Malicious anti-government sentiment. Foreign influence. Lawlessness.
That is what Beijing sees in the civil protests that have gripped Hong Kong for the past week. Ever since the Beijing puppet Carrie Lam proposed to hollow out Hong Kong’s judicial independence from mainland China. An independence protected under the deal that the prior British rule and China negotiated back in 1984.
The ”Fugitive Offenders and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation (Amendment) Bill”, or as its commonly referred to by people that would like to forgo the communist white-washing; the Extradition Bill, would let mainland China extradite just about anyone in Hong Kong. Without the Hong Kong judicial system having a say in the matter. All needed would be for the chief executive, an office completely controlled by the Beijing administration and not even a little bit democratically elected by Hong Kongers, to say so.
But it is known that the judicial system of mainland China is a farce. Beijing’s concept of lawfulness is complete and utter subjugation to a political ideology, and loyalty to The Communist Party. Dissent, protests, or demands for democracy, accountability, and transparency are all illegal. Show trials, forced confessions, and televised degradations awaits those that dare to behave ”lawlessly”. Because the People’s Voice does not belong in the People’s Republic.
But truth be told, Beijing doesn’t need the Extradition Bill to lock up and torture Hong Konger dissidents. The Causeway Bay Books disappearances prove as much. If Beijing wants you under lock and key for your ”lawless” opinions, they will have you. As long as you’re anywhere in south-eastern Asia, they will take you. Blackbag you and write up whatever story they feel like after you’re safely tucked away within the bosom of Communist China. The Extradition Bill would only make it a little less cumbersome for them.
Supporters of Communist China and the Extradition Bill would say I’m overreacting. That I’m making a mountain out of a mole hill. That I’m being hysterical and unfair. That the Extradition Bill simply formalizes Hong Kong’s international obligations and prevents the city from becoming a haven for fugitives.
But you know what? The Powers that would disagree with me would only do so because I’m typing from a safe distance. Because they can’t do anything except disagree. Because if I wrote this piece, this exact column, in Hong Kong? Then, under the disputed new Bill, I would be viable to be sent to mainland China. To be re-educated. Drugged, tortured, and brainwashed. If not just thrown into a hole to rot or be shot dead. That is what this Extradition Bill would facilitate.
That is why hundreds of thousands of Hong Kongers are taking to the streets to protest. That is why the protesters are baying for the resignation of the Beijing puppet Carrie Lam. That is why Lam has apologized to the public, but will never completely scrap the Extradition Bill. That is why China will never stop pushing for this legal convenience of theirs. And that is why the Hong Kong protests deserve our attention. And our support.
/Sebastian Lindberg 18/6-2019
WastedWords 