LabourStart launches international campaign calling for the release of trade union leader Lee Cheuk-yan
The international trade union platform LabourStart has launched a global campaign calling for the immediate release of Hong Kong trade union leader Lee Cheuk-yan and activist Chow Hang-tung. The campaign began on 11 September together with the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI), Education International (EI), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Hong Kong Labour Rights Monitor.
On 21 August, Hong Kong’s High Court found Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung guilty of “incitement to subvert state power” under the National Security Law. The case is linked to the activities of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, which for many years organised mass commemorations for the victims of the 1989 crackdown on the Tiananmen Square protests.
On 11 September, the court sentenced Lee Cheuk-yan to seven years’ imprisonment. Chow Hang-tung was sentenced to seven years and three months.
Lee Cheuk-yan is the founder and leader of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU). For decades, the organisation represented the city’s independent labour movement, but it was forced to cease its activities after the introduction of the National Security Law.
Lee’s work has been closely connected with the defence of workers’ rights, democracy and freedom of association. The international trade union movement regards his criminal prosecution as an attack on fundamental trade union and democratic rights. The International Trade Union Confederation has previously stated that, judging by the case materials, the charges against Lee are based on his public speeches and political activities.
Belarusian trade union activists are also joining the LabourStart campaign, as they know well what repression against an independent labour and trade union movement means.
As part of the LabourStart campaign, trade union activists and anyone wishing to support it are invited to send an appeal to the Hong Kong authorities demanding the immediate release of Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung and the dropping of all charges against them. Messages from campaign participants are sent directly to the Chief Executive of Hong Kong.
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