Giulio Terzi: Hong Kong rallies against Chinese suppression of the rule of law

Giulio Terzi: Hong Kong rallies against Chinese suppression of the rule of law

Following the mobilization launched a few days ago by some 3,000 Hong Kong lawyers, on 9 June over one million citizens took to the streets of the Asian city to rally against the progressive, yet blatant, suppression of the rule of law on the island. This strategy is a clear breach by communist mainland China of every commitment taken with Hong Kong and with the international community.

The Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Carrie Lam, friendly – or rather, enslaved – to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its President Xi Jinping, presses on with the adoption of an extradition law which would allow Beijing to target anyone who stands accused of political offenses, crimes of opinion or seen in one way or another as defiant towards the Chinese communist rule. Through the extradition bill, the leader of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong may curb political rights and freedom of information and would grant Beijing extended powers counter to fundamental commitments signed by China with the United Kingdom and Hong Kong. Interestingly, in March 2017, Carrie Lam said: “If mainstream opinion makes me no longer able to continue the job as chief executive, I’ll resign.”

The huge and peaceful, yet resolute demonstrations by the people of Hong Kong also attracted many business professionals who remained hitherto tolerant towards the arrogance of Xi Jinping and the CCP. Regrettably, China’s commitment to dismantling the rule of law by smashing the legal fence separating Hong Kong from mainland China does not discourage Italy to embark in a joint venture with China. The unyielding enthusiasm of Undersecretary for Development of Italy, Mr. Michele Geraci, for a Memorandum of Understanding with China may lead to a bitter disappointment.

Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata

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