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International Movement of Parliamentarians for Democracy

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-Alerts - MP's Office Attacked

The office Emily Lau, a vocal, pro-democracy legislator in Hong Kong. was vandalized and attacked by arsonists. A poster in Lau's office was set on fire and the phrase "All Chinese traitors must die" was written on the wall. Lau said her office has been attacked and she has been threatened previously, but never this strongly. Additionally, three pro-democracy radio personalities recently resigned from their stations saying they had received threatening and intimidating phone calls.

The burnt poster advertised a march scheduled for July 1st to protest Beijing's decision to rule out popular elections of the Hong Kong's leader in 2007 and of the full legislature in 2008. The political debate in Hong Kong has hardened in recent weeks in the lead-up to the protest and the September parliamentary elections where citizens can elect half of the legislature. The Chinese government has become increasingly concerned that the elections could lead to a divided Legislative Council, making it difficult for Beijing to pass legislation. July 1st marks the one-year anniversary of mass protests that forced Tung Chee-hwa, Hong Kong's Beijing-appointed leader, to suspend the implementation of the controversial anti-subversion law.

The International Movement of Parliamentarians for Democracy strongly condemns the intimidation of pro-democracy activists and calls on the political leaders of China to recognize the right of citizens to elect its government. Additionally, the Movement strongly condemns the actions of Beijing that are slowly eroding freedoms in Hong Kong.

Founded in February 2003, the IMPD is an international coalition of parliamentarians dedicated to the defense and promotion of democracy around the world. Affiliated with the World Movement for Democracy, it includes 227 members in 33 countries.