In the evening of December 18, citizens in Southern District wrote Christmas cards for the people who had been arrested and detained by the police during the ongoing pro-democracy movement.
Photo: Peter Wong / Stand News #Dec18
Photo: Peter Wong / Stand News #Dec18
Hong Kong Police: 'So-called democratic ideals' are a cover-up
//The Hong Kong Police Force on Wednesday accused the city's protesters of using "so-called democratic ideals" as an excuse to silence their opponents.
On social media, they declared that "innocent" Hong Kong people have had enough of the "havoc" protesters are causing.
The strong comments on Twitter followed a post by the force referring to an incident at the New Town Plaza shopping centre on Sunday, when a crowd surrounded a woman who was taking photographs of protesters.//
Source: RTHK #Dec18
news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1498329-20191218.htm
//The Hong Kong Police Force on Wednesday accused the city's protesters of using "so-called democratic ideals" as an excuse to silence their opponents.
On social media, they declared that "innocent" Hong Kong people have had enough of the "havoc" protesters are causing.
The strong comments on Twitter followed a post by the force referring to an incident at the New Town Plaza shopping centre on Sunday, when a crowd surrounded a woman who was taking photographs of protesters.//
Source: RTHK #Dec18
news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1498329-20191218.htm
Security Bureau claimed tear gas grenades deployed have passed safety tests; Police Commissioner look for newer gears and weapons
In the Security Bureau’s written reply to Legislator’s inquiry, it stated that the Hong Kong Police has been following required procedures to ensure gears and ammunition procured, including tear gas grenades, were in strict compliance of the safety standards, passing necessary tests to fulfil requirements in safety and stability.
Separately, Commissioner of Police Chris Ping-keung Tang issued an internal circular within the Force stating his intention to actively researching for ways to optimize the performance of the water cannon truck and related tactics, as well as the procurement of newer gears and ammunition. He reminded police officers that as long as the use of force is in accordance with 'internal guidelines', the operation will be substantiated with 'solid legal backing'.
Editor's Note: It is a basic yet vital requirement for the Government to ensure the crowd dispersal weapons procured are meeting necessary safety standards. However, when responding to the Legislator’s inquiry, the Security Bureau only stated and stressed the plain obvious in his reply.
Despite the safety test for individual items, it also depends on how the police handled these weapons. For instance, the police intensive deployment of crowd dispersal weapons like tear gas increases health risks and has induced symptoms like rashes and abdominal pain. Police use of firearms has also led to injuries in the head, eye and major organs of the civilians.
Source: NOW News #Dec18
https://news.now.com/home/local/player?newsId=373830
In the Security Bureau’s written reply to Legislator’s inquiry, it stated that the Hong Kong Police has been following required procedures to ensure gears and ammunition procured, including tear gas grenades, were in strict compliance of the safety standards, passing necessary tests to fulfil requirements in safety and stability.
Separately, Commissioner of Police Chris Ping-keung Tang issued an internal circular within the Force stating his intention to actively researching for ways to optimize the performance of the water cannon truck and related tactics, as well as the procurement of newer gears and ammunition. He reminded police officers that as long as the use of force is in accordance with 'internal guidelines', the operation will be substantiated with 'solid legal backing'.
Editor's Note: It is a basic yet vital requirement for the Government to ensure the crowd dispersal weapons procured are meeting necessary safety standards. However, when responding to the Legislator’s inquiry, the Security Bureau only stated and stressed the plain obvious in his reply.
Despite the safety test for individual items, it also depends on how the police handled these weapons. For instance, the police intensive deployment of crowd dispersal weapons like tear gas increases health risks and has induced symptoms like rashes and abdominal pain. Police use of firearms has also led to injuries in the head, eye and major organs of the civilians.
Source: NOW News #Dec18
https://news.now.com/home/local/player?newsId=373830
Now 新聞
保安局指警隊所採購的催淚彈均通過安全測試
【Now新聞台】保安局表示，警方所採購的催淚彈全部都已通過安全測試。
#BringThemBack #Save12HKYouths
US State Secretary Condemns China for Turning Hong Kong into the East Berlin
December 21, 2020 is the Winter Solstice which symbolizes family union; however, the 12 pro-democracy Hongkongers have been detained in China for more than 120 days.
On Dec 18, US state secretary Mike Pompeo again raised concern over the 12 Hongkongers and comdemned China for violating human rights:
"The Hong Kong 12 should be released immediately. Their so-called 'crime' was to flee tyranny. Communist China today is turning Hong Kong into the East Berlin of yesteryear, actively preventing its own people from seeking freedom elsewhere."
Source: Mike Pompeo's Twitter #Dec18; Stand News #Dec19
#MikePompeo #EastBerlin #US #China
US State Secretary Condemns China for Turning Hong Kong into the East Berlin
December 21, 2020 is the Winter Solstice which symbolizes family union; however, the 12 pro-democracy Hongkongers have been detained in China for more than 120 days.
On Dec 18, US state secretary Mike Pompeo again raised concern over the 12 Hongkongers and comdemned China for violating human rights:
"The Hong Kong 12 should be released immediately. Their so-called 'crime' was to flee tyranny. Communist China today is turning Hong Kong into the East Berlin of yesteryear, actively preventing its own people from seeking freedom elsewhere."
Source: Mike Pompeo's Twitter #Dec18; Stand News #Dec19
#MikePompeo #EastBerlin #US #China
#ProtestArt
Will this be Kwai Chung Plaza Lennon Wall's Last Exhibition?
In December 2020, a pro-democracy store in Hong Kong named "Yummy Corner" received a notice from the management office and the Owners' Corporation of the shopping mall Kwai Chung Plaza.
The notice states that the rental lease of the store's advertising location, which is currently where the Lennon Wall is located, will not be renewed. The lease will end on January 1, 2021.
Many citizens are heart broken, since the store's "Lennon Wall" has always been the safe haven for residents in Kwai Fong to express their opinion.
There was a new mural at the location since Dec 17, 2020, created by local artists depicting many iconic characters and individuals from the movement, attracting many citizens to visit and take photos.
Source: Studio Incendo #Dec18 https://www.facebook.com/1474101479504603/posts/2788801634701241/?d=n
#LennonWall #KwaiChungPlaza
Will this be Kwai Chung Plaza Lennon Wall's Last Exhibition?
In December 2020, a pro-democracy store in Hong Kong named "Yummy Corner" received a notice from the management office and the Owners' Corporation of the shopping mall Kwai Chung Plaza.
The notice states that the rental lease of the store's advertising location, which is currently where the Lennon Wall is located, will not be renewed. The lease will end on January 1, 2021.
Many citizens are heart broken, since the store's "Lennon Wall" has always been the safe haven for residents in Kwai Fong to express their opinion.
There was a new mural at the location since Dec 17, 2020, created by local artists depicting many iconic characters and individuals from the movement, attracting many citizens to visit and take photos.
Source: Studio Incendo #Dec18 https://www.facebook.com/1474101479504603/posts/2788801634701241/?d=n
#LennonWall #KwaiChungPlaza
Facial Recognition System for Uyghurs Identification, Alibaba: Ethnic Marking Function Has Been Removed
Source: Stand News #Dec18
Read more
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Source: Stand News #Dec18
Read more
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#MassSurveillance
Facial Recognition System for Uyghurs Identification, Alibaba: Ethnic Marking Function Has Been Removed
One of the leading technology companies in China Alibaba developed a facial recognition system, which was revealed a few days ago that it can identify Uyghurs in Xinjiang, arousing doubts from outsides. Alibaba announced in a statement today (18th December) that they will no longer allow its products to target and identify specific ethnic group again. They also feel "dismayed" that the facial recognition system includes ethnic recognition function, and the ethnic recognition function has already been deleted in all products.
Although AI technology has brought lots of life benefits, there are also opportunities to be abused and even violate human rights. IP Video Market (IPVM) discovered on the website of Alibaba that it demonstrates the function of the facial recognition system for Uyghurs or other minorities, with detail instructions for use. The website introduced that the user can easily upload the pictures or videos, and the system then can determine whether people in the photos or videos are Uyghurs. However, after IPVM inquired, that related information has already been deleted by Alibaba.
Source: Stand News #Dec18
https://bit.ly/34GCBfh
#China #Alibaba #Uyghurs #minority #Freedom #humanrights #IPVM #Facialrecognition
Facial Recognition System for Uyghurs Identification, Alibaba: Ethnic Marking Function Has Been Removed
One of the leading technology companies in China Alibaba developed a facial recognition system, which was revealed a few days ago that it can identify Uyghurs in Xinjiang, arousing doubts from outsides. Alibaba announced in a statement today (18th December) that they will no longer allow its products to target and identify specific ethnic group again. They also feel "dismayed" that the facial recognition system includes ethnic recognition function, and the ethnic recognition function has already been deleted in all products.
Although AI technology has brought lots of life benefits, there are also opportunities to be abused and even violate human rights. IP Video Market (IPVM) discovered on the website of Alibaba that it demonstrates the function of the facial recognition system for Uyghurs or other minorities, with detail instructions for use. The website introduced that the user can easily upload the pictures or videos, and the system then can determine whether people in the photos or videos are Uyghurs. However, after IPVM inquired, that related information has already been deleted by Alibaba.
Source: Stand News #Dec18
https://bit.ly/34GCBfh
#China #Alibaba #Uyghurs #minority #Freedom #humanrights #IPVM #Facialrecognition
立場新聞 Stand News
被揭人臉識別系統 可辨識維吾爾人 阿里巴巴：已刪除種族標記功能 | 立場報道 | 立場新聞
中國科技龍頭之一阿里巴巴研發的人臉辨識系統，日前被揭發可用作辨識新疆維吾爾族人，惹來外界質疑；阿里巴巴今日發表...
#WuhanPneumonia #Covid19
HK Government Bans Name "Wuhan Pneumonia" in Press Conference Q&As
Source: Stand News #Dec18
Read more
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HK Government Bans Name "Wuhan Pneumonia" in Press Conference Q&As
Source: Stand News #Dec18
Read more
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#WuhanPneumonia #Covid19
HK Government Bans Name "Wuhan Pneumonia" in Press Conference Q&As
Since mid-December 2020, sources claimed that Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam had banned journalists from using the term "Wuhan Pneumonia" during the Q&A sections of their press conferences, stating that those who refuse to comply may be expelled from the venue.
On 18 December's Department of Health press conference, a journalist from Apple Daily whether a deceased "died from a fall or from the Wuhan Pneumonia". They were soon "reminded" by an information officer, stating that the reporter could refer to the virus as the "Coronavirus".
A reporter from Stand News then asked the information officer for reasoning of their "recommendation", to which the information officer insisted that the issue be discussed at a later date, as it was not relevant to the pandemic.
Editor's Note: While the name "COVID-19" is globally recognised as the name of the disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, in Taiwan and among pro-democracy Hongkongers, the disease is often referred to as the "Wuhan Pneumonia" to highlight and remind people of the origin of the disease, and to remind others to not relieve the PRC of their responsibility for not containing the outbreak of the virus in late December 2019 to early January 2020.
Source: Stand News #Dec18
HK Government Bans Name "Wuhan Pneumonia" in Press Conference Q&As
Since mid-December 2020, sources claimed that Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam had banned journalists from using the term "Wuhan Pneumonia" during the Q&A sections of their press conferences, stating that those who refuse to comply may be expelled from the venue.
On 18 December's Department of Health press conference, a journalist from Apple Daily whether a deceased "died from a fall or from the Wuhan Pneumonia". They were soon "reminded" by an information officer, stating that the reporter could refer to the virus as the "Coronavirus".
A reporter from Stand News then asked the information officer for reasoning of their "recommendation", to which the information officer insisted that the issue be discussed at a later date, as it was not relevant to the pandemic.
Editor's Note: While the name "COVID-19" is globally recognised as the name of the disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, in Taiwan and among pro-democracy Hongkongers, the disease is often referred to as the "Wuhan Pneumonia" to highlight and remind people of the origin of the disease, and to remind others to not relieve the PRC of their responsibility for not containing the outbreak of the virus in late December 2019 to early January 2020.
Source: Stand News #Dec18
The Female President in Exile Promised to Resign in 6 months After Taking Office: Return the Power to Citizens
Source from: Apple Daily #Dec18
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Source from: Apple Daily #Dec18
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The Female President in Exile Promised to Resign in 6 months After Taking Office: Return the Power to Citizens
Although the influence of international society becomes more powerful, and even many countries publicly recognized Tikhanovskaya as the only legal leader of Belarus, she insisted that she was the “leader of democratic Belarus” instead of “the leader of the opposition” or the “president”. She indicated that “the people of Belarus authorized me to speak for our country”. Before the election, she had indicated that she was not a politician. Once she became a president, she would resign within six months and restart a fair and just democratic election, truly “return politics to the people”.
Although many Belarusians are now in exile due to the wanted and political suppression, Tikhanovskaya thought it is just temporary and does not worried that people will lose their identities because of long-term exiled. Separated from her husband, she emphasized that exile does not mean that she is ignoring the political issues, but is now more suitable for the “international front”, shuttling between countries to lobby leaders, and preparing for the transition government. From time to time, through the internet, she can call on the compatriots in Belarus to initiate “Three Big Strikes” and other demonstrations.
For how can ordinary people contribute? Tikhanovskaya gave some examples: to participate in foreign protests which support Belarus, to write letters to the imprisoned political prisoners, as large as to the public to influence the parliament and the government’s attitude, as small as to provide food and shelter to the new exiles. Everyone has lots of things to do, and everyone is a little water drop, but when the faith of people meets, it can be an ocean. And after this struggle, Belarusians are impossible to go back to the days of accepting totalitarian rule. Every Belarusian, no matter in the country or abroad, will fight for the return of their compatriots in exile.
Source from: Apple Daily #Dec18
https://hk.appledaily.com/international/20201218/JEISPWK6KVHOJCVVJI7XON3HPI/
#Belarus #Belarusian #Freedom #democracy #Tikhanovskaya #exile #election
Although the influence of international society becomes more powerful, and even many countries publicly recognized Tikhanovskaya as the only legal leader of Belarus, she insisted that she was the “leader of democratic Belarus” instead of “the leader of the opposition” or the “president”. She indicated that “the people of Belarus authorized me to speak for our country”. Before the election, she had indicated that she was not a politician. Once she became a president, she would resign within six months and restart a fair and just democratic election, truly “return politics to the people”.
Although many Belarusians are now in exile due to the wanted and political suppression, Tikhanovskaya thought it is just temporary and does not worried that people will lose their identities because of long-term exiled. Separated from her husband, she emphasized that exile does not mean that she is ignoring the political issues, but is now more suitable for the “international front”, shuttling between countries to lobby leaders, and preparing for the transition government. From time to time, through the internet, she can call on the compatriots in Belarus to initiate “Three Big Strikes” and other demonstrations.
For how can ordinary people contribute? Tikhanovskaya gave some examples: to participate in foreign protests which support Belarus, to write letters to the imprisoned political prisoners, as large as to the public to influence the parliament and the government’s attitude, as small as to provide food and shelter to the new exiles. Everyone has lots of things to do, and everyone is a little water drop, but when the faith of people meets, it can be an ocean. And after this struggle, Belarusians are impossible to go back to the days of accepting totalitarian rule. Every Belarusian, no matter in the country or abroad, will fight for the return of their compatriots in exile.
Source from: Apple Daily #Dec18
https://hk.appledaily.com/international/20201218/JEISPWK6KVHOJCVVJI7XON3HPI/
#Belarus #Belarusian #Freedom #democracy #Tikhanovskaya #exile #election
Federal prosecutors accuse Zoom executive of working with Chinese government to surveil users and suppress video calls
Source: Washington Post #Dec18
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Source: Washington Post #Dec18
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Federal prosecutors accuse Zoom executive of working with Chinese government to surveil users and suppress video calls
A security executive of Zoom Xinjiang Jin worked with the Chinese government to terminate Americans’ accounts and disrupt video calls about the 1989 massacre of pro-democracy activists in Tiananmen Square, Justice Department prosecutors said Friday.
Zoom is California-based company and worth more than $100 billion
Prosecutors said that Jin worked as Zoom’s primary liaison with Chinese law enforcement and intelligence services, sharing user information and terminating video calls at the Chinese government’s request. Also, he monitored Zoom’s video system for discussions of political and religious topics deemed unacceptable by China’s ruling Communist Party, the complaint states, and he gave government officials the names, email addresses and other sensitive information of users, even those outside China.
Source: Washington Post #Dec18
https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2020/12/18/zoom-helped-china-surveillance/
#Zoom #InternetCensorship #CCP #ChinaPoverty
A security executive of Zoom Xinjiang Jin worked with the Chinese government to terminate Americans’ accounts and disrupt video calls about the 1989 massacre of pro-democracy activists in Tiananmen Square, Justice Department prosecutors said Friday.
Zoom is California-based company and worth more than $100 billion
Prosecutors said that Jin worked as Zoom’s primary liaison with Chinese law enforcement and intelligence services, sharing user information and terminating video calls at the Chinese government’s request. Also, he monitored Zoom’s video system for discussions of political and religious topics deemed unacceptable by China’s ruling Communist Party, the complaint states, and he gave government officials the names, email addresses and other sensitive information of users, even those outside China.
Source: Washington Post #Dec18
https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2020/12/18/zoom-helped-china-surveillance/
#Zoom #InternetCensorship #CCP #ChinaPoverty