On July 17th, 2020, the third "Friday for Freedom" protests organized by NOW! took place across the world. By standing in front of Chinese Embassies (or in their home when COVID-19 restrictions were in place), they stated loudly and clearly that major democracies need to work together to safeguard Hong Kong’s freedoms and civil rights.
From the United Kingdom to Canada, from the United States to Sweden, from Uganda to Costa Rica, thousands of activists from all over the world refused to stay silent as Hongkongers are fighting for their lives.
More than 700,000 people have followed the action online so far, and dozens of cities have participated in the action. The echo of the protests has been amplified by pro-democracy leaders such as Joshua Wong on twitter, and the story has been reported by media outlets such as Stand News and 100 Most, reaching millions of readers.
"We are witnessing one of the darkest periods of history unfolding: millions of people are losing their rights and freedoms, and the world is standing down. As governments are bowing to China's economic muscles, people of the world need to stand in solidarity with Hongkongers and demand better from world leaders. That's why we are incredibly proud of the brave activists, who in all corners of the globe are standing up to ensure that world leaders protect Hong Kong and democracy!" said NOW!'s co-Executive Directors, Colombe Cahen-Salvador and Andrea Venzon.
Today's 'Friday For Freedom' actions are part of a broader campaign, the “Wave of Freedom”, which NOW! has launched to push forward for the creation of an international coalition of major democracies (the D-10) to coordinate responses and implement measures - such as economic sanctions - to safeguard Hong Kong’s freedoms and democracy.
While demonstrations are still ongoing, protests have been confirmed in Brussels, Barcelona, Milan, Montreal, Turin, San Francisco, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, London, Helsinki, Glasgow, Edinburgh, San José, Kampala, Manchester, Buenos Aires, Melbourne, and Toronto. The next protests will take place on Friday, July 24th, around the world.
CONTACT
For questions or requests, please email [email protected].
ACTIONS
To participate in #FridaysForFreedom, click here.
Find below a few pictures from today's action (protests are still unfolding, we will keep on updating our social media platforms with the latest pictures)
Glasgow, Scotland (UK)
Stockholm and Gotheborg, Sweden
London, England (UK)
Toronto, Canada
Newcastle, England (UK)
Manchester, England (UK)
Montreal, Canada
San Francisco, California (USA)
Dusseldorf, Germany
Solana Beach, California (USA)
Brussels, Belgium