The Diocese of Hong Kong and the Christian Council issue a joint appeal to all parties involved, urging the withdrawal of the extradition bill, an end to provocations and violence, and the establishment of a commission of inquiry into the latter.
Hong Kong (AsiaNews) – Some of Hong Kong’s Christian leaders have issued an urgent call for the withdrawal of the extradition bill, an end to provocations and violence, and the establishment of a commission of inquiry to find the truth about the clashes.
The letter, titled ‘Urgent Appeal regarding the Ongoing Clashes Between the Police and Members of the Public’, was signed by Card John Tong, apostolic administrator of the diocese, and Rev Eric So Shing-yit, president of the Christian Council of Hong Kong.
The two write that “The mass protests against the proposed amendments to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance (the infamous extradition bill) have resulted in clashes and violence between the Police and members of the public, and the situation is deteriorating. The people of Hong Kong are deeply worried and distressed.”
For this reason, the signatories “urge the Chief Executive to respond as soon as possible to the strong demands of the public to withdraw the Bill” and call on “the Government to set up an independent commission of inquiry as soon as possible to find out the truth in an impartial manner.”
Turning to the parties, the appeal notes that everyone “must exercise restraint and avoid provocation. Regardless of one’s political stance, one should treasure life and refrain from doing anything that might harm oneself or others
The two Christian leaders end their plea urging “the government to take the initiative to confer with the representatives of different factions to seek a solution to the current impasse.”