#Professionalism #Solidarity
5 Heads of i-Cable News and Entire China News Team Resign En Masse Against Laying Off of Journalists
Source: Stand News #Dec1
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https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/27047
5 Heads of i-Cable News and Entire China News Team Resign En Masse Against Laying Off of Journalists
Source: Stand News #Dec1
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/27047
#Professionalism #Solidarity
5 Heads of i-Cable News and Entire China News Team Resign En Masse Against Laying Off of Journalists
On Dec 1, 2020, i-Cable News laid off 40 employees with immediate effect, angering staff at the TV news station.
According to the source, the head of i-Cable China News Szeto Yuen was the first to protest by resigning, followed by the rest of the journalists on the team. In total, one journalist was fired, and the other ten on the team, including Szeto, quit in protest. Some members from other teams also resigned to protest against the company's decision.
A senior journalist told Stand News that they felt it was better to take action together and alert the public that i-Cable News had deteriorated, instead being slowly and quietly weakened. He added that it was not worth staying anymore, since the management has intervened in the reporting again and again.
After recent salary cuts, a few junior journalists were only earning around 13,000 HKD a month. Operations at i-Cable News has nearly ground to a halt on Dec 1, 2020.
An upper-mid-level manager said that the top management had not consulted any department heads about this round of firing. The video editors and graphic designers who were fired were widely praised for their abilities by their colleagues. Many of the fired staff played important roles in middle and senior management.
i-Cable China News had investigated corrupt practices in China many times, and followed up the situation of activists; the team was long regarded to be in high reputation.
They were among the few public broadcasters in Hong Kong with a dedicated team for China news; its 11 members, including the team leader, are responsible for the daily China news reporting and the night-time “China Report”. They also have journalists regularly stationed in Beijing and Guangzhou.
Their most visible reporting in recent years were the 2012 interview of pro-democracy activist Li Wangyang, who served the longest sentence among those from the 1989 Tiananmen protests.
After broadcasting the interview, Li died in Daxiang Hospital, where he was found dead and leaning against the window, with a rope wrapped around his neck, though his legs were touching the ground. The Chinese authorities initially reported that he committed suicide, but they later changed the conclusion to “accidental death”. This incident caused strong repercussions in Hong Kong, with over ten thousand Hongkongers marching in protest, believing that Li "had been suicided".
In 2017, journalist Lam Kin-Shing covered the memorial at sea for Liu Xiaobo by a group of dissenters, the event was broadcast on Facebook live. Afterwards, Liu’s friends were arrested by China police, and the driver hired by i-Cable China News was detained for three days. Lam was transferred back to Hong Kong and barred from reporting in China again; he resigned soon after.
At the early stage of the Wuhan Pneumonia outbreak last year, China News team sent journalists to Wuhan for investigation. They were among the very few Hong Kong media who sent journalists to Wuhan for on-site reporting.
Moreover, the iCable China News team's reporting had won many awards, including Human Right Press Award and awards in the School of Journalism and Communication in CUHK. Their award-winning programs included “Damage of Nuclear weapons tests”, “The land acquisitions incident of Wukan village”, “ Li Wangyang”, “Even China police are protesting”, “Decoding the future of 30 years later”, “Tiananmen massacre 30th year anniversary”, “Poison milk powder: 10 years later”.
Source: Stand News #Dec1
=====
Related News:
All Department Heads from iCable News Quit After the Company Sacks 40 Staff in News Team
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/27039
#WuhanPneumonia #LiWangYang #ChinaNewsTeam #iCable #MassResignation #SzetoYuen #Respect #Integrity #Journalism
5 Heads of i-Cable News and Entire China News Team Resign En Masse Against Laying Off of Journalists
On Dec 1, 2020, i-Cable News laid off 40 employees with immediate effect, angering staff at the TV news station.
According to the source, the head of i-Cable China News Szeto Yuen was the first to protest by resigning, followed by the rest of the journalists on the team. In total, one journalist was fired, and the other ten on the team, including Szeto, quit in protest. Some members from other teams also resigned to protest against the company's decision.
A senior journalist told Stand News that they felt it was better to take action together and alert the public that i-Cable News had deteriorated, instead being slowly and quietly weakened. He added that it was not worth staying anymore, since the management has intervened in the reporting again and again.
After recent salary cuts, a few junior journalists were only earning around 13,000 HKD a month. Operations at i-Cable News has nearly ground to a halt on Dec 1, 2020.
An upper-mid-level manager said that the top management had not consulted any department heads about this round of firing. The video editors and graphic designers who were fired were widely praised for their abilities by their colleagues. Many of the fired staff played important roles in middle and senior management.
i-Cable China News had investigated corrupt practices in China many times, and followed up the situation of activists; the team was long regarded to be in high reputation.
They were among the few public broadcasters in Hong Kong with a dedicated team for China news; its 11 members, including the team leader, are responsible for the daily China news reporting and the night-time “China Report”. They also have journalists regularly stationed in Beijing and Guangzhou.
Their most visible reporting in recent years were the 2012 interview of pro-democracy activist Li Wangyang, who served the longest sentence among those from the 1989 Tiananmen protests.
After broadcasting the interview, Li died in Daxiang Hospital, where he was found dead and leaning against the window, with a rope wrapped around his neck, though his legs were touching the ground. The Chinese authorities initially reported that he committed suicide, but they later changed the conclusion to “accidental death”. This incident caused strong repercussions in Hong Kong, with over ten thousand Hongkongers marching in protest, believing that Li "had been suicided".
In 2017, journalist Lam Kin-Shing covered the memorial at sea for Liu Xiaobo by a group of dissenters, the event was broadcast on Facebook live. Afterwards, Liu’s friends were arrested by China police, and the driver hired by i-Cable China News was detained for three days. Lam was transferred back to Hong Kong and barred from reporting in China again; he resigned soon after.
At the early stage of the Wuhan Pneumonia outbreak last year, China News team sent journalists to Wuhan for investigation. They were among the very few Hong Kong media who sent journalists to Wuhan for on-site reporting.
Moreover, the iCable China News team's reporting had won many awards, including Human Right Press Award and awards in the School of Journalism and Communication in CUHK. Their award-winning programs included “Damage of Nuclear weapons tests”, “The land acquisitions incident of Wukan village”, “ Li Wangyang”, “Even China police are protesting”, “Decoding the future of 30 years later”, “Tiananmen massacre 30th year anniversary”, “Poison milk powder: 10 years later”.
Source: Stand News #Dec1
=====
Related News:
All Department Heads from iCable News Quit After the Company Sacks 40 Staff in News Team
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/27039
#WuhanPneumonia #LiWangYang #ChinaNewsTeam #iCable #MassResignation #SzetoYuen #Respect #Integrity #Journalism
#Justice
Top Judge in Hong Kong Defends Hong Kong’s Independent Judiciary in Farewell Speech
Chief Justice Geoffrey Ma, Hong Kong's top judge for 10 years, delivered his farewell speech at the Court of Final Appeal in Hong Kong on Jan 6, 2021.
Ma made strong statement in defense of the importance of Hong Kong’s independent judiciary and stressed that human rights are a fundamental feature of the Basic Law.
“It is not just about being conducive to business and investment. Nor is it only about law and order. It also includes the recognition and enforcement of those rights we call human rights and fundamental freedoms (such as the freedom of assembly, of procession, of association and the freedom of the press), always of course recognising as well the importance of the respect for the rights and entitlements of others in the community.”
“The importance we place on rights and freedoms is a fundamental feature of of the Basic Law."
“So whenever there are discussions about the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and the role and responsibilities of judges in relation to these fundamental features, the foundation for such discussions must be to refer to the Basic Law,” the top judge said.
“They are not in any way strange concepts that have been transplanted randomly to apply in Hong Kong: they are concepts required by, protected by and to be enforced under the very constitutional document that governs Hong Kong.”
“To repeat a phrase that bears reminding at all times: no one is above the law, all are subject to it and everyone is equal in the eyes of the law.”
"As we know, such criticisms can be trenchant, even to the point of being abusive on occasion, but in spite of this our judges have remained true to their calling. Sometimes, I think that courage is needed.”
[Editor's note: On the same day, the Hong Kong police, with the support of the government's Security Bureau, arrested over 50 pro-democracy activists, former lawmakers, lawyer, and scholars under the National Security Law. The act has stirred up outcry and uproar within the outside of the city.]
Source: RTHK #Jan6
https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1569026-20210106.htm
#GeoffreyMa #JudicialIndependence #Professionalism #Court
Top Judge in Hong Kong Defends Hong Kong’s Independent Judiciary in Farewell Speech
Chief Justice Geoffrey Ma, Hong Kong's top judge for 10 years, delivered his farewell speech at the Court of Final Appeal in Hong Kong on Jan 6, 2021.
Ma made strong statement in defense of the importance of Hong Kong’s independent judiciary and stressed that human rights are a fundamental feature of the Basic Law.
“It is not just about being conducive to business and investment. Nor is it only about law and order. It also includes the recognition and enforcement of those rights we call human rights and fundamental freedoms (such as the freedom of assembly, of procession, of association and the freedom of the press), always of course recognising as well the importance of the respect for the rights and entitlements of others in the community.”
“The importance we place on rights and freedoms is a fundamental feature of of the Basic Law."
“So whenever there are discussions about the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and the role and responsibilities of judges in relation to these fundamental features, the foundation for such discussions must be to refer to the Basic Law,” the top judge said.
“They are not in any way strange concepts that have been transplanted randomly to apply in Hong Kong: they are concepts required by, protected by and to be enforced under the very constitutional document that governs Hong Kong.”
“To repeat a phrase that bears reminding at all times: no one is above the law, all are subject to it and everyone is equal in the eyes of the law.”
"As we know, such criticisms can be trenchant, even to the point of being abusive on occasion, but in spite of this our judges have remained true to their calling. Sometimes, I think that courage is needed.”
[Editor's note: On the same day, the Hong Kong police, with the support of the government's Security Bureau, arrested over 50 pro-democracy activists, former lawmakers, lawyer, and scholars under the National Security Law. The act has stirred up outcry and uproar within the outside of the city.]
Source: RTHK #Jan6
https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1569026-20210106.htm
#GeoffreyMa #JudicialIndependence #Professionalism #Court
news.rthk.hk
CJ defends independent judiciary in farewell speech
Outgoing Chief Justice Geoffrey Ma delivered a robust defence of the importance of Hong Kong’s independent judiciary and stressed that human rights are a fundamental feature of the Basic Law, in a farewell sitting at the Court of Final Appeal on Wednesday…
#Court #PressFreedom
Arrested Journalist Suspended by #RTHK Before Court's Ruling: I Feel Being Doubly Punished
RTHK journalist #BaoChoy appeared in court on Jan 14, 2021. She was accused of making false statements and violating the Road Traffic Ordinance by "not disclosing the real reason" for licence plate checks in 2020. Choy pleaded not guilty.
Choy produced two episodes of the news documentary "Hong Kong Connection" with an aim to find the perpetrators of the Yuen Long 7.21 mob attack, which injured many pro-democracy protesters, journalists and civilians on July 21, 2019.
Since Choy was arrested in November 2020, the public broadcaster RTHK has suspended her duties.
The RTHK Programme Staff Union voiced their support for Choy outside the court. After the hearing, Choy said she was disappointed with RTHK's decision before any trial took place. She felt being punished for twice for doing her job.
“I would expect RTHK to take up its moral responsibility, as well as showcasing the integrity of a media organisation. From this perspective, the decision of RTHK management to suspend me from my role as a journalist and producer of Hong Kong Connection was quite disappointing for me.”
Source: InMedia; RTHK #Jan14
https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1570423-20210114.htm
https://bit.ly/2LwjvlE
#Journalist #Professionalism
====
Related News
HK Government's New Service Might Let Journalists Be Doxed
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/27916
Arrested Journalist Suspended by #RTHK Before Court's Ruling: I Feel Being Doubly Punished
RTHK journalist #BaoChoy appeared in court on Jan 14, 2021. She was accused of making false statements and violating the Road Traffic Ordinance by "not disclosing the real reason" for licence plate checks in 2020. Choy pleaded not guilty.
Choy produced two episodes of the news documentary "Hong Kong Connection" with an aim to find the perpetrators of the Yuen Long 7.21 mob attack, which injured many pro-democracy protesters, journalists and civilians on July 21, 2019.
Since Choy was arrested in November 2020, the public broadcaster RTHK has suspended her duties.
The RTHK Programme Staff Union voiced their support for Choy outside the court. After the hearing, Choy said she was disappointed with RTHK's decision before any trial took place. She felt being punished for twice for doing her job.
“I would expect RTHK to take up its moral responsibility, as well as showcasing the integrity of a media organisation. From this perspective, the decision of RTHK management to suspend me from my role as a journalist and producer of Hong Kong Connection was quite disappointing for me.”
Source: InMedia; RTHK #Jan14
https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1570423-20210114.htm
https://bit.ly/2LwjvlE
#Journalist #Professionalism
====
Related News
HK Government's New Service Might Let Journalists Be Doxed
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/27916
news.rthk.hk
RTHK journalist pleads not guilty in Yuen Long case
RTHK journalist Bao Choy on Thursday pleaded not guilty to two counts of making false statements in relation to car licence plate searches aimed at finding the perpetrators of the Yuen Long gang attack in 2019. Choy, 37, is accused of violating the Road Traffic…
#Hope
Daring Chief Editor in #CitizenNews Welcomes Journalists who Left #CableNews on #MassResignation: “We Have Nothing to Lose”
On December 1, 2020, Cable News in Hong Kong announced a major layoff plan after a series of personnel change in the management. The move has triggered a resignation en masse in the station’s newsroom, including 11 journalists and editors of the #ChinaNews team, as a sign of protest.
On January 18, 2021, the 11 of them announced joining of an online news platform, #CitizenNews, and continue their work on China News.
Former Assignment Editor of Cable News, Wong Lai-ping, expressed that it was a spontaneous action in last December when they resigned together in response to the station’s arbitrary layoff plan.
“We have never thought about coming together again. We even doubted whether we should continue working in the media industry.” However, many encouraged them to carry on their journalistic profession and continue to work as a team.
“So we talked among ourselves and agreed to work together with a focus on China News as we always do.”
The Chief Editor of Citizen News, Li Yue-wah said that the collaboration is “unplanned” and the consensus was reached after discussions following the mass resignation in last December.
She stressed that “This is worth trying as we have nothing to lose.” She called it an act “to smash the cooking pots and sink the boats.”
Li also revealed that since its launch 4 years ago, Citizen News has yet to balance its book. They initially set a target at 4,000 subscribers, for each paying a monthly fee of HK$100. “We are still falling short of this target,” Li sighed.
Adding 11 members of the former China News team from Cable News will double the current workforce of Citizen News. In addition, the news platform is planning to move to a bigger office with live-broadcast facilities. “This is going to double our expenses.” Li added.
She further explained that the platform is not going to pend on crowdfunding, which impact is believed to be short-lived. Instead, it is keen on expanding its subscription base to facilitate long-term development.
Source: Stand News #Jan18
#Pheonixism #Journalism #Professionalism
Daring Chief Editor in #CitizenNews Welcomes Journalists who Left #CableNews on #MassResignation: “We Have Nothing to Lose”
On December 1, 2020, Cable News in Hong Kong announced a major layoff plan after a series of personnel change in the management. The move has triggered a resignation en masse in the station’s newsroom, including 11 journalists and editors of the #ChinaNews team, as a sign of protest.
On January 18, 2021, the 11 of them announced joining of an online news platform, #CitizenNews, and continue their work on China News.
Former Assignment Editor of Cable News, Wong Lai-ping, expressed that it was a spontaneous action in last December when they resigned together in response to the station’s arbitrary layoff plan.
“We have never thought about coming together again. We even doubted whether we should continue working in the media industry.” However, many encouraged them to carry on their journalistic profession and continue to work as a team.
“So we talked among ourselves and agreed to work together with a focus on China News as we always do.”
The Chief Editor of Citizen News, Li Yue-wah said that the collaboration is “unplanned” and the consensus was reached after discussions following the mass resignation in last December.
She stressed that “This is worth trying as we have nothing to lose.” She called it an act “to smash the cooking pots and sink the boats.”
Li also revealed that since its launch 4 years ago, Citizen News has yet to balance its book. They initially set a target at 4,000 subscribers, for each paying a monthly fee of HK$100. “We are still falling short of this target,” Li sighed.
Adding 11 members of the former China News team from Cable News will double the current workforce of Citizen News. In addition, the news platform is planning to move to a bigger office with live-broadcast facilities. “This is going to double our expenses.” Li added.
She further explained that the platform is not going to pend on crowdfunding, which impact is believed to be short-lived. Instead, it is keen on expanding its subscription base to facilitate long-term development.
Source: Stand News #Jan18
#Pheonixism #Journalism #Professionalism
#PoliticalOppression
Vocal journalist in HK faces dismissal by government-funded broadcaster before probe result
#NabelaQoser, a journalist of #RTHK, who confronted Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Carrie Lam over her handling of the 2019 protests for multiple times, is facing dismissal after the public broadcaster ended her three-year-odd probation for a civil service post and offered her a contract for just 120 days.
Qoser’s probation was extended by 120 days in late September 2020, shortly before she was due to complete the three-year probation under civil servant employment terms in October.
The broadcaster launched a probe into her work, citing complaints received against her since July 2020. The results of the probe, originally due in January 2021, would determine if Qoser was to gain a coveted contract as a permanent civil servant.
Source: Apple Daily, #Jan22
https://hk.appledaily.com/news/20210122/ZU6IGCLILZAF5GTP4RBZ3L6RPU/
#RTHK #CivilServant #Journalism #Professionalism #PressFreedom #Reprisal
Vocal journalist in HK faces dismissal by government-funded broadcaster before probe result
#NabelaQoser, a journalist of #RTHK, who confronted Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Carrie Lam over her handling of the 2019 protests for multiple times, is facing dismissal after the public broadcaster ended her three-year-odd probation for a civil service post and offered her a contract for just 120 days.
Qoser’s probation was extended by 120 days in late September 2020, shortly before she was due to complete the three-year probation under civil servant employment terms in October.
The broadcaster launched a probe into her work, citing complaints received against her since July 2020. The results of the probe, originally due in January 2021, would determine if Qoser was to gain a coveted contract as a permanent civil servant.
Source: Apple Daily, #Jan22
https://hk.appledaily.com/news/20210122/ZU6IGCLILZAF5GTP4RBZ3L6RPU/
#RTHK #CivilServant #Journalism #Professionalism #PressFreedom #Reprisal
#Resistance #Solidarity
#RTHK Staff Union Rally to Support Journalist: We Are All #NabelaQoser
On January 28, 2021, more than 60 RTHK employees protested at the headquarters against the station's mistreatment of the journalist Nabela Qoser.
The video shows RTHK staff wearing a mask of Qoser's face and chanting slogans like, “Groundless charges”, and “Politics overriding professionalism”.
Watch video: https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/28440
The management of the public broadcaster had previously launched a probe into complaints made against Qoser, after she enraged Beijing loyalists with her critical questions towards government officials and the Chief Executive Carrie Lam, during the Anti-ELAB movement in 2019.
Qoser was cleared of wrongdoing, but RTHK reopened its investigation in October 2020 and extend Qoser's probation period as a civil servant.
On January 22, 2021, Qoser's contract as a civil servant was terminated by RTHK, which reportedly cited the probe as a reason. Instead, Qoser was offered a new 120-day contract.
The RTHK Programme Staff Union decried the broadcaster’s move as something no difference than firing Qoser.
Source: Stand News #Jan28
https://www.facebook.com/standnewshk/videos/871769913675684
#RTHK #CivilServant #PoliticalOpression #Journalism #Professionalism #PressFreedom #Reprisal
#RTHK Staff Union Rally to Support Journalist: We Are All #NabelaQoser
On January 28, 2021, more than 60 RTHK employees protested at the headquarters against the station's mistreatment of the journalist Nabela Qoser.
The video shows RTHK staff wearing a mask of Qoser's face and chanting slogans like, “Groundless charges”, and “Politics overriding professionalism”.
Watch video: https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/28440
The management of the public broadcaster had previously launched a probe into complaints made against Qoser, after she enraged Beijing loyalists with her critical questions towards government officials and the Chief Executive Carrie Lam, during the Anti-ELAB movement in 2019.
Qoser was cleared of wrongdoing, but RTHK reopened its investigation in October 2020 and extend Qoser's probation period as a civil servant.
On January 22, 2021, Qoser's contract as a civil servant was terminated by RTHK, which reportedly cited the probe as a reason. Instead, Qoser was offered a new 120-day contract.
The RTHK Programme Staff Union decried the broadcaster’s move as something no difference than firing Qoser.
Source: Stand News #Jan28
https://www.facebook.com/standnewshk/videos/871769913675684
#RTHK #CivilServant #PoliticalOpression #Journalism #Professionalism #PressFreedom #Reprisal
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#PoliticalOppression
RTHK Staff Rally to Support Journalist: We Are All #NabelaQoser
Source: Stand News #Jan28
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https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/28441
RTHK Staff Rally to Support Journalist: We Are All #NabelaQoser
Source: Stand News #Jan28
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⬇️⬇️⬇️
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/28441
#Professionalism
Three #RTHK Senior Management Refuse to Sign Government's Pledge of Political Allegiance By Quiting
According to sources, three senior management members from the Public and Current Affair Department in the public broadcaster Radio Television Hong Kong (#RTHK) have resigned.
They are Doris Wong Lok-ha, director of the Public and Current Affair Department; the executive producers of the program “Hong Kong Stories” Fong Hiu Shan and of the political satire program “Headliner” Liu Wai-ling.
It was said that Liu and Fong had left last month while Wong resigned on March 2, 2021. The three were employed with a civil servant contract. Their resignation is connected to their refusal to sign the pledge of political allegiance demanded by the Hong Kong government.
The day Wong resigned is also the first day of office of the new Director of Broadcasting Li Pak-chuen who was parachuted to the public broadcaster.
Source: Stand News #Mar2
https://bit.ly/3b45QMI
#Dignity #PoliticalAllegiance
Three #RTHK Senior Management Refuse to Sign Government's Pledge of Political Allegiance By Quiting
According to sources, three senior management members from the Public and Current Affair Department in the public broadcaster Radio Television Hong Kong (#RTHK) have resigned.
They are Doris Wong Lok-ha, director of the Public and Current Affair Department; the executive producers of the program “Hong Kong Stories” Fong Hiu Shan and of the political satire program “Headliner” Liu Wai-ling.
It was said that Liu and Fong had left last month while Wong resigned on March 2, 2021. The three were employed with a civil servant contract. Their resignation is connected to their refusal to sign the pledge of political allegiance demanded by the Hong Kong government.
The day Wong resigned is also the first day of office of the new Director of Broadcasting Li Pak-chuen who was parachuted to the public broadcaster.
Source: Stand News #Mar2
https://bit.ly/3b45QMI
#Dignity #PoliticalAllegiance
#Journalism #Professionalism
Resigned News Anchor Encourage Hongkongers to Take Care in Challenging Times
Source: Instagram of Wong Chun-yin; Smart Post #Mar24
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
Resigned News Anchor Encourage Hongkongers to Take Care in Challenging Times
Source: Instagram of Wong Chun-yin; Smart Post #Mar24
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
#Journalism #Professionalism
Resigned News Anchor Encourage Hongkongers to Take Care in Challenging Times
Wong Chun-yin, a news anchor in Hong Kong working for the TV station TVB, resigned on March 24, 2021.
At the end of his last newscast, Wong bidded farewell to his audiences, “This is my last time to present news here. Hongkongers, take care and goodbye.”
After that, Wong wrote a post on Instagram, in which he described his feelings and experience since joining the journalism industry in Hong Kong.
Wong said he was once struck by excitement when he for the first time rode on the press vehicle of TVB news as a reporter many years ago.
Wong said he used to take pride in being part of the the once well-respected “TVB News” in his profession.
“However, when doing news in the field today, we have to cover up the logo on the news vehicle with a piece of white cloth and take off logo clips on the microphone in order to hide our identity,” Wong wrote.
Reflecting from his years of experience in TVB news team, Wong expressed deep disappointment in the management, which has been regarded a cause of self censorship and the station's deteriorating integrety.
“I faced absurdity every day as a reporter, which I found it torturous," Wong wtote. "Years later, I was promoted from a front-line reporter to a news anchor, which was another eye-opening experience."
"Although I was slightly away from the field, my role as a reporter has never been changed despite the different work positions. I thenrealised that there is, in fact, no cure for in-your-face absurdity.”
Wong quoted what Chris Pattern, the former governor of Hong Kong, said to the Chinese officials when he departed Hong Kong in 1997:
“Hong Kong was like a Rolls-Royce. All you had to do was to take charge of the ignition key, get in, turn on the engine. And the car would go.”
Wong lamented, “Today, the Rolls-Royce probably has become a HengChi. It is unfortunate that the same situation has happened to the TVB news team. It is sad and a lost cause.”
In closing, Wong thanked his colleagues and friends, saying that he will certainly miss the excitement in the journalist's work and the persistence in always looking for the right words to say.
Wong sighed that “the toughest question is that times has changed and it cannot be crawled back to the old days.”
Source: Instagram of Wong Chun-yin; Smart Post #Mar24
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=261981228903048&set=a.246817660419405
#WongChunYin #NewsAnchor #TVB
Resigned News Anchor Encourage Hongkongers to Take Care in Challenging Times
Wong Chun-yin, a news anchor in Hong Kong working for the TV station TVB, resigned on March 24, 2021.
At the end of his last newscast, Wong bidded farewell to his audiences, “This is my last time to present news here. Hongkongers, take care and goodbye.”
After that, Wong wrote a post on Instagram, in which he described his feelings and experience since joining the journalism industry in Hong Kong.
Wong said he was once struck by excitement when he for the first time rode on the press vehicle of TVB news as a reporter many years ago.
Wong said he used to take pride in being part of the the once well-respected “TVB News” in his profession.
“However, when doing news in the field today, we have to cover up the logo on the news vehicle with a piece of white cloth and take off logo clips on the microphone in order to hide our identity,” Wong wrote.
Reflecting from his years of experience in TVB news team, Wong expressed deep disappointment in the management, which has been regarded a cause of self censorship and the station's deteriorating integrety.
“I faced absurdity every day as a reporter, which I found it torturous," Wong wtote. "Years later, I was promoted from a front-line reporter to a news anchor, which was another eye-opening experience."
"Although I was slightly away from the field, my role as a reporter has never been changed despite the different work positions. I thenrealised that there is, in fact, no cure for in-your-face absurdity.”
Wong quoted what Chris Pattern, the former governor of Hong Kong, said to the Chinese officials when he departed Hong Kong in 1997:
“Hong Kong was like a Rolls-Royce. All you had to do was to take charge of the ignition key, get in, turn on the engine. And the car would go.”
Wong lamented, “Today, the Rolls-Royce probably has become a HengChi. It is unfortunate that the same situation has happened to the TVB news team. It is sad and a lost cause.”
In closing, Wong thanked his colleagues and friends, saying that he will certainly miss the excitement in the journalist's work and the persistence in always looking for the right words to say.
Wong sighed that “the toughest question is that times has changed and it cannot be crawled back to the old days.”
Source: Instagram of Wong Chun-yin; Smart Post #Mar24
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=261981228903048&set=a.246817660419405
#WongChunYin #NewsAnchor #TVB
#OpinionArticle #Court #PoliticalSuppression
"I Do Not Plead Guilty": Hong Kong Journalist Facing Legal Challenge for Unveiling Suspected Police-Triad Collusion
[Editor's note: This is an opinion article written by Au Ka-lun, a veteran journalist in Hong Kong.
In this article, Au recounted what happened during a court hearing where Bao Choy, a journslist working for the public broadcaster RTHK, was charged by the Hong Kong authorities for "giving false statement". The case has stirred up the population's outcry for censoring media freedom and infringing free speech.]
On March 24, 2021, in the courtroom of the Western Magistrate’s Courts in Hong Komg, veteran journalist Bao Choy Yuk-ling resonantly said “I do not plead guilty”.
It is noteworthy that Choy said “I do not plead guilty" (我不認罪) instead of “I plead not guilty” (我唔認罪).
Bao Choy is a professional broadcaster who knows well the subtle difference between “do not” (不) and “Not” (唔) in Cantonese.
In Cantonese, the negation word that is pronounced “ng” is hard to sound out loudly, making it more difficult to be heard and message less affirmative.
Comparatively speaking, the sentence “I do not plead guilty” is more resounding and powerful.
Although I cannot see Bao Choy’s eyes and face through the screen, her clear response to the Court--by saying “I do not plead guilty” twice--found resonance outside the wall of the courtroom.
I heard not only her determination and defiance, but also her unyielding spirit with no fear, complaint and regret.
During the court hearing, the entire news documentary program, Hong Kong Connection: The Truth of 721. Perhaps, which was produced by Choy, was shown.
All those inside and outside the courtroom watched the investigative news programme, which is about the triad attack on pro-democracy protesters and passersby in Yuen Long on July 21, 2019, together.
We saw footages where a large group of white-clad gangsters gathered in the early afternoon; we even saw plain-clothes police officers witnessing the gathering of these Triad members.
The documentary recorded the suspected collusions between the police and the gangsters; questioned the police’s leniency towards the Triad; and demonstrated the journalists’ persistence in reporting the truth.
However, the Hong Kong authorities has deliberately tossed these facts aside. They charge a journalist for checking the car plates and owners' information.
It is a simple case, in which both the prosecution and the defendant did not summon a witness.
The case is upright and aboveboard, leaving Bao Choy nothing to defend for herself but holding her head high and said, “I do not plead guilty.”
Source: Stand News; #Mar24
https://www.thestandnews.com/court/%E8%94%A1%E7%8E%89%E7%8E%B2-%E6%88%91%E4%B8%8D%E8%AA%8D%E7%BD%AA/
#BaoChoy #AuKaLun #Journalism #Professionalism #RTHK
"I Do Not Plead Guilty": Hong Kong Journalist Facing Legal Challenge for Unveiling Suspected Police-Triad Collusion
[Editor's note: This is an opinion article written by Au Ka-lun, a veteran journalist in Hong Kong.
In this article, Au recounted what happened during a court hearing where Bao Choy, a journslist working for the public broadcaster RTHK, was charged by the Hong Kong authorities for "giving false statement". The case has stirred up the population's outcry for censoring media freedom and infringing free speech.]
On March 24, 2021, in the courtroom of the Western Magistrate’s Courts in Hong Komg, veteran journalist Bao Choy Yuk-ling resonantly said “I do not plead guilty”.
It is noteworthy that Choy said “I do not plead guilty" (我不認罪) instead of “I plead not guilty” (我唔認罪).
Bao Choy is a professional broadcaster who knows well the subtle difference between “do not” (不) and “Not” (唔) in Cantonese.
In Cantonese, the negation word that is pronounced “ng” is hard to sound out loudly, making it more difficult to be heard and message less affirmative.
Comparatively speaking, the sentence “I do not plead guilty” is more resounding and powerful.
Although I cannot see Bao Choy’s eyes and face through the screen, her clear response to the Court--by saying “I do not plead guilty” twice--found resonance outside the wall of the courtroom.
I heard not only her determination and defiance, but also her unyielding spirit with no fear, complaint and regret.
During the court hearing, the entire news documentary program, Hong Kong Connection: The Truth of 721. Perhaps, which was produced by Choy, was shown.
All those inside and outside the courtroom watched the investigative news programme, which is about the triad attack on pro-democracy protesters and passersby in Yuen Long on July 21, 2019, together.
We saw footages where a large group of white-clad gangsters gathered in the early afternoon; we even saw plain-clothes police officers witnessing the gathering of these Triad members.
The documentary recorded the suspected collusions between the police and the gangsters; questioned the police’s leniency towards the Triad; and demonstrated the journalists’ persistence in reporting the truth.
However, the Hong Kong authorities has deliberately tossed these facts aside. They charge a journalist for checking the car plates and owners' information.
It is a simple case, in which both the prosecution and the defendant did not summon a witness.
The case is upright and aboveboard, leaving Bao Choy nothing to defend for herself but holding her head high and said, “I do not plead guilty.”
Source: Stand News; #Mar24
https://www.thestandnews.com/court/%E8%94%A1%E7%8E%89%E7%8E%B2-%E6%88%91%E4%B8%8D%E8%AA%8D%E7%BD%AA/
#BaoChoy #AuKaLun #Journalism #Professionalism #RTHK
#Censorship #HumanitarianCrisis
#RTHK bans Journalists from receiving Human Rights Press Awards
Multiple news documentaries produced by the public broadcaster RTHK in Hong Kong have won the Human Rights Press Awards.
The winning titles include the episodes entitled “Waking up in the spread of the pandemic” and “In the name of justice” of the programme “This Week”.
According to Stand News, the news documentary program "#HongKongConnection" also receives accolade. In particular, the episode “7.21: Who owns the truth?”, produced by local journalist #BaoChoy Yuk-ling, won the grand prize in the Chinese Documentary Video category.
Despite the international accolades received by many journalists of the station, #PatrickLi Pak-chuen, the newly appointed Director of Broadcasting to RTHK, disallowed the staff from submitting their works to local and international competitions. Li even contacted the Human Rights Press Awards in person to demand RTHK’s withdrawal from the competition, but it was refused by the organizer.
The award-winning program "#ThisWeek" includes the particiation of former RTHK journalist #NabelaQoser, who is known for her critical stance and professionalism.
Another awardee Bao Choy is currently facing charges made by the Hong Kong authorities, accusing her of "falsifying statement". The authorities' action against Choy has been decried by many journalists and the local population as an act of political suppression.
The RTHK spokesperson claims that the station will not receive the Awards, and insisted that it will withdraw from the competition.
Source: Apple News; Human Rights Press Awards #Apr7
http://humanrightspressawards.org
https://bit.ly/3uzpzuj
#HumanRightsPressAwards #Journalism #Professionalism
#RTHK bans Journalists from receiving Human Rights Press Awards
Multiple news documentaries produced by the public broadcaster RTHK in Hong Kong have won the Human Rights Press Awards.
The winning titles include the episodes entitled “Waking up in the spread of the pandemic” and “In the name of justice” of the programme “This Week”.
According to Stand News, the news documentary program "#HongKongConnection" also receives accolade. In particular, the episode “7.21: Who owns the truth?”, produced by local journalist #BaoChoy Yuk-ling, won the grand prize in the Chinese Documentary Video category.
Despite the international accolades received by many journalists of the station, #PatrickLi Pak-chuen, the newly appointed Director of Broadcasting to RTHK, disallowed the staff from submitting their works to local and international competitions. Li even contacted the Human Rights Press Awards in person to demand RTHK’s withdrawal from the competition, but it was refused by the organizer.
The award-winning program "#ThisWeek" includes the particiation of former RTHK journalist #NabelaQoser, who is known for her critical stance and professionalism.
Another awardee Bao Choy is currently facing charges made by the Hong Kong authorities, accusing her of "falsifying statement". The authorities' action against Choy has been decried by many journalists and the local population as an act of political suppression.
The RTHK spokesperson claims that the station will not receive the Awards, and insisted that it will withdraw from the competition.
Source: Apple News; Human Rights Press Awards #Apr7
http://humanrightspressawards.org
https://bit.ly/3uzpzuj
#HumanRightsPressAwards #Journalism #Professionalism
#FirstHand #Apr22
#RTHK Staff in Support of Journalist Being Sued: "Journalism is not a crime"
The Hong Kong court convicted investigative journalist and former RTHK producer #BaoChoy over two counts of Road Traffic Ordinance violations on April 22, 2021.
The prosecution accused her of "making false declarations" during the car licence plate searches for an RTHK documentary on the 2019 Yuen Long July 21 attacks.
Chow ticked a box for "other traffic and transport related matters". She was fined HKD6,000. This is the first time in Hong Kong a journalist is sued for searching records.
Outside the court, the RTHK Staff Union voiced support for Choy. They displayed signs that read "Journalism is not a crime", "Stand up for Bao Choy", "Stand up for Journalists" and "Without fear or favour".
Choy said it was a "very dark day for all journalists in Hong Kong".
#PoliticalProsecution #Censorship #Integrity #Professionalism #YuenLong721
#RTHK Staff in Support of Journalist Being Sued: "Journalism is not a crime"
The Hong Kong court convicted investigative journalist and former RTHK producer #BaoChoy over two counts of Road Traffic Ordinance violations on April 22, 2021.
The prosecution accused her of "making false declarations" during the car licence plate searches for an RTHK documentary on the 2019 Yuen Long July 21 attacks.
Chow ticked a box for "other traffic and transport related matters". She was fined HKD6,000. This is the first time in Hong Kong a journalist is sued for searching records.
Outside the court, the RTHK Staff Union voiced support for Choy. They displayed signs that read "Journalism is not a crime", "Stand up for Bao Choy", "Stand up for Journalists" and "Without fear or favour".
Choy said it was a "very dark day for all journalists in Hong Kong".
#PoliticalProsecution #Censorship #Integrity #Professionalism #YuenLong721
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#FirstHand #Apr22
Bao Choy: I will keep on being a journalist
Award-winning investigative journalist #BaoChoy gave her statement, after the court in Hong Kong ruled her guilty of "making false declaration" when making car plate license searches for the RTHK documentary program "Hong Kong Connections".
Choy pointed out that there will probably be less and less news platform available, in the presence of more and more political pressure in Hong Kong. "But I do believe that we can still work things out," Choy said. "I will keep on working as a journalist. This is the best response and my most positive reaction to the ruling."
#Professionalism #Journalism #Integrity
Bao Choy: I will keep on being a journalist
Award-winning investigative journalist #BaoChoy gave her statement, after the court in Hong Kong ruled her guilty of "making false declaration" when making car plate license searches for the RTHK documentary program "Hong Kong Connections".
Choy pointed out that there will probably be less and less news platform available, in the presence of more and more political pressure in Hong Kong. "But I do believe that we can still work things out," Choy said. "I will keep on working as a journalist. This is the best response and my most positive reaction to the ruling."
#Professionalism #Journalism #Integrity
#FirstHand #Apr22 #StandwithBaoChoy
Conducting Journalists' Work is Not Guilty, Defending Press Freedom is Not Guilty: HK Journalist Bao Choy
Breaking into tears amid cheers of encouragement from fellow Hongkongers, investigative journalist #BaoChoy spoke to the press outside the West Kowloon Law Courts Building on April 22, 2021.
This took place after she was convicted of "knowingly making false statements" when obtaining public records.
Choy admitted that she is saddened and heart-broken because the conviction represents another step towards stifled press freedom in Hong Kong, not only criminalizing a commonly used investigative method for journalists to unveil the truth, but also reducing the space for reporters to defend press freedom.
The prosecution accused Choy of making false statement to obtain data, citing a law that says the car records could only be used for transport-related matters.
Choy disagreed to the court’s ruling, reiterating that “conducting a search for investigative reporting is not guilty. Defending press freedom is not guilty.”
She further explained that the verdict has set a precedence to “unreasonably and disproportionally restricting press freedom and disregarding the general public’s legitimate rights to access to information.”
“A reporter would risk making a false statement when conducting a search of car ownership involved in, for example, a car accident, because the reporter is not the concerning party," Choy pointed out the intent of the current ordinance is inconsistent to the Court's ruling.
Although Choy recognized the long-term impact of the court’s verdict on the city’s media industry, she uttered words of encouragement for fellow reporters to not give up seeking alternative ways to bring issues into light when carrying out the rightful duty of the journalists in a bid to defend #PressFreedom.
#PoliticalProsecution #Censorship #Professionalism #Journalism
======
Related News:
Bao Choy: I will keep on being a journalist
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/29488
#RTHK Staff in Support of Journalist Being Sued: "Journalism is not a crime"
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/29486
Conducting Journalists' Work is Not Guilty, Defending Press Freedom is Not Guilty: HK Journalist Bao Choy
Breaking into tears amid cheers of encouragement from fellow Hongkongers, investigative journalist #BaoChoy spoke to the press outside the West Kowloon Law Courts Building on April 22, 2021.
This took place after she was convicted of "knowingly making false statements" when obtaining public records.
Choy admitted that she is saddened and heart-broken because the conviction represents another step towards stifled press freedom in Hong Kong, not only criminalizing a commonly used investigative method for journalists to unveil the truth, but also reducing the space for reporters to defend press freedom.
The prosecution accused Choy of making false statement to obtain data, citing a law that says the car records could only be used for transport-related matters.
Choy disagreed to the court’s ruling, reiterating that “conducting a search for investigative reporting is not guilty. Defending press freedom is not guilty.”
She further explained that the verdict has set a precedence to “unreasonably and disproportionally restricting press freedom and disregarding the general public’s legitimate rights to access to information.”
“A reporter would risk making a false statement when conducting a search of car ownership involved in, for example, a car accident, because the reporter is not the concerning party," Choy pointed out the intent of the current ordinance is inconsistent to the Court's ruling.
Although Choy recognized the long-term impact of the court’s verdict on the city’s media industry, she uttered words of encouragement for fellow reporters to not give up seeking alternative ways to bring issues into light when carrying out the rightful duty of the journalists in a bid to defend #PressFreedom.
#PoliticalProsecution #Censorship #Professionalism #Journalism
======
Related News:
Bao Choy: I will keep on being a journalist
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/29488
#RTHK Staff in Support of Journalist Being Sued: "Journalism is not a crime"
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/29486
Telegram
📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#FirstHand #Apr22
Bao Choy: I will keep on being a journalist
Award-winning investigative journalist #BaoChoy gave her statement, after the court in Hong Kong ruled her guilty of "making false declaration" when making car plate license searches for the RTHK…
Bao Choy: I will keep on being a journalist
Award-winning investigative journalist #BaoChoy gave her statement, after the court in Hong Kong ruled her guilty of "making false declaration" when making car plate license searches for the RTHK…
#NeverGiveUp #Hope
Hong Kong Journalist #BaoChoy Awarded #NiemanFellowship by #HarvardUniversity
The Hong Kong court convicted former #RTHK producer and award-winning journalist Bao Choy Yuk-ling of "false declaration" when checking the license plates for an investigative report. The court's ruling sparked off enormous outcry among journalists and citizens in Hong Kong.
Choy pleaded not guilty and is applying for a judicial review. The episode "7.21: Who Owns the Truth" produced by Choy for RTHK's news documentary program "#HongKongConnection" has recently received the prestigious Kam Yiu-yu Press Freedom Award. The episode investigates the Yuen Long mob attack on passersbys and pro-democracy citizens during the Anti-ELAB protests in Hong Kong on July 21, 2019.
On May 25, 2021, Choy has been awarded the Nieman Fellowship, an internationally-renowned journalism scholarship, and will attend Harvard University for a year with 21 other recipients from Washington Post, The Guardian, Associated Press and others around the world.
Established in 1938, the fellowship is one of the oldest in the journalism industry, funding over 1,600 distinguished media workers over the years to study and collaborate with peers and experts at Harvard University. As a member of the fellowship's "Class of 2022", Choi plans to explore how independent investigation and media can be developed and sustained under totalitarian regime.
Source: Stand News #May25
https://beta.thestandnews.com/society/蔡玉玲獲尼曼獎學金-將赴哈佛進修-研究媒體如何在獨裁政權下生存限制
#Journalism #Professionalism #Integrity
Hong Kong Journalist #BaoChoy Awarded #NiemanFellowship by #HarvardUniversity
The Hong Kong court convicted former #RTHK producer and award-winning journalist Bao Choy Yuk-ling of "false declaration" when checking the license plates for an investigative report. The court's ruling sparked off enormous outcry among journalists and citizens in Hong Kong.
Choy pleaded not guilty and is applying for a judicial review. The episode "7.21: Who Owns the Truth" produced by Choy for RTHK's news documentary program "#HongKongConnection" has recently received the prestigious Kam Yiu-yu Press Freedom Award. The episode investigates the Yuen Long mob attack on passersbys and pro-democracy citizens during the Anti-ELAB protests in Hong Kong on July 21, 2019.
On May 25, 2021, Choy has been awarded the Nieman Fellowship, an internationally-renowned journalism scholarship, and will attend Harvard University for a year with 21 other recipients from Washington Post, The Guardian, Associated Press and others around the world.
Established in 1938, the fellowship is one of the oldest in the journalism industry, funding over 1,600 distinguished media workers over the years to study and collaborate with peers and experts at Harvard University. As a member of the fellowship's "Class of 2022", Choi plans to explore how independent investigation and media can be developed and sustained under totalitarian regime.
Source: Stand News #May25
https://beta.thestandnews.com/society/蔡玉玲獲尼曼獎學金-將赴哈佛進修-研究媒體如何在獨裁政權下生存限制
#Journalism #Professionalism #Integrity
#PoliticalProsecution #PoliticalPrisoner #WhiteTerror
HK Police Charges #AppleDaily Editor-in-chief and #NextDigital CEO with #NationalSecurityLaw
At 10pm on June 18, 2021, deputy editor of Apple Daily, #ChanPuiMan, left the Tseung Kwan O police station on bail after being detained for over 40 hours.
Photos:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/30148
She told the media that she was proud of her colleagues at Apple Daily who carried on their duty and responsibility, undeterred.
"I am proud of their professionalism," Chan said outside of the police station.
On June 17, 2021, 3 editors and 2 executives of Apple Daily were arrested by the Hong Kong police for #NationalSecurityLaw violation.
Read more:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/30130
While chief executive editor #CheungChiWai and the chief operating officer #ChowTatKuen were also released on bail; the police pressed charges on the newspaper's editor-in-chief #RyanLaw and the chief executive of #NextDigital #CheungKimHung.The two will be mentioned in court the next day on June 19, 2021.
Before leaving, deputy editor Chan Pui-man said she will support her colleagues in court. Chan then left with her husband #ChungPuiKuen, the editor-in-chief of #StandNews.
Source: Stand News; Apple Daily #Jun18
https://bit.ly/3vDEN1R
#Censorship #PressFreedom #Professionalism #PoliceState
====
Related stories:
We Will Press On": Apple Daily Prints 500,000 Copies Despite Police Raid
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/30142
Hongkongers Rush to Support Apple Daily After Midnight
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/30140
HK Police Charges #AppleDaily Editor-in-chief and #NextDigital CEO with #NationalSecurityLaw
At 10pm on June 18, 2021, deputy editor of Apple Daily, #ChanPuiMan, left the Tseung Kwan O police station on bail after being detained for over 40 hours.
Photos:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/30148
She told the media that she was proud of her colleagues at Apple Daily who carried on their duty and responsibility, undeterred.
"I am proud of their professionalism," Chan said outside of the police station.
On June 17, 2021, 3 editors and 2 executives of Apple Daily were arrested by the Hong Kong police for #NationalSecurityLaw violation.
Read more:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/30130
While chief executive editor #CheungChiWai and the chief operating officer #ChowTatKuen were also released on bail; the police pressed charges on the newspaper's editor-in-chief #RyanLaw and the chief executive of #NextDigital #CheungKimHung.The two will be mentioned in court the next day on June 19, 2021.
Before leaving, deputy editor Chan Pui-man said she will support her colleagues in court. Chan then left with her husband #ChungPuiKuen, the editor-in-chief of #StandNews.
Source: Stand News; Apple Daily #Jun18
https://bit.ly/3vDEN1R
#Censorship #PressFreedom #Professionalism #PoliceState
====
Related stories:
We Will Press On": Apple Daily Prints 500,000 Copies Despite Police Raid
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/30142
Hongkongers Rush to Support Apple Daily After Midnight
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/30140
Telegram
📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#Journalism #Professionalism
Stand News Roll Out New Strategies to Protect Journalists and Readers
Source: In-Media HK #June27
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/30455
Stand News Roll Out New Strategies to Protect Journalists and Readers
Source: In-Media HK #June27
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/30455