May 18 Memorial Foundation: “Gwangju Human Rights Award winners imprisoned in Hong Kong and Thailand must be released”
Quick Look
The May 18 Memorial Foundation and the Gwangju Human Rights Prize winners' network called for an end to the repression of human rights defenders and civil society activists in Thailand, Hong Kong, and Myanmar and the immediate release of the three Gwangju Human Rights Prize winners who are imprisoned.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Gwangju Human Rights Award was established in 2000 to honor individuals and organizations that have inherited the spirit of the May 18 Democratization Movement and contributed to the promotion of human rights, democracy, and peace.
The May 18 Memorial Foundation and the Gwangju Human Rights Prize Winners Network (NLG) urged on the 11th, “The oppression of human rights defenders and civil society activists in Asian countries must be stopped and the Gwangju Human Rights Prize winners in prison must be immediately released.”
These groups issued a joint statement on this day and said, "We stand in solidarity with activists who are trying to protect democracy and human rights despite violence, imprisonment, and restrictions on basic rights in Thailand, Hong Kong, Myanmar, etc.," and "In particular, in Myanmar, civilians are suffering due to the military's violence and blocking of humanitarian aid."
He added, "The three people, including the 2023 Gwangju Human Rights Prize winner Chow Hang Teng, the 2021 winner Anon Nampa, and the 2017 winner Jatuphat, must be released immediately," and added, "Their detention shows the crisis of democracy in Asia."
The Gwangju Human Rights Award was established in 2000 to honor individuals and organizations that have inherited the spirit of the May 18 Democratization Movement and contributed to the promotion of human rights, democracy, and peace.
Chou Hang Teng was sentenced to 7 years and 3 months in prison for violating the National Security Act for his activities commemorating the Tiananmen Democratization Movement, while Anon Nampa and Jatuphat are each sentenced to long prison terms for insulting the Thai royal family.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The governments of Thailand, Hong Kong and Myanmar will officially respond to the international community's call for his release.
Possible · Within weeks
The network of Gwangju Human Rights Prize winners will announce additional solidarity statements or actions.
Likely · Within days
Open Questions
- What is the specific health status of human rights activists in prison?
- Is there any response from the governments of Thailand, Hong Kong and Myanmar to the call for release?
- What are the plans for further pressure from the international community?
