City centre demonstration calls for pro-democracy support.
Amidst the rapidly deteriorating political situation in Hong Kong as Beijing tightens its control on the city ever more, around 300 supporters stood in global solidarity with Hongkongers in the Birmingham rally as part of the Hong Kong Be Water 2021 Global Campaign.
This Campaign, co-launched by 51 cities across 22 countries, made history as the largest international campaign on the Hong Kong pro-democracy movement with its impressive turnout. Freedom lovers and fighters around the world have thus spoken up for Hong Kong, and they have spoken loudly and clearly.
The themes of the Hong Kong Be Water 2021 Campaign are multifold – to commemorate the second anniversary of the 2019 Hong Kong Revolution.
The Hongkongers struggle for freedom, autonomy and democracy is one that also encompasses a fight to preserve our heritage, culture, and identity as an ethnic group that stands by and embodies universal values.
Kevin, a guest who gave a speech as a British local in the Birmingham Rally, said: “Everyone should be able to express their thoughts without the fear of being imprisoned. We want to return to Hong Kong. Many of us consider Hong Kong as home, which includes myself, with both Hong Kong and Birmingham being a home to me.2
Nathanael Ballew, a pastor from Riverside Church which is a participating church of the Hong Kong Ready Churches Campaign, said, “We know it has been difficult for Hong Kongers over the past years. Churches in the UK stand for justice and are obliged to show hospitality to Hong Kong people.”
Eva, an immigrant who came to the UK last October, said: “People here attending the rally share the same experience. We are forced to leave our home because of the brainwashing education and the suppression from the Hong Kong Government, who never listened to the people’s voice. We brought our three children here to the UK for a better education and future. Although we are no longer living in Hong Kong, we will uphold the value of justice and show our contribution to the UK.”
Stephen Lo, Spokesperson of Birmingham Stands with Hong Kong and the campaign co-initiator, said, “To persist is not because hope is seen, but rather persist to see hope. In the face of a brutal totalitarian regime, we will give everything to liberate Hong Kong to its core. The local event in the city of Birmingham and the Global Campaign have been successful and made history as the largest international campaign on the Hong Kong pro-democracy movement. We will continue to resist the Chinese Communist Party until Hong Kong is freed. May glory be to Hong Kong.”