HRIC Co-Organizes Screening of Chow Hang-tung Documentary
On Friday, March 29, Human Rights in China co-organized a screening of “She’s in Jail,” a documentary by The 29 Principles on currently imprisoned Hong Kong barrister and pro-democracy activist Chow Hang-tung, at New York University. More than a hundred attended, including students, families, and elderly. The facility was graciously provided by Bernstein Institute for Human Rights at NYU Law School. Prior to the screening, a flash mob was held in Washington Square Park to protest the recent passing of the Article 23 national security law.
The documentary is heavy and touching. It tells the story of Chow Hang-tung, vice-chair of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, from a top student at Cambridge, to a social movement leader, until she was arrested and became a political prisoner, all the while heroically standing firm throughout the decline of Hong Kong. Chow was detained by the authorities because she insisted on publicly commemorating June Fourth, refused to hand over her association’s information, and provided help to others who were arrested.
After the film, Anna Cheung, the founder of NY4HK, a group of New Yorkers supporting the Hong Kong cause, led a discussion among the panelists. HRIC Executive Director Zhou Fengsuo was joined by Hong Kong activist Nathan Law, President of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation Mark Clifford, The 29 Principles’ Patrick Poon.
Director Zhou quoted Chow Hang-tung’s statement that despite her imprisonment, she would never stop raising her voice in resistance. Similarly, those of us abroad must never stop raising our voices to support her and others imprisoned by the CCP. Chow Hang-tung was imprisoned because the CCP was afraid that she would lead others to commemorate Tiananmen. Therefore, we must cherish the opportunity to freely commemorate June Fourth overseas, particularly this year, the 35th anniversary of the massacre. Director Zhou pointed to Chow Hang-tung’s bravery in standing alone, even as those around her were imprisoned: “She refused to plead guilty and persisted until the last moment.”
The documentary also drew attention to the more than a thousand Hong Kong activists who are still imprisoned. Nathan Law pointed out that since the passage of the Article 23 national security law, the situation of these activists has grown even more dire, as they are singled out for harsher treatment and extended sentences. Anna Cheung called on the outside world to stand up for these political prisoners, and to continue pushing for their release.