Wong pleads for world not to turn blind eye to HK

(11 Sep 2019) Prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong has pleaded with Germany to "refrain from turning a blind eye," as protesters fear the region is turning into a police state following more than than 1,300 arrests since June.

Speaking at a news conference in Berlin, Wong asked Germany to immediately consider suspending the sale and export of riot weapons to Hong Kong police and to suspend trade negotiations with China and Hong Kong.

He further asked for Germany to "put the human rights issue on the agenda" and consider sanctions to "those who fail to live up to European ideals of human rights."

The activist told reporters that Hong Kong was the new Berlin in a new Cold War.

Wong's plea for international engagement follows comments from German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who said on Tuesday it was important for her country to engage in dialogue with China, including on issues such as human rights.

Beijing on Tuesday rebuked Germany for allowing Wong to visit Berlin.



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