Until this day, four young people have committed suicide to urge the Hong Kong Government to halt the amendments to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance, or so-called Extradition Bill, while millions of people are on the street fighting for their rights, facing batons, tear gas, rubber bullets, and horrifying attack organised by pro-China mafias who even targeted pregnant women.
The Extradition Bill is an act promoted by the Hong Kong Government which erodes the island’s once independent judicial system. When the Ordinance passes, crime suspects in Hong Kong would very likely be extradited to Chinese Mainland upon Chinese Government’s request, of which the transparency and accountability are questionable. The fear of facing wrongful prosecutions has forced the Hong Kong people to the street again and again, making the financial metropolitan the de-facto front line of democracy and freedom.
Saint Lucia and Hong Kong were originally both overseas colonies of the British Empire. However, Saint Lucian people have fought for its well-deserved independence and democracy. The legacy not only brings democracy and freedom to the island but also is an encouragement for those who are still struggling against authoritarian oppressions, such as people in Hong Kong.
The government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) calls on all democratic nations, including Saint Lucian to continue to speak out in support of the people of Hong Kong in their fight for human rights and freedom; to work together to uphold liberty, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law; and to support the people of Taiwan as they defend their democracy and their right to determine their own future.
Douglas C. T. Shen
Ambassador of the R.O.C. (Taiwan) to Saint Lucia