Cardinal Joseph Zen, Archbishop Emeritus of Hong Kong, has been released from jail.
The 82-year-old cardinal was released by police along with the leaders of the Occupy Movement from the Sheung Wan police station today after surrendering for not having followed police orders to clear a sit-in, reported AsiaNews.
The cardinal and organizers were detained after signing a form aimed at defending freedom in Hong Kong, which is the goal of the Occupy movement. The form said they took part in a rally from September 28th, which was unauthorized and may have broken laws under public order ordinance.
Pro-Beijing forces say the Occupy movement undermines Hong Kong’s well-being.
The source notes that while Cardinal Zen “has taken to the streets” to defend freedom, his successor John Tung appeals to both sides to engage in dialogue.
The organizers of Occupy Central have defended their actions as “civil disobedience,” and the movement’s actions have been non-violent. Among them are Benny Tai, professor of law; Chan Kin-man, a professor of sociology; and the Rev. Chu Yiu-min.
Although greeted by some supporters at the police station, some representing pro-China groups ridiculed them and accused them of dividing the society and endangering Hong Kong’s economic well-being. The source goes on to explain that the figures do not indicate this is true.
While the movement’s call for democracy in Hong Kong has not seemed to win a major victory, the source explained that the campaign has raised awareness to new generations for the need for democracy.
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On ZENIT’s Web page:
Interview With Cardinal Zen: http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/cardinal-joseph-zen-we-must-accept-the-present-defeat
