By CatholicVote | Created at 2024-11-20 23:06:08 | Updated at 2024-11-21 09:00:31
9 hours ago
CV NEWS FEED // A prayer vigil and public witness was held today at the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., in solidarity with 45 Hong Kong democracy activists who have been imprisoned by Beijing’s Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
The Christian Defense Coalition announced in a press release published by ChristianNewsWire that the event, held on Wednesday, November 20, at 1:00 p.m.., was in response to the sentencing of 45 Hong Kong democracy activists who received prison terms ranging from four to 10 years for their peaceful efforts to promote democratic reforms and expand freedoms in Hong Kong.
To honor the imprisoned activists, human rights advocates laid 45 flowers at the Chinese Embassy, located at 3505 International Place NW. The vigil included prayers for justice and calls for global action to demand their immediate release. Organizers hoped to draw attention to what they describe as the oppressive actions of the CCP and to rally support for the individuals whose work for democracy has led to severe punishment.
One of the most famous prisoners is Jimmy Lai, a Catholic Hong Kong businessman, journalist, and prominent critic of the CCP, who was imprisoned for participating in pro-democracy demonstrations. He was accused of violating the CCP’s National Security Law.
Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition and a long-time advocate for human rights in China and Hong Kong, emphasized the gravity of the situation.
“It is an outrage [that] the Chinese Communist Party has imprisoned 45 democracy advocates for peacefully calling for democratic reforms and freedom in Hong Kong,” he stated in the press release for the event. Rev. Mahoney criticized the CCP for its disregard of free speech and basic human rights, calling their actions a demonstration of brutal persecution.
The vigil sought to amplify global voices against this repression. “We are gathering to pray and leave flowers at the Chinese Embassy to stand in solidarity with these heroic freedom fighters,” Rev. Mahoney explained.
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He called on the United States and world leaders to condemn the actions of the CCP and demand the release of the activists. In his statement, he drew from the words of Holocaust survivor and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Elie Wiesel.
“We must take sides,” he said. “Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.”
Rev. Mahoney affirmed that the Coalition would not remain silent in the face of human rights abuses in Hong Kong and is committed to supporting human rights and freedom worldwide. He urged the international community to join in advocating for justice for the imprisoned activists.
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