Hong Kong Watch welcomes the formation of a support group for Hong Kong in the Estonia Parliament and urges it to prioritise the introduction of Magnitsky sanctions

Last week Estonian members of parliament announced the launching of a support group for Hong Kong, to express support for human rights and democracy in Hong Kong.

Its members include Tarmo Kruusimäe MP (chair), Ruuben Kaalep MP (vice-chair), Urmas Reitelmann MP, Mikhail Lotman MP and Kalle Grünthal MP.

At the launch of the group, Tarmo Kruusimäe, the chair said: "The processes taking place in Hong Kong are alarming, our aim is to support Hong Kong's democracy."

Commenting on the launch of the Hong Kong group in the Estonian Parliament, Johnny Patterson, Hong Kong Watch’s Policy Director said:

“We welcome the creation of a Hong Kong support group in the Estonian Parliament and hope that Estonian Members of Parliament will use it as a vehicle to campaign for the Estonian Government to work with like-minded partners to stand up against the deteriorating human rights situation in the city.

As one of a handful of European countries that has a Magnitsky Act, we would urge Estonian MPs to prioritise the introduction of targeted Magnitsky sanctions against Hong Kong and Chinese officials responsible for human rights violations in the city.”   

For further information: https://www.riigikogu.ee/pressiteated/muu-pressiteade-et/riigikogu-liikmed-moodustasid-hongkongi-toetusruhma/