WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Senate Republican Deputy Whip and, Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., Senate President Pro Tempore, today issued the following joint statement regarding the ongoing pro-democracy demonstrations in Hong Kong:

“We condemn the violent attacks against peaceful demonstrators in Hong Kong. We are dismayed that Hong Kong authorities have not taken necessary steps to protect peaceful protesters from these cowardly attacks by individuals who seek to deny their right of peaceful assembly.

“The people of Hong Kong should be applauded and supported for their remarkable courage and determination in extraordinarily challenging circumstances. The ‘Umbrella Movement’ has shown the world the inspirational power of free expression in defense of the fundamental right to choose one's leaders.

“As democratically elected members of the United States Senate, we strongly support the Hong Kong people's aspiration for universal suffrage and full democracy. We urge all parties to follow the path of restraint, de-escalation, and good faith dialogue in pursuit of that goal.”