[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Sunmi Park] Joshua Wong, Secretary-General of the Hong Kong Demosist? Party, who is being mentioned as the top priority for arrest following the passage of the Hong Kong National Security Law, announced that he will step down from his party position.
On the morning of the 30th, immediately after the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China unanimously passed the Hong Kong National Security Law, Wong announced his intention to resign from his party position via Twitter. He stated, "I am stepping down from the Demosist? Party," and added, "Even if my voice is not heard immediately, I hope the international community will continue to raise their voices for Hong Kong and strengthen efforts to protect freedom."
Regarding the passage of the Hong Kong National Security Law, he described it as "the end of Hong Kong and the beginning of a reign of terror," saying, "From now on, Hong Kong will enter a new era of terror governance. There is a high possibility that Hong Kong protesters will be extradited to Chinese courts for trial. However, Hong Kong people will continue to fight for freedom and democracy for the next generation."
Wong, who is recognized internationally as a leader of the Hong Kong pro-democracy protests, has said himself that if China enacts the Hong Kong National Security Law, he will be the first to be arrested by Chinese authorities. Online rumors are circulating that not only Wong but also prominent pro-democracy figures in Hong Kong, such as Jimmy Lai, the operator of the anti-China media Apple Daily, will be arrested following the passage of the law, along with a 'blacklist of 54 detainees.'
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