#GoHKInterview #30Aug2020
Civilian in Hong Kong: “It is Now a Fascist Society. If the Government Doesn’t Mess With You Today, They Will the Next Day”

The following is a #FirstHand interview conducted by #GoHK  with a civilian in Hong Kong near Prince Edward Station at around 20:30 on 30 August 2020.

In the face of injustice, the encroachment of rights and police brutality, the civilian calls for Hongkongers to stand in unity to fight against the corrupt police and the authoritarian government.

Read the full transcript here:

https://telegra.ph/Civilian-Calls-Hongkongers-to-Stand-in-Unity-to-Fight-Against-Corrupt-Police-and-Authoritarian-Government-08-30-2

#Fascism #Authoritarianism #HongkongersVoices #FailedState #PrinceEdward831

=========
Further Reading:

One young man arrested by police while 3 others have "gone missing", reporters witnessed
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/24700

#Save12HKYouths
Families of 12 Hong Kong youths Detained in China Meet the Press, 12 Sept 2020

#PressConference Summary by #GoHK

1. Chinese Authorities Refused Lawyers Appointed by Families of Detainees

Mother of a detainee called Lee Tze-yin spoke on her experience of seeking legal assistance in China. Lee's mother appointed a Chinese lawyer, but the Chinese authorities forbade the appointed lawyer from meeting her son.

Lee's mother said they received no news of their family members detained and did not know if they are safe and still alive in China.

Mrs Wong, wife of a detainee, said they made many calls to different departments and offices in Hong Kong and China. They still received no news of their family member detained.

The lawyer they appointed is facing enormous pressure in China for representing a Hongkonger detained by the Chinese authorities.

The authorities claimed their lawyer was not "notarized" but other cases show even the "notarized" lawyers were being rejected.

2. Medical Need for Detainees; Health Condition Remains Unknown

Among the detained youths, at least 2 to 3 have special medication needs.

Tang Kai-yin's family, one of the detained youths, said Tang has a serious asthma condition and skin disorder. He is susceptible to asthma attacks, especially in polluted environment and after physical activities.

According to Tang's brother, the Chinese authorities refused to communicate with the detainee's family, claiming they cannot verify their identity.

After Tang's brother had called the Detention Center in China several times, he was asked by the Chinese authorities to contact the Hong Kong Police.

Tang's brother expressed their frustration of not being able to convey Tang's medical needs to the detention centre and do not know if Tang might even have died. Tang's brother questioned if that is the reason why nobody was allowed to see the detainees.

Tang's mother wept and could barely talk. She said she wanted her son to come back to Hong Kong, but she does not even know if her son is still alive at the moment.

3. Chinese Authorities Refused Communications

Derek, a family member of a detained youth, spoke on his experience of contacting the Detention Center in China.

He received a notice of his family member's arrest on 28 Aug. The Chinese authorities claimed they cannot verify his identity while the HK authorities asked him to stick to the Chinese system.

Derek called again by using the same phone number the Chinese authorities have in their record. However, the Chinese officer said he saw the call ID display but still refused to talk to Derek. The officer asked Derek to look for the "relevant department" in Hong Kong but did not disclose what department.

Legislator Chu Hoi-dick added that for Hongkongers to enter China, a 14-day compulsory quarantine applies.

4. One Detainee is a Minor

On behalf of a mother of a 16-year-old detainee, Legislator James To Kun-sun, spoke about her current psychological state.

Unable to see her son, the mother could not sleep and could only cry.

She inquired if the HK government can help arrange at least a call and rightly appoint a Chinese lawyer to represent her son.

5. Legal Rights of the Detainees Undermined

Legislator To said that even if the family goes to the Detention Centre in China, they would still need a Chinese lawyer to undergo the procedure.

However, not only that the Chinese lawyers appointed by the families are facing pressure and threats in China (causing some to drop the case already); the Chinese authorities also refused to acknowledge the appointed Chinese lawyers and forbade them from meeting their clients in the last 20 days.

To's offices has written to various departments in the HK Government and the HK Police. To believes that the HK Police have the duty to seek the immediate return of the 12 youths, for them to go through legal process in HK, according to precedent cases.

To urges legal rights to be ensured under the mainland laws in China. To also questioned why China insisted on assigning lawyers to the detainees.

#Save12HKYouths #PressConference
Families of 12 Hong Kong youths Detained in China Meet the Press, 12 Sept 2020

1. Watch the Familes' Press Conference with Billingual Subtitles
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25238

2. Press Conference Summary by Guardians of HK (#GoHK) and Be Water - HK

Read more on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/2406628919558580/posts/2785115655043236/

Via Telegram:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25223

3. Q&A Summary by #GoHK

Part 1:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25228

Part 2:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25230

Part 3:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25231

Part 4:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25233

Part 5:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25235

Part 6:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25236

Part 7 (End):
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25237

Image: Apple Daily #Sept12

#Save12HKYouths #PressConference
Detainees' Relatives: We cannot see our family members even if we go to China; We Need International Attention

Families of 12 Hong Kong youths detained in China met the Press on 12 Sept 2020.

Q&A Summary by Guardians of HK (#GoHK) and Be Water - HK

Part 1:
=====

Questions from CNN:

"What’s their emotional state before leaving Hong Kong?

What’s your families’ expectation from international community?"

=====

Responses from Detainees' Families:

- "They were living a normal life as usual"

- "We need attention from international communities."

- "More attention and pressure is needed for both Hong Kong and Chinese governments on this matter, so that we can use our appointed lawyers, and if possible, to seek their return to Hong Kong to go through the necessary legal proceedings."

======

Questions from NOW TV

"Some families that brought along Notarial Certificate of Trust (公證書) as requested by Chinese authorities were still unable to see the detainee, how do you feel about it?

What could be the worst case should your families be forced to use 'government-appointed' lawyers?”

What will your families do if you are planning to go physically to mainland China?"

=====
Responses from Detainees' Families and Legislators

1. Lee Tze-yin's mother:

"It was a disappointing experience as we have been doing exactly what the authorities have instructed.

Despite that, we were still unable to meet detained members of our family. We felt like being tossed around and that the authorities were merely stalling. They are wasting our time.

There is no trust between my family and the 'government-assigned' lawyers. We do not understand why we are forced to use them. I dare not imagine what would happen to my son, should we be forced to use the lawyer assigned by the Chinese government."

=======
2. Derek, family of a detainee:

"We’ve sought advice from lawyers, it is our understanding that even if we physically go to China, we wouldn’t be able to see our family members.

Despite that, we would still try."

=======
3. Legislator James To:

"Let me clarify this: it is unlikely that relatives or family members will be allowed to see the detained under the Chinese law.

In China, government-assigned lawyers are for those unable to seek legal representation on their own; or for whatever reason, unable to find a suitable one.

Then, the authorities may assign one to the defendant.

However, in our case, detainees have all appointed lawyers through established procedures.

There is no reason for the authority to reject these lawyers and assign a new one to the detainee.

It is unbelievable and unusual for external parties, like the Lawyers Association in China to pressure those lawyers appointed by families to withdraw, so that Chinese authorities can force new ones on the detainees.

It is this that caused families to become skeptical and resist the government-appointed lawyers even more.

I'd like to highlight the role of Hong Kong Government. It is their duty to protect their people to ensure they would receive a fair legal proceeding with their basic human rights well protected. The Hong Kong Government has to come out and speak up for this case."

Continue with Q&A Part 2:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25230

Continue with Part 3:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25231
========
Press Conference Summary by Guardians of HK (#GoHK) and Be Water - HK

Read more on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/2406628919558580/posts/2785115655043236/

Via Telegram:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25223

#Save12HKYouths #PressConference
Detainee's Father: My son said he was going fishing with his friends;
Detainee's Wife: I dreamt about my husband, his hair shaved and wearing prisoner’s clothes

Families of 12 Hong Kong youths detained in China met the press on 12 Sept 2020.

Q&A Summary by Guardians of Hong Kong (#GoHK) and Be Water - HK :

Part 1:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25228

Part 2:

Media's Question:

"Why do you think families are not allowed to see the detainees?

What are your biggest concerns?

What do you think Hong Kong Government could do to assist in this case? When will families decide to physically go to China?"

========
1. Lee Tze-yin's mother:

"We are talking about 12 human lives. They are worth our government’s attention. They are all precious to our families. However, we have heard nothing from the government, not even a proper statement has ever been made on this case. In the past 20 days, we have been completely ignored, and our families were left on our own to fend for ourselves.

I have been trying not to think about what is happening to my son; or what will happen to him.

With various information shared on the internet, I am too scared to read and imagine what sufferings they will go through."

========
2. Mrs Wong, wife of a detainee, replied while sobbing:

"I had dreamt about my husband, his hair shaved, wearing a prisoner’s clothes, with very dirty face and pants.

I don’t want to think any further, as I am sure what’s about to happen won't be promising. With reference to experiences from other families, even though the lawyer we’ve appointed would receive a Notarial Certificate of Trust (公證書) next week, I see no hope in seeing my husband. I hold no confidence with the governments.

I only hope that my husband would return in good shape soon."

========
3. Cheng Tsz Ho's father:

"My son told me that he was going fishing with his friends. I truly believe so because he went out carry two fishing rods and buckets. That’s our last conversation.

The next thing I knew my son was arrested.

So far, I only picked up news about my son from the media. I urge the government to look into the case and investigate as to what has actually happened. We families are helpless and we couldn’t do anything. We were not even allowed to see our detained families.

Who else can provide us with assistance when the government is ignoring our genuine needs?"

Continue with Part 3:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25231

====
Press Conference Summary by Guardians of HK (#GoHK) and Be Water - HK

Read more on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/2406628919558580/posts/2785115655043236/

Via Telegram:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25223

#Save12HKYouths #PressConference
Legislator James To: HK Government and Police Have Been Evading Direct Response and Responsibility

Families of 12 Hong Kong youths detained in China met the press on 12 Sept 2020.

Q&A Summary by Guardians of Hong Kong (#GoHK) and Be Water - HK

Part 3:

Media's Question to Legislator James To, who is a lawyer:

"Compared to similar cases in the past, how would you [James To] comment on the Hong Kong Government’s response?

========
Legislator James To:

"Based on the cases I worked in the past, e.g. fishermen being detained by the Government of the Philippines.

The Chief Executive of Hong Kong had issued a letter to express concern to the Government of the Philippines. Back then, the HKSAR government also issued a letter to the Chinese Central Government, through them to seek support from Chinese Embassy in the Philippines to look into the case and show concern.

So I would say, back then the HKSAR Government was a lot more proactive.

Second, as for the Hong Kong Police Force, the force is in a position to order an arrest, say e.g. the case of Ray Wong Toi-yeung [a Hong Kong pro-democracy activist who seeks asylum in Germany].

Once when it came to the police's knowledge that Wong is in Germany, they had proactively work on the case and issue a letter to the corresponding authorities. As for these 12 detainees, I am not aware of what the Force has been doing.

Third, I have also written to Hong Kong’s Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong to seek their involvement in the case. In some previous cases, the office did send officers to pay visits to the detained, despite it being not the mandate of the office.

I believe the Office, being an 'official organization', is in a better position to seek a meeting with the detainees. However, the Office has been evading a direct response which I think is legitimate and humanitarian.

In conclusion, I would say, we know nothing concrete about the detainees at this stage."

Continue with Q&A Part 4:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25233

====
Press Conference Summary by Guardians of HK (#GoHK) and Be Water - HK

Read more on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/2406628919558580/posts/2785115655043236/

Via Telegram:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25223

Q&A Summary
Part 1:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25228

Part 2:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25230

#Save12HKYouths #PressConference
Detainee's Family: Carrie Lam Called herself the 'Mother of Hong Kong People' but is Not Acting like One

Families of 12 Hong Kong youths detained in China met the press on 12 Sept 2020.

Q&A Summary by Guardians of Hong Kong (#GoHK) and Be Water - HK

Part 4:

Question from iCable News

Regarding the Notification Letter (港澳地區採取強制性措施通報表) issued by China on August 28, 2020, did other families also receive this notification? What information does it carry?
=====

1. Derek, family of a detainee:

"The notification was issued to all families on August 28, which carries the detainee's, name, his/her personal information, reason being arrested, date of the arrest, contact information of their family in Hong Kong, contact information of the Yantian Detention Center (鹽田看守所) in China.

In my case, someone called Mr Zhong was assigned as a contact and a Chinese telephone number was provided.

In my conversion with Mr Zhong, I was told to contact a department of the HK Police Force. However, he didn’t clearly explain which exactly the department is. I made several calls to Mr Zhong with an attempt to seek further clarification, but was not successful."

=====

2. Legislator James To:

“As far as I understand, Mr Zhong was referring to the Liaison Services Section (聯絡事務科) of HK Police Force."

=====
Question from iCable News:

"The HK Government did make a brief statement last Tuesday stating the limit of HK government’s involvement.

What are the families’ response to this? Any specific message you want to send to the Chief Executive?"

=====
1. Lee Tsz-yin's mother:

"We have been keeping our heads down, trying not to create trouble to anyone and considering the safety issue of our detained family.

However, the HK government didn’t even fulfill the minimum duties of a government. I felt that they don’t even treating us (the detainees and their families) fairly as humans.

So far, I don’t think the Chief Executive (Carrie Lam) has been doing anything on this case.

What I like to say to her is:
'These 12 people are Hong Kong citizens. Please honor your duty as Chief Executive and protect your citizens.'"

=====

2. Family of another detainee:

The Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, claimed herself the 'mother of Hong Kong people'. Imagine if your sons have gone lost, any mother would do anything possible to seek their return, and protect their sons.

Speaking from my experience, she has been neglecting the detainees, not acting in any way like a mother."

Continue with Q&A Part 5:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25235

====
Press Conference Summary by Guardians of HK (#GoHK) and Be Water - HK

Read more on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/2406628919558580/posts/2785115655043236/

Via Telegram:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25223

Q&A Summary
Part 1:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25228

Part 2:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25230

Part 3:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25231

#Save12HKYouths #PressConference
HK Legistor James To: In Precedent Cases, Even People Seeking Hideout in China were NEVER Charged with “Illegally Transgressing the Border”

Q&A Summary by Guardians of Hong Kong (#GoHK) and Be Water - HK

Part 5:
Question from Radio Free Asia (RFA)

"We have reported earlier that this case could be escalated to a breach of National Security Law.

Is there any form of formal communication provided to the families about reasons for the 12 detainees being arrested?

====
1. Responses from Moderator of the Press Conference:

"The families were told that the 12 youths were arrested and detained for “illegally transgressing the border” (偷越邊境罪) with a maximum penalty of 1 year.

Later on, an officer told one of the family-appointed-lawyers that the 12 detainees could be charged with the “Crime of Organizing and Transporting Other Person to Cross the National Boarder” (組織他人偷越過邊境罪) and subject to a penalty 2 to 7 years of imprisonment and even a life sentence."

2. Legislator James To:

"In the past, there were plenty cases where Hong Kong people fled to China for hideout after committing crimes in Hong Kong.

When these people were found and arrested by the Chinese authorities, they were deported back to Hong Kong for trial.

These people, having fled to China, were NEVER charged with “illegally transgressing the border”.

In our case, while the real cause of the 12 Hong Kong people for appearing at the waters remains unknown, it could simply be “harmless crossing the mainland waters” (無害通過內地水域).

While I understand and respect the Chinese authorities’ need to carry out investigation, it is more reasonable for the Chinese Authorities to hand Hong Kong people back to the Hong Kong Government. This is how all similar cases had been handled in the past.

I am not in any position to predict whether this case is more likely be trialed in Hong Kong or China.

With reference to cases in the past, there were standing practices for Chinese authorities to hand Hong Kong people back to Hong Kong for necessary legal procedures.

It is a mistake to put Hong Kong people through a trial in China only because these people were found in China, as we are still upholding the principles of One Country Two Systems.

Even if the 12 Hong Kong citizens were arrested for violating the National Security Law, and they should be handed to the Chinese authority for investigation, there should still be proper procedures governing the entire handling process."

Continue with Q&A Part 6:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25236

====
Press Conference Summary by Guardians of HK (#GoHK) and Be Water - HK

Read more on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/2406628919558580/posts/2785115655043236/

Via Telegram:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25223

Q&A Summary
Part 1:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25228

Part 2:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25230

Part 3:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25231

Part 4:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25233

#Save12HKYouths #PressConference
At Least 4 HK Governments Bodies and Departments Didn't Assist Hongkongers Captured by Chinese Authorities

Q&A Summary by Guardians of Hong Kong (#GoHK) and Be Water - HK

Part 6:

Questions from RTHK

"Has any of the detainee ever disclosed to their family members that they could be 'arrested'?

Did the families receive any pressure demaning them to stay low profile?

=====
Responses from Lee Tsz-yin's Mother

"We ate and chatted together as usual and my son was all the way happy. I cannot recall any unusual behaviour.

This is our first press briefing and there was no pressure on us to stay low before this."

=====

Media's Questions

"Can you elaborate on the engagement so far with the HK authorities?

How will you comment on the process?

As to [US Secretary of the State Department] Pompeo’s comment this morning, do you think his comment is helpful to this case, or could it create unnecessary tension?"

=====

Response from Legislator James To:

"In sum, we have already:

1. Issued letter to the HK Police Force – urging them to take a proactive stance in seeking return of the 12 Hong Kong people following existing practices;

2. Issued letter to the Hong Kong's Economic & Trade Office in Guangdong, China– requesting the Office to visit the detainees.

The Office didn’t respond to my request directly. However, the Office did tell my assistant that they won't be able to see the detainee and it is more 'appropriate to seek lawyer’s assistance'.

3. Issued letter to the HK Government's Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau – requesting the Bureau to visit the detainees, to ensure they will be humanely treated with food and medication sufficiently provided;

4. Issued letter to the HK Government's Security Bureau – seeking to meet with the officials.

We are awaiting the Bureau’s response."

Continue with Q&A Part 7 (End):
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25237

====
Press Conference Summary by Guardians of HK (#GoHK) and Be Water - HK

Read more on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/2406628919558580/posts/2785115655043236/

Via Telegram:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25223

Q&A Summary
Part 1:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25228

Part 2:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25230

Part 3:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25231

Part 4:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25233

Part 5:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25235

#Save12HKYouths #PressConference
At Least 1 Portugese National and 2 BNO Passport Holders Among 12 People Captured and Detained by China

Q&A Summary by Guardians of Hong Kong (#GoHK) and Be Water - HK

Part 7:

Media's Questions:

"Earlier, Hong Kong's Immigration Department issued a statement, saying the detainees are in good health condition and their families have hired lawyers.

Has the Immigration Department also been involved?"

=====

Responses from Press Conference Moderator:

"The Hong Kong's Immigration Department has never been actively involved in this case and they are not part of the communication platform.

It is in the best interest of the detainees and their families to engage lawyers they trust.

Only through these lawyers directly appointed by the families of the detainees, the health condition and the mental state of the detainees can be fairly assessed and discussed.

That is to say, the actual health condition of the detainees still remain unknown to their families, at this stage.

Although not all families of the detainees have reported the case to the HK Police, all of them have received the Notification Letter (港澳地區採取強制性措施通報表) from China's Yantian Detention center.

Based on this letter, the HK Police is the focal point for communication.

We believe Pompeo’s attention will bring positive impact on this case. We are hoping for more attention from international communities to not only the 12 detained Hong Kong citizens, but also the human rights lawyers in China, being threatened and oppressed.

====

Responses from Legislator James To

"The families did write to Hong Kong's Immigration Department.

The Department said there is already an 'established channel' to pass letters from the families to the detainees."

=====

Questions from Reuters

"Among the detainees, how many of them are holding foreign passport? If yes, has any embassy been involved?"

=====

Responses from Legislator Chu Hoi-dick:

"At least one of the detainees is a Portugal national, at least two are BNO passport holders.

Relatives of the detainee of Portugese nationality has contacted the Portugese Consulate in China, seeking their assistance on this matter."

-END-

====
Press Conference Summary by Guardians of HK (#GoHK) and Be Water - HK

Read more on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/2406628919558580/posts/2785115655043236/

Via Telegram:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25223

Q&A Summary
Part 1:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25228

Part 2:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25230

Part 3:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25231

Part 4:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25233

Part 5:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25235

Part 6:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25236