Free Joshua & Agnes

In 2018, Agnes Chow traveled to the United States to accept the Lantos Human Rights Prize on behalf of her friend and fellow democracy activist Joshua Wong. On that occasion, she inspired everyone in attendance with her stirring remarks about the fight for freedom and democracy in Hong Kong. Joshua, who was prohibited from traveling by the authorities, provided written remarks, in which he said, “Hong Kong is standing on the front line against Chinese imperialism in the 21st century. I take this opportunity to urge the international community not to forget about Hong Kong.”

Today, these brave young activists both sit in maximum security prisons in Hong Kong, where they have been since December 2020. Their only crime has been advocating for democracy and the rule of law in Hong Kong. It is highly likely that the officials who do Beijing’s bidding in Hong Kong will find ways to keep two such eloquent and inspiring advocates for democracy behind bars for as long as possible. It is, therefore, imperative to demonstrate early and forcefully that America is committed to securing their freedom. To remain silent and to do nothing in the face of their imprisonment would only signal to China that the United States is willing to turn a blind eye to the Chinese government’s increasingly brutal crackdown in Hong Kong. The Lantos Foundation is actively involved in advocating for the release of Agnes and Joshua. Learn more about our work with and on behalf of these human rights heroes below.