合法博彩网站

叠9鈥�0287/2023

Motion for a European 合法博彩网站 resolution on deterioration of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong, notably the case of Jimmy Lai

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合法博彩网站,

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–听 having regard to Rule 144 of its Rules of Procedure,

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1. whereas one of the leaders of the pro-democracy movement and former owner of Apple Daily newspaper is facing trial in Hong Kong under the Beijing-imposed National Security Law (NSL) on charges of inter alia (conspiracy to commit) collusion with foreign forces; whereas Lai was handed consecutive prison sentences since 2020 for his involvement in an unauthorized assembly; whereas in December 2022 he was jailed for five years and nine months and fined on fraud charges;

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2. whereas Lai鈥檚 national security trial, that could result in a sentence of life in prison, is due to start in September;

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3. whereas Lai filed an appeal against Hong Kong High Court鈥檚 rejection of his attempt to challenge a national security committee decision which effectively barred a foreign lawyer from representing him; whereas s Standing Committee of China鈥檚 National People鈥檚 Congress (NPCSC) decided last December, upon request by Hong Kong鈥檚 government to interpret the NSL, that Hong Kong courts have to request certification from the Chief Executive on the participation of foreign lawyers in national security cases; whereas in May 2023 Hong Kong鈥檚 Legislative Council unanimously passed an amendment of the Legal Practitioners Ordinance that enacts this decision;

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1. Expresses grave concern over the arrest and detention of Jimmy Lai; calls on the authorities to release him, to drop the politically motivated charges against him and to grant him a fair trial in line with international standards;

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2. Calls on the Hong Kong Government to release all political prisoners in Hong Kong and to drop charges against peaceful Hong Kong protesters arrested in the last years, who simply exercised their right to freedom of expression or other rights;

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3. Urges the authorities to repeal the NSL and to recommit to upholding the Hong Kong Basic Law, which guarantees freedom of association, assembly, expression and of religion and belief;

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4. Fears that the NPCSC decision and the amendment of the Legal Practitioners Ordinance further undermine the already reduced fair trial guarantees in national security cases, by threatening judicial independence and impartiality and defendants鈥� internationally recognized right to the legal representation of their choice;

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5. Deplores the detention of several pro-democracy activists during this year鈥檚 anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre and the decision by the Hong Kong authorities to ban, for the fourth consecutive year, the annual 4 June vigil;

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6. Reiterates its call for the European External Action Service to ensure adequate resources for the European Union Office to Hong Kong so that it can continue conducting and adequately stepping up trial observation, prison visits and human rights monitoring;

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7. Reiterates its call for the Council to introduce targeted sanctions under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime against John Lee and all other Hong Kong and PRC officials responsible for the ongoing human rights crackdown in the city and involved in NSL detentions;

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8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Hong Kong Government and Legislative Council;

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