#Court #WhiteTerror #FreeSpeech
First Conviction Based on "Online Comments" in Hong Kong Protests, Jugde Insists Message Leads to "Violent Actions"
A 38-year old construction worker, with the online alias “Kim Jong Un”, were charged with inciting others to take part in unlawful assembly. He was convicted on October 19, 2020.
The man had posted 4 comments in a public group on Facebook in 2019, expressing that “everyone besieges San Uk Ling” and that “rescuing the righteous ones is the most important”. The San Uk Ling Reception Center that is located near the Hong Kong-China border is known to be a site where police tortured pro-democracy protesters by means of physical, verbal and sexual violations.
The judge claimed it was "obvious" that the defendant tried to mobilise more than a few dozen citizens, as he used the word “everyone”. The Judge said the action of “besieging San Uk Ling” would not result in the release of the arrestees and the participants of assembly would probably "perform other acts", which "must involve violence". Based on these beliefs, the judge ruled that the the defendant is guilty.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a sentence will be announced on November 3, 2020.
This is the first conviction based on online comments in a Hong Kong's court since the 2019 Anti-Extradition Law Movement.
Source: InMedia #Oct19
https://bit.ly/3k7zu5H
#SanUkLing #OnlineComments
First Conviction Based on "Online Comments" in Hong Kong Protests, Jugde Insists Message Leads to "Violent Actions"
A 38-year old construction worker, with the online alias “Kim Jong Un”, were charged with inciting others to take part in unlawful assembly. He was convicted on October 19, 2020.
The man had posted 4 comments in a public group on Facebook in 2019, expressing that “everyone besieges San Uk Ling” and that “rescuing the righteous ones is the most important”. The San Uk Ling Reception Center that is located near the Hong Kong-China border is known to be a site where police tortured pro-democracy protesters by means of physical, verbal and sexual violations.
The judge claimed it was "obvious" that the defendant tried to mobilise more than a few dozen citizens, as he used the word “everyone”. The Judge said the action of “besieging San Uk Ling” would not result in the release of the arrestees and the participants of assembly would probably "perform other acts", which "must involve violence". Based on these beliefs, the judge ruled that the the defendant is guilty.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a sentence will be announced on November 3, 2020.
This is the first conviction based on online comments in a Hong Kong's court since the 2019 Anti-Extradition Law Movement.
Source: InMedia #Oct19
https://bit.ly/3k7zu5H
#SanUkLing #OnlineComments
#WhiteTerror #University
CityU bans any modifications of its anthem and emblem; Students' violations will stay on record till 7 years after graduation
The City University of Hong Kong (#CityU) has added a new clause banning any acts that may "tarnish the image and reputation of the university", including the unauthorized use, modification, damage and/or parody of the school anthem, emblem, and/or any element representative of the university.
Source: Apple Daily; Stand News #Nov2
https://bit.ly/382NdHV
#Education #FreeSpeech
CityU bans any modifications of its anthem and emblem; Students' violations will stay on record till 7 years after graduation
The City University of Hong Kong (#CityU) has added a new clause banning any acts that may "tarnish the image and reputation of the university", including the unauthorized use, modification, damage and/or parody of the school anthem, emblem, and/or any element representative of the university.
Source: Apple Daily; Stand News #Nov2
https://bit.ly/382NdHV
#Education #FreeSpeech
Mesut Özil excluded from Premier League, promises to continue speaking for justice
The new Premier League season began a month ago. Mesut Özil, an Arsenal player currently banned in China after publicly supporting Uyghurs in Xinjiang, announced on his Facebook page that was omitted from the Premier League. This means that he has been deprived of the opportunity to play for Arsenal this season. Özil said he would still fight for another chance, practice hard and speak against inhumanity without further commenting on the situation.
Özil stated he has pledged his loyalty to Arsenal since signing his new contract in 2018 and was disappointed about his omission. He also said that he has been trying to remain positive and that he was looking forward to another opportunities, which have yet to occur.
Özil affirmed that London was his home despite not being given the chance to play for Arsenal. He has good friends in the team and shares a strong connection with fans, “I will keep fighting for my chance and not let my 8th season at Arsenal end like this.” Özil ended by restating that he would still train hard and use his voice for justice.
#China #UK #Britain #Xinjiang #Uyghur #Arsenal #football #soccer #sports #censorship #freespeech #MesutOzil
Source: Stand News #Oct22
http://bitly.ws/atwr
The new Premier League season began a month ago. Mesut Özil, an Arsenal player currently banned in China after publicly supporting Uyghurs in Xinjiang, announced on his Facebook page that was omitted from the Premier League. This means that he has been deprived of the opportunity to play for Arsenal this season. Özil said he would still fight for another chance, practice hard and speak against inhumanity without further commenting on the situation.
Özil stated he has pledged his loyalty to Arsenal since signing his new contract in 2018 and was disappointed about his omission. He also said that he has been trying to remain positive and that he was looking forward to another opportunities, which have yet to occur.
Özil affirmed that London was his home despite not being given the chance to play for Arsenal. He has good friends in the team and shares a strong connection with fans, “I will keep fighting for my chance and not let my 8th season at Arsenal end like this.” Özil ended by restating that he would still train hard and use his voice for justice.
#China #UK #Britain #Xinjiang #Uyghur #Arsenal #football #soccer #sports #censorship #freespeech #MesutOzil
Source: Stand News #Oct22
http://bitly.ws/atwr
#Censorship #Freespeech
#University in HK to Tighten Control of the Opinion Expression: Posts on #DemocracyWall Requires Real Name and Restricts Content
In the universities in Hong Kong, the "Democracy Wall", a free posting notice board on campus, has been a symbol of free speech.
After the forceful enactment of National Security Law (#NSL) in Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong (#CUHK) has pressured the Students Union for several times about the setting up of the pro-democracy #LennonWall.
Recently, the Student Union committee members received an email from the Staff-Student Central Management Committee about an online meeting to be held on Dec 8, 2020, which will discuss "new rules" for the Democracy Wall. The new rules proposed by the university include real-name posting and content which cannot "go against the facts".
The students union acting president Au Cheuk-hei said that the university intended to tighten the freedom of speech inside the campus.
Source: Apple Daily #Dec4
#University in HK to Tighten Control of the Opinion Expression: Posts on #DemocracyWall Requires Real Name and Restricts Content
In the universities in Hong Kong, the "Democracy Wall", a free posting notice board on campus, has been a symbol of free speech.
After the forceful enactment of National Security Law (#NSL) in Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong (#CUHK) has pressured the Students Union for several times about the setting up of the pro-democracy #LennonWall.
Recently, the Student Union committee members received an email from the Staff-Student Central Management Committee about an online meeting to be held on Dec 8, 2020, which will discuss "new rules" for the Democracy Wall. The new rules proposed by the university include real-name posting and content which cannot "go against the facts".
The students union acting president Au Cheuk-hei said that the university intended to tighten the freedom of speech inside the campus.
Source: Apple Daily #Dec4
#Education #BrainWash
Pro-Beijing School Allegedly Imposes Political Censorship, Forbidding Students to Wear Black or Yellow Masks
Wong Kam Fai Primary and Secondary School, affiliated with Hong Kong Baptist University, was suspected of imposing #PoliticalCensorship. Stand News was informed that the school's annual journal had blurred the background in some class pictures to obscure drawings of “Pepe”, a cartoon popular amongst pro-democracy protesters.
The school was also said to have banned students from wearing black or yellow masks. Students who broke the new rule would be given demerit points. The informant told Stand News that the new rules, already being enforced by the school, were only announced verbally during morning assembly, instead of via official written notices to parents.
Source: Stand News #Dec11
https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/王錦輝中小學年刊河蟹-pepe-壁報-禁戴黑-黃色口罩-規管學生校外及網上-不當行為/
#Censorship #FaceMask #FreeSpeech
Pro-Beijing School Allegedly Imposes Political Censorship, Forbidding Students to Wear Black or Yellow Masks
Wong Kam Fai Primary and Secondary School, affiliated with Hong Kong Baptist University, was suspected of imposing #PoliticalCensorship. Stand News was informed that the school's annual journal had blurred the background in some class pictures to obscure drawings of “Pepe”, a cartoon popular amongst pro-democracy protesters.
The school was also said to have banned students from wearing black or yellow masks. Students who broke the new rule would be given demerit points. The informant told Stand News that the new rules, already being enforced by the school, were only announced verbally during morning assembly, instead of via official written notices to parents.
Source: Stand News #Dec11
https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/王錦輝中小學年刊河蟹-pepe-壁報-禁戴黑-黃色口罩-規管學生校外及網上-不當行為/
#Censorship #FaceMask #FreeSpeech
#Censorship #CCPControl
China Blocks Shipments of "Freedom and Democracy" Calendars to Hong Kong
Chinese customs may have held up an order of new year calendars printed for district councils in Hong Kong, Yau Tsim Mong District councillor Lee Wai-fung wrote in a Facebook post.
The calendars, with the text "Pursue Freedom and Democracy" in golden calligraphy, was scheduled to arrive in Hong Kong in mid-November, so that they will be given out to civilians on Dec 16, 2020.
However, Lee was later informed that order was detained in China, without an official explanation from either the print shop nor the Chinese customs. The councillors ended up printing labels with their names and pictures, and handing out regular calendars with their labels attached.
Yuen Long District councillor Henry Wong Pak-yu experienced similar issues with the Chinese customs. He was informed by the print shop in China that printed products for district councils in Hong Kong are now being scrutinized much more closely by Chinese customs, because some of their previous materials contained "sensitive content". The printer was not allowed to send out the shipment, and Wong may not be able to receive his calendars in time for the new year.
Source: Stand News #Dec16
#NewYearCalendar #FreeSpeech #ChineseCustoms #DistrictCouncil
China Blocks Shipments of "Freedom and Democracy" Calendars to Hong Kong
Chinese customs may have held up an order of new year calendars printed for district councils in Hong Kong, Yau Tsim Mong District councillor Lee Wai-fung wrote in a Facebook post.
The calendars, with the text "Pursue Freedom and Democracy" in golden calligraphy, was scheduled to arrive in Hong Kong in mid-November, so that they will be given out to civilians on Dec 16, 2020.
However, Lee was later informed that order was detained in China, without an official explanation from either the print shop nor the Chinese customs. The councillors ended up printing labels with their names and pictures, and handing out regular calendars with their labels attached.
Yuen Long District councillor Henry Wong Pak-yu experienced similar issues with the Chinese customs. He was informed by the print shop in China that printed products for district councils in Hong Kong are now being scrutinized much more closely by Chinese customs, because some of their previous materials contained "sensitive content". The printer was not allowed to send out the shipment, and Wong may not be able to receive his calendars in time for the new year.
Source: Stand News #Dec16
#NewYearCalendar #FreeSpeech #ChineseCustoms #DistrictCouncil
立場新聞 Stand News
區議員印「追求民主自由」月曆被扣查 改購普通月曆加工 印刷公司稱中國海關「更嚴格檢查」 | 立場報道 | 立場新聞
民主黨油尖旺區區議員李偉峰早前在 FB 發文指，原已訂製印有「追求民主自由」字樣的月曆，原定 11 月中到貨派...
#SelfCensorship #PublishingIndustry
Hong Kong Bookstores Refuse to Distribute Book by American Writer Residing in Hong Kong to "Stay Under Radar" of #NationalSecurityLaw
American writer Kent Ewing's new political title, "Hong Kong On The Frontline 1997-2020", was scheduled to come out in September 2020; however, Hong Kong English bookstore chain Bookazine refused to stock the political title over national security law fears.
Kent Ewing, who has lived in Hong Kong for more than 30 years, said that he is always proud of Hong Kong being his home, and saddened to see that the implementation of the national security law has fueled self-censorship in the publishing sector.
Ewing said the "invisible hand" has become "ironclad" censorship: "it [national security law] wants to keep everyone's mouths shut."
Nevertheless, Ewing stated that he will not give up writing and criticizing social affairs, and plans to publish the book in Taiwan.
According to Ewing, he received an email from the publisher FormAsia in mid-September 2020, informing him that Bookazine wished to "stay under radar" because of the national security law, and refused to stock the book.
FormAsia also dropped out of their collaborative project, and stopped funding the book for publication. The Stand News has inquired with Bookazine and FormAsia and is waiting for their replies.
Source: Stand News #Dec16
#Books #KentEwing #FreeSpeech
Hong Kong Bookstores Refuse to Distribute Book by American Writer Residing in Hong Kong to "Stay Under Radar" of #NationalSecurityLaw
American writer Kent Ewing's new political title, "Hong Kong On The Frontline 1997-2020", was scheduled to come out in September 2020; however, Hong Kong English bookstore chain Bookazine refused to stock the political title over national security law fears.
Kent Ewing, who has lived in Hong Kong for more than 30 years, said that he is always proud of Hong Kong being his home, and saddened to see that the implementation of the national security law has fueled self-censorship in the publishing sector.
Ewing said the "invisible hand" has become "ironclad" censorship: "it [national security law] wants to keep everyone's mouths shut."
Nevertheless, Ewing stated that he will not give up writing and criticizing social affairs, and plans to publish the book in Taiwan.
According to Ewing, he received an email from the publisher FormAsia in mid-September 2020, informing him that Bookazine wished to "stay under radar" because of the national security law, and refused to stock the book.
FormAsia also dropped out of their collaborative project, and stopped funding the book for publication. The Stand News has inquired with Bookazine and FormAsia and is waiting for their replies.
Source: Stand News #Dec16
#Books #KentEwing #FreeSpeech
#RealNameSimCard #MassSurveillance
Hong Kong Authorities Plan to Ban Anonymous SIM Card, Official Says: It'll Be a Displeasure in Cinema In Case of Bomb Threat
The Hong Kong government will have a 'public consultation' regarding real-name registration for the sim card.
In a press conference held on 29 Jan, 2021 at 2:30 pm, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Edward Yau Tang-wah, the Secretary for Security Sonny Au Chi-kwong and the Deputy Director-General of Communications (Telecommunications) John Leung Chung-yin announced the public consultation details.
The reasons the Secretary for Security Sonny Au cited to enforce real name registration include "the displeasure in the cinema", "the inconvenience at the MTR station" and "the flight delay at the airport" if "someone used an anoymous prepaid phone card to call and claim there is a bomb somewhere".
The real-name registration of phone card was mandatory in China since 2010. However, it is never a mandate in Hong Kong. Civilians can purchase SIM card without the need for registion as so-called “pre-paid SIM card".
Source: Stand News; InMedia #Jan29
https://www.facebook.com/standnewshk/videos/749884489286469
https://bit.ly/2NLiebc
#FailedState #FreeSpeech #SimCard #Telecommunications
#Bomb #AuChikwong
Hong Kong Authorities Plan to Ban Anonymous SIM Card, Official Says: It'll Be a Displeasure in Cinema In Case of Bomb Threat
The Hong Kong government will have a 'public consultation' regarding real-name registration for the sim card.
In a press conference held on 29 Jan, 2021 at 2:30 pm, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Edward Yau Tang-wah, the Secretary for Security Sonny Au Chi-kwong and the Deputy Director-General of Communications (Telecommunications) John Leung Chung-yin announced the public consultation details.
The reasons the Secretary for Security Sonny Au cited to enforce real name registration include "the displeasure in the cinema", "the inconvenience at the MTR station" and "the flight delay at the airport" if "someone used an anoymous prepaid phone card to call and claim there is a bomb somewhere".
The real-name registration of phone card was mandatory in China since 2010. However, it is never a mandate in Hong Kong. Civilians can purchase SIM card without the need for registion as so-called “pre-paid SIM card".
Source: Stand News; InMedia #Jan29
https://www.facebook.com/standnewshk/videos/749884489286469
https://bit.ly/2NLiebc
#FailedState #FreeSpeech #SimCard #Telecommunications
#Bomb #AuChikwong
Facebook Watch
Stand News 立場新聞
【直播】商經局交代電話智能卡實名登記制度諮詢文件
#WhiteTerror #Regime
Hong Kong Authorities Charge Pro-democracy Radio Host for
"Acting with a Seditious Intention"
#Giggs, a radio host in Hong Kong, was charged with four counts of "acting with a seditious intention" for an online programme he hosted between August and October 2020.
Despite the fact that the alleged offences fall outside the #NationalSecurityLaw, the case was handled by the national security office in Hong Kong.
National Security Judge and chief magistrate #VictorSo said the court didn't have sufficient grounds to believe that Giggs, will not re-offend if granted bail.
The authorities accused Giggs of intending to "bring hatred or contempt against" the Chinese and the Hong Kong SAR governments and inciting Hong Kong people to "revolt like the Ukrainian" which forced their "Chief Executive to self-exile". The vocal radio host was also criticized for showing support for the primary election of the pro-democracy game and "encouraging citizens to attend illegal assembly".
The authorities also condemned Giggs for regarding Hong Kong and Mongolia as independent entities, distorting the national flag and the Chinese authorities in his comments.
The case was adjourned to May 10, 2020 awaiting further police investigation.
Source: InMediaHK.net; #Feb10
https://bit.ly/3jIVHYw
Related article:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/28553
#RadioHost #FreeSpeech #FreedomofExpression #Sedition #Court #Censorship
Hong Kong Authorities Charge Pro-democracy Radio Host for
"Acting with a Seditious Intention"
#Giggs, a radio host in Hong Kong, was charged with four counts of "acting with a seditious intention" for an online programme he hosted between August and October 2020.
Despite the fact that the alleged offences fall outside the #NationalSecurityLaw, the case was handled by the national security office in Hong Kong.
National Security Judge and chief magistrate #VictorSo said the court didn't have sufficient grounds to believe that Giggs, will not re-offend if granted bail.
The authorities accused Giggs of intending to "bring hatred or contempt against" the Chinese and the Hong Kong SAR governments and inciting Hong Kong people to "revolt like the Ukrainian" which forced their "Chief Executive to self-exile". The vocal radio host was also criticized for showing support for the primary election of the pro-democracy game and "encouraging citizens to attend illegal assembly".
The authorities also condemned Giggs for regarding Hong Kong and Mongolia as independent entities, distorting the national flag and the Chinese authorities in his comments.
The case was adjourned to May 10, 2020 awaiting further police investigation.
Source: InMediaHK.net; #Feb10
https://bit.ly/3jIVHYw
Related article:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/28553
#RadioHost #FreeSpeech #FreedomofExpression #Sedition #Court #Censorship
#GreatFireWall #Censorship
Hong Kong Authorities Purportedly Block the Website of Taiwan's Transitional Justice Commission
The official website of the Transitional Justice Commission (https://www.tjc.gov.tw/), established in Taiwan in 2018, is reportedly blocked in Hong Kong, as on Feb 12, 2021.
The Stand News reveals that it is impossible to connect to the website via Internet providers in Hong Kong including HKT, China Mobile, Smarttone and CSL.
On Feb 12, 2021, the Security Bureau of the Hong Kong Government gave a written reply to the media inquiry that they will not comment on any guess on police operation; while the police orally refused to reply and claimed that any response from the Security Bureau is "accurate".
The Stand News managed to access the said website via VPN connected to servers outside of Hong Kong with IP addresses such as in Japan and Taiwan.
Source: Stand News #Feb12
https://bit.ly/3tSSMkw
#FailedState #FreeSpeech #Internet #Taiwan #TransitionalJusticeCommission
Hong Kong Authorities Purportedly Block the Website of Taiwan's Transitional Justice Commission
The official website of the Transitional Justice Commission (https://www.tjc.gov.tw/), established in Taiwan in 2018, is reportedly blocked in Hong Kong, as on Feb 12, 2021.
The Stand News reveals that it is impossible to connect to the website via Internet providers in Hong Kong including HKT, China Mobile, Smarttone and CSL.
On Feb 12, 2021, the Security Bureau of the Hong Kong Government gave a written reply to the media inquiry that they will not comment on any guess on police operation; while the police orally refused to reply and claimed that any response from the Security Bureau is "accurate".
The Stand News managed to access the said website via VPN connected to servers outside of Hong Kong with IP addresses such as in Japan and Taiwan.
Source: Stand News #Feb12
https://bit.ly/3tSSMkw
#FailedState #FreeSpeech #Internet #Taiwan #TransitionalJusticeCommission
#University #Censorship
#HKU Denies Contract Renewal for Renowned & Outspoken Hepatologist
At the University of Hong Kong (HKU), the Faculty of Medicine's Professor of Medicine and Hepatology, Lai Ching-lung, rejected from renewing his contract.
This decision of the University management will possibly lead to the departure of Lai as early as in June 2021.
It was reported that the HKU's Faculty of Medicine had already recommended Lai to have his contract renewed, but the recommendation was not taken by the University Selection and Promotion Committee.
The 72 year-old professor is socially conscious, and had participated in a sit-in during the 2019 anti-ELAB movement wearing a black mask, holding a slogan condemning the police for "obscuring the truth".
In 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, Lai also appeared at the rally for healthcare professionals fighting to lock Hong Kong's borders with China.
Source: Apple Daily, #Mar2
https://hk.appledaily.com/local/20210302/X7FFHG4DWBCCVL4MZEU5U4FNFQ/
#LaiChingLung #Scholar #AcademicFreedom #FreeSpeech
#HKU Denies Contract Renewal for Renowned & Outspoken Hepatologist
At the University of Hong Kong (HKU), the Faculty of Medicine's Professor of Medicine and Hepatology, Lai Ching-lung, rejected from renewing his contract.
This decision of the University management will possibly lead to the departure of Lai as early as in June 2021.
It was reported that the HKU's Faculty of Medicine had already recommended Lai to have his contract renewed, but the recommendation was not taken by the University Selection and Promotion Committee.
The 72 year-old professor is socially conscious, and had participated in a sit-in during the 2019 anti-ELAB movement wearing a black mask, holding a slogan condemning the police for "obscuring the truth".
In 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, Lai also appeared at the rally for healthcare professionals fighting to lock Hong Kong's borders with China.
Source: Apple Daily, #Mar2
https://hk.appledaily.com/local/20210302/X7FFHG4DWBCCVL4MZEU5U4FNFQ/
#LaiChingLung #Scholar #AcademicFreedom #FreeSpeech