#DailyUpdate #May22 #COVID19
COVID-19 Updates (May 22nd)
At the time of writing, 5,128,492 cases of the coronavirus had been confirmed with 333,489 deaths.
Hong Kong records 2 new COVID-19 cases, both with European travel history.
Latin America reported more new COVID-19 cases than the US and Europe for 3 days in a row.
Brazil reports the biggest spike in deaths as coronavirus cases top 300,000, the country has the third-highest number of infection as the president of Brazil continues to dismiss COVID-19 as ālittle fluā and lockdown measures implemented worldwide.
Singapore reports 30,426 cases of COVID-19, as the country is still unable to curb the spread of the coronavirus in the migrant worker population.
India reports more than 6,000 new cases within 24 hours, making it the largest single-day increase of cases, the country now reports 118,447 cases of COVID-19.
Mexico reported 2,973 new cases of COVID-19 - the largest daily increase in cases as the country reports 59,567 cases of COVID-19.
At least 215 cases of COVID-19 in South Korea have now been linked to the nightclub cluster in Seoul's entertainment district of Itaewon. The country now reports 11,142 cases of the virus.
UK plans to reopen schools on June 1 deemed "not safe" on current evidence, scientist group warns.
US instructs WHO to immediately begin work on coronavirus inquiry: "There is no time to waste".
WHO chief says $800 million has been pledged for its COVID-19 response.
Dozens of South Korean schools that shut down over coronavirus concerns the reopening on Monday.
UK scraps charge for migrant health care workers.
UK - London's St. Paul's Cathedral opens an online book of remembrance for COVID-19 victims.
UK - Oxford University coronavirus vaccine study moves to the next phases of human trials.
Australia extends cruise ship ban to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Japan lifts state of emergency in Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo prefectures.
US - CDC estimates that 35% of coronavirus infections are asymptomatic.
Source: CNN, John Hopkins University
COVID-19 Updates (May 22nd)
At the time of writing, 5,128,492 cases of the coronavirus had been confirmed with 333,489 deaths.
Hong Kong records 2 new COVID-19 cases, both with European travel history.
Latin America reported more new COVID-19 cases than the US and Europe for 3 days in a row.
Brazil reports the biggest spike in deaths as coronavirus cases top 300,000, the country has the third-highest number of infection as the president of Brazil continues to dismiss COVID-19 as ālittle fluā and lockdown measures implemented worldwide.
Singapore reports 30,426 cases of COVID-19, as the country is still unable to curb the spread of the coronavirus in the migrant worker population.
India reports more than 6,000 new cases within 24 hours, making it the largest single-day increase of cases, the country now reports 118,447 cases of COVID-19.
Mexico reported 2,973 new cases of COVID-19 - the largest daily increase in cases as the country reports 59,567 cases of COVID-19.
At least 215 cases of COVID-19 in South Korea have now been linked to the nightclub cluster in Seoul's entertainment district of Itaewon. The country now reports 11,142 cases of the virus.
UK plans to reopen schools on June 1 deemed "not safe" on current evidence, scientist group warns.
US instructs WHO to immediately begin work on coronavirus inquiry: "There is no time to waste".
WHO chief says $800 million has been pledged for its COVID-19 response.
Dozens of South Korean schools that shut down over coronavirus concerns the reopening on Monday.
UK scraps charge for migrant health care workers.
UK - London's St. Paul's Cathedral opens an online book of remembrance for COVID-19 victims.
UK - Oxford University coronavirus vaccine study moves to the next phases of human trials.
Australia extends cruise ship ban to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Japan lifts state of emergency in Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo prefectures.
US - CDC estimates that 35% of coronavirus infections are asymptomatic.
Source: CNN, John Hopkins University
#OneCountryTwoSystems #NationalSecurityLaw
Hang Seng Index plummets after Beijing made bold moves
Following Beijing's unilateral introduction of the anti-subversion in Hong Kong, Hang Seng Index plummets by 5.5%, the largest daily fall over 5 years. Sino Land (0083) and Link REIT (0832) dropped more than 10%.
Beijing loyalist Liao Cheung-kong, a non-official member appointed to the Executive Council, said "National security is more important than the stock market."
Liao is also Steward of Hong Kong Jockey Club and Hong Kong Deputy to the PRC's National People's Congress.
Source: Now News; InMedia
Further reading:
Chris Patten: "Chinese Communism is not to be trusted on anything"
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/21050
#May22 #HSI #MartinLiao #HangSengIndex #StateTerrorism #Economy
Hang Seng Index plummets after Beijing made bold moves
Following Beijing's unilateral introduction of the anti-subversion in Hong Kong, Hang Seng Index plummets by 5.5%, the largest daily fall over 5 years. Sino Land (0083) and Link REIT (0832) dropped more than 10%.
Beijing loyalist Liao Cheung-kong, a non-official member appointed to the Executive Council, said "National security is more important than the stock market."
Liao is also Steward of Hong Kong Jockey Club and Hong Kong Deputy to the PRC's National People's Congress.
Source: Now News; InMedia
Further reading:
Chris Patten: "Chinese Communism is not to be trusted on anything"
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/21050
#May22 #HSI #MartinLiao #HangSengIndex #StateTerrorism #Economy
#NationalSecurityLaw #Statement
American Chamber: Security Law may jeopardize future prospects for international business in Hong Kong
The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Chairman Robert Grieves said, āNo one wins if the foundation for Hong Kongās role as a prime international business and financial center is eroded.ā
AmCham described Beijing's forceful national security legislation as alarming for US business. The Chamber also suggested that it "could lead to a tit-for-tat between Washington and Beijing that eventually curtails Hong Kongās special treatment as defined in the Hong Kong Policy Act."
The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong is one of the largest American Chambers outside the US and the largest international chamber in Hong Kong.
Source: #AmCham #May22
#Economy #OneCountryOneSystem #US #China
Hang Seng Index plummets after Beijing made bold moves
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/21071
American Chamber: Security Law may jeopardize future prospects for international business in Hong Kong
The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Chairman Robert Grieves said, āNo one wins if the foundation for Hong Kongās role as a prime international business and financial center is eroded.ā
AmCham described Beijing's forceful national security legislation as alarming for US business. The Chamber also suggested that it "could lead to a tit-for-tat between Washington and Beijing that eventually curtails Hong Kongās special treatment as defined in the Hong Kong Policy Act."
The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong is one of the largest American Chambers outside the US and the largest international chamber in Hong Kong.
Source: #AmCham #May22
#Economy #OneCountryOneSystem #US #China
Hang Seng Index plummets after Beijing made bold moves
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/21071
#ChinesePropaganda #NationalSecurityLaw
Beijing Criticizes Hong Kong Legal System As "incomplete, inadaptable and unfit",
Carrie Lam Denies Impacts of National Security Law
Announcing its plan to insert the controversial anti-subversion law in Hong Kong, the Chinese Communist Party government critizes Hong Kong's legal system as "incomplete, inadaptable and unfit".
Carrie Lam held a press conference with her officials and heads of disciplinary forces including Police Commissioner Chris Tang and ICAC Commissioner Simon Peh, welcoming the Chinese Communist Party Government's decision for Hong Kong. Lam claimed that Beijing would not damage Hong Kong's judicial independence.
On the same day, China-owned newspaper Wen Wui Po had some elderly distribute a "special issue", endorsing the enforcement of the National Security Law in Hong Kong, outside MTR stations in Mongkok, Tsim Sha Tsui and Yau Ma Tei.
Source: USP; Stand News; RTHK #May22 #CarrieLam
Chris Patten: "Chinese Communism is not to be trusted"
Beijing Criticizes Hong Kong Legal System As "incomplete, inadaptable and unfit",
Carrie Lam Denies Impacts of National Security Law
Announcing its plan to insert the controversial anti-subversion law in Hong Kong, the Chinese Communist Party government critizes Hong Kong's legal system as "incomplete, inadaptable and unfit".
Carrie Lam held a press conference with her officials and heads of disciplinary forces including Police Commissioner Chris Tang and ICAC Commissioner Simon Peh, welcoming the Chinese Communist Party Government's decision for Hong Kong. Lam claimed that Beijing would not damage Hong Kong's judicial independence.
On the same day, China-owned newspaper Wen Wui Po had some elderly distribute a "special issue", endorsing the enforcement of the National Security Law in Hong Kong, outside MTR stations in Mongkok, Tsim Sha Tsui and Yau Ma Tei.
Source: USP; Stand News; RTHK #May22 #CarrieLam
Chris Patten: "Chinese Communism is not to be trusted"
#NeverGiveUp #HongKongProtests
Jimmy Sham Calls On Hongkongers to Fight On: We Will Overcome As Long As We Speak Up
The PRC's National Congress opened on May 22 and announced immediately the expected passage of the National Security Law for Hong Kong but in China on May 28.
On May 22 in Hong Kong, a press conference was convened by Civil Human Right Fronts (CHFR), pro-democracy lawmakers and groups like Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements in China.
Jimmy Sham, convener of CHFR who has organized many anti-extradition law protests last year, reminded Hongkongers to use different ways to resist the National Security Law, "As long as we stand up, we will be able to overcome it".
Source: InMedia #May22
#CHRF #NationalSecurityLaw #Article23 #JimmySham
Jimmy Sham Calls On Hongkongers to Fight On: We Will Overcome As Long As We Speak Up
The PRC's National Congress opened on May 22 and announced immediately the expected passage of the National Security Law for Hong Kong but in China on May 28.
On May 22 in Hong Kong, a press conference was convened by Civil Human Right Fronts (CHFR), pro-democracy lawmakers and groups like Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements in China.
Jimmy Sham, convener of CHFR who has organized many anti-extradition law protests last year, reminded Hongkongers to use different ways to resist the National Security Law, "As long as we stand up, we will be able to overcome it".
Source: InMedia #May22
#CHRF #NationalSecurityLaw #Article23 #JimmySham
#OneCountryOneSystem #NationalSecurityLaw
Full Draft Exposed by Beijing:
China's national security officials to "perform their dutiesā in Hong Kong
The Standing Committee of National Peopleās Congress (NPCSC) plenary sessions commenced on 22 May, where the deliberation on the draft of the āNational Security Law in Hong Kong" is scheduled on the agenda. The draft states that the Law will be included in Annex III of the Basic Law āto be implemented by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region through local announcementsā. In other words, the law will be promulgated without passing though a review at the Legislative Council.
Eddie Chu Hoi-dik, Hong Kong Legislative Councillor, described point four of the draft as an indication that "the secret police will be entering the house" and "the Chinese secret police can arrest people in Hong Kong with legitimate reasonā, adding that the law will lead to a series of problems.
Firstly, Chu was concerned that in the process of arrest, interrogation and detention by the "secret police", "are the arrested still protected by the relevant laws in Hong Kong?ā As the law of Hong Kong stipulates that a suspect can be detained for a maximum of 48 hours has the right to remain silent, see a lawyer and apply for habeas corpus.
Secondly, if the āsecret policeā torture (the arrested), "there is not even a fake mechanism for accountability,ā said Chu.
Thirdly, if a Hong Kong person is "disappeared" and suspected of being arrested by the "secret police", "what can the family do? Report it to the Hong Kong Police?ā asked Chu.
The fifth point of the draft mentions that the Chief Executive of Hong Kong is required to submit regular reports to the Central Peopleās Government on the performance of his/her duties in safeguarding national security, promoting education on national security and (prohibiting) conduct which endangers national security.
The sixth point of the draft relates to authorization for the NPCSC to establish in Hong Kong "institutions and enforcement mechanisms for the preservation of national security", and expressly states that āorgans of the Central People's Government for the protection of national security may set up institutions in Hong Kong in accordance with the law" to perform their duties for safeguarding national security.
Source: Stand News #May22
#ChuHoiDick #SecretPolice #EvilLaw
#StateTerrorism
Full Draft Exposed by Beijing:
China's national security officials to "perform their dutiesā in Hong Kong
The Standing Committee of National Peopleās Congress (NPCSC) plenary sessions commenced on 22 May, where the deliberation on the draft of the āNational Security Law in Hong Kong" is scheduled on the agenda. The draft states that the Law will be included in Annex III of the Basic Law āto be implemented by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region through local announcementsā. In other words, the law will be promulgated without passing though a review at the Legislative Council.
Eddie Chu Hoi-dik, Hong Kong Legislative Councillor, described point four of the draft as an indication that "the secret police will be entering the house" and "the Chinese secret police can arrest people in Hong Kong with legitimate reasonā, adding that the law will lead to a series of problems.
Firstly, Chu was concerned that in the process of arrest, interrogation and detention by the "secret police", "are the arrested still protected by the relevant laws in Hong Kong?ā As the law of Hong Kong stipulates that a suspect can be detained for a maximum of 48 hours has the right to remain silent, see a lawyer and apply for habeas corpus.
Secondly, if the āsecret policeā torture (the arrested), "there is not even a fake mechanism for accountability,ā said Chu.
Thirdly, if a Hong Kong person is "disappeared" and suspected of being arrested by the "secret police", "what can the family do? Report it to the Hong Kong Police?ā asked Chu.
The fifth point of the draft mentions that the Chief Executive of Hong Kong is required to submit regular reports to the Central Peopleās Government on the performance of his/her duties in safeguarding national security, promoting education on national security and (prohibiting) conduct which endangers national security.
The sixth point of the draft relates to authorization for the NPCSC to establish in Hong Kong "institutions and enforcement mechanisms for the preservation of national security", and expressly states that āorgans of the Central People's Government for the protection of national security may set up institutions in Hong Kong in accordance with the law" to perform their duties for safeguarding national security.
Source: Stand News #May22
#ChuHoiDick #SecretPolice #EvilLaw
#StateTerrorism
#NationalSecurityLaw #OneCountryOneSystem
HKU Legal Expert: National Security Law puts Mainland's Legal Concept into Hong Kong System, Ruining āOne Country, Two Systemsā
The Hong Kong version of National Security Law is to be enacted by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC), and made applicable to Hong Kong where Common Law is practised. Johannes Chan Man-mun, professor at the Faculty of Law of the University of Hong Kong, said the NPC's decision is to be tantamount to putting the Mainlandās law concept into the Hong Kong system, describing it as the greatest impact on the Hong Kong legal system since the handover.
Chan expressed that the legal systems in China and Hong Kong are different, and that would have serious ramifications on Hong Kong's judicial system: āFor instance, political beliefs are part and parcel of the recent national anthem law, while the law would be interpreted based on political beliefs, but that is not how our Court handles the law. If the Hong Kong Court's interpretation is not in line with the Central People's Government's wish, can the NPC give another interpretation? And if this interpretation is legally binding on the Hong Kong Court, will the Hong Kong Court become a rubber stamp?ā
Then, at trial, which one (interpretation) does the protection received by the defendant follow? Chan said, āIn the Hong Kong system, the prosecution has to have no reasonable doubt for the accused to be convicted, and the accused has the right to presume innocence. In contrast, almost all Chinese laws involving national security crimes are tried behind closed doors and it is almost impossible to know what the evidence is, how can Hong Kong operate under such a system?ā
Article 23 of the Basic Law states that the (HK)SAR shall establish its own legislations on acts such as secession. Elsie Leung Oi-sie, Deputy Director of the Basic Law Committee, pointed out that the enactment of the National Security Law does not mean that there is no need to enact Article 23, while Chan considered the NPC's action this time as violating the spirit of Article 23, āThis is causing the greatest impact on Hong Kong since the reunification, completely and utterly destroying our Common Law system. All along, what has been the difference that defined āOne Country, Two Systemsā? It is the difference in the legal systems. A rift has opened up and the Chinese system has been incorporated into Hong Kong, while there will be no more āOne Country, Two Systemsā, as the Hong Kong system no longer exists.ā
Source: Cable News
#May22 #1C2S #Article23 #NPC #RuleofLaw #JohannesChan
Further Reading
China's national security officials to "perform their dutiesā in Hong Kong
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/21108
Chris Patten: "Chinese Communism is not to be trusted on anything"
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/21050
PRC Representative in Hong Kong : Time to implement āOne Country, One Systemā
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/21052
HKU Legal Expert: National Security Law puts Mainland's Legal Concept into Hong Kong System, Ruining āOne Country, Two Systemsā
The Hong Kong version of National Security Law is to be enacted by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC), and made applicable to Hong Kong where Common Law is practised. Johannes Chan Man-mun, professor at the Faculty of Law of the University of Hong Kong, said the NPC's decision is to be tantamount to putting the Mainlandās law concept into the Hong Kong system, describing it as the greatest impact on the Hong Kong legal system since the handover.
Chan expressed that the legal systems in China and Hong Kong are different, and that would have serious ramifications on Hong Kong's judicial system: āFor instance, political beliefs are part and parcel of the recent national anthem law, while the law would be interpreted based on political beliefs, but that is not how our Court handles the law. If the Hong Kong Court's interpretation is not in line with the Central People's Government's wish, can the NPC give another interpretation? And if this interpretation is legally binding on the Hong Kong Court, will the Hong Kong Court become a rubber stamp?ā
Then, at trial, which one (interpretation) does the protection received by the defendant follow? Chan said, āIn the Hong Kong system, the prosecution has to have no reasonable doubt for the accused to be convicted, and the accused has the right to presume innocence. In contrast, almost all Chinese laws involving national security crimes are tried behind closed doors and it is almost impossible to know what the evidence is, how can Hong Kong operate under such a system?ā
Article 23 of the Basic Law states that the (HK)SAR shall establish its own legislations on acts such as secession. Elsie Leung Oi-sie, Deputy Director of the Basic Law Committee, pointed out that the enactment of the National Security Law does not mean that there is no need to enact Article 23, while Chan considered the NPC's action this time as violating the spirit of Article 23, āThis is causing the greatest impact on Hong Kong since the reunification, completely and utterly destroying our Common Law system. All along, what has been the difference that defined āOne Country, Two Systemsā? It is the difference in the legal systems. A rift has opened up and the Chinese system has been incorporated into Hong Kong, while there will be no more āOne Country, Two Systemsā, as the Hong Kong system no longer exists.ā
Source: Cable News
#May22 #1C2S #Article23 #NPC #RuleofLaw #JohannesChan
Further Reading
China's national security officials to "perform their dutiesā in Hong Kong
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/21108
Chris Patten: "Chinese Communism is not to be trusted on anything"
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/21050
PRC Representative in Hong Kong : Time to implement āOne Country, One Systemā
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/21052
#FailedState
#DemosistÅ's 'Self-Help' Masks Confiscated by Customs
On May 22, the Customs and Excise Department arrested DemosistÅ member Tobias Leung on the grounds of violating the "Commodity Description Ordinance" and searched the association's office.
DemosistÅ announced on 10 April that it had purchased more than 1 million masks which were distributed to 'yellow' shops as "self help mask kits" at cost price for HK$100 per box.
The Customs said that if the masks were produced in Hong Kong or Taiwan, they might not meet the "Not Made in China" marking on the package. It also said the label "two straits, three-places" may violate the law. The Customs seized 935 boxes of masks (32,725 masks) from DemosistÅ, costing approximately HK$93,500.
After Beijing's plan to push draconian laws in Hong Kong, an impending storm is brewing over Hong Kong. "At this time, the customs is loyal to the police, and sudden prosecutions are suppressing everything and everyone."
Source: Stand News #May22
#OneChina #FaceMask
#DemosistÅ's 'Self-Help' Masks Confiscated by Customs
On May 22, the Customs and Excise Department arrested DemosistÅ member Tobias Leung on the grounds of violating the "Commodity Description Ordinance" and searched the association's office.
DemosistÅ announced on 10 April that it had purchased more than 1 million masks which were distributed to 'yellow' shops as "self help mask kits" at cost price for HK$100 per box.
The Customs said that if the masks were produced in Hong Kong or Taiwan, they might not meet the "Not Made in China" marking on the package. It also said the label "two straits, three-places" may violate the law. The Customs seized 935 boxes of masks (32,725 masks) from DemosistÅ, costing approximately HK$93,500.
After Beijing's plan to push draconian laws in Hong Kong, an impending storm is brewing over Hong Kong. "At this time, the customs is loyal to the police, and sudden prosecutions are suppressing everything and everyone."
Source: Stand News #May22
#OneChina #FaceMask
#Court #HongKongPolice
Special Tactical Squad Commander Provides Witness Testimony 6 Months Later in "Rioting" Case, Unable to Recall Details
On July 28th, 2019, a newly married couple and 17 y/o Ms. Lee were charged with rioting after clashes in Sheung Wan. The case was reviewed at court yesterday afternoon and Poon, the STS Commander at the time admitted to have provided verbal evidence 6 months after the arrest. During the 6 months, he took part in around 50 operations and is unable to recall the details of what happened on July 28th.
When asked why he spoke out 6 months after the arrest, Poon refused to give a direct response and claimed the manager of the case invited him to provide evidence. Poon also claimed that he was only one of the many commanders during the operation and his colleagues already took note of his verbal evidence before going on court.
Source: InMedia #May22
#July28
Police inspector fails to remember simple facts of rioting charge
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/20935
Special Tactical Squad Commander Provides Witness Testimony 6 Months Later in "Rioting" Case, Unable to Recall Details
On July 28th, 2019, a newly married couple and 17 y/o Ms. Lee were charged with rioting after clashes in Sheung Wan. The case was reviewed at court yesterday afternoon and Poon, the STS Commander at the time admitted to have provided verbal evidence 6 months after the arrest. During the 6 months, he took part in around 50 operations and is unable to recall the details of what happened on July 28th.
When asked why he spoke out 6 months after the arrest, Poon refused to give a direct response and claimed the manager of the case invited him to provide evidence. Poon also claimed that he was only one of the many commanders during the operation and his colleagues already took note of his verbal evidence before going on court.
Source: InMedia #May22
#July28
Police inspector fails to remember simple facts of rioting charge
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/20935
#OceanPark #BankOfChina
3.1 Billion of 5.4 Billion Ocean Park Financial Subsidy Commercial Debt From Bank of China
A meeting for the approval of a 5.4 billion financial subsidy to Ocean Park was held today by the Finance Committee. It was finally confessed that about 3.1 billion was commercial debt from the Bank of China. LEGCO member Jeremy Tam pointed out that since there is no guarantor in the debt, the government is not obligated to payback the debt even if Ocean Park closes down. "The only one who suffers from this loss is the Bank of China". Eddie Chu also questioned the true purpose of the subsidy "Is it really for saving Ocean Park? Or saving the Bank of China?"
Source: Inmedia
#May22 #Debt
3.1 Billion of 5.4 Billion Ocean Park Financial Subsidy Commercial Debt From Bank of China
A meeting for the approval of a 5.4 billion financial subsidy to Ocean Park was held today by the Finance Committee. It was finally confessed that about 3.1 billion was commercial debt from the Bank of China. LEGCO member Jeremy Tam pointed out that since there is no guarantor in the debt, the government is not obligated to payback the debt even if Ocean Park closes down. "The only one who suffers from this loss is the Bank of China". Eddie Chu also questioned the true purpose of the subsidy "Is it really for saving Ocean Park? Or saving the Bank of China?"
Source: Inmedia
#May22 #Debt