Article 23 – Update - 10 July 2003

After a mass rally on 1 July 2003, when over 500,000 people turned up to protest at the Hong Kong government’s push to enact legislation on Article 23, the government announced that it would postpone the final readings of the Bill.

On 9 July, over 50,000 people again turned out to surround the Legislative Council building to call for full and free elections in Hong Kong before any renewed discussion of Article 23 Legislation. The massive turnout showed the strength of discontent at the government’s previous attempts to railroad its proposals – a flawed and potentially repressive bill - through the legislative process. The rally was a celebration of the “people’s power” that had helped push the government into reversing its plans on Article 23 as well as an opportunity to demand universal suffrage as the only way to ensure a responsible and transparent government.

The Hong Kong public has clearly shown that they want the government to act now to restore unity and prosperity to Hong Kong and that any attempt to push through legislation on Article 23 without first resolving these crucial issues will only further undermine the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong.

According to Article 68 of the Basic law, the ultimate aim for Hong Kong is the election of the Legislative Council by universal suffrage. We now ask that the government moves ahead with the necessary steps to create universal suffrage and then only then move ahead with Article 23 legislation. Any move to introduce the proposed legislation without a popularly elected government will only reinforce the chasm between the government and the people.

On the right of the screen there is a related "broadcast" - a Quicktime / RealOne movie of the crowds in Hong Kong on 9 July. To view the file you will need RealOne Player. If you don't have Real Player, download it from www.real.com and install as default.

To view our press release on the postponement of the legislation and our support for universal suffrage click here.

To sign our ongoing campaign to release the Liaoyang Two - click here