Political activist, Leung Kwok Hung, was sentenced to 14 days imprisonment for shouting slogans in the Legislative Council chamber. His conviction indicates the worsening situation of freedom of speech and expression in Hong Kong.

Leung has now become the first political prisoner of Hong Kong after the handover in 1997.

It is beyond doubt that Leung was employing peaceful means to express directly his opinions to Tung Chee-hwa, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR. His cause is to fight against the intervention of the government in the stock market while no concrete measures, relief or care have been offered for the grassroots workers. What blunders have he committed?

More importantly, if the SAR government and Legislative Council are not elected by democratic means, the voice of the Hong Kong people would not be heard within the existing institutional setting. As a result there will definitely be more "civic disobedience" against the policies of the government.

We strongly oppose the Tung Chee-hwa administration for infringing the freedom of speech and expression of our people. At the same time, we appreciate the efforts and price paid by Leung to defend the legitimate rights of our people.

Please sign and fax the statement to: 3010 2495 (April 5 Action)