CALS Statement No. 6 S. 2014

CALD Statement on the Crackdown of Protesters in Hong Kong

The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) is extremely concerned about the recent crackdown on protesters at the heart of Hong Kong’s business district. The week-long protest organized by students and activists has been calling for universal suffrage and a democratic reform of Hong Kong’s electoral system. The government, as represented by Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung, said that “the demonstration was illegal and elections would go ahead as planned”. China also signaled strong support to this stance of the Hong Kong government and condemned the protests as illegal and disruptive.

On 28 September, police started to use tear gas and pepper spray to disperse the demonstrations. A total of 78 people were also arrested on charges of “forcible entry into government premises, unlawful assembly, disorderly conduct in public place, assaulting public officers and obstructing police officers in due execution of duties.”

CALD welcomes the cessation of the use of force and tear-gas by the authorities to stop the protest. CALD also appeals to the government of Hong Kong to exercise maximum restraint, calm and sobriety in handling the escalating tensions in the territory. The protesters have been demonstrating peacefully, and the Hong Kong government should reflect and listen to its people in crafting the appropriate response to the demonstrator’s demands. Given the people’s increasing clamor for change, CALD also implores the government to accede to the will and aspirations of the Hong Kong people to have free and fair elections by universal suffrage that meet international standards.

CALD recognizes the rights of the people of Hong Kong to express their political views and to petition the government for redress of grievances. CALD believes there is always room for open dialogue and negotiation. All the stakeholders from both sides of the political fence – political leaders, students, and broader civil society – must always be guided by peaceful and democratic principles and processes in resolving the on-going crisis, so that a lasting and inclusive solution can be reached.