WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, following the start of a sham trial against Jimmy Lai and 8 pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong, Senator Rick Scott released the below statement calling on Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam to drop all charges and respect the civil liberties of Hong Kongers.

In December, Senator Scott wrote a letter to Chief Executive Lam calling on her to release Jimmy Lai and other pro-democracy activists arrested under the “National Security Law.” In September 2019, Senator Scott was the first U.S. Senator to travel to Hong Kong after the protests began to meet with Jimmy Lai and other pro-democracy activists.

Senator Rick Scott said, “This trial is a sham and is only meant to silence opposition and stop the progress of democracy. These brave activists have not committed actual crimes. They have only dared to stand for freedom, offending the fragile sensibilities of General Secretary Xi. Chief Executive Lam should stop serving as Beijing’s puppet and actually stand up for her people. Prosecuting freedom-loving citizens like Jimmy Lai is a dangerous move that threatens the freedoms of all Hong Kongers. This trial cannot go forward and all charges must be dropped immediately.”

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