Amnesty Hampered by Security Law, Closes Hong Kong Branch

Led Abolition of Death Penalty in Hong Kong
But Exits After Over 40 Years Amid Retaliation Fears

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Amnesty International, the world's largest human rights organization, has decided to completely close its Hong Kong branch by the end of this year due to the Hong Kong National Security Law (Hong Kong Security Law).

On the 25th, Amnesty International announced, "We will close the two offices in Hong Kong by the end of this year." Of the two offices, the one focused on Hong Kong-related issues will close on the 31st, and the other office, which serves as the Asia-Pacific regional headquarters, will close by the end of the year and relocate to Seoul, Tokyo, Taiwan, or other locations.

Amnesty International decided to close its Hong Kong branch, which had been operating for over 40 years, because it judged that normal activities had become impossible due to the Hong Kong Security Law enacted on June 30 last year.

Vice Director Anhula Miya Singh stated, "This decision, made with a very heavy heart, is due to the Hong Kong Security Law," adding, "Human rights organizations in Hong Kong have become unable to operate freely and without fear of severe government retaliation because of this law."

The Hong Kong Security Law allows for the death penalty or life imprisonment for four crimes: secession, subversion of state power, terrorist activities, and collusion with foreign forces. In other words, advocating for Hong Kong independence or criticizing the Chinese Communist Party are all punishable offenses.

Amnesty International's Hong Kong branch made significant contributions to improving human rights in Hong Kong. It abolished the death penalty in 1993 and exposed excessive police force during the large-scale protests against the extradition bill in 2019. Last year, it criticized the Chinese government for detaining 12 Hong Kong activists, depriving them of the right to a fair trial, and subjecting them to abuse.

Agnes Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International, praised, "Amnesty International's Hong Kong branch was a ray of light during the darkest times of human rights violations."