The European Union on Thursday criticised the arrest of prominent Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong, saying it was “troubling” and undermined trust in China.
The 23-year-old’s detention for for “unlawful assembly” over a 2019 demonstration comes after China imposed a sweeping new national security law on Hong Kong in late June.
“The arrest of Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong on 24 September is the latest in a troubling series of arrests of pro-democracy activists since the summer,” an EU spokesperson said, calling for “very careful scrutiny” by the judiciary.
“Developments in Hong Kong call into question China’s will to uphold its international commitments, undermine trust and impact EU-China relations.”
The EU has repeatedly voiced concern at the new Hong Kong security law, which critics say erodes important freedoms in the city.
Last week senior EU leaders pressed Chinese President Xi Jinping over the situation in Hong Kong at a video summit, saying democratic rights in the city must be preserved.
– AFP
