#FirstHand
Yellow Economic Circle brings Christmas spirit to Causeway Bay
On Christmas this year, many civilians spent the day at the yellow shops participating in the “Heung Shing Winter Food Festival, We Connect Mall” on Percival Street in Causeway Bay.
The bazaar had two floors. Since most booths’ owners supported the yellow economic circle, the atmosphere there was full of support for pro-democracy fellows. A large variety of products were sold, such as pet snack, name card holder, red pocket, calendar, disinfectant spray, etc.
Many anti-ELAB products were also found at the bazaar, including mini calendars, woodwork, soaps, disinfection liquid, food, T-shirt, keyrings and puzzle, etc. After deducting cost, all revenue would be donated to protestors in need, other funds and media organisations.
Some products were for charity sales which all income would be donated.
#YellowEconomy #HKProtest
#firsthand #Dec30
Yellow Economic Circle brings Christmas spirit to Causeway Bay
On Christmas this year, many civilians spent the day at the yellow shops participating in the “Heung Shing Winter Food Festival, We Connect Mall” on Percival Street in Causeway Bay.
The bazaar had two floors. Since most booths’ owners supported the yellow economic circle, the atmosphere there was full of support for pro-democracy fellows. A large variety of products were sold, such as pet snack, name card holder, red pocket, calendar, disinfectant spray, etc.
Many anti-ELAB products were also found at the bazaar, including mini calendars, woodwork, soaps, disinfection liquid, food, T-shirt, keyrings and puzzle, etc. After deducting cost, all revenue would be donated to protestors in need, other funds and media organisations.
Some products were for charity sales which all income would be donated.
#YellowEconomy #HKProtest
#firsthand #Dec30
#FailedState
Bank of China Terminates HK Activist's Bank Account,
Laus: Violation of Personal Assets Damages Hong Kong's Image as International Financial Centre
Source: Stand News #Dec30
Read more
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Bank of China Terminates HK Activist's Bank Account,
Laus: Violation of Personal Assets Damages Hong Kong's Image as International Financial Centre
Source: Stand News #Dec30
Read more
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#FailedState
Bank of China Terminates HK Activist's Bank Account,
Laus: Violation of Personal Assets Damages Hong Kong's Image as International Financial Centre
Honcques Laus, who is currently in the UK and being wanted by Hong Kong Police for violating the National Security Law, stated on Facebook that his bank account was terminated by the Bank of China.
He alliterated that the incident showed that the Hong Kong and Chinese Central Governments have been violating Hongkongers' personal assets, which damages Hong Kong's reputation as an international financial centre. According to the Bank of China's account termination procedures, Laus could retrieve his savings only by visiting the bank personally.
Laus emphasised that having one's personal assets violated due to speaking out one's personal opinions is intolerable, and called for other nations to impose sanctions on the Bank of China, other Chinese state-controlled banks and the Hong Kong and Chinese Governments. He believed that such an act by Beijing would only attract more international sanction and "hasten its fall".
Source: Stand News #Dec30
#HoncquesLaus #HongKonger #Exile #PoliticalProsecution
Bank of China Terminates HK Activist's Bank Account,
Laus: Violation of Personal Assets Damages Hong Kong's Image as International Financial Centre
Honcques Laus, who is currently in the UK and being wanted by Hong Kong Police for violating the National Security Law, stated on Facebook that his bank account was terminated by the Bank of China.
He alliterated that the incident showed that the Hong Kong and Chinese Central Governments have been violating Hongkongers' personal assets, which damages Hong Kong's reputation as an international financial centre. According to the Bank of China's account termination procedures, Laus could retrieve his savings only by visiting the bank personally.
Laus emphasised that having one's personal assets violated due to speaking out one's personal opinions is intolerable, and called for other nations to impose sanctions on the Bank of China, other Chinese state-controlled banks and the Hong Kong and Chinese Governments. He believed that such an act by Beijing would only attract more international sanction and "hasten its fall".
Source: Stand News #Dec30
#HoncquesLaus #HongKonger #Exile #PoliticalProsecution
#PoliticalOppression #WhiteTerror #PressFreedom
5 members of Law Society warned Beijing mouthpiece to “stop unfounded attacks on HK's judiciary”
Source: Apple Daily, #Dec30
Read more
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5 members of Law Society warned Beijing mouthpiece to “stop unfounded attacks on HK's judiciary”
Source: Apple Daily, #Dec30
Read more
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#PoliticalOppression #WhiteTerror #PressFreedom
5 members of Law Society warned Beijing mouthpiece to “stop unfounded attacks on HK's judiciary”
On December 30, 2020, five members of the Law Society's governing body demanded mainland state media to stop their "unfounded attacks" on Hong Kong's judiciary.
Mark Daly, Michelle Tsoi, Davyd Wong, Kenneth Lam, and Janet Pang singled out an editorial by the People's Daily last weekend that said pro-democracy media tycoon and national security suspect #JimmyLai should be tried on the mainland. The editorial claimed that the High Court’s decision to grant Lai bail had drastically hurt the SAR's rule of law, and described the #AppleDaily founder as an “extremely dangerous” person.
In their statement, the five lawyers warned that the editorial could be seen as putting pressure on the judiciary ahead of an appeal hearing over the bail decision, and could also prejudice Lai's right to a fair trial.
They called for an end to “unfounded attacks against the judiciary” by state media and for Justice Secretary Teresa Cheng to defend the judiciary against such “unwarranted actions.”
This type of commentary appearing in a newspaper run/controlled by the central government... is particularly worrying and borders on an attempt to interfere with the due administration of justice by Hong Kong’s independent judiciary," they said.
Source: Apple Daily, RTHK; #Dec30
https://hk.appledaily.com/local/20201230/TV2ACBXJXBDBPHL6KET3BCZ7Q4/
5 members of Law Society warned Beijing mouthpiece to “stop unfounded attacks on HK's judiciary”
On December 30, 2020, five members of the Law Society's governing body demanded mainland state media to stop their "unfounded attacks" on Hong Kong's judiciary.
Mark Daly, Michelle Tsoi, Davyd Wong, Kenneth Lam, and Janet Pang singled out an editorial by the People's Daily last weekend that said pro-democracy media tycoon and national security suspect #JimmyLai should be tried on the mainland. The editorial claimed that the High Court’s decision to grant Lai bail had drastically hurt the SAR's rule of law, and described the #AppleDaily founder as an “extremely dangerous” person.
In their statement, the five lawyers warned that the editorial could be seen as putting pressure on the judiciary ahead of an appeal hearing over the bail decision, and could also prejudice Lai's right to a fair trial.
They called for an end to “unfounded attacks against the judiciary” by state media and for Justice Secretary Teresa Cheng to defend the judiciary against such “unwarranted actions.”
This type of commentary appearing in a newspaper run/controlled by the central government... is particularly worrying and borders on an attempt to interfere with the due administration of justice by Hong Kong’s independent judiciary," they said.
Source: Apple Daily, RTHK; #Dec30
https://hk.appledaily.com/local/20201230/TV2ACBXJXBDBPHL6KET3BCZ7Q4/
#Save12 #BringThemBack
British Lawmakers Condemn China for Breaching Sino-British Joint Declaration
Source: Stand News #Dec30
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British Lawmakers Condemn China for Breaching Sino-British Joint Declaration
Source: Stand News #Dec30
Read more
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#Save12 #BringThemBack
British Lawmakers Condemn China for Breaching Sino-British Joint Declaration
In the 12 Hong Kongers case, 10 adult defendants were sentenced to seven months to three years in prison in Yantian, Shenzhen on December 30, 2020. The other two minors were handed over to the Hong Kong police. The Hong Kong police stated that they could charge them with offence of failing to surrender to custody as shall have been appointed.
The “All-Party Parliamentary Group Hong Kong” of the British Parliament issued a statement on Dec 30, 2020, criticizing the incident as a fierce attack on Hong Kong people’s freedom and is a repeated violation of the "Sino-British Joint Declaration”. The group reiterated that Britain will continue to fight for freedom for Hong Kong people.
Baroness Bennett and Alistair Carmichael, co-chairs of the "All-Party Parliamentary Group Hong Kong” of the British Parliament, said that the arrests represented how Hong Kong people’s freedom were being attacked and was another "shocking" violation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration. “It seems likly they are hoping to warn all the pro-democracy activists, politicians and leaders and show that these people cannot escape the strict National Security Law through these arrests,” they said.
The group states that they hope to send a clear and firm message to Hong Kong people: "We in the UK will not stop fighting for your freedom. We welcome BNO passport holders to live in the UK, where your rights and freedoms will be protected instead of being weaponized.”
The organization "Stand with Hong Kong" also stated that the sentence was unacceptable. They believed that the only "crime" committed by these brave young people was to speak out for democracy and freedom and to protect their own safety. The organization calls on the international community to hold the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities responsible for their violations of the international human rights law.
Source: Stand News #Dec30
#SinoBritishJointDeclaration
British Lawmakers Condemn China for Breaching Sino-British Joint Declaration
In the 12 Hong Kongers case, 10 adult defendants were sentenced to seven months to three years in prison in Yantian, Shenzhen on December 30, 2020. The other two minors were handed over to the Hong Kong police. The Hong Kong police stated that they could charge them with offence of failing to surrender to custody as shall have been appointed.
The “All-Party Parliamentary Group Hong Kong” of the British Parliament issued a statement on Dec 30, 2020, criticizing the incident as a fierce attack on Hong Kong people’s freedom and is a repeated violation of the "Sino-British Joint Declaration”. The group reiterated that Britain will continue to fight for freedom for Hong Kong people.
Baroness Bennett and Alistair Carmichael, co-chairs of the "All-Party Parliamentary Group Hong Kong” of the British Parliament, said that the arrests represented how Hong Kong people’s freedom were being attacked and was another "shocking" violation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration. “It seems likly they are hoping to warn all the pro-democracy activists, politicians and leaders and show that these people cannot escape the strict National Security Law through these arrests,” they said.
The group states that they hope to send a clear and firm message to Hong Kong people: "We in the UK will not stop fighting for your freedom. We welcome BNO passport holders to live in the UK, where your rights and freedoms will be protected instead of being weaponized.”
The organization "Stand with Hong Kong" also stated that the sentence was unacceptable. They believed that the only "crime" committed by these brave young people was to speak out for democracy and freedom and to protect their own safety. The organization calls on the international community to hold the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities responsible for their violations of the international human rights law.
Source: Stand News #Dec30
#SinoBritishJointDeclaration
China Jails Citizen Journalist Zhang Zhan
EU said She was Being Tortured, and Pompeo said the Case Reflects CCP Fears of Truthtellers
Source: Stand News #Dec30
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EU said She was Being Tortured, and Pompeo said the Case Reflects CCP Fears of Truthtellers
Source: Stand News #Dec30
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China Jails Citizen Journalist Zhang Zhan
EU said She was Being Tortured, and Pompeo said the Case Reflects CCP Fears of Truthtellers
Chinese citizen journalist Zhang Zhan traveled to Wuhan to make the news coverage regarding the Wuhan Virus pandemic. She was accused of picking quarrels and provoking trouble, putting her in prison for four years. The European Union (EU) said in a statement yesterday calling for an immediate release of Zhang and cited from credible sources that she had been tortured during detention. The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also issued a statement condemning China strongly for its false prosecution and conviction of Zhang, which reflected the CCP's fears of citizens who speak the truth.
The EU called for the immediate release of Zhang in a statement yesterday (29th). They also disclosed according to reliable sources, Zhang had been subjected to torture and ill-treatment during her detention, resulting in the severe deterioration of her health condition. They added that Zhang must receive adequate medical assistance. "The increasing restrictions on freedom of speech, access to information, intimidation and surveillance of journalists, as well as detentions, trials, and sentencing of human rights defenders, lawyers, and intellectuals in China will continue to be a major concern."
#US #China #EU #ZhangZhan #MikePompeo #CCP #CitizenJournalist #Jail #Detention #FreedomofSpeech #Surveillance #Suppression
Source: Stand News #Dec30
https://bit.ly/38aq8Tb
EU said She was Being Tortured, and Pompeo said the Case Reflects CCP Fears of Truthtellers
Chinese citizen journalist Zhang Zhan traveled to Wuhan to make the news coverage regarding the Wuhan Virus pandemic. She was accused of picking quarrels and provoking trouble, putting her in prison for four years. The European Union (EU) said in a statement yesterday calling for an immediate release of Zhang and cited from credible sources that she had been tortured during detention. The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also issued a statement condemning China strongly for its false prosecution and conviction of Zhang, which reflected the CCP's fears of citizens who speak the truth.
The EU called for the immediate release of Zhang in a statement yesterday (29th). They also disclosed according to reliable sources, Zhang had been subjected to torture and ill-treatment during her detention, resulting in the severe deterioration of her health condition. They added that Zhang must receive adequate medical assistance. "The increasing restrictions on freedom of speech, access to information, intimidation and surveillance of journalists, as well as detentions, trials, and sentencing of human rights defenders, lawyers, and intellectuals in China will continue to be a major concern."
#US #China #EU #ZhangZhan #MikePompeo #CCP #CitizenJournalist #Jail #Detention #FreedomofSpeech #Surveillance #Suppression
Source: Stand News #Dec30
https://bit.ly/38aq8Tb
Singaporean Spies on US for China, Arrested on Return
Dickson Jun Wei Yeo, a Singaporean citizen who admitted to collecting sensitive information about the US for Chinese intelligence agencies and jailed in America, was arrested upon return to Singapore after serving his sentence. In a statement released on 30 December, Singapore’s Internal Security Department (ISD) said Yeo had been arrested and would be questioned to see if he had engaged in activities that endanger Singapore’s national security.
In their statement, the ISD stressed that the Singaporean government “takes a very serious view on any Singaporean who enters into a clandestine relationship with a foreign government and engages in espionage or subversive activities at the behest of the foreign power”. They said that the authorities would not allow “nationals to be subverted or used by any foreign actors for activities prejudicial to our security and national interests”.
Source: Stand News #Dec30
#Singapore #US #China #NationalSecurity #Espionage
https://bit.ly/2NycukN
Dickson Jun Wei Yeo, a Singaporean citizen who admitted to collecting sensitive information about the US for Chinese intelligence agencies and jailed in America, was arrested upon return to Singapore after serving his sentence. In a statement released on 30 December, Singapore’s Internal Security Department (ISD) said Yeo had been arrested and would be questioned to see if he had engaged in activities that endanger Singapore’s national security.
In their statement, the ISD stressed that the Singaporean government “takes a very serious view on any Singaporean who enters into a clandestine relationship with a foreign government and engages in espionage or subversive activities at the behest of the foreign power”. They said that the authorities would not allow “nationals to be subverted or used by any foreign actors for activities prejudicial to our security and national interests”.
Source: Stand News #Dec30
#Singapore #US #China #NationalSecurity #Espionage
https://bit.ly/2NycukN
Chinese Communist Party present at many global companies, group says
Source: Nikkei Asia #Dec30
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Source: Nikkei Asia #Dec30
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Chinese Communist Party present at many global companies, group says
An international group of lawmakers has shared an apparent list of nearly 2 million Chinese Communist Party members with multiple governments, flagging the fact that many party members are employed by global companies, Nikkei has learned.
Dating back to 2016, the list covers about 80,000 party branches, mainly around Shanghai, along with their members. The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China has distributed it to a number of countries.
The data -- and the furious response to it in some quarters -- underscores the dilemma that companies face in hiring party members. Party membership is highly competitive, making the body a source of exceptional talent. But as suspicion toward China grows, critics warn of the potential economic security risks involved in hiring Beijing loyalists.
Source: Nikkei Asia #Dec30
https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Chinese-Communist-Party-present-at-many-global-companies-group-says
#CCP #China #Beijing #Global
An international group of lawmakers has shared an apparent list of nearly 2 million Chinese Communist Party members with multiple governments, flagging the fact that many party members are employed by global companies, Nikkei has learned.
Dating back to 2016, the list covers about 80,000 party branches, mainly around Shanghai, along with their members. The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China has distributed it to a number of countries.
The data -- and the furious response to it in some quarters -- underscores the dilemma that companies face in hiring party members. Party membership is highly competitive, making the body a source of exceptional talent. But as suspicion toward China grows, critics warn of the potential economic security risks involved in hiring Beijing loyalists.
Source: Nikkei Asia #Dec30
https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Chinese-Communist-Party-present-at-many-global-companies-group-says
#CCP #China #Beijing #Global
Nikkei Asia
Chinese Communist Party present at many global companies, group says
Leaked list of 2m members circulates among countries to sound alarm on security risks
#Court #PoliticalProsecution
Former #StandNews editors Denied Bail; UK office Ceases Operation a Day after crackdowns by Hong Kong Authorities
Source: Inmediahk.net, RTHK; #Dec30
Read more
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Former #StandNews editors Denied Bail; UK office Ceases Operation a Day after crackdowns by Hong Kong Authorities
Source: Inmediahk.net, RTHK; #Dec30
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#Court #PoliticalProsecution
Former #StandNews editors Denied Bail; UK office Ceases Operation a Day after crackdowns by Hong Kong Authorities
In Hong Kong, two former Stand News editors #ChungPuiKuen and Patrick #LamSiuTung were denied bail by West Kowloon Court on 30 December, 2021, one day after they were arrested by Hong Kong national security police.
Former editor-in-chief Chung Pui-kuen, and former acting editor-in-chief #PatrickLam were accused of "conspiring with others to publish or reproduce seditious publications" between July 7, 2020 and December 29, 2021.
Chung was the only defendant appeared at the hearing while Lam could not attend due to health reasons. Both defendants were remanded in custody as the magistrate was not convinced that they would not carry out acts endangering national security.
Outside the magistrate court, tens of former employees of Stand News gathered to bid farewell to Chung Pui-kuen. Many of them broke into tears as they waved goodbye to Chung. Others called out words of encouragement for Chung to stay strong.
Police on the site, however, shouted at the crowd disrespectfully, ordering them to go away and leave.
Meanwhile, #YeungTinShui, head of Stand News’ office in the UK, announced on Facebook on December 30, 2021 that the office has ceased operations and he had resigned.
On December 29, 2021, the national security police arrested senior staff members and board directors of Stand News and froze the outlet's assets that worth HK$61 million. The Force raided the news outlet's newsroom and offices in Hong Kong, seized 62 computers, 27 storage devices and six boxes of documents in the operation. Stand News, a popular pro-democracy online media outlet, was forced to fold its operation and dismissed all employees on the same day.
#Media #PoliticalOppression #PressFreedom #Arrest #Regime #PoliceState #PoliticalProsecution
Source: Inmediahk.net, RTHK; #Dec30
https://bit.ly/31bUO5L
====
Related News:
Stand News: Operation ceased; social media accounts will be removed
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31757
Hong Kong National Security raid pro-democracy newspaper, arrested 6 senior staff
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31751
Hong Kong Authorities' #Crackdown on Stand News
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31752
Stand News Thanks Hongkongers for Their Support Despite #PoliticalOppression
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31765
Hong Kong Police Issues Arrest warrant for Stand News founder
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31766
Former #StandNews editors Denied Bail; UK office Ceases Operation a Day after crackdowns by Hong Kong Authorities
In Hong Kong, two former Stand News editors #ChungPuiKuen and Patrick #LamSiuTung were denied bail by West Kowloon Court on 30 December, 2021, one day after they were arrested by Hong Kong national security police.
Former editor-in-chief Chung Pui-kuen, and former acting editor-in-chief #PatrickLam were accused of "conspiring with others to publish or reproduce seditious publications" between July 7, 2020 and December 29, 2021.
Chung was the only defendant appeared at the hearing while Lam could not attend due to health reasons. Both defendants were remanded in custody as the magistrate was not convinced that they would not carry out acts endangering national security.
Outside the magistrate court, tens of former employees of Stand News gathered to bid farewell to Chung Pui-kuen. Many of them broke into tears as they waved goodbye to Chung. Others called out words of encouragement for Chung to stay strong.
Police on the site, however, shouted at the crowd disrespectfully, ordering them to go away and leave.
Meanwhile, #YeungTinShui, head of Stand News’ office in the UK, announced on Facebook on December 30, 2021 that the office has ceased operations and he had resigned.
On December 29, 2021, the national security police arrested senior staff members and board directors of Stand News and froze the outlet's assets that worth HK$61 million. The Force raided the news outlet's newsroom and offices in Hong Kong, seized 62 computers, 27 storage devices and six boxes of documents in the operation. Stand News, a popular pro-democracy online media outlet, was forced to fold its operation and dismissed all employees on the same day.
#Media #PoliticalOppression #PressFreedom #Arrest #Regime #PoliceState #PoliticalProsecution
Source: Inmediahk.net, RTHK; #Dec30
https://bit.ly/31bUO5L
====
Related News:
Stand News: Operation ceased; social media accounts will be removed
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31757
Hong Kong National Security raid pro-democracy newspaper, arrested 6 senior staff
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31751
Hong Kong Authorities' #Crackdown on Stand News
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31752
Stand News Thanks Hongkongers for Their Support Despite #PoliticalOppression
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31765
Hong Kong Police Issues Arrest warrant for Stand News founder
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31766
獨立媒體
前《立場》高層保釋遭拒 員工送車遭警呼喝離開 | 獨媒報導 | 獨立媒體
【獨媒報導】前《立場新聞》總編輯鍾沛權及前署任總編輯林紹桐被控「串謀發布及/或複製煽動刊物」罪，今保釋申請遭拒，須還柙至明年2月25日訊，不少前員工哭成淚人。
#WhiteTerror #PressFreedom
“Is there any trustworthy media outlet left in Hong Kong?” ask Readers of now-defunct Stand News
Source: Inmediahk.net; #Dec30
Read more
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“Is there any trustworthy media outlet left in Hong Kong?” ask Readers of now-defunct Stand News
Source: Inmediahk.net; #Dec30
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
#WhiteTerror #PressFreedom
“Is there any trustworthy media outlet left in Hong Kong?” ask Readers of now-defunct Stand News
In Hong Kong, Stand News, an independent pro-democracy media outlet, was forced into closure on December 29, 2021 when 7 personnel linked to the outlet were arrested by the National Security police on suspicion of “conspiracy to distribute seditious publications”.
In late evening on the same day, a young couple, Ah Wai and his girlfriend, who resides in Wong Tai Sin went all the way to the news outlet’s office in Kwun Tong to bid farewell to the reporters.
“We want to thank the reporters of Stand News," said the couple. "We’ve been reading their news reports. Without their hard work, there won’t be anything worth reading [in Hong Kong].”
The young couple used to read #AppleDaily. After Apple Daily was forced to close down in June this year, they switched to Stand News. Although both acknowledged that local authorities were set to crackdown on Stand News, they didn’t expect it to happen that day.
The couple told reporters that they were astonished to learn that senior staff members of Stand News were arrested, and the newsroom being raided. It took a long time for Ah Wai’s girlfriend to settle her mind before she could get back to work. They watched the latest video published by Stand News on its social media, "2021 Tree Cave" and shared that with their friends, regardless of their political orientation.
“I believe disseminating their work is the best way to show our respect to Stand News. Reporters who produced the video would certainly want more people to know about it.”
Ah Wai’s girlfriend continued saying that the last video produced by Stand News has been keeping her company and heartened. “[The video] tells more than how gloomy an era we are facing, it tried to shed lights for us to carry on our lives.”
It is for the same reason that took the young couple to the office of Stand News. “[we] perhaps can’t do anything for the reporters, but we can at least keep them companied.”
She added that pro-democracy media outlets in Hong Kong have been targeted and cracked down one after another in the past 6 months. Stand News was among the few trusted outlets left for her to “learn the fact and true happenings in Hong Kong.”
With Stand News closing down, she sighed and felt losing connection with society.
In her keen voice, she asked the reporters, “is there any trustworthy news outlet left in Hong Kong?”
Inside the office of Stand News in this late evening, many staff members lingered on chatting with each other. Some of them walked by the door where Ah Wai and his girlfriend were standing. Ah Wai’s girlfriend waved to them to say thank you, “thank you for the hard work. I read news reports on Stand News almost every day. They become my long-time companion. I hope you all can find your own way and carry on.”
Source: Inmediahk.net; #Dec30
https://bit.ly/3sHeZUq
#Solidarity #Humanity #Crackdown #PressFreedom #PoliticalOppression #StandNews #Readers #Hongkongers
“Is there any trustworthy media outlet left in Hong Kong?” ask Readers of now-defunct Stand News
In Hong Kong, Stand News, an independent pro-democracy media outlet, was forced into closure on December 29, 2021 when 7 personnel linked to the outlet were arrested by the National Security police on suspicion of “conspiracy to distribute seditious publications”.
In late evening on the same day, a young couple, Ah Wai and his girlfriend, who resides in Wong Tai Sin went all the way to the news outlet’s office in Kwun Tong to bid farewell to the reporters.
“We want to thank the reporters of Stand News," said the couple. "We’ve been reading their news reports. Without their hard work, there won’t be anything worth reading [in Hong Kong].”
The young couple used to read #AppleDaily. After Apple Daily was forced to close down in June this year, they switched to Stand News. Although both acknowledged that local authorities were set to crackdown on Stand News, they didn’t expect it to happen that day.
The couple told reporters that they were astonished to learn that senior staff members of Stand News were arrested, and the newsroom being raided. It took a long time for Ah Wai’s girlfriend to settle her mind before she could get back to work. They watched the latest video published by Stand News on its social media, "2021 Tree Cave" and shared that with their friends, regardless of their political orientation.
“I believe disseminating their work is the best way to show our respect to Stand News. Reporters who produced the video would certainly want more people to know about it.”
Ah Wai’s girlfriend continued saying that the last video produced by Stand News has been keeping her company and heartened. “[The video] tells more than how gloomy an era we are facing, it tried to shed lights for us to carry on our lives.”
It is for the same reason that took the young couple to the office of Stand News. “[we] perhaps can’t do anything for the reporters, but we can at least keep them companied.”
She added that pro-democracy media outlets in Hong Kong have been targeted and cracked down one after another in the past 6 months. Stand News was among the few trusted outlets left for her to “learn the fact and true happenings in Hong Kong.”
With Stand News closing down, she sighed and felt losing connection with society.
In her keen voice, she asked the reporters, “is there any trustworthy news outlet left in Hong Kong?”
Inside the office of Stand News in this late evening, many staff members lingered on chatting with each other. Some of them walked by the door where Ah Wai and his girlfriend were standing. Ah Wai’s girlfriend waved to them to say thank you, “thank you for the hard work. I read news reports on Stand News almost every day. They become my long-time companion. I hope you all can find your own way and carry on.”
Source: Inmediahk.net; #Dec30
https://bit.ly/3sHeZUq
#Solidarity #Humanity #Crackdown #PressFreedom #PoliticalOppression #StandNews #Readers #Hongkongers
World Muslim Leaders Boycott Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics
On December 30, 2021, The Global Imams Council (#GIC) made a decision to boycott the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.
The Council is, according to its website, the "largest transnational non-governmental body of Muslim religious leaders from all Islamic Denominations and Schools of thought."
In a statement, the Council described China as a "tyrannical and oppressive regime that is responsible for the genocide and ethnic cleansing of Uyghurs".
Source: The Global Imams Council #Dec30
#WinterOlympics #Boycott #CCP #Genocide #Uyghurs
On December 30, 2021, The Global Imams Council (#GIC) made a decision to boycott the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.
The Council is, according to its website, the "largest transnational non-governmental body of Muslim religious leaders from all Islamic Denominations and Schools of thought."
In a statement, the Council described China as a "tyrannical and oppressive regime that is responsible for the genocide and ethnic cleansing of Uyghurs".
Source: The Global Imams Council #Dec30
#WinterOlympics #Boycott #CCP #Genocide #Uyghurs
#CCP
Crackdown on Stand News is China's First Step in Controlling the World's Narrative, says Former #NextDigital Director
Source: VOA Chinese #Dec30
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Crackdown on Stand News is China's First Step in Controlling the World's Narrative, says Former #NextDigital Director
Source: VOA Chinese #Dec30
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