The following comment is attributable to Nabila Massrali, EU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy: The European Union recalls the violent suppression by the Chinese authorities of the peaceful Tiananmen Square democracy protests of 1989 and continues to mourn the victims of the crackdown.
Those detained in connection with the 1989 events, or because they took part in activities to commemorate them, should be entitled to due process guarantees.
We urge the immediate and unconditional release of the human rights defenders detained and convicted in connection with these events or because of their peaceful work to protect and promote the rule of law and democracy.
There is a long tradition, notably in Hong Kong and Macao, of commemorating the Tiananmen Square democracy protests of 1989 and their violent suppression.
While the coronavirus pandemic has led to restrictions on public gatherings on public health grounds, those who wish should nevertheless still be able to mark the anniversary appropriately.
The free commemoration of Tiananmen events, this year and in years to come, would be a concrete sign that Chinese citizens enjoy human rights and fundamental freedoms, in particular freedom of speech, assembly, association and procession, as enshrined in China’s Constitution and international law.
