Hong Kong slams South Korean rights group over award for jailed activist, says move intended to ‘flagrantly glorify’ illegal acts
- Chow Hang-tung, figure behind annual candlelight vigil marking June 4 crackdown in Beijing, named winner of this year’s Gwangju Prize for Human Rights
- Hong Kong Security Bureau hits out at attempts to ‘interfere’ in city’s affairs, says no one ‘above the law’
Hong Kong authorities have slammed a South Korean rights group for awarding a prize to jailed activist Chow Hang-tung, saying the move intended to “flagrantly glorify” illegal acts and interfere in the city’s affairs.
The government also reiterated that Hong Kong upheld the rule of law and all offenders would be held responsible.
“As a human rights lawyer, Chow Hang-tung has tirelessly challenged the government’s unjust and unfair treatment of human rights defenders. Even now, as a prisoner of conscience, she continues to struggle against the system that oppresses the people of Hong Kong.
“By awarding Chow … we hope to convey to the Hong Kong government and the people of Hong Kong the solidarity of the international community by supporting democracy and standing for human rights in Hong Kong,” the foundation’s announcement read.
According to South Korean media, Chinese officials asked the foundation to reconsider its plan to present the award to Chow, claiming she was a “criminal who took part in a violent protest that inflicted damage on China”.
