Diaz-Balart Urges International Community to Join in Solidarity with Peaceful Protesters in Hong Kong

WASHINGTON —Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) released the following statement in response to recent aggression by China against peaceful protesters in Hong Kong.

"I stand in complete solidarity with the courageous students, lawyers, teachers, and many others in Hong Kong who are demanding democracy and respect from communist China. Their demand is simple and universal: to have a genuine voice in the powers that govern them.

"I am appalled by the aggression perpetrated against these peaceful protesters. They have endured brutality, pepper spray, and tear gas. It is also outrageous that the Politburo has increased its censorship and oppression throughout the PRC in response to these freedom protests. Regrettably, the oppression within Communist China, exemplified by the Tiananmen Square massacre and repression of the Falun Gong, Uyghurs, Christians, political prisoners, and numerous human rights activists, has not yet given way to democratic change.

"I urge others in the international community to roundly condemn any further use of force or persecution against the peaceful protesters in Hong Kong, and to join them in their brave pleas for democracy."