Millions of Hongkongers have been protesting since June 2019 to defend our freedom and autonomy. Instead of addressing political grievances, the Hong Kong government has responded with devastating police brutality, increasingly arbitrary arrests and political prosecutions. In October 2019, the government invoked the colonial-era emergency powers to bypass the legislature to ban face masks, which many fear is the first among many draconian measures to come.

Thousands of protesters are arrested, including hundreds of children. Many have now shared harrowing statements of torture and sexual assault by the police during detention. These numbers are rising.

China, while reinforcing its military presence in Hong Kong, pressures local businesses to punish pro-democracy employees through dismissal, heightening the fear of reprisals across society. The same fear has prompted international businesses to curtail the freedom of expression of citizens in their own countries.

The situation is increasingly dire. But Hongkongers remain determined, and there is cause for hope.

On November 24, in the Hong Kong district council election, 71.2 percent of the electorate turned out to vote and delivered a landslide victory to the pro-democracy parties, capturing 389 of 452 elected seats, far more than they have ever won. The government’s allies now hold just 58 seats, a remarkable collapse from 300. It is a stunning rebuke to the SAR government and its pro-Beijing allies, and a clear signal that the democratic movement has unequivocal support amongst Hongkongers.

On November 27, President Trump of the United States signed the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act into law, with strong bipartisan support in Congress.

Hongkongers have made countless sacrifices over the last few months. We are frightened, exhausted and heartbroken. Many of us have even been jailed, tortured and maimed. But we will not succumb to intimidation and oppression.

We call on democracies all over the world to send an unambiguous message to China – freedom is simply not for sale.

To show solidarity, please call on your government to ACT to encourage an equitable resolution to the Hong Kong crisis. Say no to authoritarianism and stand with Hong Kong — join the movement.