#PoliceState
A Violent Opening: Students leaving schools are targeted by police

Yesterday (#May27) was the first day of school after the long quarantine break. Under the slogan of “more is better than less”, police targeted youngsters and teenagers in school uniform, accusing them of illegal assembly, illegal march or even rioting. Yet, they were just leaving school.

Further reading: https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/21647

Source: Oscar Lai Man Lok
#HKProtests #FailedState #Youth #Students

#HongKongersVoices #Students
The Worst Time to be a Sixth Former

The days spent preparing for public exams are one of the few things that resonate among almost all Hongkongers.

The memories of youth are shared by all - photocopying past exam papers? Should I make my own commemorative book or buy one? What song should I pick for my final singing contest? Where will our prom be held? Shall I study at McDonald's or Starbucks?

For Form 6 students (this year, future recollections of these days will be drastically different. Their frustrations instead are - what route to choose when forming human chains? What activities to organise for the student strike? If you skip school for protests, how many days' absence could you take before being expelled? Still studying at McDonald's? Starbucks? No thanks.

Nok, an active frontliner in the Anti-Extradition Movement and a DSE candidate, has been absent from school for many days. In his interview, he sighed, "I was never really present so I don't have any particularly cherished memories of life in Form 6."

The trials of our time* keep coming. This group of "chosen kids" will not have a chance to properly say farewell to their schools. As nine months of flames and smoke dispersed somewhat, the storm of Wuhan pneumonia drew near. Even the long-anticipated last day had to be cancelled.

As the oldest among the "kids", they stand on the precipice of youth. After going through the public exams, they would either become "chosen ones" or "eliminated adults". Even though social movements do not exclude people, the examination system does.

This year, the DSE was postponed and the study period longer than in past years. During this time, Stand News interviewed ten of this year's candidates with a commitment to the Anti-Extradition Movement to understand their emotions surrounding the past nine months. When the flames and smoke settled, some tried to sort out their emotions and focus on studying. Some were injured by police brutality. Left with psychological trauma, some decided to abandon the exam and recuperate overseas. Others were arrested during protests and are still in custody. They may be taking their exam in jail. Still others were exiled to Taiwan. Not only did they have to abandon the public exam, but they also had to leave Hong Kong.

Before these Form 6 students charge into their next battlefield in life, we documented their hopes and memories.

Editor's Note:
* The context here refers to "Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of our Time".

Source: The Stand News, 2020
https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/最崎嶇的中六-1-遭警圍扑頭破血流-棄考-dse-離港休養-大埔少年人生怎樣被警暴改寫/

#Youth #DSE #PoliceBrutality

#FirstHand #Jun7
Hong Kong Students Deeply Worry About Their Future

Ideologist, a students concern group, called for a rally on June 7 but was objected by the police. The group then set up a booth near the Clock Tower in Tsim Sha Tsui and later in Mong Kok to raise public awareness on the adverse impacts of the law.

The group shared their concerns for the future and the loss of confidence in the government.

Not only that the Education Bureau is indifferent to students' well-being during the coronavirus outbreak, the authorities' enforcement of gathering ban, objection of protests, political persecution and the legislation of draconian laws (e.g. Anthem Law, Nation Security Law) have shown the worsening encroachment of rights and freedom in Hong Kong.

Activist-Students Being Stalked
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/22255

#Ideologist #Students #Youth

#PoliceBrutality
Police Allegedly Kneel on Secondary Schoolgirls During Arrest

At around 19:50 on June 12, 2020 a students' concern group set up a booth in Causeway Bay to explain to the public their plan to go on strike on June 20. The public relations branch of the police promised that the police would not disturb the students.

However, 30 minutes later, the police destroyed the booth and yelled, "arrest all these students", while chasing after civilians nearby including district councillor Tiffanny Yuen.

According to witnesses, the police pushed civilians into the nearby Kimberly Mall and onto the ground, almost causing a stampede. The police arrested 3 members of the student group. They were one university male student and two secondary 5 schoolgirls.

The video recorded that the police subdued two schoolgirls by allegedly kneeling on them.

Source: Eastern Hawk Eye; SSStrike #Jun13
#Remember612 #Students #PoliceState

#HongKongProtests #Students
School Boycott and Strike Referendum: Education Bureau Warns Against Participation

Hong Kong Secondary School Students Strike and the Hong Kong Strike will hold a referendum on school boycott and strike on 20 Jun to collect opinions on this issue.

Demosisto Vice President, Isaac Cheng Ka Long clained that the referendum was supported by most students, due to their concerned over how the National Security Law may affect their future. He was confident that there will be more than 10,000 effective votes.

The Education Bureau issued a letter to secondary and primary school principals that schools should not allow students to participate in the referendum.

If more than 60% of students and 80% unions supports the action, then an official strike will be started to oppose the National Security Law in Hong Kong.

Source: Ming Pao ; Now News
#Jun18 #strike

#HongKongProtests #Students
Students Organize Joint-School 'Sing With You' Event

On June 19, students from multiple schools held a “Sing with you” event at APM Kwun Tong.

Around 100 citizens gathered at the mall to sing “Glory to Hong Kong”, and chanted slogans like “Hong Kong Independence”, “Never give up”, “Release the protesters and give us freedom”.

Some students encouraged the public to join the referendum for the strike on 20 Jun. Before the activity started, around 30 riot police and 7 police cars stood by nearby, and some officers stopped and searched citizens at APM exits.

Source: InMedia https://bit.ly/2UUHjkA
#Jun19 #strike #referendum #SingWithYou

#Newspaper

Thailand protests: Risking it all to challenge the monarchy

//A growing movement among students has been calling for political reform in Thailand.

//"The King shall be enthroned in a position of revered worship" and that "No person shall expose the King to any sort of accusation or action".

//Thais are taught to respect, revere and love the monarchy, but also to fear the consequences of speaking about it.

//...have called for legal action against the student leaders, for an investigation into how they funded Monday's spectacularly-produced protest, and into which "dark hand" instigated the youngsters to come up with such outrageous demands.

//The student leader who read out the manifesto, Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul, has since stayed mostly on her campus, planning further rallies, and nervously watching the plain-clothes police who are now constantly monitoring her.

//the collapse of tourism has hit the economy very hard and drawn attention to one of the world's widest gaps between rich and poor.

//The decision earlier this year to dissolve a dynamic new political party, which had attracted the support of many younger voters, gave them the sense that the military-dominated political system was denying them a voice.

//That was compounded by the abduction and presumed murder of a Thai activist in Cambodia, blamed by some on elements close to the palace, and then by the dropping of all criminal charges against a member of one of Thailand's wealthiest families over the killing of a police officer in a hit-and-run incident eight years ago.

//On top of that, since the Covid-19 crisis started King Vajiralongkorn has spent nearly all his time living in a hotel in Germany, prompting a Twitter hashtag #มีกษัตริย์ไว้ทําไม #whydoweneedaking?, which was reposted more than a million times.

//He stressed that he wanted to reform, not overthrow, the constitutional monarchy.

//He focused in particular on the huge assets of the Crown Property Bureau, which, under the late King Bhumibol, had been notionally held in trust for the benefit of the Thai people, but have now been declared the personal property of the king, making him by far the wealthiest person in Thailand.

//Anon also questioned King Vajiralongkorn's decision to take personal command of all military units based in Bangkok

//"the three pillars of this country, nation, religion and monarchy, must be revered, not brought down to be played with like this. That's not the right way under a constitutional monarchy."

Full article: BBC, (14 Aug)
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-53770939

#Thailand #Monarchy #Students #Protest #politicalreform

#PoliceState
Police Charge 10 Hong Kong students for Forming Human Chain in Support of the Anti-ELAB Movement One Year Later

A year ago on September 7, citizens in Hong Kong built a long human chain around Tai Po Market train station, exhibiting solidarity against and defiance of police brutality, among them, many were students in school uniform.

As riot police stormed onto the scene, fired tear gas, the peaceful crowd of pro-democracy protesters was forced to disperse. More than 20 protesters were arrested during the clash on that day.

A year later, HK police charged 11 of them for attending an illegal assembly. Their age ranges from 15 to 49. 10 of them are students and the remaining one is the father of one of the students.

Sources: Inmedia; Stand News #Sept23
https://www.inmediahk.net/node/1077614

#Students #HumanChain #Injustice #School
=====
Read more about human chain activity in Taipo on 7 Sept 2019 and victims of #PoliceBrutality

https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/14349

#CUHKSiege #HongKongChronicles
University Students: "President, you have to save us…I trust the humanistic spirit of CUHK!”

Dr. Leung Kai-chi is a columnist, commentator and guest lecturer at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He wrote the following comtemplation on the one-year mark of the siege of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (#CUHK):

"I don’t think I posted this photo before.

Rushing around during those two days, I didn’t have time to take any pictures. But somehow, I subconsciously felt that I must record this scene: this was the moment when the [University] President walked into student dormintory in the afternoon.

On that day, several teaching staff reached the President's Residence and asked him to come down. Originally they hoped that the President would meet with the students, rather than asking him to go to the No. 2 Bridge.

After entering the dormintory and still arranging the venue, a student suddenly rushed over in the corridor, holding the President's legs and broke down entirely with a wailing cry.

“President, you have to save us…”

“President, you have to save us…”

“My family wants me to study abroad, but I didn’t want to. I have to study at CUHK! I trust the teachers in CUHK! I trust the humanistic spirit of CUHK!”

“Principal, you have to save us…”

Later, more students rushed over and helped that student up.

Afterwards, the President walked to the lawn behind the dormintory and had a short-talk with some seniors.

I never knew what they were talking about, for I was in the process of setting up the venue. Soon, the senior came over and said: “no need to prepare, the President is ready to go to the No. 2 Bridge.”

In the 56 years that the school was founded, how much has to be accumulated to have such a moment.

Running around in these two days, I was trying to cool down the situation all the way, but in vain. But looking back on this scene, the essence of the matter was not President Rocky Tuan or anybody else saving the students, but the spirit and value for one and all to protect the university together."

Source: Leung Kai Chi's Facebook #Nov12

#HongKongProtests #Students #Youths

#StudentPoliticism #Interview
Activism as the Protest Ebbs: "The Movement Isn't Over as Long as Someone Carries On", says Student Politicism Convener

Part 1/3

Since the National Security Law came into effect in July in Hong Kong, many student activist groups have assumed a low profile, focusing their efforts on online platforms, or ceasing operations entirely. In contrast, the group Student Politicism not only continues on, but also steps up their efforts, frequently hosting streetside booths and public events like exhibitions and letter writing campaigns.

When asked why they chose to act boldly when the movement seems to be at a low point, convener Wong Yat-chin said, "Other people might be scared, or have become worn out. That's why a student organization like us needs to step up."

Before the passing of the National Security Law, Wong said, his organization took a vote by secret ballot to decide whether they would continue to operate. The result was 95 to 5 in favor of continuing on, without much disagreement in the discussions leading up to the vote.

Were they not worried at all? They certainly were, Wong said, but he felt that "there must be some leeway for us to keep doing this."

And so, Student Politicism carries on in their "action-oriented" style, and looked for ways to maximize the limited room for resistance. They hosted exhibitions of photograohs of the pro-democracy movement, as well as streetside booths for citizens to write to the 12 Hongkongers held captive in China.

The purpose was twofold, Wong said. He hoped to break out of the echo chamber of social media and reach people of all ages on the streets, helping them become politically aware, and preparing them for the future resistance.

At the same time, he hopes to "keep the fighting spirit alive".

Source: InMedia #Nov15
https://www.inmediahk.net/node/1078838

#NationalSecurityLaw #HongKongProtests #Fighting #Save12HKYouths #Students #Youths #NeverGiveUp #WongYatChin

#FreedomofSpeech #Oppressoion
Chinese Students in the US Accuse #JoshuaWong of “Promoting Terrorism” in a University Student Webinar

Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong, the former secretary-general of Demosistō, was invited to a webinar held by the Student Union of Indiana University to share his experience in Hong Kong.

The invitation has caused a lot of complaints by Chinese students in the university, claiming the event has “broken Chinese students’ hearts”, “damaged the rights of Chinese students” and “promoted terrorism”. One even intimidated members of the Student Union.

Members of Student Union, however, did not back down, and the chairperson stressed his support for Wong.

Wong agreed to attend the event when it was first offered in the beginning of November. Wong expressed the need to fight for freedom through actions but admitted that “I might be in jail again soon since I am facing an accusation that could result in a maximum of 5-year imprisonment. So, I really appreciate every chance I have to share my experience”.

Wong indicated that although he has been under state surveillance since June, and disqualified for District Council election, he believed that Hongkongers should persist in fighting for freedom. He said he will never give up on this fight and encouraged students to be more involved. “When freedom of speech is in jeopardy, actions are better things to do”.

Wong also mentioned general manager of the Houston Rockets basketball team, Daryl Morey’s incident last year when he was forced to backdown after his tweet in support of Hong Kong protester led to a Chinese backlash. He highlighted importance of freedom of speech beyond Hong Kong.

Source: Apple News #Nov26
https://hk.appledaily.com/international/20201126/QRDDZ25HM5G4VLKRBKMNODWVG4/

#IndianaUniversity #US #Students #ChineseStudents #LittlePink

#Poll
Nearly 90% of Hong Kong Students Have No Trust in the Government

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (#CUHK) has interviewed 250 high school students in Hong Kong during the coronavirus outbreak in 2020. The project was funded by the Policy Innovation and Co-ordination Office and the findings were published on Jan 3, 2021.

Results show that nearly 90% of the students have no confidence in the Hong Kong government. Some scholars directly pointed out that it is an alarm and urged the government to listen to the opinions of the youths.

Apple Daily has also interviewed a number of students and youths on the streets. They also criticized the government for rejecting public opinion, and believed that the government did not show goodwill to the young people.

They said to a large extent, the government had completely abandoned repairing the relationship with young people. As for whether the cracks could be mended, the interviewees frankly said: “I think it will never happen in the next eight to ten years”.

Form 6 students Kay and Yun stated that they do not support the government. In particular, Yun pointed out the government has ignored the demands of the citizens, and make them lose trust: “Have they ever reflected on their own problems? They only accuse us of violent acts, but how about themselves? They have never admitted their mistakes ever”.

When asked for the reason for their mistrust toward the government, Yun and Kay showed hesitation in expressing their views due to the concern over retribution: “are we really allowed to speak?” and “I’m afraid I cannot say in this way”.

The two youths directly stated that they are “afraid of bearing consequences”. They are also very sensitive to the government’s suppression in education, by indicating their pressure of taking the HKDSE, a public university entrance exam in Hong Kong. They said they would be cautious in expressing their stance when answering exam questions and will try to avoid sensitive issues. They denounced the government for politicizing education, and asked why the government cannot let students freely express opinions.

Source: Apple Daily #Jan3

https://hk.appledaily.com/local/20210103/72BSM34LOJFIXA4JEDDPFOJVWM/

#HongKongYouths #NextGeneration #HKDSE #Students #FailedState

#FailedState
Students Trapped in Tutorial School During HK Government's #SuddenLockdown

Mrs Ng came into a heated argument with the staff of Hong Kong government's Home Affairs Bureau (#HAB).

Her 15-year-old daughter and three other students went for after-school classes in a building in Jordan and were trapped as the Hong Kong government imposed a sudden lockdown at 7pm on Feb 1, 2021, to enforce #COVID19 mandatory test.

The government staff told Mrs Ng that her daughter would be released after being tested, but without letting her know an estimated time.

In distress, Mrs Ng expressed, “Of course I am angry. They don't let us know when the test will be done.” Worrying about her daughter, she said “Does it mean that my daughter has to sleep overnight on the floor or in the corridor?”

Source: InMedia #Feb3

https://bit.ly/3j8hTLn

#Tutorial #Students #JordanLockdown

#WhiteTerror #Censorship
Hong Kong University Management Continues Crackdown on Pro-democracy Students

According to the #CampusTV and the journal #Undergrad run by the students of the University of Hong Kong (#HKU), the University management has been removing pro-democracy slogans and materials posted on campus.

These targeted locations include the Democracy Wall, the building where the office of Students Union was located, and notice boards in general.

The #StudentsUnion (#HKUSU) said this is a continuous crackdown by the University authorities following the deprival of the Union's right to use the office on campus.

Source: Stand News #Jul11
https://thestandnews.page.link/2nHip7rFwDUZaxSY7

#University #Students #DemocracyWall #FailedState

Human Rights Observe Report: Pro-Chinese Camp harasses Australia to support democracy people, Chinese students overseas supports Hong Kong protest, receive threatening text messages

“Human Rights Watch”, the non-government organization released a report on 28 June 2021 expatiated how advocates of democracy are harassed and threatened by pro-Chinese camp. Chinese university female students who verbally support Hong Kong protests said she received messages from classmates in Mainland China at midnight time saying that she is kept under surveillance which made her feel pressure and seek for professional assistance. She said 98% of students in the class were Chinese students. “Many students said bad things on her and blamed her of “betraying the Country”.

The 102-page report, namely “They don’t know our fear: China suppresses academic freedom of Australia universities and colleges”, pointed out the Chinese government monitors the Chinese and Hong Kong overseas students who support democracy in Australia make student to feel fear. Many people have to cover and self-censor in order to avoid being threatened and harassed, or being reported to relevant authority.”

The reports interviewed 24 Chinese and Hong Kong students and 22 education research staffs who “support democracy”. The organization investigates 3 of the cases and found their family members in China were called on or cited by police and asked their wordings and behaviors in Australia. One of the students was threatened to jail because he registered the Twitter account and published speech which support democracy. Another student’s passport was forfeited after going back to China because he expressed his support of democracy in front of the classmates.

Source: Stand News #Jun30

https://bit.ly/3BmJGQT

#harass #Australia #China #students #threatening #democracy

PolyU becomes fifth Hong Kong university to fully cut ties with #Students’Union

//The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (#PolyU) has cut ties with its students’ union, becoming the fifth university to order its student body to vacate campus premises since the implementation of the #NationalSecurityLaw.

In an email sent to the union on Friday, the university said that it had repeatedly requested the union to sign an Acknowledgement of Compliance since 2013, according to former PolyU students’ union chief Alan Wu. The acknowledgement required the student body to abide by certain terms and conditions to use the university name.

The university ordered the 28-year-old students’ union to cease using the university name and using university resources, and to vacate campus premises by July 15, 2022.//

Read more:
https://hongkongfp.com/2022/04/19/polyu-becomes-third-hong-kong-university-to-fully-cut-ties-with-students-union/

Source: Hong Kong Free Press #Apr19

#University #Censorship