Stampede Nearly Breaks Out Between Police and Reporters
2137 | Mong Kok
Conflict erupted between Police and reporters at the scene in Mong Kok, with officers deploying pepper sprays and warning reporters to not obstruct police work. Reporters responded that police actions were interferring with press freedom.
Reporters went forward to photograph arrestees pulled into a back alley. Then, the police, claiming that someone was shining flashlights at them, continuously shone their flashlights at the reporters. Amidst this chaos, a reporter cries out, "This situation is nearing a stampede now!"
Source: Local Press; AppleDaily #May19
#MongKok #PoliceState #MothersDay
2137 | Mong Kok
Conflict erupted between Police and reporters at the scene in Mong Kok, with officers deploying pepper sprays and warning reporters to not obstruct police work. Reporters responded that police actions were interferring with press freedom.
Reporters went forward to photograph arrestees pulled into a back alley. Then, the police, claiming that someone was shining flashlights at them, continuously shone their flashlights at the reporters. Amidst this chaos, a reporter cries out, "This situation is nearing a stampede now!"
Source: Local Press; AppleDaily #May19
#MongKok #PoliceState #MothersDay
#DailyUpdate #May19 #COVID19
COVID-19 Updates (May 19th)
At the time of writing, 4,829,232 cases of the coronavirus had been confirmed with 319,031 deaths.
Germany's coronavirus death toll surpasses 8,000.
India coronavirus cases surpass 100,000.
China reports 6 new cases of COVID-19
Germany and neighbors agree to gradually remove border restrictions.
70 schools in France closed due to spike in suspected coronavirus cases.
Australia says it does not want a trade war with China, as relations deteriorate.
Russia's Prime Minister released from hospital after coronavirus treatment, state media reports.
European Union backs WHO after Trump's latest funding threat.
The northeastern Chinese city of Shulan tightens lockdown restrictions as locally transmitted coronavirus cases are detected.
India and Bangladesh planning to evacuate over 2 million people as super cyclone nears.
El Salvador's Supreme Court overrides the President's state of emergency extension.
Trump administration to extend US border and travel restrictions related to coronavirus.
China backs coronavirus investigation but says it should wait until the pandemic is contained.
Source: CNN, John Hopkins University
COVID-19 Updates (May 19th)
At the time of writing, 4,829,232 cases of the coronavirus had been confirmed with 319,031 deaths.
Germany's coronavirus death toll surpasses 8,000.
India coronavirus cases surpass 100,000.
China reports 6 new cases of COVID-19
Germany and neighbors agree to gradually remove border restrictions.
70 schools in France closed due to spike in suspected coronavirus cases.
Australia says it does not want a trade war with China, as relations deteriorate.
Russia's Prime Minister released from hospital after coronavirus treatment, state media reports.
European Union backs WHO after Trump's latest funding threat.
The northeastern Chinese city of Shulan tightens lockdown restrictions as locally transmitted coronavirus cases are detected.
India and Bangladesh planning to evacuate over 2 million people as super cyclone nears.
El Salvador's Supreme Court overrides the President's state of emergency extension.
Trump administration to extend US border and travel restrictions related to coronavirus.
China backs coronavirus investigation but says it should wait until the pandemic is contained.
Source: CNN, John Hopkins University
#RTHK #Headliner #Censorship
Hong Kong Public Broadcaster Suspends Political Satirical Show After Being Attacked by Police and Pro-Beijing Forces
Image from the show
Ng Chi-sum, one of the key members of Headliner as well as news commentator, spoke on public broadcaster RTHK's sudden decision of halting Headliner on May 22, 2020.
Ng believes the "suspension" of the Headliner would probably be a permanent one. He added that even the programme is allowed to return one day, it would only bear the same title but without the essence and spirit.
RTHK's Headliner is a popular news commentary programme which has been running on and off for 30 years in Hong Kong. Accompanied by satirical sketches, parody songs and derivative works, the show is known for its criticism, sharpness and humour toward social issues and problems. Outspoken of governance failure, the show has amassed many keen supporters in the local population.
During the Anti-extradition bill Movement in 2019, the show continues to speak out for the public and bring spotlight to police brutality and governance crisis.
Hong Kong police commissioner Chris Tang, various police-related organizations and Beijing loyalists had through different channels reprimanded the show for "distorting" the fact and the image of the police.
Watch the English-subtitled "Shock Report" in Headliner
Since the handover in 1997, the show had been attacked by Chinese officials, China-owned media and Beijing loyalists including former Chief Executive Tung Chee-Hwa. Although each time these attacks sparked concerns over the gradual erosion of the freedom of speech, the tension had never amassed to the cancellation of the entire show.
On 19 May 2020, RTHK issued an apology while announcing that the long-running Headliner would be suspended until further notice. Considering the removal of episodes which the police force claimed to be "inappropriate", this somehow indicates the source of pressure and the cause of the programme suspension.
After firing on the education system and exam authorities, the Hong Kong government is also increasing its contol over the media lanscape: As a public broadcaster, RTHK has been repeatedly challenged by the authorities, despite the station's popularity, good ratings and compliments for its impartiality during Hong Kong protests.
In addition to cutting RTHK funding, the government ordered RTHK's to vacate one of its buildings in Kowloon Tong. On top of Headliner, the Education Bureau also stopped RTHK from making Education Television Program, one role RTHK has been playing for decades.
On 19 May, the government ordered a full review of RTHK's programme production and editorial processes and called for any staff found to have committed "negligence or errors" to be disciplined.
Source: Ng Chi-sum's Youtube; RTHK; Stand News #May19
#CulturalRevolution #ShockReport #NgChiSum #TsangChiHo #WongHei
Cultural Revolution 2.0: From Hong Kong Limited Edition to World Edition
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/20883
Hong Kong Public Broadcaster Suspends Political Satirical Show After Being Attacked by Police and Pro-Beijing Forces
Image from the show
Ng Chi-sum, one of the key members of Headliner as well as news commentator, spoke on public broadcaster RTHK's sudden decision of halting Headliner on May 22, 2020.
Ng believes the "suspension" of the Headliner would probably be a permanent one. He added that even the programme is allowed to return one day, it would only bear the same title but without the essence and spirit.
RTHK's Headliner is a popular news commentary programme which has been running on and off for 30 years in Hong Kong. Accompanied by satirical sketches, parody songs and derivative works, the show is known for its criticism, sharpness and humour toward social issues and problems. Outspoken of governance failure, the show has amassed many keen supporters in the local population.
During the Anti-extradition bill Movement in 2019, the show continues to speak out for the public and bring spotlight to police brutality and governance crisis.
Hong Kong police commissioner Chris Tang, various police-related organizations and Beijing loyalists had through different channels reprimanded the show for "distorting" the fact and the image of the police.
Watch the English-subtitled "Shock Report" in Headliner
Since the handover in 1997, the show had been attacked by Chinese officials, China-owned media and Beijing loyalists including former Chief Executive Tung Chee-Hwa. Although each time these attacks sparked concerns over the gradual erosion of the freedom of speech, the tension had never amassed to the cancellation of the entire show.
On 19 May 2020, RTHK issued an apology while announcing that the long-running Headliner would be suspended until further notice. Considering the removal of episodes which the police force claimed to be "inappropriate", this somehow indicates the source of pressure and the cause of the programme suspension.
After firing on the education system and exam authorities, the Hong Kong government is also increasing its contol over the media lanscape: As a public broadcaster, RTHK has been repeatedly challenged by the authorities, despite the station's popularity, good ratings and compliments for its impartiality during Hong Kong protests.
In addition to cutting RTHK funding, the government ordered RTHK's to vacate one of its buildings in Kowloon Tong. On top of Headliner, the Education Bureau also stopped RTHK from making Education Television Program, one role RTHK has been playing for decades.
On 19 May, the government ordered a full review of RTHK's programme production and editorial processes and called for any staff found to have committed "negligence or errors" to be disciplined.
Source: Ng Chi-sum's Youtube; RTHK; Stand News #May19
#CulturalRevolution #ShockReport #NgChiSum #TsangChiHo #WongHei
Cultural Revolution 2.0: From Hong Kong Limited Edition to World Edition
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/20883
Telegram
📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#Taiwan #US #TsaiIngWen
US Congratulates Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen For Entering Second Term
Press Statement released by US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on May 19, 2020:
//Support for Taiwan in the United States is bipartisan and unanimous, as demonstrated by the recent enactment of the TAIPEI Act which strengthens our overall relationship and supports a closer economic partnership.
We have a shared vision for the region—one that includes rule of law, transparency, prosperity, and security for all. The recent COVID-19 pandemic provided an opportunity for the international community to see why Taiwan’s pandemic-response model is worthy of emulation.//
https://www.state.gov/taiwans-inauguration-of-president-tsai-ing-wen/
Image: Tsai Ing-wen's Twitter #May19
US Congratulates Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen For Entering Second Term
Press Statement released by US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on May 19, 2020:
//Support for Taiwan in the United States is bipartisan and unanimous, as demonstrated by the recent enactment of the TAIPEI Act which strengthens our overall relationship and supports a closer economic partnership.
We have a shared vision for the region—one that includes rule of law, transparency, prosperity, and security for all. The recent COVID-19 pandemic provided an opportunity for the international community to see why Taiwan’s pandemic-response model is worthy of emulation.//
https://www.state.gov/taiwans-inauguration-of-president-tsai-ing-wen/
Image: Tsai Ing-wen's Twitter #May19
#PRC #Lianghui #CCP #Article23
Beijing Loyalist Lobbys the Implementation of Anti-Subversion Law in Hong Kong, Despite Opposition
The PRC's National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference's (CPPCC) National Committee are holding the annual "two sessions" ("lianghui") in Beijing on May 21 and 22.
Many are worried that Beijing will find ways to discuss or implement the controversial anti-subversion law "Article 23" in Hong Kong, even by breaching "one country two systems" potentially.
Beijing loyalist Chan Man-ki announced her proposal to Beijing about bypassing Hong Kong's legislature to implement what the local population named as the "evil law": By invoking Article 18 of Hong Kong's Basic Law, the National Security Law would be directly added into the Annex III of the Basic Law.
That way, according to Chan, will allow the direct enforcement of the controversial anti-subversion law.
Source: Stand News #May19
#EvilLaw
Beijing Loyalist Lobbys the Implementation of Anti-Subversion Law in Hong Kong, Despite Opposition
The PRC's National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference's (CPPCC) National Committee are holding the annual "two sessions" ("lianghui") in Beijing on May 21 and 22.
Many are worried that Beijing will find ways to discuss or implement the controversial anti-subversion law "Article 23" in Hong Kong, even by breaching "one country two systems" potentially.
Beijing loyalist Chan Man-ki announced her proposal to Beijing about bypassing Hong Kong's legislature to implement what the local population named as the "evil law": By invoking Article 18 of Hong Kong's Basic Law, the National Security Law would be directly added into the Annex III of the Basic Law.
That way, according to Chan, will allow the direct enforcement of the controversial anti-subversion law.
Source: Stand News #May19
#EvilLaw
#Tiananmen #Vigil
Government Representative Refuses to discuss the Annual June 4th Massacre Vigil in District Council
The annual June 4th Vigil and the annual July 1st protest have not yet been approved by the police and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD).
The Wan Chai District Council discussed the two events' arrangements on May 19. Lee Cheuk-yan, chairman of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, was invited to explain, but District Officer Rick Chan Tin Chu, representing the government, repeatedly interrupted his speech. Chan insisted that Lee's speech had deviated from the "arrangement" matters.
Lee said “I am talking about 'arrangement' in every sentence," and refuted that "the application has nothing to do with the arrangements". However, the government representative refused to listen and pulled the entire team away.
Source: InMedia #May19
#DistrictCouncil
Government Representative Refuses to discuss the Annual June 4th Massacre Vigil in District Council
The annual June 4th Vigil and the annual July 1st protest have not yet been approved by the police and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD).
The Wan Chai District Council discussed the two events' arrangements on May 19. Lee Cheuk-yan, chairman of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, was invited to explain, but District Officer Rick Chan Tin Chu, representing the government, repeatedly interrupted his speech. Chan insisted that Lee's speech had deviated from the "arrangement" matters.
Lee said “I am talking about 'arrangement' in every sentence," and refuted that "the application has nothing to do with the arrangements". However, the government representative refused to listen and pulled the entire team away.
Source: InMedia #May19
#DistrictCouncil
#YellowEconomicCircle
How the Yellow Economic Circle Can Revolutionize Hong Kong
By Simon Shen, The Diplomat #May19
//Building the grassroots economic movement could be the key to breaking the establishment’s economic stranglehold.
The Yellow Economic Circle (YEC), which grew out of the movement, is a collection of businesses openly promoting protest messages. The businesses often are small local eateries with pro-democracy posters and attract supporters who want to continue the movement.
1.
The first step is expanding the community economy’s reach online.
As online ordering becomes more common in everyday living, consumption of other goods can happen through this network.
2.
The second step is forming a “virtual enterprise” with small businesses.
Businesses in different industries (or along a supply chain) can band together to leverage the economy of scale to run promotion campaigns.
3.
The third step is opening up global job opportunities. The YEC aims to protect Hong Kongers’ livelihoods in a time when speech or an act of dissent risks workplace retaliation.
4.
The fourth step is attracting investments.
The YEC should also explore utilizing cryptocurrency.
When the promise of “one country, two systems” is broken while dissidents are doxxed and retaliated against in their workplace, Hong Kongers are seeking a way to escape the oppression. Hong Kongers, with their rich resources and strong international networks, may build a future based on the YEC, where different facets of daily life are free from authoritarianism, truly realizing the “revolution of our time.”//
Read Full Article here
How the Yellow Economic Circle Can Revolutionize Hong Kong
By Simon Shen, The Diplomat #May19
//Building the grassroots economic movement could be the key to breaking the establishment’s economic stranglehold.
The Yellow Economic Circle (YEC), which grew out of the movement, is a collection of businesses openly promoting protest messages. The businesses often are small local eateries with pro-democracy posters and attract supporters who want to continue the movement.
1.
The first step is expanding the community economy’s reach online.
As online ordering becomes more common in everyday living, consumption of other goods can happen through this network.
2.
The second step is forming a “virtual enterprise” with small businesses.
Businesses in different industries (or along a supply chain) can band together to leverage the economy of scale to run promotion campaigns.
3.
The third step is opening up global job opportunities. The YEC aims to protect Hong Kongers’ livelihoods in a time when speech or an act of dissent risks workplace retaliation.
4.
The fourth step is attracting investments.
The YEC should also explore utilizing cryptocurrency.
When the promise of “one country, two systems” is broken while dissidents are doxxed and retaliated against in their workplace, Hong Kongers are seeking a way to escape the oppression. Hong Kongers, with their rich resources and strong international networks, may build a future based on the YEC, where different facets of daily life are free from authoritarianism, truly realizing the “revolution of our time.”//
Read Full Article here
The Diplomat
How the Yellow Economic Circle Can Revolutionize Hong Kong
Building the grassroots economic movement could be the key to breaking the establishment’s economic stranglehold.
#ChinaMedia #Singtao
Smearing ad on Sing Tao Daily discovered to may have fake signatures
Last September, a number of people in the construction, surveying and engineering industry issued a joint statement in pro-Beijing Sing Tao Daily, accusing the pro-democracy protests of "seriously disrupting the order of Hong Kong", and comdeming the young people of defying the rule of law.
The Architects Registration Authority sent a letter to its members on May 19, claiming that 138 'architects' who backed the advertisement with their signatures did not have their identifications registered in the official list at, violating section 31 of the Architect Registration Ordinance.
Apple Daily wrote to Sing Tao Daily, requesting information on the originator of the advertisement, but did not receive any response. The bureau reached the police via e-mail and electronic report room on 8 and 13 May. Apple Daily is in the process of requesting the police for a follow-up.
Source: Apple Daily #May19
#Fake #ChinesePropaganda
Smearing ad on Sing Tao Daily discovered to may have fake signatures
Last September, a number of people in the construction, surveying and engineering industry issued a joint statement in pro-Beijing Sing Tao Daily, accusing the pro-democracy protests of "seriously disrupting the order of Hong Kong", and comdeming the young people of defying the rule of law.
The Architects Registration Authority sent a letter to its members on May 19, claiming that 138 'architects' who backed the advertisement with their signatures did not have their identifications registered in the official list at, violating section 31 of the Architect Registration Ordinance.
Apple Daily wrote to Sing Tao Daily, requesting information on the originator of the advertisement, but did not receive any response. The bureau reached the police via e-mail and electronic report room on 8 and 13 May. Apple Daily is in the process of requesting the police for a follow-up.
Source: Apple Daily #May19
#Fake #ChinesePropaganda
#Mainlandization #FailedState
Hong Kong Goverment Closes Down its Office in Taiwan: "Not Covid-related"
On May 18, 2021, the Hong Kong SAR government announced that the Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office in Taiwan will be shut down immediately.
The government claimed that the decision has nothing to do with the latest Covid-19 spike in Taiwan, but refused to disclose the actual reason.
Source: Apple Daily #May19 #Taiwan
Hong Kong Goverment Closes Down its Office in Taiwan: "Not Covid-related"
On May 18, 2021, the Hong Kong SAR government announced that the Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office in Taiwan will be shut down immediately.
The government claimed that the decision has nothing to do with the latest Covid-19 spike in Taiwan, but refused to disclose the actual reason.
Source: Apple Daily #May19 #Taiwan
Uniqlo shirts blocked at U.S. border in January on China forced labour concern
Fast Retailing Co Ltd's (9983.T) Uniqlo brand shirts were blocked at the United States border in January on concerns they violated a ban on cotton products produced in the Xinjiang region of China, where there have been reports of forced labour.
A U.S. Customs document dated May 10 said a shipment of Uniqlo men's shirts was impounded on Jan. 5 at the Port of Los Angeles due to a suspected violation of the ban. The document said a protest filed by Uniqlo's parent company was denied.
Fast Retailing said it was disappointed by the U.S. Customs ruling.
Source: Reuters #May19
https://t.co/MEhFkVdWuL
#Uniqlo #US #China #Labour #Cotton #Xinjiang
Fast Retailing Co Ltd's (9983.T) Uniqlo brand shirts were blocked at the United States border in January on concerns they violated a ban on cotton products produced in the Xinjiang region of China, where there have been reports of forced labour.
A U.S. Customs document dated May 10 said a shipment of Uniqlo men's shirts was impounded on Jan. 5 at the Port of Los Angeles due to a suspected violation of the ban. The document said a protest filed by Uniqlo's parent company was denied.
Fast Retailing said it was disappointed by the U.S. Customs ruling.
Source: Reuters #May19
https://t.co/MEhFkVdWuL
#Uniqlo #US #China #Labour #Cotton #Xinjiang