Joe Wong and Denny To, former members of now-defunct Confederation of Trade Unions, earlier notified the police for holding a march on Labor Day (1 May). However, Wong suddenly withdrew the notification on 26 April. Although Wong did not publicly explain the reason for withdrawing the notice, To told the press that Wong disappeared from his home in the morning on 26 April; and after he regained his freedom in the afternoon, he had suffered an emotional breakdown, apparently under great pressure. To said that Wong could not disclose more details due to Article 63 of the National Security Law (“NSL”). Secretary for Security Chris Tang responded that cancelling a march was a responsible thing to do if anyone believed that they were incapable of making the march safe or orderly.
We express grave concern and regret that the Hong Kong government refuses to fulfill its positive duty under international human rights law and domestic laws to provide assistance and take measures to protect citizens’ right to freedom of assembly, which is a constitutional right guaranteed by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights.