Taipei citizens who are concerned about Hong Kong's future on June 28 to collect signatures around the clock. They hoped to offer their strong support and encouragement for Hong Kong citizens who are courageously safeguarding freedom before the July 1^st Grand March.

Ms. Su, who is a volunteer participant in the signature collection drive said, "Once the legislation is passed, Hong Kong people will lose the freedom of speech, because the legislation is very ambiguous. Actually it is not legal, and against human rights. We should let more people know about the legislation, and create more voices against the enactment of the legislation."

One student from the Department of Law at the National Taiwan University expressed that he was really puzzled at what Hong Kong authorities are doing. More than a dozen years ago, in Taiwan, people from all walks of life strove hard to abolish "Criminal Law Article 100"--the crime of treason through speech. The malevolent law that charged people because of their speech not only suffocated people's voices, but also nourished the dictatorship political power controlling people. Hong Kong, a former brilliantly free democratic fortress in Asia, now disregards public opinion and walks down a road that will cast a shadow for Hong Kong's future.

The Global Coalition Against Article 23 Legislation, Taipei Chapter expressed that the Taiwanese people have gradually realized that this is not just a crisis of freedom for Hong Kong citizens, it is also a big threat for Taiwan, which has close contact with Hong Kong. More and more people have joined the opposition alliance. We hope that in Taiwanese territory, with pure concern for human rights, we can ignite Hong Kong's hope and confidence.

Rescue Hong Kong's freedom and safeguard conscience. On the road to freedom, obviously, Hong Kong is not alone.

Chinese version available at http://www.minghui.ca/mh/articles/2003/6/30/53170.html

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