WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 3:00pm ET, the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, led by Chair Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), will host a press event marking nearly four years since the wrongful imprisonment of Hong Kong media mogul and democracy advocate Jimmy Lai. The event will honor Mr. Lai’s activism for democracy and free speech, highlight the cases of other prisoners of conscience in Hong Kong, and call for the immediate release of Mr. Lai and all others who are unjustly held by the Hong Kong Government.
Sebastien Lai, Jimmy’s son, will be joined by members of Congress, human rights advocates, and NGO leaders to shine a light on the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong authorities’ escalating assault on fundamental freedoms, including the freedoms of the press, expression, and assembly.
“My father has been in prison for three and a half years for standing up for rights and freedoms in Hong Kong,” said Sebastien Lai. “His case is emblematic of the CCP’s crackdown on freedom of expression and the rule of law, and the destruction of the vibrant, free place Hong Kong once was. I am grateful to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for shining a light on my father’s case and the plight of all Hong Kong’s political prisoners at this key moment.”
As part of this event, a series of video messages from human rights defenders, journalists, and activists will be showcased. These messages will express solidarity with those like Jimmy Lai and the Hong Kong 47 – individuals who have been unjustly persecuted for their role in defending democracy – while emphasizing the vital connection between free speech, press freedom, and democracy. Together, they will highlight the global stakes of defending these fundamental rights against repression.
WHAT
“Honoring Jimmy Lai: A Stand for Democracy and Press Freedom in Hong Kong,” an event to celebrate Jimmy Lai’s commitment to democracy, demand his release and the release of other political prisoners in Hong Kong, and elevate the global call for press freedom, free speech, and human rights
WHO
WHEN
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
3:00pm – 4:00pm ET
WHERE
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing Room
SD-419 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C.
MEDIA
Reporters and media outlets must RSVP with Eric Harris and receive confirmation to attend this event. Email: Eric_Harris@foreign.senate.gov to RSVP or to learn more about this event.
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