Franco Mella
A Catholic priest launched a three-day protest on Thursday in sweltering heat outside a Hong Kong maximum security prison, demanding the release of activists and democratic politicians held under a sweeping national security law.
The 74-year-old, who took part in the mass pro-democracy protests in 2019 that roiled the global financial hub, told reporters Hong Kong people would be "more confident in the future" if authorities released the detained activists.
"The weather is so hot. So they are suffering inside. And the messages (are) we are with you, don't lose hope. Let's continue to fight for everybody's freedom."
Mella pledged not to eat for the entire period of his action, a challenge made harder by temperatures of more than 30 degrees Celsius (86F).
Release the political prisoners
About 200 people have been arrested under the national security law since China imposed it on the former British colony in June 2020 to quell the 2019 unrest. Demonstrations have been small and rare since the law came into force, in part due to government COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings.
While international critics, including some governments, have warned the law has been used to effectively silence opposition politicians, civil society and some media groups, both Chinese and Hong Kong officials have said repeatedly the law was needed to restore stability after months of sometimes-violent demonstrations.
Source: Priest begins protest outside Hong Kong prison against detentions of activists