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We provide translation of news in English from local media and other sources, for academic use.
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#DailyUpdate #Apr22 #COVID19

COVID-19 Updates (22/4)

At the time of writing, 2,578,233 cases of the coronavirus had been confirmed with 179,033 deaths worldwide. The US, Spain, Italy, France, and Germany are the worst affected countries by the pandemic.

The Chinese city of Harbin, home to more than 10 million people, has banned public gatherings as the country sees a resurgents in infections.

China reports 30 new coronavirus cases.

Japan confirms 33 new cases on virus-stricken cruise ship.

Hong Kong reports 4 new cases of the coronavirus, bringing the total to 1034 cases.

Singapore surpasses 10,000 total confirmed coronavirus cases.

8 babies in Tokyo orphanage test positive for COVID-19.

Ukraine extends lockdown measures as it expects peak will hit in early May.

Indonesia bans citizens from traveling to their hometowns for Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

India has stopped using COVID-19 rapid test kits after some were found to be faulty.

The Indian government has introduced an urgent executive order to discourage violence against health workers.

Spain will allow children out for walks after protests from families stuck in lockdown.

Germany says it has approved the first clinical vaccine trial.

The world is facing "multiple famines of biblical proportions" because of coronavirus pandemic says the UN.

Bangladeshi garment workers face ruin as global brands ditch clothing contracts amid coronavirus pandemic.

British scientists call for volunteers for human trials of coronavirus vaccine.

Pope Francis prays for European unity.

Sydney's famed Bondi Beach will partially reopen next week.

Missouri sues the Chinese government over COVID-19 impact in the state.

A resident of the Indian President’s estate has tested positive for COVID-19.

Excavators are digging mass graves in northwest Brazil.

Italian prime minister unveils 5-point plan to handle the coronavirus outbreak.

ICU admissions in France continue to decline, health official says.

The Netherlands bans large events until September.

Source: CNN, Worldometer, CHP HK
#FailedState #OneCountryTwoSystems
When Carrie Lam Contradicts Herself

Back in 2017, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam once said, “My stance is clear. The internal affairs and the high autonomy of Hong Kong are approved by the Legislative Council and handled by the HKSAR government and its Administration. The Liaison Office should not be bothered. The people of Hong Kong governing Hong Kong should be taken as the guiding principle of the Administration. Should the liaison office become too concerned about the city’s internal affairs, this will upset the public.”

In April 2020, Carrie Lam said, “Those who regard the authorized speeches and the activities of the [China's] Liaison Office by the Central Government as interference must have ulterior motives.”

Carrie Lam considers Carrie Lam has ulterior motives.

Text: Simon's Glos World
Image: InMedia
#Apr22 #CarrieLam #Article22

Hong Kong Bar Association Chairman: Beijing is Intervening Hong Kong Affairs
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/19740
#May1
Workers' Union Applies for May 1st Protest: "a lot of people are waiting for a protest to express their opinions"


The Workers' Union announced on 22 April that it had filed an application for the First of May protest.

In order to cooperate with the gathering ban and the Public Security Ordinances, the organizer proposed to hold the protest in multiple four-people teams to maintain social distance. The Union said "the police has no reason to object".

The organizer pointed out the reasons for this year's protest including the government's refusal to seal the borders, the damages brought by the pandemic to the economy, the incomprehensive epidemic prevention fund and and Beijing's interference in Hong Kong affairs.

The organizer cited precedents for public activities that maintained social distance: On 19 April on Rabin Square in Tel Aviv, Israel, thousands of people participated in a rally in masks to. White lines helped the public maintain a 2-metered social distance.

Source: Stand News #Apr22
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#PoliceState
Hong Kong Police Allegedly Stitch Up Youngsters for Violating Gathering Ban

During the process of stop and search on April 22, the police on the hand warned that "Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance is still in force". On the other hand, they spoke out their plan loud: "One more to meet the maximum of four"--According to the anti-epidemic measures in Hong Kong, any gathering of more than 4 persons will be penalised by a fine of HKD2,000.

The police also yelled to teenagers who were being intercepted and told them to "Talk to the judge when you are in court", after ticketing them for violating the gathering ban.

That evening citizens went to Sheung Tak Carpark to commemorate the death of 15-year-old Chan Yin-lam, whose body was found in the waters last year with the cause of death unknown. The police said there was no suspicion despite many mysteries revolved around the case.

Source: Free HK Media #Apr22
#FailedState
No Connection Between Public Approval and Cabinet Change

The cabinet of the Carrie Lam Administration was rigorously reshuffled just as the ravages of coronavirus pandemic gradually curtailed in Hong Kong. Among 3 ministries and 13 policy bureaux, 4 Principal Officials were let go and 1 redeployed.

None of these changes were described to be linked with the anti-extraditionaw movement. Surprisingly, the public approval of the ousted ministers were much higher than those remain in the cabinet.

4 Chiefs being replaced:
1. Civil Service chief, Joshua Law
2. Home Affairs Secretary, Lau Kong-wah
3. Innovation and Technology Bureau head, Nicholas Yang
4. Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, James Lau 

Newly Appointed Chiefs:
1. Civil Service Bureau, Patrick Nip
2. Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Erick Tsang
3. Innovation and Technology bureau, Alfred Sit
4. Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Christopher Hui
5. Secretary for Home Affairs, Caspar Tsui

Source: Now News
#Apr22 #Cabinet #CarrieLam #HKSARGovernment #Officials
China State Media Confirms Hong Kong Cabinet Change Before Carrie Lam Announces, Pro-democracy legislator: Nothing but a power game at the highest level

On April 22, before Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced the reshuffling of her cabinet, China's state media Xinhua Agency first published details about the new appointments.

The change of 5 principal officials is the most prominent reshuffle since the Hong Kong's sovereignty handover in 1997.

Pro-democracy legislator and Civic Party chair Alvin Yeung pointed out that the reshuffle was nothing but a power game at the highest level, "[It] is designed to enhance the powers of the Chief Executive, and those behind her." Yeung called it a shameful exercise as the most unpopular ministers like John Lee and Teresa Cheng had not been removed.

In response to a reporter's question, the Chief Executive Carrie Lam denied that anyone was being sacked as a form of punishment, reinstating that the departing Officials had all "served with dedication". She also emphasized that the move has nothing to do with an embarrassing saga at the weekend involving confusion over whether Beijing's liaison office needs to abide by Article 22 of the Basic Law.

The DAB brushed aside concerns that the appointment of two of its members as principal officials means the government is showing favouritism towards the pro-Beijing party. Chairwoman Starry Lee even reiterated it wouldn't be necessary for the two officials to quit the DAB to maintain their political neutrality.

Source: RTHK #Apr22
#OneCountryTwoSystems #Xinhua #Officials #HKSARGovernment
#FirstHand #Apr22
#RTHK Staff in Support of Journalist Being Sued: "Journalism is not a crime"

The Hong Kong court convicted investigative journalist and former RTHK producer #BaoChoy over two counts of Road Traffic Ordinance violations on April 22, 2021.

The prosecution accused her of "making false declarations" during the car licence plate searches for an RTHK documentary on the 2019 Yuen Long July 21 attacks.

Chow ticked a box for "other traffic and transport related matters". She was fined HKD6,000. This is the first time in Hong Kong a journalist is sued for searching records.

Outside the court, the RTHK Staff Union voiced support for Choy. They displayed signs that read "Journalism is not a crime", "Stand up for Bao Choy", "Stand up for Journalists" and "Without fear or favour".

Choy said it was a "very dark day for all journalists in Hong Kong".

#PoliticalProsecution #Censorship #Integrity #Professionalism #YuenLong721
Media is too big
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#FirstHand #Apr22
Hongkongers Voice Support for Journalist in Defense of #PressFreedom

"Defend Press Freedom", "Stand with #BaoChoy", "Stand with journalists", "the right to truth": Citizens chanted outside the court where former RTHK journalist was trialed over charges of "making false statement".

On April 22, 2021, investigative journalist was convicted over two counts of Road Traffic Ordinance violations. Bao Choy pleaded not guilty and reiterated thst the duty of journalists is to reveal the truth.

The award winning documentaries made by Bao Choy include an investigation on the attacks on pro-democracy protesters and civilians by the white-clad gangsters on July 21, 2019.

The police arrested Choy at her home on November 3, 2020. The charges against Choy has sparked outcry in Hong Kong among journalists and civilians.

#PoliticalProsecution #Censorship
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#FirstHand #Apr22
Bao Choy: I will keep on being a journalist

Award-winning investigative journalist #BaoChoy gave her statement, after the court in Hong Kong ruled her guilty of "making false declaration" when making car plate license searches for the RTHK documentary program "Hong Kong Connections".

Choy pointed out that there will probably be less and less news platform available, in the presence of more and more political pressure in Hong Kong. "But I do believe that we can still work things out," Choy said. "I will keep on working as a journalist. This is the best response and my most positive reaction to the ruling."

#Professionalism #Journalism #Integrity
Media is too big
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#FirstHand #Apr22 #StandwithBaoChoy
Conducting Journalists' Work is Not Guilty, Defending Press Freedom is Not Guilty: HK Journalist Bao Choy

Breaking into tears amid cheers of encouragement from fellow Hongkongers, investigative journalist #BaoChoy spoke to the press outside the West Kowloon Law Courts Building on April 22, 2021.

Read more
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#FirstHand #Apr22 #StandwithBaoChoy
Conducting Journalists' Work is Not Guilty, Defending Press Freedom is Not Guilty: HK Journalist Bao Choy


Breaking into tears amid cheers of encouragement from fellow Hongkongers, investigative journalist #BaoChoy spoke to the press outside the West Kowloon Law Courts Building on April 22, 2021.

This took place after she was convicted of "knowingly making false statements" when obtaining public records.

Choy admitted that she is saddened and heart-broken because the conviction represents another step towards stifled press freedom in Hong Kong, not only criminalizing a commonly used investigative method for journalists to unveil the truth, but also reducing the space for reporters to defend press freedom.

The prosecution accused Choy of making false statement to obtain data, citing a law that says the car records could only be used for transport-related matters.

Choy disagreed to the court’s ruling, reiterating that “conducting a search for investigative reporting is not guilty. Defending press freedom is not guilty.”

She further explained that the verdict has set a precedence to “unreasonably and disproportionally restricting press freedom and disregarding the general public’s legitimate rights to access to information.”

“A reporter would risk making a false statement when conducting a search of car ownership involved in, for example, a car accident, because the reporter is not the concerning party," Choy pointed out the intent of the current ordinance is inconsistent to the Court's ruling.

Although Choy recognized the long-term impact of the court’s verdict on the city’s media industry, she uttered words of encouragement for fellow reporters to not give up seeking alternative ways to bring issues into light when carrying out the rightful duty of the journalists in a bid to defend #PressFreedom.

#PoliticalProsecution #Censorship #Professionalism #Journalism

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Related News:
Bao Choy: I will keep on being a journalist
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/29488

#RTHK Staff in Support of Journalist Being Sued: "Journalism is not a crime"
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/29486
China Blasts Australia’s Decision to Cancel Belt and Road Deal

China has slammed Australia’s decision to cancel agreements between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Victoria state government, signaling a worsening of ties between the nations.

The Australian federal government scrapped both the memorandum of understanding and framework agreement signed between Victoria and China’s National Development and Reform Commission, Beijing’s top economic planning body, Foreign Minister Marise Payne said in an emailed statement Wednesday. She described the deals as “inconsistent with Australia’s foreign policy or adverse to our foreign relations

Source: Bloomberg #Apr22

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-04-21/australia-cancels-state-s-deals-with-china-s-belt-and-road

#China #Australian #Beijing #Victoria #BeltRoad
China’s soft power has ‘collapsed globally’ due to ‘anger and hysteria’

China’s reaction to the cancelling of the dangerous Belt and Road agreement in a “wolf warrior fashion” will end up being a large “own goal” for Beijing, according to the Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s Michael Shoebridge.

The controversial Belt and Road Initiative agreement between Beijing and the Andrews government in Victoria was cancelled last night by the foreign affairs minister using the new foreign relations bill powers.

The deal was amongst four agreements with countries such as Iran, Syria, and China that the federal government opted to cancel after they were deemed inconsistent with Australia’s national interests.

Source: SkyNews #Apr22

https://www.skynews.com.au/details/_6249801238001

#China #SoftPower #BeltRoad #Iran #Syria
#Interview: The last faith of Hong Kong Journalist Bao Choy Yuk-ling - selfless and fearless

Before interviewing Choy Yuk-ling, some of my colleagues who knew her well said that Bao (her nickname in the journalism industry) would talk a lot about news but might not much about herself. 

After the interview I realised that she was not hiding herself intentionally. Instead she had just injected her passion, faith, and most of her time into journalism. Speaking of her days after the suspension of her duty, she said, “My vocation as a journalist cannot be separated from my personal values. If I can no longer be a journalist, I can imagine the value of my life will become zero.” To her, nothing is more worthy to talk about that journalism.

Read Our Full Story Here
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https://telegra.ph/Interview-The-last-faith-of-Choy-Yuk-ling---selfless-and-fearless-05-17

Source:Standnews #Apr22

#Interview #Faith #ChoyYukling #BaoChoy #Selfless #Fearless #RTHK #Journalist #Incident721