A invoice launched within the Home of Representatives would erect the road signal “Jimmy Lai Means” on a stretch alongside the Hong Kong Financial and Commerce Workplace in Washington’s bustling Dupont Circle space.
“We need to remind each HKETO worker of their half in dismantling the freedoms that when made Hong Kong probably the most vibrant and affluent metropolis in Asia,” mentioned Consultant Chris Smith, the Republican co-chair of the Congressional-Govt Fee on China, which examines rights within the nation.
There was no rapid timetable to behave upon the proposal, however it was co-sponsored by Democrats.
Whereas Congress has much less jurisdiction outdoors of Washington, the invoice would additionally direct the US Postal Service to ship mail to Hong Kong’s workplaces in New York and San Francisco if they’re addressed to “1 Jimmy Lai Means” in both metropolis.
Lai was the founding father of the Apple Day by day, a now-shuttered Chinese language-language newspaper that championed mass demonstrations in 2019 aimed toward safeguarding democratic liberties promised when Beijing took management of the previous British colony.
China quelled dissent after the protests, a few of which concerned vandalism, together with by a troublesome safety legislation.
Lai, now 77, has been behind bars since December 2020.
