Hong Kong Fair in Malmö: European Diaspora Voices Support for Freedom

The Hong Kong Fair in Malmö, organized by three non-profit organizations, took place on the 23rd, inviting Hong Kong activists from across Europe who are currently under threat from Hong Kong authorities and the People's Republic of China to voice their concerns regarding the Hong Kong National Security Law, EU-Hong Kong relations, and other issues. The first-ever Hong Kong Fair in Malmö was hosted by the Sweden-based Stand with Hong Kong EU (SWHK EU), the Netherlands-based NGO 'Ngo DEI,' and the US-based Human Rights Foundation. According to a press release from SWHK EU, the fair included activities related to culture, food, art, and democracy, as well as several panel discussions on the National Security Law and EU-Hong Kong relations. Activists participating in the discussions included Finn Lau and Chloe Cheung, both of whom have a HK$1 million (approx. NT$4.01 million) bounty on their heads for alleged violations of the National Security Law. Chloe Cheung was only 19 when she was wanted by the Hong Kong Police National Security Department, making her the youngest person ever to be wanted under the law. Also participating was Ray Wong, an activist based in Germany who has been wanted by Hong Kong authorities since 2017. The three participated in a panel moderated by SWHK EU's Narayan Liu, discussing the ongoing pursuit of overseas activists and Hong Kongers, and how the National Security Law infringes upon the sovereignty of European nations. A second panel featured members of the advocacy committee of the grassroots organization 'European Hong Kong Diaspora Alliance' (EHKDA) and Megan Khoo, Policy Director at Hong Kong Watch, who discussed the founding of EHKDA and the current state of the Hong Kong pro-democracy community within the EU. They emphasized the continued relevance of Hong Kong to the EU, particularly in the context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the importance of upholding international rule of law and European sovereignty. Finally, a panel moderated by Loretta Lau, Director of Ngo DEI, featured Danish artist and 'Pillar of Shame' sculptor Jens Galschiøt and photojournalist/documentary filmmaker Dean C.K. Cox, who explored the loss of freedom of speech in Hong Kong. The fair also introduced Hong Kong culture and language through food, Cantonese learning activities, and art exhibitions. Attendees included international students from Malmö University, scholars from Lund University, local Swedes, Danish visitors, and youth from across Sweden.