HRIC is currently recruiting interns for 2024!

Ms. Zhou Shuzhuang of the "Tiananmen Mothers" passed away on September 19, 2023, at the age of 87. The Tiananmen Mothers have issued a eulogy, stating that they will persist according to her last wishes until the June Fourth tragedy is resolved fairly and justice is served. 

This summer, HRIC launched a new intern program, aimed at growing the skills of young activists.  

Activists Huang Xueqin and Wang Jianbing have been indicted on charges of “inciting subversion." HRIC translated the document into English. 

“Ballad on the Shore” is a glimpse into the lives and traditions of Hong Kong's “boat people.”

HRIC Executive Director Zhou Fengsuo met with members of the Special Committee on the CCP at the June Fourth Memorial Museum in New York. 

From speaking with activists, I have learned several key facts about the CCP’s tactics for transnational repression. First, the significance of the internet for surveillance purposes cannot be understated. Second, students who support the CCP pose a threat to Chinese students’ freedom of speech. Third, the fact that most Chinese students have family members back home makes them uniquely vulnerable to “hostage” style questioning and pressure from the authorities. 

Context
Since 1989, June Fourth vigil has become a day of peaceful demonstrations in Hong Kong with thousands of Hong Kongers gathered in Victoria Park, lighting candles to commemorate the victims every year. For years, Hong Kong has been the only city on Chinese controlled soil to mark June Fourth anniversary. Hong Kong had also been holding one of the world’s largest June Fourth vigils yearly.

However, since COVID-19 hit Hong Kong in 2020, the Hong Kong government invoked social distancing measures to ban the annual candlelight vigil and weaponized a number of domestic laws, including National Security Law, Public Order Ordinance, sedition charge under Crime Ordinance, to combat June Fourth commemorations both online and offline. Even though all COVID-19 restrictions in Hong Kong were lifted earlier in 2023, the vigil is still on hold for the fourth year with police arresting and detaining people for peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly or freedom of expression on that day.

Ms. Zhang Yuhong (张玉红) was stopped and detained by police when she attempted to visit the hometown of “Sitong Bridge warrior” Peng Lifa. She was released after being unreachable for more than 24 hours.

Human Rights in China Urgent Appeal: concerning young human rights defender Kwon Pyong, who is currently risking his life to seek political asylum in South Korea by motorboat.