The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, paid tribute on Tuesday 4 June to the victims of the “brutal repression” that followed the peaceful demonstrations for democracy in Tiananmen Square in 1989, exactly 30 years ago.
“We expect the legal safeguards and due process rights of those detained in connection with the 1989 events, or with current activities to commemorate it, to be respected”, Ms Mogherini urged. She also called for the "immediate” release of human rights defenders and lawyers detained and convicted in connection with these events or with their activities protecting the rule of law and democracy.
The High Representative also urged the Chinese authorities to fully implement the recommendations of the United Nations Committee against Torture issued on 3 February 2016 related to the Tiananmen protests of 1989. In particular, the Committee recommends “serious, independent and impartial” investigations into the events of 1989 and the prosecution of those found responsible.
“Today, we continue to observe a crackdown on freedom of expression and assembly, and freedom of the press in China. Human rights are universal, indivisible and interdependent. International laws and standards foresee the respect for fundamental freedoms”, said Ms Mogherini, adding that human rights would remain a fundamental pillar of the EU-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)