Democratic Party calls on authorities to release political prisoners to heal the city

The Democratic Party issued a statement on Thursday and urged those in power to take the first step to help heal a fractured society by releasing political prisoners and addressing Hongkongers’ concerns to ease the emigration wave. 

The party explained that the success of the “one country, two systems” principle depends on the trust between Hong Kong citizens and the SAR government, and Central Government. 

When the government lacks faith in its people, imposes laws to monitor society, and even encourages people to report each other, the silence on the surface will not help solve social controversy, the statement read. 

The wounds sustained by the city over the past years, if left unattended, will only slow down the progress of Hong Kong, with many choosing to migrate to other countries. 

It continued that the political atmosphere has been challenging, and activists in pursuit of democracy have been jailed in different cases. More and more organizations were disbanded as civil society was filled with fear. 

Therefore, the party appealed to authorities to take the first step to heal society by releasing political prisoners and addressing Hongkonger’s most significant concerns. 

The party still believes in the “one country, two systems” principle, Hongkongers ruling Hong Kong, and the promised high degree of autonomy are the most suitable practices and arrangements for the city, although the implementation of the principle differs from expectation. 

The party also vowed to stay tough and continue to voice public opinion while promoting democracy and defending human rights ahead of the 25th handover anniversary.