Wei Jingsheng
Foundation News and Article Release Issue: A1342-W957
魏京生基金會新聞與文章發佈號：A1342-W957
Release Date: December
5, 2020
發佈日：2020年12月5日
Topic: The Wei
Jingsheng Foundation Announces the 17th Annual "Wei Jingsheng Chinese
Democracy Champion Prize" Award
標題：魏京生基金會第十七屆"魏京生中國民主鬥士獎"頒發公告
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Version: Chinese (Chinese version at the end)
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The Wei Jingsheng
Foundation Announces the Seventeenth Annual "Wei Jingsheng Chinese
Democracy Champion Prize" Award
December 5, 2020
Since 2004, the Wei
Jingsheng Foundation has awarded the "Wei Jingsheng Chinese Democracy
Champion Prize" every year on December 5th. In the last 16 years the awarding of this prize has had
reverberations around the world.
The people persisting in the fight in China, who are at any moment in
life-threatening danger, have thus been encouraged and consoled.
As can be expected,
those who nominate a candidate believe the person they have nominated has made
a great contribution to the cause of Chinese Democracy. Nominating someone in and of itself is
a way to commend all champions of democracy, including those unknown, untiring
democracy heroes who do not concern themselves with fame and fortune. We have great respect for their
strength of spirit and the sacrifices they have made. For this year, we received excellent recommendations from
friends inside China and abroad.
In the past several
years since Xi Jinping came to power, especially in the past two years, China's
internal affairs and diplomacy have undergone tremendous changes. On the one hand, the Chinese Communist
Party (CCP) chanted "China is rising", by exploiting people inside of
China while carrying out wolf warrior diplomacy abroad. On the other hand, a series of events
prompted the world to recognize the threat of the CCP, and Sino-US relations
have undergone milestone changes.
Last year, the puppet Hong Kong government used by the Chinese Communist
regime introduced the "2019 Hong Kong extradition bill," which was
met with more than a year of firm resistance from the Hong Kong people, who
have been losing their freedoms after the handover of Hong Kong. The demonstrations and protests of the
Hong Kong people have inspired people all over the world, and are an excellent
example for the people on Mainland China.
Over the past more than one year, the world has watched millions of Hong
Kong people demonstrating and marching, while seeking international solidarity
as well as their series of reasonable and restrained resistances. The world has also responded with
policy moves and humanitarianism assistance.
Yet, the CCP has
ignored public opinion and has intensified its lawlessness. During the middle of this year, the
Hong Kong national security law was introduced and followed by a series of
arrests and detentions in the way of “killing the chickens to threaten the
monkeys”. Nevertheless, the people
of Hong Kong continued their resistance, regardless of their religion or
professions, and persisted in striving for their human rights and democracy. They were retaliated against by the
Communist regime. In the past 5
months, the Hong Kong government could not wait to use the new Hong Kong
national security law to arrest critics and crack down on press freedom. In the past few days since this
"Wei Jingsheng Democracy Champion Prize" judging committee decided on
the winner of this year, the CCP has detained and sent to prison many Hong Kong
democrats on unwarranted charges, including this prize winner we are announcing
today.
Today, the Wei
Jingsheng Foundation "Wei Jingsheng Democracy Champion Prize" judging
committee announced that the winner of this year's 17th "Wei Jingsheng
Chinese Democracy Champion Prize" to be Mr. Jimmy Lai of Hong Kong. He was nominated by several people
including Ms. Ann Noonan, an
American who has been concerned about Chinese human rights and democracy
movement for many years.
Mr. Lai Chee-Ying,
known professionally as Jimmy Lai, was born on December 8, 1948 in Guangzhou,
China. He is a British Hong Kong
entrepreneur and founded Giordano, an Asian clothing retailer; Next Digital (formerly
Next Media), a Hong Kong-listed media company; and the popular newspaper Apple
Daily. Mr. Lai had a bitter
childhood under the rule of the CCP until he smuggled into Hong Kong at the age
of twelve. It is precisely because
of his childhood that he has a deep understanding of the nature of the CCP and
sympathizes with the people in Mainland China, with full of affection for Hong
Kong. He once said: "I came
to Hong Kong empty-handed.
Everything I have is attributed to the freedom of Hong Kong and now I am
grateful to dedicate my life to reward this freedom." Facing the retaliation from the Chinese
Communist regime, Mr. Lai refused to give in. He has becoming a symbol of Hong Kong peoples’ rejection of
tyranny, and a model for Mainland Chinese to learn from.
Jimmy Lai said that
the June 4th Massacre in Beijing had a profound impact on himself and his
career. Otherwise, there would be
no "Next Magazine" and "Apple Daily". After the June 4th Massacre in 1989,
because of Jimmy Lai’s dedication and participation of pro-democracy
activities, especially after an open letter sharply critical of Premier Li
Peng, all of Giordano’s business in Mainland China was blocked by the Communist
regime and Mr. Lai was forced to sell all his Giordano’s shares at low prices,
and since then he has focused on the development of the media business. Mr. Jimmy Lai adheres to his
anti-communist stance and is closely related to the Hong Kong democrats. His Next Media, Next Magazine, and
Apple Daily often criticize the Chinese Communist government, the Hong Kong
Special Administrative Region government and the established Pro-Beijing
political organizations.
Jimmy Lai once said:
"If I support democracy because of business, then this is a deal that was
already done long ago." His
action is in agreement with his words and he did what he promised. Not only does he support Hong Kong’s
freedom and democracy, but also has been a strong supporter for the Mainland
Chinese, including the democracy movement such as Wei Jingsheng. For years, his Apple Daily published
weekly comments by Mr. Wei Jingsheng that was called "Jingsheng’s
Words".
This year’s prize to
Mr. Jimmy Lai is also an award to the unyielding Hong Kong people and
represents the voice of those who support democracy in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is not only the focus of the
world's attention, but also a barometer for the future of the Chinese freedom
and democracy. To support the
people of Hong Kong today is to support the future of freedom and democracy in
Mainland China. Thus, despite that
the "Wei Jingsheng Chinese Democracy Champion Award" has always
tended to avoid repeats from one area, it has now been given to outstanding
representatives of the same region for two consecutive years as our continued
attention, due to the extraordinary expectations and goals for motivation. As our last year’s laureate, Cardinal
Joseph Zen from Hong Kong, said in response to his receiving the 16th ``Wei
Jingsheng Chinese Democracy Champion Prize” last December: “What is encouraging
is that your foundation actually praises and encourages all the countless
fighters who have persevered in Mainland China and Hong Kong -- they sacrificed
everything for democracy.”
Cardinal Joseph Zen
also said: “I remember 30 years ago, the people of Eastern Europe got rid of
the enslavement of the autocrats, yet it seems warriors in our country were
bleeding in vain on Tiananmen Square.
But we know that the blood is not lost in vain, as my Catholic
predecessors said, "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the
faithful." In the
"Occupy Central" plan or the "Umbrella Movement", those
seeds have already sprouted. It
seems that these movements were also silent failures. In fact, the sweat and tears irrigated the
"anti-extradition bill protest". This time it really shed blood. Many lives have been sacrificed in unknown circumstances.”
However, just as
Cardinal Joseph Zen stated: " I am convinced that the small tree of
freedom and democracy is about to blossom and bear fruit, and with God’s help
will not be delayed any longer.
Let us, the Chinese sons and daughters scattered all over the world,
persevere in the struggle and pray persistently. May freedom and democracy be immortal, and may the children
of God be able to build a new world with dignity and unity!"
We believe that with
joint efforts, Mr. Lai's sacrifice and efforts will not be in vain, and our
goal will eventually be achieved.
Mr. Jimmy Lai, we stand with you, we stand with the people of Hong Kong!
This year's award
money totaled $3,300. Those who
donated money are donating their passion and belief in Chinese democracy. For this passion we want to express our
deepest gratitude. Again, we also
want to express our appreciation to all those people who recommended nominees
for our 17th annual "Wei Jingsheng Chinese Democracy Champion Prize,"
including the nominators who are the laureates and nominees themselves of the
"Wei Jingsheng Chinese Democracy Champion Prize" from previous
years. We thank all of you for
your support and encouragement.
Wei Jingsheng Foundation
"Wei Jingsheng Democracy Champion Prize" Judging Committee:
HUANG Ciping, CHEN
Xingyu, LIU Jijie, CHEN Bangzheng (signed)
The photo of Mr. Jimmy
Lai:
http://www.weijingsheng.org/pic/newsletters/newsletters2020/newsletters2020-4/LaiJ201205photo.jpg
For further
information and detail, visit our website at: www.weijingsheng.org
or contact us at
HCP@weijingsheng.org or HCP0411WJS@aol.com or call 1-202-270-6980.
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中文版
Wei Jingsheng
Foundation News and Article Release Issue: A1342-W957
魏京生基金會新聞與文章發佈號：A1342-W957
Release Date: December
5, 2020
發佈日：2020年12月5日
Topic: The Wei
Jingsheng Foundation Announces the 17th Annual "Wei Jingsheng Chinese
Democracy Champion Prize" Award
標題：魏京生基金會第十七屆"魏京生中國民主鬥士獎"頒發公告
Original Language
Version: Chinese (Chinese version at the end)
此號以中文爲准（英文在前，中文在後）
如有中文亂碼問題，請與我們聯繫或訪問:
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魏京生基金會第十七屆“魏京生中國民主鬥士獎”頒發公告
自2004年以來，每年12月5日魏京生基金會頒發“魏京生中國民主鬥士獎”。過去十六次的頒獎在世界範圍引起了很大的反響。對於正在中國堅持奮鬥、隨時都有危險的人們，是很大的鼓勵與支援。
毫無疑義，被提名人爲中國的民主和自由做出了卓越的貢獻。提名本身就是對所有民主鬥士，包括那些默默無聞、堅持不懈、不計名利的勇士們的犧牲精神的讚揚。和往年一樣，今年我們也收來自國內外朋友們的優秀推薦。
習近平上臺這幾年，尤其是這兩三年來，中國的內政及其外交發生了巨大的變化。一方面，中共口喊“崛起”，在國內搜刮民脂民膏，在國外開展戰狼外交。另一方面，一系列事件促使世界開始認識到中共的威脅，中美關係更是發生里程碑式的變化。去年一年，中共禦用的香港政府推出了“送中條例”，但遭到了回歸後自由日漸喪失的香港人民長達一年多的堅定反抗。香港人民的示威抗議活動啓迪了全世界人民，成爲大家尤其是大陸人民的優秀榜樣。一年多來，數百萬香港人的示威遊行，尋求國際聲援，及其採取的一系列有理有節的抗爭，全世界都看到了，也做出了許多的的應對，包括政策推動與人道援助。
然而，中共卻置民意於不顧，變本加厲，無法無天。今年中期，更是推出港版國安法，連續逮捕扣押一系列民主人士，以殺雞儆猴。但香港人民前赴後繼，無論宗教職業，身體力行，堅持爭取最起碼的人權與民主，也因此遭到中共的打擊報復。近半年來，香港政府迫不及待利用新定的國家安全法逮捕批評者、打擊新聞自由。在魏京生基金會“魏京生中國民主鬥士獎”評委會決定了今年的得獎人後的這幾天裏，中共又以莫須有的罪名扣押並送監多名香港民主人士，包括我們今天宣佈的得獎人。
今天，“魏京生中國民主鬥士獎”評委會宣佈今年“魏京生中國民主鬥士獎”的獲得者爲香港的黎智英先生。提名者爲多年關心中國民運與人權的美國人Ann Noonan女士等。
黎智英先生，1948年12月8日生於中國廣州市，香港企業家，佐丹奴、香港蘋果日報、壹傳媒創辦人。黎智英先生自小在中共的統治下，有著苦澀的童年，直到十二歲偷渡到香港。也正因此，他對中共的本質有深度瞭解，對大陸人民心懷同情，對香港更是滿懷深情。他曾說：“我兩手空空來到香港，所得一切都歸功於香港之自由，如今感恩得以生命回報自由。”面對中共的打擊報復，他拒絕退讓，成爲香港人民拒絕暴政的象徵，更是大陸人民學習的榜樣。
黎智英說六四屠殺對他個人與事業影響深遠，沒有六四就沒有《壹週刊》和《蘋果日報》。1989年六四屠殺後，由於黎智英的致力參與，特別是在一封公開信尖銳批評國務院總理李鵬之後，佐丹奴所有位於中國內地的業務遭中共政府封殺，黎智英被逼將手頭上所有股份全部低價售出，自此專注發展傳媒事業。黎智英堅持反共立場，與香港民主派關係密切，其下壹傳媒、《壹週刊》、《蘋果日報》經常批評中共政府、香港特區政府和建制派社團。
黎智英說過：「如果爲生意才支援民主，這便是一場交易，這場交易早已賣出了。」他言行一致，說到做到。不僅支援香港的自由民主，對大陸民運包括魏京生等也有過強有力的支援，包括曾在蘋果日報上多年發表魏京生先生的《京生語絲》。
今年對黎智英先生的獎勵，也是對不屈的香港民衆的獎勵，並代表著支援香港大陸民主的人們的心聲。香港不僅僅是世界關注的焦點，更是中國民運未來的晴雨錶。支援今日的香港人民，也就是支援中國大陸的自由與民主的未來。從這點意義上而言，一向傾向于將“魏京生中國民主鬥士獎”分散于中國各地人士的評委會，連續兩年給同一地區的代表人物，有著持續性的不同凡響之期望與鼓舞之目的。正如去年的得獎人，香港陳日君樞機在答謝詞中表示的那樣：“鼓舞的是貴基金會在得獎人身上其實是讚揚及鼓勵所有無數在中國大陸及香港堅持不懈，為爭取民主犧牲一切的勇士們。”
陳日君樞機還談到：“記得卅年前，東歐人民擺脫了專制者的奴役而我國在天安門的勇士們看來卻白白流了鮮血。但我們知道那鮮血絕不是白白流的，正如我天主教前輩說過『殉道者的血是信友的種子』。在『佔中』計劃或『雨傘運動』中，那種子已發芽，看來那運動也是默默的失敗收場，其實那汗水、淚水又灌溉了『反送中運動』，這次真的流了鮮血，不少生命在不明不白的情形下被犧牲了。”
但是，正如陳日君樞機所言：“我深信自由、民主的小樹即將開花結果，上天的助佑不會再延遲了。讓我們散居全球各地的中華兒女，堅持抗爭，恆心祈禱，願自由民主永存不朽，願天主的兒女都能尊嚴地同心建設新天新地！”
我們相信，在共同的努力之下，黎智英先生的犧牲與努力不會白費，我們的目標終將達到。黎智英先生，我們與你站在一起，我們與香港人民站在一起！
這次彙集的獎金總額爲三千三百美元（US $3,300.00）。捐款的人們捐出的是他們對中國民主的熱情和信念，在此我們表示衷心感謝。此外，我們也向第十七屆“魏京生中國民主鬥士獎”參與提名的所有朋友表示謝意。感謝您們的支援和鼓勵。
魏京生基金會“魏京生中國民主鬥士獎”評委會
黃慈萍，陳興宇，劉繼傑，陳邦錚（簽署）
2020年12月5日
黎智英先生的照片：
http://www.weijingsheng.org/pic/newsletters/newsletters2020/newsletters2020-4/LaiJ201205photo.jpg
更多詳情：www.weijingsheng.org
聯繫方法：hcp@weijingsheng.org 或 hcp0411wjs@aol.com
電話：1-202-270-6980
（魏京生基金會首發，請注明出處。www.weijingsheng.org）
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魏京生基金會及中國民主運動海外聯席會議以推動中國的人權與民主爲己任。
我們歡迎任何形式的幫助與貢獻。我們願與世界上爲人權與民主而奮鬥的人們一起努力。
我們希望您能夠幫助我們散發我們的資料。但請標明出處與我們的網址：www.weijingsheng.org
歡迎投稿（暫無稿費）或批評建議，請寄信箱:
HCP@WEIJINGSHENG.ORG
魏京生基金會通訊地址：
Wei Jingsheng
Foundation, P. O. Box 15449, Washington, DC 20003, USA
電話: 1-202-270-6980
魏京生基金會網址：WWW.weijingsheng.org
中國民主運動海外聯席會議及中國團結工會的網址爲：www.ChinaLaborUnion.org
閣下之所以收到本信，是因爲閣下以前曾表示有興趣瞭解魏京生先生和中國民主運動。
倘若閣下希望不再收到類似資訊，請回復本信並用 unsubscribe 作爲主題(Subject)。
