(New York)—PEN America today issued the following statement from Chief Executive Officer Suzanne Nossel in response to the protests in Hong Kong against the proposed extradition bill and the repressive police response:
“We are appalled to see that Hong Kong Police have responded to these historically significant and largely peaceful protests with the widespread use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and pepper spray. While police have the responsibility to maintain order, this aggressive response has been disproportionate, indiscriminate, and excessive. We are also distressed to learn that the targets of this show of police force appear to include journalists and reporters. Finally, we stand in solidarity with the officers of PEN Hong Kong who are currently undergoing a 24-hour hunger strike to protest the proposed extradition bill. If passed, the bill risks deeply and permanently damaging the space for free expression and press freedom in Hong Kong. We hope that the Hong Kong legislature will recognize this fact and scrap this dangerous bill.”
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PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect open expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. pen.org
CONTACT: PEN America media consultant Suzanne Trimel, [email protected]