Absurd Convictions: Hong Kong Publishers Jailed for Children’s Books

In a shocking turn of events, five Hong Kong speech therapists, members of the General Union of Hong Kong Speech Therapists, have been convicted of sedition for publishing children’s books depicting mass protests and other societal issues in the city. The books, such as “The Guardians of Sheep Village” and “The Garbage Collectors of Sheep Village,” portrayed Hong Kong residents as sheep and mainland Chinese authorities as wolves. These innocent illustrations, aimed at children between four and seven years old, were deemed to have a “seditious intent” and were accused of “inciting violence” by the national security police.

This absurd use of colonial-era sedition charges to silence dissent and suppress freedom of expression is a grave violation of human rights in Hong Kong. The resurgence of such archaic laws, last enforced in 1967, highlights the authorities’ desperate attempts to stifle any form of opposition. The government’s crackdown on activists, journalists, and writers under the guise of sedition charges is a blatant act of repression that must not go unchallenged.

The five speech therapists now face up to two years in jail, a harsh sentence for simply exercising their right to freedom of expression through the publication of children’s books. The government’s decision to revoke the union’s registration further underscores the relentless suppression of dissenting voices in Hong Kong. It is imperative that these individuals are immediately released, as their detention is unjust and unwarranted.

The international community, including the United Nations Human Rights Committee, has expressed grave concerns over the Hong Kong government’s misuse of sedition charges to target individuals for peacefully expressing their views. The call for the repeal of such oppressive laws and an end to their use as a tool for silencing criticism is a crucial step towards upholding fundamental human rights.

The broader context of these convictions reveals a worrying trend of escalating repression in Hong Kong since the enactment of the National Security Law in 2020. The government’s systematic targeting of dissenting voices through draconian measures not only violates international standards of freedom of expression but also threatens the democratic values and civil liberties of the people of Hong Kong.

As we witness these absurd convictions unfold, it is essential to stand in solidarity with those unjustly persecuted and demand justice, freedom, and respect for human rights in Hong Kong. The world must continue to condemn such flagrant violations of basic freedoms and work towards a future where individuals are free to express themselves without fear of retribution or persecution.