Browsing Tag

Hong Kong

161 posts

Thirteen in court over 2019 storming of Hong Kong legislature

Thirteen people are on trial in Hong Kong for storming the city’s legislature in 2019, marking a significant challenge to the Beijing-backed government. The incident was part of the pro-democracy protests that engulfed Hong Kong, with millions participating in marches and sit-ins. Seven defendants pleaded guilty to rioting charges, while the remaining six face additional charges carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The trial is expected to last 44 days. Over 10,000 individuals were arrested during the 2019 protests, and a national security law implemented in 2020 further curtailed dissent.

Four Hong Kong students sentenced over anti-govt bomb plot

Four Hong Kong students, including two minors, were sentenced for their involvement in a plot to set off bombs in public spaces. The oldest defendant received over five years in prison, while the others were sent to juvenile rehabilitation centers. The case was handled under the national security law imposed by China in 2020, aimed at suppressing dissent in the city. The defendants belonged to a group advocating for independence and had planned to use explosives in public areas. Critics argue that Hong Kong’s autonomy and freedoms have been eroded since the implementation of the security law.

Library books should not have ‘unhealthy ideas’: Hong Kong leader

Hong Kong’s leader, John Lee, stated that the city should not recommend books with “unhealthy ideas” following the removal of library books on politically sensitive topics. The move is seen as part of the broader crackdown on dissent after the imposition of the national security law. Hong Kong’s autonomy has diminished, and expressions of political differences have been stifled, including the banning of the annual Tiananmen Square vigil. Lee did not clarify what constitutes “unhealthy ideas.”

Taiwan publishers warn against visiting China as editor held

Publishers in Taiwan cautioned against visiting mainland China and Hong Kong after the detention of editor Li Yanhe, who went missing and is now suspected of national security crimes. The incident has created a chilling effect on Taiwan’s literary community, with concerns extending to media professionals and even individuals critical of China on social media. Activists and journalists have expressed alarm over the situation, calling for Li’s release and decrying China’s crackdown on freedoms.

Hong Kong bans foreign lawyers from national security cases

Hong Kong has passed an amendment barring foreign lawyers from working on national security cases, with exceptions allowed only if approved by the city’s leader. This change is part of China’s efforts to suppress dissent in Hong Kong following the 2019 pro-democracy protests. Under the national security law, the participation of foreign lawyers is considered a “potential risk” to national security. The amendment arose from attempts to prevent prominent British rights lawyer Tim Owen from defending media tycoon Jimmy Lai, a democracy activist facing charges under the security law.

Hong Kongers find new ways to defend democratic ideals

Two years after his release from a Hong Kong prison, Lau Ka-tung is dedicated to supporting pro-democracy activists behind bars. Lau, a social worker, regularly visits prisons to provide emotional support and guidance to jailed protesters and their families. Amid the aftermath of the 2019 protests and Beijing’s subsequent crackdown, Hong Kong’s civil society has been severely impacted, with the disbandment of advocacy groups and limitations on political activities. Despite the challenges, individuals like Lau and spaces like the “Have A Nice Stay” bookstore strive to maintain a sense of resistance and support for democratic values in Hong Kong.

Chinese spirit maker ZJLD’s IPO raises HK$4.5 Billion despite rocky start to trading

ZJLD Group, the holding company for four of Wu Xiangdong’s liquor brands, has raised around HK$4.5 billion in Hong Kong’s largest IPO of the year. Despite falling short of the hoped-for HK$5.5 billion, the proceeds are still more than half of what the Hong Kong stock exchange generated from IPO offerings in Q1 2023. The popularity of baijiu in China has propelled demand, making it the most consumed spirit in the world, and its major producers the most valuable distilleries.

Hong Kong asylum seekers fear deportation under tightened policy

Hong Kong’s new “removal policy” is causing anxiety and fear among the city’s nearly 15,000 asylum seekers. The policy, which allows authorities to deport rejected applicants awaiting appeal court verdicts, has already resulted in the removal of 27 people and leaves another 1,100 vulnerable to immediate deportation. Asylum seekers are often seen using Hong Kong as a stepping stone towards relocation elsewhere, unaware that over the past decade, 99 per cent of applications have been rejected. The city does have an obligation of non-refoulement, but does not grant asylum seekers refugee status.

Prominent Hong Kong union leader arrested by national security police

Hong Kong union leader Elizabeth Tang Yin-ngor was arrested on suspicion of colluding with foreign forces to endanger national security, with the offence carrying a life sentence. She and her husband have advocated for labour rights and democracy in the city for four decades.

Hong Kong women’s march called off after police meetings: organisers

Hong Kong’s Women Workers’ Association cancelled an authorised protest for women’s rights, citing pressure from the police. The group had received authorisation to hold a demonstration but cancelled abruptly after police asked to meet with them. Police denied pressuring the group, but anyone participating in the protest would have been in violation of unlawful assembly laws, they said. Beijing’s national security law effectively ended public demonstrations and protests in Hong Kong, with group gatherings banned for over two years due to pandemic restrictions.