Press Release
29th of may 1997

 
Updated: 20-06-00

Regional Council Sold like a Sack of Rice Narrow Majority Bans Pillar of Shame

Today Hong Kong has witnessed another shameful example of self censorship. With the votes 18 to 15 the Regional Council has turned down a permission to display the Pillar of Shame in areas under their jurisdiction. According to the very nature of colonialism, the rulers deal at their discretion with territories without caring about the interests and wishes of the inhabitants, as were they just selling a sack of rice. It is depressing that the abolition of colonialism in Hong Kong follows the very principles of colonialism. It would be natural that decolonisation bring an extension of the basic rights of the citizens. With the ban on the Pillar of Shame the majority of the Regional Council has bartered away the freedom of expression, giving way to the invisible but highly perceptible pressure from the old men's regime in Beijing. The attitude of the Regional Council forms a glaring contrast to the courageous conduct of the villagers in the New Territories who one hundred years ago were killed in battles against British soldiers. They did not accept to be sold like a sack of rice, but resisted tooth and nail the foreign intrusion.

Jens Galschiot

More information is available by Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China 9/F Good Hope Building - 618 Nathan Road - Kowloon - Hong Kong Contact person: Mr Albert Ho - Tel. (852) 2522 7721 - Fax (852) 2868 2797

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PILLAR OF SHAME - A Happening of Remembrance