Senators condemn violence against Hong Kong protesters

Sens. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) said they are “dismayed” that Chinese authorities have attacked peaceful protesters in Hong Kong.

{mosads}“We condemn the violent attacks against peaceful demonstrators in Hong Kong,” the senators said Monday in a joint statement. “We are dismayed that Hong Kong authorities have not taken necessary steps to protect peaceful protesters from these cowardly attacks by individuals who seek to deny their right of peaceful assembly.”

Thousands in Hong Kong have been protesting for more than a week over a decision by the Chinese government to appoint a group of heavily pro-Beijing leaning people to head up a committee to screen candidates for the city’s first-ever election of its top leader, which is set for 2017.

“As democratically elected members of the United States Senate, we strongly support the Hong Kong people’s aspiration for universal suffrage and full democracy,” the senators said. “We urge all parties to follow the path of restraint, de-escalation, and good faith dialogue in pursuit of that goal.”