This archive report was first published on 20 November 2019.
November 20, 2019, marked a turning point for Simon Cheng, a 29-year-old employee of Britain's consulate in Hong Kong. After being detained by Chinese authorities for 15 days, Mr. Cheng was released, but not before being subjected to what he describes as brutal treatment.
According to a statement posted on Facebook, Mr. Cheng was handcuffed, shackled, blindfolded, and hooded during his detention. He was also deprived of sleep and hung in a spread-eagled pose for hours. Mr. Cheng's allegations of torture have sparked outrage in the U.K. and could further inflame the ongoing protests in Hong Kong.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has summoned the Chinese ambassador in the U.K. to express his outrage at the treatment of Mr. Cheng. Mr. Raab described the treatment as 'brutal and disgraceful' and said it was a 'violation of China's international obligations.'
Mr. Cheng's disappearance in August had sparked fears that China had detained him as a warning to protesters or to Britain, which has expressed support for the pro-democracy movement. Mr. Cheng's case has highlighted the risks faced by those who speak out against the Chinese government.
