Hong Kong’s authorities have arrested 15 prominent pro-democracy leaders for their role in organising and joining protests more than six months earlier.

Those arrested include the general secretary of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions Lee Cheuk-yan. Lee Cheuk-yan, a former legislator, has been fighting for democracy since his time at university. 

Police arrested the 15 leaders on 18 April 2020. This continued prosecution of protest organisers and participants is another heavy blow to the already curtailed freedom of peaceful assembly in Hong Kong.

The police have announced over 7,000 arrests in connection with the largely peaceful protests that have taken place since June 2019. 

Call on Hong Kong’s authorities to drop all charges against the 15 pro-democracy leaders and uphold their right to peaceful protest.