#NobelPrize #LiuXiaobo
3rd Death Anniversary of Nobel Peace Prize Winner Liu Xiaobo: "Were He to Know that Hong Kong Has Now Been Devastated to Its Present State, He Would be Utterly Heartbroken"
July 13th was the 3rd death anniversary of Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo.
Xiaowaves, founded by good friends of the late Liu, issued a statement on the day, writing that Liu’s lifelong vision was for the people of China to be free from fear and to enjoy freedom of expression without fear, just like Hongkongers. Were he to know that Hong Kong has now been devastated to its present state, he would be “utterly heartbroken”. The statement pointed out that totalitarianism and nefarious laws simply could not suppress the people’s resistance. “Be it inciting subversion of state power, or the Hong Kong National Security Law, all shall ultimately degenerate into unlawful laws and glorious offences.”
Titled “Fulfilling Xiaobo’s Unfinished Ambition Is Our Only Pathway Forward”, the statement remarked that Hong Kong was China’s only window to the free world and a trailblazer in liberalism’s defiance against communist totalitarianism. During his lifetime, Liu had many times expressed his love for Hong Kong, the Hong Kong that was China’s only “citadel for free speech”, the only city where June 4th could be commemorated publicly. But it was on the very night of June 4th this year that the fear of communism descended upon the city. “The people of Hong Kong began to howl for their freedom and future. Xiaobo had said that China needed another 300 years to become like Hong Kong. Who would have known that the Hong Kong after Xiaobo had passed would hasten its speed to ‘Mainlandise’ and communise.” Liu also could not have imagined Hong Kong losing its guarantee of free speech.
The statement mentioned that the vision Liu kept in his heart for his entire life was for the people of China to be free from fear, to enjoy freedom of expression without fear and to live truly free lives like Hongkongers. Were he to know that Hong Kong has now been devastated to its present state, “although separated by heaven and earth, Xiaobo would most certainly be just like us, he would be utterly heartbroken.”
Xiaowaves pointed out that Liu’s unfulfilled mission has now fallen upon this generation. Civil resistance has never ceased - “Xie Wenfei, who fought resolutely; Terminus2049, which protected memories; the Xiamen assembly, which was concerned with China’s future.” Hunan activist Xie Wenfei was arrested for his vocal support for Hong Kong’s anti-extradition law amendment bill movement. Terminus2049, a Beijing-based volunteer organisation that archives information and contents published on mainstream platforms and WeChat, has had many of its volunteers arrested and charged for collecting and updating news about the COVID-19 outbreak. A group of human rights lawyers and dissidents were arrested for attending a civil assembly in Xiamen. The statement also noted that these were all people and events that were labelled “illegal” in the past year, but totalitarianism and nefarious laws simply could not suppress the people’s resistance, “Be it inciting subversion of state power, or the Hong Kong National Security Law, all shall ultimately degenerate into unlawful laws and glorious offences.”
The statement wrote that Liu’s lifelong work of endurance will pass on and will require the perseverance of this generation and many more of Chinese people working altogether. “This is not only to ensure we won’t fail the expectations of Xiaobo, but also to confront and resolve the foremost issue of contemporary China. The path ahead is long and winding, but it is our only pathway forward.”
Source: Stand News #Jul13
3rd Death Anniversary of Nobel Peace Prize Winner Liu Xiaobo: "Were He to Know that Hong Kong Has Now Been Devastated to Its Present State, He Would be Utterly Heartbroken"
July 13th was the 3rd death anniversary of Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo.
Xiaowaves, founded by good friends of the late Liu, issued a statement on the day, writing that Liu’s lifelong vision was for the people of China to be free from fear and to enjoy freedom of expression without fear, just like Hongkongers. Were he to know that Hong Kong has now been devastated to its present state, he would be “utterly heartbroken”. The statement pointed out that totalitarianism and nefarious laws simply could not suppress the people’s resistance. “Be it inciting subversion of state power, or the Hong Kong National Security Law, all shall ultimately degenerate into unlawful laws and glorious offences.”
Titled “Fulfilling Xiaobo’s Unfinished Ambition Is Our Only Pathway Forward”, the statement remarked that Hong Kong was China’s only window to the free world and a trailblazer in liberalism’s defiance against communist totalitarianism. During his lifetime, Liu had many times expressed his love for Hong Kong, the Hong Kong that was China’s only “citadel for free speech”, the only city where June 4th could be commemorated publicly. But it was on the very night of June 4th this year that the fear of communism descended upon the city. “The people of Hong Kong began to howl for their freedom and future. Xiaobo had said that China needed another 300 years to become like Hong Kong. Who would have known that the Hong Kong after Xiaobo had passed would hasten its speed to ‘Mainlandise’ and communise.” Liu also could not have imagined Hong Kong losing its guarantee of free speech.
The statement mentioned that the vision Liu kept in his heart for his entire life was for the people of China to be free from fear, to enjoy freedom of expression without fear and to live truly free lives like Hongkongers. Were he to know that Hong Kong has now been devastated to its present state, “although separated by heaven and earth, Xiaobo would most certainly be just like us, he would be utterly heartbroken.”
Xiaowaves pointed out that Liu’s unfulfilled mission has now fallen upon this generation. Civil resistance has never ceased - “Xie Wenfei, who fought resolutely; Terminus2049, which protected memories; the Xiamen assembly, which was concerned with China’s future.” Hunan activist Xie Wenfei was arrested for his vocal support for Hong Kong’s anti-extradition law amendment bill movement. Terminus2049, a Beijing-based volunteer organisation that archives information and contents published on mainstream platforms and WeChat, has had many of its volunteers arrested and charged for collecting and updating news about the COVID-19 outbreak. A group of human rights lawyers and dissidents were arrested for attending a civil assembly in Xiamen. The statement also noted that these were all people and events that were labelled “illegal” in the past year, but totalitarianism and nefarious laws simply could not suppress the people’s resistance, “Be it inciting subversion of state power, or the Hong Kong National Security Law, all shall ultimately degenerate into unlawful laws and glorious offences.”
The statement wrote that Liu’s lifelong work of endurance will pass on and will require the perseverance of this generation and many more of Chinese people working altogether. “This is not only to ensure we won’t fail the expectations of Xiaobo, but also to confront and resolve the foremost issue of contemporary China. The path ahead is long and winding, but it is our only pathway forward.”
Source: Stand News #Jul13
立場新聞 Stand News
【劉曉波逝世三周年】曉波助瀾會：若他知悉今日香港被摧殘至此 必定痛心不已 | 立場報道 | 立場新聞
今日（13日）是諾貝爾和平獎得主劉曉波逝世 3 周年，其生前好友成立的「曉波助瀾會」發表聲明，...
#Court
23-year-old woman was accused of hiding marbles and launchers
Policewoman reading the police notebook during court recess: "I was nervous for the first time in court"
After the conflict between the conflict between police and civilians in Sheung Wan on July 28 last year, the police intercepted multiple civilians at Yuen Long MTR Station in the early hours of the following day. Among them, a 23-year-old woman was accused of possession of 30 marbles and homemade launchers. She denied the charge of possession of offensive weapons in public when tried in Tuen Mun Magistrates' Court today (July 13).
During the recess, the defense counsel, Douglas Kwok, found a policewoman's reading copy of the involved officer's notebook, and accused her for “studying” to gain an upper hand on the defendants. Kwok asked her if she knew that she could not read any relevant documents during the testimony. The policewoman first answered "Don't know", and later said, "I learned that in the academy, but I am nervous and worry about forgetting the events, and so ‘opened it for another glance’."
Source: Stand News #Jul13
23-year-old woman was accused of hiding marbles and launchers
Policewoman reading the police notebook during court recess: "I was nervous for the first time in court"
After the conflict between the conflict between police and civilians in Sheung Wan on July 28 last year, the police intercepted multiple civilians at Yuen Long MTR Station in the early hours of the following day. Among them, a 23-year-old woman was accused of possession of 30 marbles and homemade launchers. She denied the charge of possession of offensive weapons in public when tried in Tuen Mun Magistrates' Court today (July 13).
During the recess, the defense counsel, Douglas Kwok, found a policewoman's reading copy of the involved officer's notebook, and accused her for “studying” to gain an upper hand on the defendants. Kwok asked her if she knew that she could not read any relevant documents during the testimony. The policewoman first answered "Don't know", and later said, "I learned that in the academy, but I am nervous and worry about forgetting the events, and so ‘opened it for another glance’."
Source: Stand News #Jul13
#ESPN Reporter Responds “Fuck You” to Criticism from Republican Senator Who Supports Hong Kong, Facing One-Week Suspension at the Least
Another political dispute arose in the NBA as ESPN reporter Adrian Wojnarowski was suspended for at least a week following his “Fuck You” response to Republican Senator Josh Hawley’s statement, which criticised NBA’s pro-China stance. Some prominent NBA players had initiated a #FreeWOJ campaign on Twitter in support of Wojnarowski.
A supporter of the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, Republican Senator Josh Hawley released a statement titled “Senator Hawley Blasts NBA for Kowtowing to Beijing & Refusing to Support US Military and Law Enforcement”, which linked to the Senator’s letter to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. The statement asked that since NBA planned to display messages supporting Black Lives Matter on their jerseys, it should also allow players to express support for the Hong Kong pro-democracy movement, their views on the human rights issues in Xinjiang, as well as support for US military and police officers.
ESPN’s well known NBA reporter Adrian Wojnarowski at once responded “Fuck You” to Hawley through his work email. The Hawley office took a screenshot of the email and wrote on Twitter, “Don’t criticize #China or express support for law enforcement to @espn. It makes them real mad”. Wojnarowski apologised subsequently, while ESPN released a statement calling his behaviour “unacceptable” and stating that it would address the issue with him.
On Sunday, Hawley wrote on Twitter that ESPN should not suspend the reporter, but should “ask tough questions” about NBA’s relationship with China. He also requested to meet with ESPN CEO Jimmy Pitaro. Meanwhile, LeBron James and a number of NBA stars had initiated a #FreeWOJ campaign on Twitter in support of Wojnarowski. Details of Wojnarowski’s suspension are unclear as of now.
Editor’s Note: As of July 15th, Wojnarowski is reportedly being suspended without pay for 2 weeks according to various US media outlets.
Source: Stand News #Jul13
#US #JoshHawley #NBA
Another political dispute arose in the NBA as ESPN reporter Adrian Wojnarowski was suspended for at least a week following his “Fuck You” response to Republican Senator Josh Hawley’s statement, which criticised NBA’s pro-China stance. Some prominent NBA players had initiated a #FreeWOJ campaign on Twitter in support of Wojnarowski.
A supporter of the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, Republican Senator Josh Hawley released a statement titled “Senator Hawley Blasts NBA for Kowtowing to Beijing & Refusing to Support US Military and Law Enforcement”, which linked to the Senator’s letter to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. The statement asked that since NBA planned to display messages supporting Black Lives Matter on their jerseys, it should also allow players to express support for the Hong Kong pro-democracy movement, their views on the human rights issues in Xinjiang, as well as support for US military and police officers.
ESPN’s well known NBA reporter Adrian Wojnarowski at once responded “Fuck You” to Hawley through his work email. The Hawley office took a screenshot of the email and wrote on Twitter, “Don’t criticize #China or express support for law enforcement to @espn. It makes them real mad”. Wojnarowski apologised subsequently, while ESPN released a statement calling his behaviour “unacceptable” and stating that it would address the issue with him.
On Sunday, Hawley wrote on Twitter that ESPN should not suspend the reporter, but should “ask tough questions” about NBA’s relationship with China. He also requested to meet with ESPN CEO Jimmy Pitaro. Meanwhile, LeBron James and a number of NBA stars had initiated a #FreeWOJ campaign on Twitter in support of Wojnarowski. Details of Wojnarowski’s suspension are unclear as of now.
Editor’s Note: As of July 15th, Wojnarowski is reportedly being suspended without pay for 2 weeks according to various US media outlets.
Source: Stand News #Jul13
#US #JoshHawley #NBA
#China #US #Sanctions
Counter Sanctions from China on the US. China Sanctions Rubio, Cruz and Other US Officials Critical of China, Freezing Their Assets in China and Barring Their Entries
China’s suppression of the Uyghur ethnic group in Xinjiang has long raised concerns. Earlier this month, the United States announced sanctions against the Xinjiang Public Security Bureau (XPSB) and four related officials for involvements in serious human rights violations. The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced counter sanction policies today (July 13th), targeting the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), the US Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom Samuel Dale Brownback and three US lawmakers critical of China, namely Republican Senators Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz as well as Republican Congressman Chris Smith.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not elaborate on the concrete details of the move, but its spokesperson Hua Chunying stated that “equivalent sanctions” would be imposed on all four persons and the CECC. Earlier this month, the US had frozen the assets and barred entries of the XPSB and four related Chinese officials. Equivalent sanctions would, therefore, imply freezing all four US officials’ assets in China and barring them from entering China.
Last week, the US announced that building upon the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, it would impose sanctions on the Chinese Communist Party’s Secretary of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) Chen Quanguo, Director of the XPSB Wang Mingshan, two former XUAR officials and the entire XPSB. Their assets in the US would be frozen and they would be barred from entering the US.
On the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s regular press conference today, spokesperson Hua Chunying announced equivalent sanctions on the CECC, Ambassador Brownback, Senator Rubio, Senator Cruz and Congressman Smith with immediate effect. The Chinese Foreign Ministry condemned the US for actions that interfered in China’s internal affairs, urged the US to withdraw its “wrong decision” and warned of “further response” depending on the development of the situation.
Three of the sanctioned US officials had been following Hong Kong’s situation closely in recent years and had been vocal in their concerns over the Umbrella Movement and the anti-extradition law amendment bill controversy. Earlier this month, Rubio proposed the Hong Kong Safe Harbor Act, which would provide political asylum for Hongkongers.
Source: Stand News #Jul13
https://bit.ly/2OvDn6f
Counter Sanctions from China on the US. China Sanctions Rubio, Cruz and Other US Officials Critical of China, Freezing Their Assets in China and Barring Their Entries
China’s suppression of the Uyghur ethnic group in Xinjiang has long raised concerns. Earlier this month, the United States announced sanctions against the Xinjiang Public Security Bureau (XPSB) and four related officials for involvements in serious human rights violations. The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced counter sanction policies today (July 13th), targeting the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), the US Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom Samuel Dale Brownback and three US lawmakers critical of China, namely Republican Senators Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz as well as Republican Congressman Chris Smith.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not elaborate on the concrete details of the move, but its spokesperson Hua Chunying stated that “equivalent sanctions” would be imposed on all four persons and the CECC. Earlier this month, the US had frozen the assets and barred entries of the XPSB and four related Chinese officials. Equivalent sanctions would, therefore, imply freezing all four US officials’ assets in China and barring them from entering China.
Last week, the US announced that building upon the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, it would impose sanctions on the Chinese Communist Party’s Secretary of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) Chen Quanguo, Director of the XPSB Wang Mingshan, two former XUAR officials and the entire XPSB. Their assets in the US would be frozen and they would be barred from entering the US.
On the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s regular press conference today, spokesperson Hua Chunying announced equivalent sanctions on the CECC, Ambassador Brownback, Senator Rubio, Senator Cruz and Congressman Smith with immediate effect. The Chinese Foreign Ministry condemned the US for actions that interfered in China’s internal affairs, urged the US to withdraw its “wrong decision” and warned of “further response” depending on the development of the situation.
Three of the sanctioned US officials had been following Hong Kong’s situation closely in recent years and had been vocal in their concerns over the Umbrella Movement and the anti-extradition law amendment bill controversy. Earlier this month, Rubio proposed the Hong Kong Safe Harbor Act, which would provide political asylum for Hongkongers.
Source: Stand News #Jul13
https://bit.ly/2OvDn6f
⬆️⬆️⬆️ continue reading
CIC Detainees Initiated Hunger Strike against Inhumane Treatment, including Indefinite Detention and Harsh Environment
A total of 18 people detained at the Castle Peak Bay Immigration Center (CIC) have been on a hunger strike against indefinite detention since June 29.
Anna, a member of the CIC Concern Group, pointed out that the Castle Peak Bay Immigration Center (CIC) mainly detains people who need to be investigated or are awaiting repatriation due to violations of the Immigration Ordinance. Anna revealed that the hunger strikers include detainees from Africa, Pakistan and India. Some have been detained for one to two years. Some of them have committed criminal offenses but have since completed their sentences while the rest have no criminal records.
Anna denounced the immigration department for being indifferent, only separating the hunger strikers, and even referring to the immigration officers who rebuked the hunger striker, "if you don't want to eat, then die", making the strikers "feel like they are not humans but instead animals".
Anna also pointed out that the facilities of the detention center are inadequate, "For example, the environment in toilets is bad, there are rats. The toilets and shirts must be washed by themselves, and even the wet shirts must be worn because there are only two sets. Even drinking water must be shared." She also said that people who had left CIC in the past revealed that in 2000, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2017 and 2018, detainees had used hunger strikes to fight for release. Anna pointed out that some staff in the detention center misled detainees to sign consent forms for their immediate repatriation, questioning whether the Immigration Department's approach is open and fair.
Shiu Ka-chun, a member of the Legislative Council, said that he had visited the center in March and said, "I really heard the detainees saying ‘I want freedom’. Give me liberty, or give me death." Shiu pointed out that he will file a complaint to the United Nation Refugee Agency and the CIC Concern Group will deliver a petition to the Immigration Department on Wednesday (Jul 15), stating that they would not accept the current arrangements and demanded the immediate release of detainees.
Eddie Chu Hoi-dick, a member of LegCo, pointed out that indefinite detention is quite common. "The National Security Law is in force, and the National Security Office has a detention centre, also with indefinite detention period.” The practice is very inhumane for those who do not violate the law. "There is no reason to condone the Immigration Department for the practice and we hope our actions and complaints can put pressure on the government."
Source: InMedia HK #Jul13
#HumanRights #HongKongProtests
Related article :
https://telegra.ph/Castle-Peak-Bay-Immigration-Centre-detainees-allege-abuse-07-04
CIC Detainees Initiated Hunger Strike against Inhumane Treatment, including Indefinite Detention and Harsh Environment
A total of 18 people detained at the Castle Peak Bay Immigration Center (CIC) have been on a hunger strike against indefinite detention since June 29.
Anna, a member of the CIC Concern Group, pointed out that the Castle Peak Bay Immigration Center (CIC) mainly detains people who need to be investigated or are awaiting repatriation due to violations of the Immigration Ordinance. Anna revealed that the hunger strikers include detainees from Africa, Pakistan and India. Some have been detained for one to two years. Some of them have committed criminal offenses but have since completed their sentences while the rest have no criminal records.
Anna denounced the immigration department for being indifferent, only separating the hunger strikers, and even referring to the immigration officers who rebuked the hunger striker, "if you don't want to eat, then die", making the strikers "feel like they are not humans but instead animals".
Anna also pointed out that the facilities of the detention center are inadequate, "For example, the environment in toilets is bad, there are rats. The toilets and shirts must be washed by themselves, and even the wet shirts must be worn because there are only two sets. Even drinking water must be shared." She also said that people who had left CIC in the past revealed that in 2000, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2017 and 2018, detainees had used hunger strikes to fight for release. Anna pointed out that some staff in the detention center misled detainees to sign consent forms for their immediate repatriation, questioning whether the Immigration Department's approach is open and fair.
Shiu Ka-chun, a member of the Legislative Council, said that he had visited the center in March and said, "I really heard the detainees saying ‘I want freedom’. Give me liberty, or give me death." Shiu pointed out that he will file a complaint to the United Nation Refugee Agency and the CIC Concern Group will deliver a petition to the Immigration Department on Wednesday (Jul 15), stating that they would not accept the current arrangements and demanded the immediate release of detainees.
Eddie Chu Hoi-dick, a member of LegCo, pointed out that indefinite detention is quite common. "The National Security Law is in force, and the National Security Office has a detention centre, also with indefinite detention period.” The practice is very inhumane for those who do not violate the law. "There is no reason to condone the Immigration Department for the practice and we hope our actions and complaints can put pressure on the government."
Source: InMedia HK #Jul13
#HumanRights #HongKongProtests
Related article :
https://telegra.ph/Castle-Peak-Bay-Immigration-Centre-detainees-allege-abuse-07-04
Telegraph
Castle Peak Bay Immigration Centre detainees allege abuse
Indonesian migrant worker, Yuli Riswati, lived in Hong Kong and covered the Anti-Extradition Bill protests for her home country. Towards the end of last year, the Immigration Department detained her for 28 days on grounds that her work visa had expired. Afterwards…
#HKU Law School Dean: National Security Law Bring Losses to Hong Kong and China
Some people equate the passing of the Hong Kong National Security Law to the end of “One Country Two Systems”, which came 27 years early. Fu Hualing, Dean of the Faculty of Law of the University of Hong Kong, described the new law as a no-win situation to both China and Hong Kong as it led to punitive sanctions being imposed on China internationally, and also left people wondering whether “One Country Two Systems” is already unworkable.
Article 55 of the Hong Kong National Security Law states clearly that the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is entitled to investigate cases that involve foreign countries or external forces. Such cases are to be further processed by units directly appointed by the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate, meaning that the defendants involved could be tried in Mainland China. Fu Hualing expected such cases to be limited in number, but that the Central People’s Government being entitled to exercise jurisdiction marks the beginning of “One Country” and the end of “Two Systems”. Nevertheless, it is at this point still unclear which party will be entitled to push forward such legal procedures and under what conditions will such procedures be involved. It is also unclear which party is entitled to make arrests and whether lawyers from both Mainland China and Hong Kong can be appointed.
The text of the law was kept secret from the people of Hong Kong before it was passed, an unprecedented situation in decades of Chinese legislation, as described by Fu Hualing. He was unable to name reasons for such operation but was certain that the lack of public consultation would generate a lot of distrust, and the implementation of laws that lack such basic trust was bound to be unsmooth. He emphasized that mutual trust and consultation would be necessary to make up for this problem.
On 1st July, the first day the law came into effect, 10 people were arrested during demonstrations for raising “Hong Kong Independence” flags, keeping thematic stickers in their bags, etc. Fu Hualing believed the arrests were partly because neither party was familiar with the text of the law, and the police would push forward their investigation if there was prima facie. However, Fu believed that if other laws could be used for prosecution instead of this law, as over 8000 people had already been arrested in the Anti-extradition demonstrations in the past year without it, it is perhaps best to keep but not use it unless necessary. He also believed that the text of the law was still amendable regardless of how “brutal” it was. If the law was too broad, there must be ways to narrow it down.
Countries like the US and the UK had been imposing sanctions on Hong Kong since the passing of the law, and Fu Hualing described the situation as a no-win situation on various levels as both China and Hong Kong had lost. He disagreed that the law was necessary and the law’s nature as a “last resort” entailed ominous consequences, including international sanctions and criticism. For Hong Kong, he felt the city was overwhelmed by fear and anxiety as everybody was confused over whether “One Country Two Systems” still worked and how the situation got to this stage.
Hongkongers' fear towards the national security law could have stemmed from what happened to Mainland activists like Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo and human rights lawyer Wang Quanzhang. Fu Hualing expressed his understanding of people’s fear and remarked that it was more important for law enforcement authorities in Hong Kong to convince people that they are different from those in Mainland China. He thought the aforementioned cases were cases of people being persecuted for their opinion, but the National Security Law had different targets. He was uncertain about the development of the law, however, as no one could have imagined such a situation even a year ago.
Source: Mingpao #Jul13
Some people equate the passing of the Hong Kong National Security Law to the end of “One Country Two Systems”, which came 27 years early. Fu Hualing, Dean of the Faculty of Law of the University of Hong Kong, described the new law as a no-win situation to both China and Hong Kong as it led to punitive sanctions being imposed on China internationally, and also left people wondering whether “One Country Two Systems” is already unworkable.
Article 55 of the Hong Kong National Security Law states clearly that the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is entitled to investigate cases that involve foreign countries or external forces. Such cases are to be further processed by units directly appointed by the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate, meaning that the defendants involved could be tried in Mainland China. Fu Hualing expected such cases to be limited in number, but that the Central People’s Government being entitled to exercise jurisdiction marks the beginning of “One Country” and the end of “Two Systems”. Nevertheless, it is at this point still unclear which party will be entitled to push forward such legal procedures and under what conditions will such procedures be involved. It is also unclear which party is entitled to make arrests and whether lawyers from both Mainland China and Hong Kong can be appointed.
The text of the law was kept secret from the people of Hong Kong before it was passed, an unprecedented situation in decades of Chinese legislation, as described by Fu Hualing. He was unable to name reasons for such operation but was certain that the lack of public consultation would generate a lot of distrust, and the implementation of laws that lack such basic trust was bound to be unsmooth. He emphasized that mutual trust and consultation would be necessary to make up for this problem.
On 1st July, the first day the law came into effect, 10 people were arrested during demonstrations for raising “Hong Kong Independence” flags, keeping thematic stickers in their bags, etc. Fu Hualing believed the arrests were partly because neither party was familiar with the text of the law, and the police would push forward their investigation if there was prima facie. However, Fu believed that if other laws could be used for prosecution instead of this law, as over 8000 people had already been arrested in the Anti-extradition demonstrations in the past year without it, it is perhaps best to keep but not use it unless necessary. He also believed that the text of the law was still amendable regardless of how “brutal” it was. If the law was too broad, there must be ways to narrow it down.
Countries like the US and the UK had been imposing sanctions on Hong Kong since the passing of the law, and Fu Hualing described the situation as a no-win situation on various levels as both China and Hong Kong had lost. He disagreed that the law was necessary and the law’s nature as a “last resort” entailed ominous consequences, including international sanctions and criticism. For Hong Kong, he felt the city was overwhelmed by fear and anxiety as everybody was confused over whether “One Country Two Systems” still worked and how the situation got to this stage.
Hongkongers' fear towards the national security law could have stemmed from what happened to Mainland activists like Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo and human rights lawyer Wang Quanzhang. Fu Hualing expressed his understanding of people’s fear and remarked that it was more important for law enforcement authorities in Hong Kong to convince people that they are different from those in Mainland China. He thought the aforementioned cases were cases of people being persecuted for their opinion, but the National Security Law had different targets. He was uncertain about the development of the law, however, as no one could have imagined such a situation even a year ago.
Source: Mingpao #Jul13
明報新聞網 - 每日明報 daily news
港大法律學院院長稱國安法令中港雙輸 55條很辣 傅華伶：啟動即無兩制 - 20200713 - 港聞
【明報專訊】《港區國安法》生效，有人形容「一國兩制」提早27年終結。港大法律學院院長傅華伶接受本報專訪時稱，港區國安法對中國、香港而言都是「雙輸」，令中國被國際制裁、也令人質疑「一國兩制」是否已走不通。這部法律，有比傅華伶想像中辣的，如「中央管轄權」一旦啟動，便意味沒有兩制；也有比他想像中好的，如將國際公約、無追溯力寫在法例的《總則》，他相信那不是空話。
#WhiteTerror
#CarrrieLam Insists Actions Against HKU Students; University Management Deregisters Students' Union
On July 13, 2021, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam demands the University of Hong Kong (#HKU) to take action against students. This is followed by the #StudentsUnion Council passing a motion on July 8 to express condolences to a Hong Kong man who died after knifing a policeman and stabbing himself on July 1.
Even the Students' Union's Council has already apologized by resigning on July 9, Lam insisted disciplinary actions on students.
On the same day, the University Management announced that the Students' Union would no longer be recognised as an independent registered association.
Previously, the government, the police and pro-Beijing figures have condemned students for breaching the #NationalSecurityLaw and claimed to invite the National Security Police for investigation.
Source: RTHK; InMedia #Jul13
#Education #University #FailedState #FreeSpeech #StateTerrorism
#CarrrieLam Insists Actions Against HKU Students; University Management Deregisters Students' Union
On July 13, 2021, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam demands the University of Hong Kong (#HKU) to take action against students. This is followed by the #StudentsUnion Council passing a motion on July 8 to express condolences to a Hong Kong man who died after knifing a policeman and stabbing himself on July 1.
Even the Students' Union's Council has already apologized by resigning on July 9, Lam insisted disciplinary actions on students.
On the same day, the University Management announced that the Students' Union would no longer be recognised as an independent registered association.
Previously, the government, the police and pro-Beijing figures have condemned students for breaching the #NationalSecurityLaw and claimed to invite the National Security Police for investigation.
Source: RTHK; InMedia #Jul13
#Education #University #FailedState #FreeSpeech #StateTerrorism
#Solidarity #Hongkongers
Paul Zimmerman: I will not immigrate and will keep trying
Since news has been spreading in Hong Kong that the government would disqualify the directly elected district councilors who did not take the oath of allegiance for the Basic Law and would demand them to return their entire salary.
A resignation wave has since taken place. As of July 12, 2021, at least 204 district councilors had left.
In the Southern District Council, there are only four members remaining. The vice chairperson #PaulZimmerman sighed, "Suddenly it's all gone, it's sad."
Zimmerman said he will not immigrate nor leave:
"I want to get good things done, that's the only reason I am here, changing the harbour, changing heritage, changing street market."
Source: InMedia #Jul13
https://bit.ly/2U6EY8T
#Resignation #DistrictCouncils #OathofOffice #Intimidation
Paul Zimmerman: I will not immigrate and will keep trying
Since news has been spreading in Hong Kong that the government would disqualify the directly elected district councilors who did not take the oath of allegiance for the Basic Law and would demand them to return their entire salary.
A resignation wave has since taken place. As of July 12, 2021, at least 204 district councilors had left.
In the Southern District Council, there are only four members remaining. The vice chairperson #PaulZimmerman sighed, "Suddenly it's all gone, it's sad."
Zimmerman said he will not immigrate nor leave:
"I want to get good things done, that's the only reason I am here, changing the harbour, changing heritage, changing street market."
Source: InMedia #Jul13
https://bit.ly/2U6EY8T
#Resignation #DistrictCouncils #OathofOffice #Intimidation
China Locks Up Xinjiang’s Uyghur Businessmen; ‘In Their Eyes, We Are All Guilty’
In the summer of 2018, Sadir Eli, a Uyghur businessman, was in high spirits. His real-estate firm was pulling in strong profits, and he told his daughter he would buy a house for her in Massachusetts.
Then, Mr. Eli was accused of being a separatist and disappeared into the black box of China’s prison system in the northwest Xinjiang region.
“He did not engage in politics,” said Maria Mohammad, who last heard from her husband in June 2018, shortly before he was detained. Instead, she believes, Mr. Eli was targeted in part because he was a rich businessman, giving him influence that the authorities viewed as a threat.
Source: WSJ #Jul13
https://www.wsj.com/articles/china-imprisons-uyghur-businessmen-once-seen-as-bridges-to-community-11626174001
#China #Xinjiang #Uyghur #Guilty
In the summer of 2018, Sadir Eli, a Uyghur businessman, was in high spirits. His real-estate firm was pulling in strong profits, and he told his daughter he would buy a house for her in Massachusetts.
Then, Mr. Eli was accused of being a separatist and disappeared into the black box of China’s prison system in the northwest Xinjiang region.
“He did not engage in politics,” said Maria Mohammad, who last heard from her husband in June 2018, shortly before he was detained. Instead, she believes, Mr. Eli was targeted in part because he was a rich businessman, giving him influence that the authorities viewed as a threat.
Source: WSJ #Jul13
https://www.wsj.com/articles/china-imprisons-uyghur-businessmen-once-seen-as-bridges-to-community-11626174001
#China #Xinjiang #Uyghur #Guilty
Publishers "Should Know Where the Red Line Is", Hong Kong Official Says Ahead of First Book Fair under #NationalSecurityLaw
Hong Kong's annual book fair opened on July 14, 2021. Since last year's fair was cancelled under the menace of the pandemic, this year's fair is the first one to take place after Beijing's imposition of the #NationalSecurityLaw.
The common concern is whether the Trade Development Council (#TDC) as the organizer would censor any books, and whether the participating publishing houses would undergo self-censorship.
The vice director of TDC Chow Kai-leung claim that they would not examine the books, but the publishers "should know where the [red] line is".
When asked whether the poetry of Liu Xiabo is allowed, Chow said it would be decided by the national security police.
In the 2019 fair, some publishers set up a pro-democracy #LennonWall in the fair; this year, however, there is nothing as such.
Source: StandNews #Jul13
https://bit.ly/3iu9q56
#WhiteTerror #Censorship #ThoughtPolice
Hong Kong's annual book fair opened on July 14, 2021. Since last year's fair was cancelled under the menace of the pandemic, this year's fair is the first one to take place after Beijing's imposition of the #NationalSecurityLaw.
The common concern is whether the Trade Development Council (#TDC) as the organizer would censor any books, and whether the participating publishing houses would undergo self-censorship.
The vice director of TDC Chow Kai-leung claim that they would not examine the books, but the publishers "should know where the [red] line is".
When asked whether the poetry of Liu Xiabo is allowed, Chow said it would be decided by the national security police.
In the 2019 fair, some publishers set up a pro-democracy #LennonWall in the fair; this year, however, there is nothing as such.
Source: StandNews #Jul13
https://bit.ly/3iu9q56
#WhiteTerror #Censorship #ThoughtPolice
US Government updates the announcement of supply chains involving Xinjiang indicating there is high risk of offending the law
Source: I-Cable #Jul13
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
Source: I-Cable #Jul13
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
US Government updates the announcement of supply chains involving Xinjiang indicating there is high risk of offending the law
USA updates the announcement of supply chains involving Xinjiang, the added contents indicates that there might confront high risk of offending the laws if not breaking away the relevant supply chain.
Updated announcement clearly indicates that there is misdemeanor related to continuously genocide and violating human rights in Xinjiang, and they keep the descriptions related to forced labor, human rights violation and invasive monitor, and shows these actions gains support from the country.
The Trade Representative Office and Labor Department has participated in formulating the announcement and enclose the links of information from various departments. The announcement indicates that they have considered how serious and how big the scale for human rights violation, if enterprises and individuals don’t quit the involved supply chain and the relevant investments related to Xinjiang, they may confront the high risk of offending US laws.
Source: I-Cable #Jul13
http://cablenews.i-cable.com/ci/news/article/37/749506?utm_source=hk.iott.app&utm_campaign=share&ts=1626292919418
#US #government #supplychain #Xinjiang #investment
USA updates the announcement of supply chains involving Xinjiang, the added contents indicates that there might confront high risk of offending the laws if not breaking away the relevant supply chain.
Updated announcement clearly indicates that there is misdemeanor related to continuously genocide and violating human rights in Xinjiang, and they keep the descriptions related to forced labor, human rights violation and invasive monitor, and shows these actions gains support from the country.
The Trade Representative Office and Labor Department has participated in formulating the announcement and enclose the links of information from various departments. The announcement indicates that they have considered how serious and how big the scale for human rights violation, if enterprises and individuals don’t quit the involved supply chain and the relevant investments related to Xinjiang, they may confront the high risk of offending US laws.
Source: I-Cable #Jul13
http://cablenews.i-cable.com/ci/news/article/37/749506?utm_source=hk.iott.app&utm_campaign=share&ts=1626292919418
#US #government #supplychain #Xinjiang #investment
I-Cable
有線寬頻 i-CABLE -
Watch CABLE TV anytime anywhere
Japan Defense White Paper first indicates the importance of stability of Taiwan situation
Source: I-Cable #Jul13
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
Source: I-Cable #Jul13
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
Japan Defense White Paper first indicates the importance of stability of Taiwan situation
Japan published a new defense white paper, first indicates the importance of stability of Taiwan. They concern the Taiwan issues will intensify the opposition between China and USA, China resolutely oppose and emphasizes that they will not allow any country to involve into Taiwan issues.
The white paper first adds in the chapter of analyzing the relationship between China and USA, indicates that the competition on political, economic and military between China and USA becomes obvious, both countries take the attitude of checking each other. Japan concerns the change of the military balance of the two countries will influence the peace and stability of Indo-Asia region.
And in the China-USA chapter, there is an item named “Taiwan”, first mentions the Taiwan situation has stability to security of Japan, and it’s important to international social stability as well. Japan must keep alert and concern Taiwan situation.
Source: I-Cable #Jul13
http://cablenews.i-cable.com/ci/news/article/37/749296?utm_source=hk.iott.app&utm_campaign=share&ts=1626293060967
#Taiwan #Japan #China #USA #stability
Japan published a new defense white paper, first indicates the importance of stability of Taiwan. They concern the Taiwan issues will intensify the opposition between China and USA, China resolutely oppose and emphasizes that they will not allow any country to involve into Taiwan issues.
The white paper first adds in the chapter of analyzing the relationship between China and USA, indicates that the competition on political, economic and military between China and USA becomes obvious, both countries take the attitude of checking each other. Japan concerns the change of the military balance of the two countries will influence the peace and stability of Indo-Asia region.
And in the China-USA chapter, there is an item named “Taiwan”, first mentions the Taiwan situation has stability to security of Japan, and it’s important to international social stability as well. Japan must keep alert and concern Taiwan situation.
Source: I-Cable #Jul13
http://cablenews.i-cable.com/ci/news/article/37/749296?utm_source=hk.iott.app&utm_campaign=share&ts=1626293060967
#Taiwan #Japan #China #USA #stability
I-Cable
有線寬頻 i-CABLE -
Watch CABLE TV anytime anywhere
The U.S. Recognizes China Conducting Genocide in Xinjiang
U.S. State Department published a new report on genocide and assaulted prevention, recognizing China conducts genocide in Xinjiang.
The report first detailly elaborates the assault in six countries (China, Myanmar, Iraq, Ethiopia, Syria and South Sudan). The report then indicates China continuously conducting genocide against Uyghurs and other minorities, including prison, torture and forced sterilization. The U.S. has taken multiple measures to respond, including sanctions of relevant officials and parties, limitation of visa issuance and exporting products involved in forced labour. And the Biden government expanded the sanctions against China of the late Trump government.
Source: I-Cable #Jul13
https://youtu.be/lSdCOuJwOL4
#USA #US #China #Biden #Uyghur #genocide #sanctions #minorities
U.S. State Department published a new report on genocide and assaulted prevention, recognizing China conducts genocide in Xinjiang.
The report first detailly elaborates the assault in six countries (China, Myanmar, Iraq, Ethiopia, Syria and South Sudan). The report then indicates China continuously conducting genocide against Uyghurs and other minorities, including prison, torture and forced sterilization. The U.S. has taken multiple measures to respond, including sanctions of relevant officials and parties, limitation of visa issuance and exporting products involved in forced labour. And the Biden government expanded the sanctions against China of the late Trump government.
Source: I-Cable #Jul13
https://youtu.be/lSdCOuJwOL4
#USA #US #China #Biden #Uyghur #genocide #sanctions #minorities
American corporations must stop selling out to China’s brutal regime
According to legend, when Vladimir Lenin was asked how he planned to “hang all the capitalists” in the face of a rope shortage in the young Soviet Union, he replied “don’t worry comrade, the capitalists will sell us the rope.”
Though likely apocryphal, the quote captures the spirit of what Lenin wrote more precisely – and just as cold-bloodedly – in a manuscript note:
“They [the capitalists] will furnish credits which will serve us for the support of the Communist Party in their countries and, by supplying us materials and technical equipment which we lack, will restore our military industry necessary for our future attacks against our suppliers. To put it in other words, they will work on the preparation of their own suicide.”
Source: CNBC #Jul13
https://t.co/hrKs3Z5nVz
#China #American #CCP
According to legend, when Vladimir Lenin was asked how he planned to “hang all the capitalists” in the face of a rope shortage in the young Soviet Union, he replied “don’t worry comrade, the capitalists will sell us the rope.”
Though likely apocryphal, the quote captures the spirit of what Lenin wrote more precisely – and just as cold-bloodedly – in a manuscript note:
“They [the capitalists] will furnish credits which will serve us for the support of the Communist Party in their countries and, by supplying us materials and technical equipment which we lack, will restore our military industry necessary for our future attacks against our suppliers. To put it in other words, they will work on the preparation of their own suicide.”
Source: CNBC #Jul13
https://t.co/hrKs3Z5nVz
#China #American #CCP