16 July 2024 – Yesterday in Washington, D.C., U.S. Democratic Congressman Jamie Raskin announced that he will lead an effort in the United States Congress to demand the release of Hong Kong political prisoner and pro-democracy newspaper owner Jimmy Lai. This effort will be through the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission’s (Lantos Commission) Defending Freedoms Project.
Rep. Raskin represents the 8th District of Maryland and serves as the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“The Chinese Communist Party—like other authoritarian regimes—abuses government power by suppressing and persecuting dissent,” said Rep. Raskin in a press statement. “Jimmy Lai’s detention underscores how the CCP silences critics to exert power over Hong Kong. I’m proud to sponsor Mr. Lai and demand that the CCP immediately release him and stop attacking pro-democracy advocates.”
Portrait of Congressman Jamie Raskin
“Congressman Raskin is a champion of democracy and human rights and a powerful friend and ally of not only Jimmy Lai, but so many others who risk their lives for the cause of freedom and democracy in Hong Kong and around the world,” said Jonathan Stivers, U.S. Director for the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong (CFHK) Foundation. “His support will ensure that Jimmy Lai’s case will continue to be a priority at the highest levels of the U.S. government and the international community. Hong Kong authorities should release Jimmy Lai and other Hong Kong political prisoners immediately and unconditionally.”
Voice of America recently reported on U.S. lawmakers rallying for Jimmy Lai’s immediate release amid intensifying repression in Hong Kong.
Last year, Rep. Raskin submitted a speech to the Congressional Record marking Jimmy Lai’s 1,000th day behind bars in Hong Kong and called for Lai’s “immediate release and freedom from the Chinese government.”
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