A group of activists holding signs that say “Embrace freedom in wind and rain” and “Support Hong Kong” at a dinner on Sep. 29. Amnesty International says seven of the people in this photo remain detained. (Amnesty International)
Human rights organisation Amnesty International has called on world leaders attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Forum summit in Beijing to urge China to release mainland activists detained for supporting the Umbrella Movement.
Amnesty International says at least 76 people remain detained in Beijing, Jiangsu, Guangzhou and Shenzhen after voicing their support for the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong over the last month.
People have allegedly been detained for posting pictures of support online, for shaving their heads in solidarity, or for planning to participate in the protests in person in Hong Kong.
The organisation also claims that dozens more have been called in by the authorities to be questioned, something also known as being “invited for tea”.
According to Beijing blog That’s, a Beijing fashion designer was arrested after holding a show that featured blood-stained yellow umbrellas on Oct. 30. Audience members were reportedly “stunned into silence”.
“APEC leaders must end their recent silence on the crackdown against mainland Chinese activists expressing support for Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters,” said Roseann Rife, Amnesty International’s East Asia Director.
“Political convenience should not trump principled action,” she continued.
“The leaders should take this opportunity to speak out and urge President Xi to ensure all those detained solely for exercising their right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are immediately and unconditionally released.”
Amnesty International has released a list of those who have been detained and the reasons for which they were arrested.
Student protest leaders have announced that they plan to take their grievances to Beijing in the coming weeks.
