Grandma Wong’s arrest is the latest assault on democracy and free expression in Hong Kong

Today, prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy activist ‘Grandma Wong’ was arrested by the Hong Kong Police on suspicion of “obstructing police officers in the executive of their duties” after she was found holding up a sign at a pedestrian crossing in Tseung Kwan O. She is currently being detained in police custody.

Grandma Wong previously disappeared in August 2019, after she was detained by Chinese authorities at the border with Shenzhen. Reappearing in October 2020, she confirmed in a press conference that she had been held in administrative detention for 45 days and was unable to return to Hong Kong after her bail finished.

Commenting on her arrest, Benedict Rogers, Hong Kong Watch’s Chief Executive, Said:

“The arrest of Grandma Wong, who is one of the most prominent pro-democracy protestors, is the latest assault on democracy and free expression in Hong Kong. It appears it is now a crime for pensioners to hold a protest sign at a pedestrian crossing.

This signals a new low for the ongoing crackdown of pro-democracy activists in the city. It is clear that there is no end in sight when it comes Beijing’s disdain for Hong Kong’s autonomy and way of life.

Hong Kong Watch calls for the urgent release of Grandma Wong and for the international community to finally match words with action and introduce targeted Magnitsky sanctions against the Hong Kong and Chinese officials responsible for this ongoing crackdown.”