East Michigan News

A bipartisan group of U.S. legislators has called on Secretary of State Antony Blinken to release a report detailing prison conditions in Hong Kong and to take further diplomatic measures to address the alleged torture and mistreatment of political prisoners. The request is outlined in a letter signed by Representatives John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), along with Representative Christopher Smith (R-NJ) and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR). These officials hold key positions on the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party and the Congressional-Executive Commission on China.

The letter highlights concerns about the treatment of Jimmy Lai, who reportedly faces solitary confinement, limited sunlight access, and lack of independent medical care. Additionally, it cites reports of physical and sexual abuse within at least one juvenile detention facility. The legislators have asked for a briefing from the State Department on prison conditions and efforts to hold Hong Kong government officials accountable for torture and arbitrary detention.

In previous actions, these committees have urged the Biden Administration to sanction Hong Kong police, judges, and prosecutors involved in arbitrary detentions related to National Security Law cases. The Treasury Department last issued financial sanctions against Hong Kong officials in August 2020. In March 2024, visa restrictions were imposed by the State Department on unnamed Hong Kong officials responsible for suppressing rights.

The Chairs also support the swift passage of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Certification Act, which would allow the President to revoke immunities granted to Hong Kong's diplomatic outposts in the United States. These offices are allegedly involved in monitoring democracy advocates from Hong Kong residing in America.

"We are writing to express our concern about the health, welfare, and human rights of political prisoners in Hong Kong," states part of their communication. They urge evaluation of prison conditions by the Consul General in Hong Kong for compliance with local laws and international human rights standards.

The legislators also recommend that U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk convene an urgent discussion at the U.N. Human Rights Council regarding Hong Kong's human rights situation—a move requested by over 50 U.N. experts more than four years ago.

Citing a recent case involving Owen Chow, who received additional jail time for attempting to file a complaint through his lawyer about destroyed religious materials sent by his family, they highlight deficiencies in legal safeguards under both international standards and local regulations like Hong Kong’s Prison Ordinance.

Concerns extend beyond individual cases; there are reports alleging systemic abuse within juvenile facilities where victims fear retaliation if they speak out. This environment hinders documentation or remediation efforts led by Justices of Peace appointed by the government.

The group emphasizes that independent investigations alongside diplomatic initiatives are essential as evidence suggests attempts by authorities to conceal mistreatment within prisons targeting political detainees.

"We believe that independent investigations...are urgently needed," they conclude while committing ongoing monitoring efforts supported by an international network concerned with human rights erosion attributed to China's influence globally.