Hong Kong government requires all civil servants to do an oath for complying with the National Security Law. How strong is it?
#NationalSecurityLaw #CivilServants #Oath #GoHKgraphics
#NationalSecurityLaw #CivilServants #Oath #GoHKgraphics
WHO Experts Went to Wuhan to Investigate the Origin of COVID but were Refused for Entry. Tedros: Very disappointed
Source from: The Stand News #Jan06
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Source from: The Stand News #Jan06
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WHO Experts Went to Wuhan to Investigate the Origin of COVID but were Refused for Entry. Tedros: Very disappointed
WHO stated on 5th January that China had not approved the entry of the expert group for the investigation on the origin of Wuhan Virus. WHO Director-General Tedros rarely indicated that he was very disappointed with China and stated that two experts have already set off to Wuhan but reported that Chinese officials did not approve their entry permit. He emphasised that China and the WHO had a joint agreement in December last year on this investigation arrangement.
Tedros said at a press conference in Geneva, “I was very disappointed with this news. I have contacted senior Chinese officials, and have also indicated again that this mission was prioritised in the WHO and the international team.” He clearly stated that WHO is “eager to complete the task as soon as possible”, and China has even assured him that Beijing will speed up internal procedures and let the expert team make an arrangement as soon as possible.
#China #WHO #WuhanVirus #TedrosAdhanomGhebreyesus #Tedros #COVID19
Source from: The Stand News #Jan06
https://bit.ly/2Y1X7mJ
WHO stated on 5th January that China had not approved the entry of the expert group for the investigation on the origin of Wuhan Virus. WHO Director-General Tedros rarely indicated that he was very disappointed with China and stated that two experts have already set off to Wuhan but reported that Chinese officials did not approve their entry permit. He emphasised that China and the WHO had a joint agreement in December last year on this investigation arrangement.
Tedros said at a press conference in Geneva, “I was very disappointed with this news. I have contacted senior Chinese officials, and have also indicated again that this mission was prioritised in the WHO and the international team.” He clearly stated that WHO is “eager to complete the task as soon as possible”, and China has even assured him that Beijing will speed up internal procedures and let the expert team make an arrangement as soon as possible.
#China #WHO #WuhanVirus #TedrosAdhanomGhebreyesus #Tedros #COVID19
Source from: The Stand News #Jan06
https://bit.ly/2Y1X7mJ
立場新聞 Stand News
【武漢肺炎】世衞專家赴武漢查病毒起源 遭拒絕入境 譚德塞：非常失望 | 立場報道 | 立場新聞
世衛周二（5 日）指，中國至今仍未批准專家組入境調查武漢肺炎起源。世衞總幹事譚德塞更罕有地表示，對中國感到非常...
Political pressure weighs on HSBC over Hong Kong activists
Carrie Lam revealed in late 2020 that she received cash for her salary after being targeted by US sanction. That not only presented a problem for Ms Lam, but also a compliance nightmare for international banks in Hong Kong.
HSBC freezing of a bank account of Ted Hui, former pro-democracy lawmaker, over the new year has shown more fraught for the banks on the compliance problems.
Lawyers say banks are increasingly incentivised to avoid offering services to any Hong Konger who could get them into hot water.
One compliance officer at an international bank in Hong Kong said employees were worried and tried to avoid having their name attached to decisions on individual accounts considered political, even attempting to get closure decisions signed off offshore. “We are all on edge,” the officer said.
Source: FT #Jan05
https://www.ft.com/content/75313efa-e44b-4f73-9cd0-41a045f62749
#HSBC #TedHui #HKActivist #HongKong
Carrie Lam revealed in late 2020 that she received cash for her salary after being targeted by US sanction. That not only presented a problem for Ms Lam, but also a compliance nightmare for international banks in Hong Kong.
HSBC freezing of a bank account of Ted Hui, former pro-democracy lawmaker, over the new year has shown more fraught for the banks on the compliance problems.
Lawyers say banks are increasingly incentivised to avoid offering services to any Hong Konger who could get them into hot water.
One compliance officer at an international bank in Hong Kong said employees were worried and tried to avoid having their name attached to decisions on individual accounts considered political, even attempting to get closure decisions signed off offshore. “We are all on edge,” the officer said.
Source: FT #Jan05
https://www.ft.com/content/75313efa-e44b-4f73-9cd0-41a045f62749
#HSBC #TedHui #HKActivist #HongKong
Pompeo: US to lift restrictions on contacts with Taiwan
In a statement on Jan 10, Mr Pompeo said the US state department had introduced complicated “self-imposed restrictions” limiting the communication between American and their Taiwanese officials. He added that Taiwan was a vibrant democracy and a reliable US partner. These rules are now "null and void".
Following the announcement, Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu thanked Mr Pompeo, saying he was "grateful". "The closer partnership between Taiwan and the US is firmly based on our shared values, common interests and unshakeable belief in freedom and democracy," he wrote in a tweet.
Source: BBC #Jan10
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-55606594
#USTWRestrictions #Taiwan
In a statement on Jan 10, Mr Pompeo said the US state department had introduced complicated “self-imposed restrictions” limiting the communication between American and their Taiwanese officials. He added that Taiwan was a vibrant democracy and a reliable US partner. These rules are now "null and void".
Following the announcement, Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu thanked Mr Pompeo, saying he was "grateful". "The closer partnership between Taiwan and the US is firmly based on our shared values, common interests and unshakeable belief in freedom and democracy," he wrote in a tweet.
Source: BBC #Jan10
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-55606594
#USTWRestrictions #Taiwan
#Breaking #PoliceState
HK Police raid university twice in a fortnight and arrest Chairman of Student Association
On January 11, 2021, several civilians wearing black reportedly charged the security barrier at the guard post of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (#CUHK), calling on students entering the campus not to show their student ID cards. One of them threw unknown white powder over a guard before fleeing the scene. After a brief chase, one was arrested.
On the evening of January 25, 2021, police officers raided three student dormitories at the university. Sources revealed that police arrested three more students in connection with the case. The arrestees include the Chairman of the Interim Administrative Committee of the Chinese University Students' Association, Au Cheuk-hei, who is then detained in Shatin Police Station for investigation.
Source: Apple Daily, #Jan25
https://hk.appledaily.com/breaking/20210125/TJ6EZMDAVNCNHBSDVCDQHMIC7Q/
#Arrest #University
HK Police raid university twice in a fortnight and arrest Chairman of Student Association
On January 11, 2021, several civilians wearing black reportedly charged the security barrier at the guard post of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (#CUHK), calling on students entering the campus not to show their student ID cards. One of them threw unknown white powder over a guard before fleeing the scene. After a brief chase, one was arrested.
On the evening of January 25, 2021, police officers raided three student dormitories at the university. Sources revealed that police arrested three more students in connection with the case. The arrestees include the Chairman of the Interim Administrative Committee of the Chinese University Students' Association, Au Cheuk-hei, who is then detained in Shatin Police Station for investigation.
Source: Apple Daily, #Jan25
https://hk.appledaily.com/breaking/20210125/TJ6EZMDAVNCNHBSDVCDQHMIC7Q/
#Arrest #University
#interview #HongkongersVoice
Arrested Pro-democracy Uni Student is Not Pessimistic: "The Movement is About Seeking an Ideal, Which Can Only Come True through Practice"
Source: Stand News #Jan21
Read more
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https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/28173
Arrested Pro-democracy Uni Student is Not Pessimistic: "The Movement is About Seeking an Ideal, Which Can Only Come True through Practice"
Source: Stand News #Jan21
Read more
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https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/28173
#Interview #HongkongersVoice
Arrested Pro-democracy Uni Student is Not Pessimistic: "The Movement is About Seeking an Ideal, Which Can Only Come True through Practice"
Part 1:
Ah Ling (pseudonym), is a MPhil postgraduate student in Philosophy at Chinese University of Hong Kong (#CUHK). He is also one of 1.03 million citizens who took to the street on 9 June, 2019 to protest against the government’s willful introduction of extradition to China.
At the end of the rally, he headed to the Legislative Council (#LegCo) building to offer help, knowing his fellow protesters needed assistance. Shortly after he arrived at the LegCo building, a large team of police broke into protesters’ defense and arrested Ah Ling and six others.
The seven of them were dragged into the Legco building and forced down on their knees in front of a wall. They knelt there for for five hours. In November 2020, Ah Ling was charged with illegal assembly for piling up mills barriers.
On January 13, 2021, Ah Ling decided to plead guilty. In court, his lawyer stated that Ah Ling was graduated with first class honors and received 18 scholarships in three years. It is likely that he will lose the opportunity to study a Ph.D at Yale University.
Ah Ling was at last sentenced to 16 weeks of imprisonment.
“Actually, many Philosophy students at the Chinese University of Hong Kong have been arrested, accounting for quite a large faction of the total arrestees. For God knows why, we kept being arrested.” Ah Ling said it lightly.
“In times like this, many of us felt being summoned and urged to do something following our [philosophical] training."
Ah Ling said Hongkongers' involvement in the pro-democracy movement came from the “sense of justice”. “We genuinely see the importance in seeking justice in Hong Kong. So willingly, we put in our time and efforts.”
Commenting on the arrests of Jimmy Lai and 12 Youths, Ah Ling expressed, “the authorities will not let go any slightest chance to scourge us.”
The current silence at the street is built up at the expense of disquiet minds and raging hearts. At the end of the Umbrella Movement in 2014, a regression took place. As of this moment, social activism in Hong Kong has seemingly slumped into another state of speechlessness and helplessness. Many people asked how could they carry on?
With reference to history, Ah Ling acknowledged a long and tough journey ahead, “there are too many races going extinct in history. Nobody is giving shit to the so-called resistance and sacrifice. All those brave deeds have been deeply buried in our history.”
But he is not pessimistic.
Ah Ling said, “it doesn’t matter … do not presume that you are going to see any achievement in your lifetime, or like some commentators claimed - the coming two weeks are the most critical. It’s better to drop this mentality altogether.”
“The entire movement is about seeking an ideal, which can only come true through our practice.”
Source: Stand News #Jan21
https://bit.ly/3iyYrXF
#ProtestersStory #AhLing #Arrest #PhilosophyStudent #University #Youth #Future #Justice
Arrested Pro-democracy Uni Student is Not Pessimistic: "The Movement is About Seeking an Ideal, Which Can Only Come True through Practice"
Part 1:
Ah Ling (pseudonym), is a MPhil postgraduate student in Philosophy at Chinese University of Hong Kong (#CUHK). He is also one of 1.03 million citizens who took to the street on 9 June, 2019 to protest against the government’s willful introduction of extradition to China.
At the end of the rally, he headed to the Legislative Council (#LegCo) building to offer help, knowing his fellow protesters needed assistance. Shortly after he arrived at the LegCo building, a large team of police broke into protesters’ defense and arrested Ah Ling and six others.
The seven of them were dragged into the Legco building and forced down on their knees in front of a wall. They knelt there for for five hours. In November 2020, Ah Ling was charged with illegal assembly for piling up mills barriers.
On January 13, 2021, Ah Ling decided to plead guilty. In court, his lawyer stated that Ah Ling was graduated with first class honors and received 18 scholarships in three years. It is likely that he will lose the opportunity to study a Ph.D at Yale University.
Ah Ling was at last sentenced to 16 weeks of imprisonment.
“Actually, many Philosophy students at the Chinese University of Hong Kong have been arrested, accounting for quite a large faction of the total arrestees. For God knows why, we kept being arrested.” Ah Ling said it lightly.
“In times like this, many of us felt being summoned and urged to do something following our [philosophical] training."
Ah Ling said Hongkongers' involvement in the pro-democracy movement came from the “sense of justice”. “We genuinely see the importance in seeking justice in Hong Kong. So willingly, we put in our time and efforts.”
Commenting on the arrests of Jimmy Lai and 12 Youths, Ah Ling expressed, “the authorities will not let go any slightest chance to scourge us.”
The current silence at the street is built up at the expense of disquiet minds and raging hearts. At the end of the Umbrella Movement in 2014, a regression took place. As of this moment, social activism in Hong Kong has seemingly slumped into another state of speechlessness and helplessness. Many people asked how could they carry on?
With reference to history, Ah Ling acknowledged a long and tough journey ahead, “there are too many races going extinct in history. Nobody is giving shit to the so-called resistance and sacrifice. All those brave deeds have been deeply buried in our history.”
But he is not pessimistic.
Ah Ling said, “it doesn’t matter … do not presume that you are going to see any achievement in your lifetime, or like some commentators claimed - the coming two weeks are the most critical. It’s better to drop this mentality altogether.”
“The entire movement is about seeking an ideal, which can only come true through our practice.”
Source: Stand News #Jan21
https://bit.ly/3iyYrXF
#ProtestersStory #AhLing #Arrest #PhilosophyStudent #University #Youth #Future #Justice
#PoliceState #PressFreedom #Court
Alleged police officers threatened to “arrest whoever films” when escorting witness officers out of court
Source: Stand News #Jan19
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Alleged police officers threatened to “arrest whoever films” when escorting witness officers out of court
Source: Stand News #Jan19
Read more
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#PoliceState #PressFreedom #Court
Alleged police officers threaten to “arrest whoever films” when escorting witness officers out of court
Senior Inspector Chan Hiu-Chi attended the court on Jan 19, 2021 as a witness to give evidence on several cases including illegal assembly and possession of explosive materials on August 10, 2019.
As Chan left the building under the escort of several alleged police officers and arrived at the the UB level of the parking lot which was not part of the court area, reporters who attempted to film Chan were stopped by the alleged officers who claimed that they would “arrest whoever films”.
In the police’s reply to Stand News’ inquiry later in the evening, they promised to remind officers to mind their language and enhance their professional sensibility.
This was actually not the first time that reporters were forbidden from filming when police witnesses were escorted by their alleged colleagues.
During a case in May 2020, a 16-year-old female student and a couple who had helped the injured student to stand up during a clash were charged with rioting. An police inspector who attended the court as a witness was also escorted by several alleged police officers as he took the elevator. When the inspector arrived at the parking lot, the alleged officers yelled at the reporters “No photos are allowed here. Whoever shoots will be arrested. Show me your IDs!”.
The Hong Kong Police Force had the same reply when responding to the Stand News back then, that they would remind police officers to mind their language and enhance their professional sensibility.
Source: Stand News #Jan19
https://bit.ly/3qrG3CW
#AsiasFinest #PoliceBrutality
Alleged police officers threaten to “arrest whoever films” when escorting witness officers out of court
Senior Inspector Chan Hiu-Chi attended the court on Jan 19, 2021 as a witness to give evidence on several cases including illegal assembly and possession of explosive materials on August 10, 2019.
As Chan left the building under the escort of several alleged police officers and arrived at the the UB level of the parking lot which was not part of the court area, reporters who attempted to film Chan were stopped by the alleged officers who claimed that they would “arrest whoever films”.
In the police’s reply to Stand News’ inquiry later in the evening, they promised to remind officers to mind their language and enhance their professional sensibility.
This was actually not the first time that reporters were forbidden from filming when police witnesses were escorted by their alleged colleagues.
During a case in May 2020, a 16-year-old female student and a couple who had helped the injured student to stand up during a clash were charged with rioting. An police inspector who attended the court as a witness was also escorted by several alleged police officers as he took the elevator. When the inspector arrived at the parking lot, the alleged officers yelled at the reporters “No photos are allowed here. Whoever shoots will be arrested. Show me your IDs!”.
The Hong Kong Police Force had the same reply when responding to the Stand News back then, that they would remind police officers to mind their language and enhance their professional sensibility.
Source: Stand News #Jan19
https://bit.ly/3qrG3CW
#AsiasFinest #PoliceBrutality
立場新聞 Stand News
疑似便衣警阻記者法院外拍照 警證實屬西九龍衝鋒隊 稱「與傳媒發生誤會」 | 立場報道 | 立場新聞
2019 年 8 月 10 日紅磡非法集結、管有爆炸品等案，案件於區域法院續審，高級督察陳曉馳今（19 日）早...
#Authoritarianism #Oppression #Education #LiberalStudies
Pro-Beijing Academic Appointed to Review Liberal Studies in Hong Kong's Education System
Source: Stand News, #Jan21
Read more
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Pro-Beijing Academic Appointed to Review Liberal Studies in Hong Kong's Education System
Source: Stand News, #Jan21
Read more
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#Authoritarianism #Oppression #Education #LiberalStudies
Pro-Beijing Academic Appointed to Review Liberal Studies in Hong Kong's Education System
In November 2020, the Education Bureau in Hong Kong announced “reform” to high school Liberal Studies subject, stating that the new curriculum will be rolled out in September 2021.
The short-lived Committee dedicated to the Review of the Curriculum Development of Liberal Studies was formed in 2019, but was dissolved subsequently in December 2020, following its last committee meeting.
A new committee was soon established a month later and was renamed as “Curriculum Development Council - Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (Re-named Subjects) Committee”.
The 12-membered Committee was led by pro-Beijing academic Lau Chi-pang, who is the Associate Vice-Chancellor of Lingnan University.
Lau held many public offices. He is a member of the “Hong Kong Chronical Institute” of the Our Hong Kong Foundation and a council member of the National Hong Kong-Macau Research Council.
Under the new plan, the teaching of liberal studies in Hong Kong schools will be changed to include more content about mainland China and less on current affairs while students will also be taught about national security issues.
Liberal studies will still be a compulsory core subject but students will no longer have to conduct an associated project known as Independent Enquiry Study. Grading, on the other hand, will be changed to a pass/fail system.
Source: Stand News, #Jan21
#LingnanUniversity #LauChiPang #NationalEducation
Pro-Beijing Academic Appointed to Review Liberal Studies in Hong Kong's Education System
In November 2020, the Education Bureau in Hong Kong announced “reform” to high school Liberal Studies subject, stating that the new curriculum will be rolled out in September 2021.
The short-lived Committee dedicated to the Review of the Curriculum Development of Liberal Studies was formed in 2019, but was dissolved subsequently in December 2020, following its last committee meeting.
A new committee was soon established a month later and was renamed as “Curriculum Development Council - Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (Re-named Subjects) Committee”.
The 12-membered Committee was led by pro-Beijing academic Lau Chi-pang, who is the Associate Vice-Chancellor of Lingnan University.
Lau held many public offices. He is a member of the “Hong Kong Chronical Institute” of the Our Hong Kong Foundation and a council member of the National Hong Kong-Macau Research Council.
Under the new plan, the teaching of liberal studies in Hong Kong schools will be changed to include more content about mainland China and less on current affairs while students will also be taught about national security issues.
Liberal studies will still be a compulsory core subject but students will no longer have to conduct an associated project known as Independent Enquiry Study. Grading, on the other hand, will be changed to a pass/fail system.
Source: Stand News, #Jan21
#LingnanUniversity #LauChiPang #NationalEducation
#Justice #HKBarristers
New Chairperson of Hong Kong Bar Association vows to protect the rule of law in Hong Kong
Source: Stand News #Jan21
Read more
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New Chairperson of Hong Kong Bar Association vows to protect the rule of law in Hong Kong
Source: Stand News #Jan21
Read more
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#Justice #HKBarristers
New Chairperson of Hong Kong Bar Association vows to protect the rule of law in Hong Kong
On Jan 21, 2021, Philip Dykes ended his second term as the chairperson of the Hong Kong Bar Association (#HKBA) based on charter rules.
Founder of Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor, senior counsel Paul Harris was elected to be the next chairperson without any opposition.
The two vice-chairpersons were senior counsel Anita Yip, who was re-elected, and Erik Shum, who was a committee member originally.
After being elected, Harris held in his hand a wooden chair figure that represented his status as the new chairperson and spoke with reporters outside of the venue.
Harris said, the Bar Association and the rule of law in Hong Kong are going through a difficult time at the moment. As a senior counsel who is deeply committed to the law, he opposed both violent protests and the government that abuses its power. He promised to enhance the rule of law during his term.
Harris also expressed his concern towards the National Security Law, especially the part which indicated that state power overrides the law.
Moreover, many countries had suspended their extradition agreement with Hong Kong due to concerns over the National Security Law. This means that outlaws such as murderers can easily escape from legal justifications, especially in the future when the pandemic is over and it is easier to travel in and out of Hong Kong.
Harris therefore promised to try his best to negotiate in hopes that the government can amend some parts of the National Security Law to resume extradition agreements. “I don’t know if that would be possible,” said Harris, “but that’s what I’m going to work towards”.
Source: Stand News #Jan21
#PaulHarris #PhilipDykes #HumanRights
New Chairperson of Hong Kong Bar Association vows to protect the rule of law in Hong Kong
On Jan 21, 2021, Philip Dykes ended his second term as the chairperson of the Hong Kong Bar Association (#HKBA) based on charter rules.
Founder of Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor, senior counsel Paul Harris was elected to be the next chairperson without any opposition.
The two vice-chairpersons were senior counsel Anita Yip, who was re-elected, and Erik Shum, who was a committee member originally.
After being elected, Harris held in his hand a wooden chair figure that represented his status as the new chairperson and spoke with reporters outside of the venue.
Harris said, the Bar Association and the rule of law in Hong Kong are going through a difficult time at the moment. As a senior counsel who is deeply committed to the law, he opposed both violent protests and the government that abuses its power. He promised to enhance the rule of law during his term.
Harris also expressed his concern towards the National Security Law, especially the part which indicated that state power overrides the law.
Moreover, many countries had suspended their extradition agreement with Hong Kong due to concerns over the National Security Law. This means that outlaws such as murderers can easily escape from legal justifications, especially in the future when the pandemic is over and it is easier to travel in and out of Hong Kong.
Harris therefore promised to try his best to negotiate in hopes that the government can amend some parts of the National Security Law to resume extradition agreements. “I don’t know if that would be possible,” said Harris, “but that’s what I’m going to work towards”.
Source: Stand News #Jan21
#PaulHarris #PhilipDykes #HumanRights
【Interview】Student Politicism: We exist to test the boundaries
“The purpose of our existence is to test the boundaries of the regime." Wang Yat-chin, 19, convenor of Student Politicism
"We want to tell the public that even when suppressed to the current extent, we are alright. There is still so much you can do (to further the movement).” Wong Yuen-lam, 18, spokesperson of Student Polticism
Source：Standnews #Jan01
#Boundaries #Regime #StudentPoliticism #Interview
https://telegra.ph/InterviewStudent-Politicism-We-exist-to-test-the-boundaries-01-24
“The purpose of our existence is to test the boundaries of the regime." Wang Yat-chin, 19, convenor of Student Politicism
"We want to tell the public that even when suppressed to the current extent, we are alright. There is still so much you can do (to further the movement).” Wong Yuen-lam, 18, spokesperson of Student Polticism
Source：Standnews #Jan01
#Boundaries #Regime #StudentPoliticism #Interview
https://telegra.ph/InterviewStudent-Politicism-We-exist-to-test-the-boundaries-01-24
Chinese Political Censorship Reaches the U.S., North America WeChat users could be blocked at any time.
Source: Apple Daily #Jan09
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Source: Apple Daily #Jan09
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Chinese Political Censorship Reaches the U.S., North America WeChat users could be blocked at any time.
The U.S. government originally planned to block WeChat overseas version last September, but the court suspended the ban and the appeal will be heard next Thursday (January 14). President-elect Joe Biden's transition team did not comment on the ban. Some WeChat users in North America said their content was subject to political censorship. Some comments and news reposts that would cause discontent in China were blocked. Some Chinese dissidents in exile in the U.S. said they support Trump's blocking order, despite the inconvenience the WeChat ban has caused Chinese immigrants.
The Chinese messaging app WeChat has a strict censorship system. A large number of posts in support of Hong Kong's anti-extradition law have been deleted from its platform over the past two years. The Washington Post reported that WeChat's censorship of user postings has reached into the United States. Some accounts registered in the U.S. have had their posts on the platform blocked by WeChat, preventing their friends from viewing the content.
Source: Apple Daily #Jan09
https://hk.appledaily.com/international/20210109/PHUV2W4CVJH3XMAQPO2QMGTEBY/
#China #US #WeChat #censorship #PoliticalCensorship #CensorshipinUS #WashingtonPost
The U.S. government originally planned to block WeChat overseas version last September, but the court suspended the ban and the appeal will be heard next Thursday (January 14). President-elect Joe Biden's transition team did not comment on the ban. Some WeChat users in North America said their content was subject to political censorship. Some comments and news reposts that would cause discontent in China were blocked. Some Chinese dissidents in exile in the U.S. said they support Trump's blocking order, despite the inconvenience the WeChat ban has caused Chinese immigrants.
The Chinese messaging app WeChat has a strict censorship system. A large number of posts in support of Hong Kong's anti-extradition law have been deleted from its platform over the past two years. The Washington Post reported that WeChat's censorship of user postings has reached into the United States. Some accounts registered in the U.S. have had their posts on the platform blocked by WeChat, preventing their friends from viewing the content.
Source: Apple Daily #Jan09
https://hk.appledaily.com/international/20210109/PHUV2W4CVJH3XMAQPO2QMGTEBY/
#China #US #WeChat #censorship #PoliticalCensorship #CensorshipinUS #WashingtonPost
Twitter Blocked Trump’s Account; Merkel Thinks it was a Problematic Approach; French Finance Minister: Internet Giants Threaten Democracy
Source from: The Stand News #Jan12
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Source from: The Stand News #Jan12
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Twitter Blocked Trump’s Account; Merkel Thinks it was a Problematic Approach; French Finance Minister: Internet Giants Threaten Democracy
The personal Twitter account of the US President Donald Trump has been permanently blocked. Leaders of various countries have successively spoken out on the incident. German Chancellor Angela Merkel stated through her spokesperson that the approach of Twitter is problematic, and believed that the measure, which limited the freedom of speech, should be based on the legal framework and the legislature, rather than, decided by the social media management. Michael McCormack, the Acting Prime Minister of Australia, also indicated that he disagrees with the censorship. However, opposition leaders expressed their supports on Twitter’s decision and believed that people who spread hatred and lies should lose their voicing platform.
Angela Merkel responded through her spokesperson Steffen Seibert that the freedom of speech is “the fundamental rights with core meanings”. “Limitations on the basic right must be based on law and complying with the framework defined by the legislator, instead of based on the decision made by the management of social media”. Seibert also said that social media operations have a great social responsibility for hate, incitement to violence and other speeches, which should not be ignored. The platform’s practices of making relevant speeches in the past few months were commendable.
Other European leaders also responded to this incident. French Finance Minister, Bruno Le Maire, indicated that a private entrepreneur should not decide whether to block an account. He was shocked by the action of Twitter blocking Trump’s account. He added internet giants bring threats to the US and democracy, and that countries and legislative council should take the responsibility to manage social media.
#US #UnitedStates #France #BrunoLeMaire #Germany #AngelaMerkel #SteffenSeibert #Australia #Twitter #FreedomOfSpeech #FreedomIsNotFree #Democracy #SocialMedia #AcountBlocked
Source from: The Stand News #Jan12
https://bit.ly/3982hEh
The personal Twitter account of the US President Donald Trump has been permanently blocked. Leaders of various countries have successively spoken out on the incident. German Chancellor Angela Merkel stated through her spokesperson that the approach of Twitter is problematic, and believed that the measure, which limited the freedom of speech, should be based on the legal framework and the legislature, rather than, decided by the social media management. Michael McCormack, the Acting Prime Minister of Australia, also indicated that he disagrees with the censorship. However, opposition leaders expressed their supports on Twitter’s decision and believed that people who spread hatred and lies should lose their voicing platform.
Angela Merkel responded through her spokesperson Steffen Seibert that the freedom of speech is “the fundamental rights with core meanings”. “Limitations on the basic right must be based on law and complying with the framework defined by the legislator, instead of based on the decision made by the management of social media”. Seibert also said that social media operations have a great social responsibility for hate, incitement to violence and other speeches, which should not be ignored. The platform’s practices of making relevant speeches in the past few months were commendable.
Other European leaders also responded to this incident. French Finance Minister, Bruno Le Maire, indicated that a private entrepreneur should not decide whether to block an account. He was shocked by the action of Twitter blocking Trump’s account. He added internet giants bring threats to the US and democracy, and that countries and legislative council should take the responsibility to manage social media.
#US #UnitedStates #France #BrunoLeMaire #Germany #AngelaMerkel #SteffenSeibert #Australia #Twitter #FreedomOfSpeech #FreedomIsNotFree #Democracy #SocialMedia #AcountBlocked
Source from: The Stand News #Jan12
https://bit.ly/3982hEh
New Brazil data shows disappointing 50.4% efficacy for China's CoronaVac vaccine
On Jan 12, researches said that a coronavirus vaccine developed by China’s Sinovac Biotech was just 50.4% effective, barely enough for regulatory approval and well below the rate announced a week before, at preventing symptomatic infections in a Brazilian trial.
Researchers at Butantan delayed announcement of their results three times, blaming a confidentiality clause in a contract with Sinovac.
Butantan officials said the design of the Brazilian study, focusing on frontline health workers during a severe outbreak in Brazil and including elderly volunteers, made it impossible to compare the results directly with other trials or vaccines.
Source: Reuters #Jan13
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-brazil-coronavirus/brazil-researchers-report-more-modest-50-4-efficacy-for-chinas-coronavac-idUSKBN29H2CE
#Brazil #Sinvac #Covid19Vaccine #VaccinTrial
On Jan 12, researches said that a coronavirus vaccine developed by China’s Sinovac Biotech was just 50.4% effective, barely enough for regulatory approval and well below the rate announced a week before, at preventing symptomatic infections in a Brazilian trial.
Researchers at Butantan delayed announcement of their results three times, blaming a confidentiality clause in a contract with Sinovac.
Butantan officials said the design of the Brazilian study, focusing on frontline health workers during a severe outbreak in Brazil and including elderly volunteers, made it impossible to compare the results directly with other trials or vaccines.
Source: Reuters #Jan13
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-brazil-coronavirus/brazil-researchers-report-more-modest-50-4-efficacy-for-chinas-coronavac-idUSKBN29H2CE
#Brazil #Sinvac #Covid19Vaccine #VaccinTrial