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#NationalSecurity
HK Police Demands Journalists to Remove Black-Coloured Masks

Source: In-Media HK #April15

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https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/29474
#Censorship #NationalSecurity
HK Police Demands Journalists to Remove Black-Coloured Masks

April 15, 2021 is named the “National Security Education Day” in Hong Kong, and in conjunction with such day, the five training schools of the HKSAR Government disciplinary forces are open to the public.

The press were present at the Police College in Wong Chuk Hang in the afternoon to cover the opening ceremony. Chris Tang Ping-Keung, the Commissioner of the Police Force is reported to be present.

As the journalists enter the academy, at least three of them were asked to remove their black-coloured masks.

The Police Public Relations Branch claimed that black-coloured masks are "not allowed to be worn" inside the academy. When the journalist asked for the reason, the police officer said that “black-coloured ones are definitely not allowed today, either you remove it or cover it, don’t waste your breath with me.”

The officers provided masks in other colors for the journalists to change. “You can either change into this one, or you cover yours up.”

Source: In-Media HK #April15 #PoliceState #Mask #Discrimination
MPs from UK, US, and Canada Condemn Sentencing of 9 Veteran Pro-Democracy Figures and Calls for #Sanctions

Source: Stand News #Apr16

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https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/29476
#GlobalConcern
MPs from UK, US, and Canada Condemn Sentencing of 9 Veteran Pro-Democracy Figures and Calls for #Sanctions

In a statement of condemnation issued via #HongKongWatch, a group of parliamentarians from UK, United States, and Canada denounced the sentencing and imprisonment of 9 of the "most moderate and distinguished pro-democracy activists" of Hong Kong for participating in the peaceful protest at Victoria park on Aug 18, 2019.

"The CCP's comprehensive assault on the freedoms of Hong Kong and its rule of law continues relentlessly", said former governor of Hong Kong Chris Patten. "The CCP simply does not understand that you cannot bludgeon and incarcerate people into loving a totalitarian and corrupt regime. While Hong Kong's values are attacked by the Communist Party, the regime is also careful in its attempt to safeguard the use of the city as a secret means for the family and friends of Beijing's leaders to store away the proceeds of their corruption."

UK shadow minister for Asia & Pacific Stephen Kinnock called it "dark day for democracy, free speech and liberty in Hong Kong". He praised the 9 activists as "brave" and "an inspiration to us all." He goes on to say that "by standing strong and united against the authoritarian bullying of the Chinese government they have set an example that democracies around the world would do well to follow."

US senator and former presidential candidate Mitt Romney called for the immediate release of the 9 pro-democracy activists. He said that they "stand with the people of Hong Kong in their fight for freedom and democracy", and exhorts the US administration to "work with our allies and partners to support the people of Hong Kong and impose meaningful sanctions on the CCP."

Canadian Senator Leo Housakos, who had been a proponent of Magnisky Act sanctions on Chinese officials since last year, asserted that not only must Canada "unequivocally condemn this tyrannical and oppressive behaviour", the country must also "do all that we can to provide refuge to those courageous enough to take on the communist regime of China."

The 9 veteran pro-democracy figures were found guilty for organizing and participating in unlawful assembly for taking part in the demonstration and march from Victoria Park on Aug 18, 2019. Their sentences range from 8 to 18 months, and only four of them received suspended sentences, while the rest are immediately jailed.

The verdict by Judge Amanda Woodcock noted that the case did not involve violence, however the potential risk of heightened emotions in gathering crowds escalating into violence must be accounted for.

Additionally, as all 9 defendants are well known public figures, when they lead a march, a large crowd would be sure to follow; therefore they made a "conscious decision" to commit a crime, with the intent to challenge the police, the law, and public order. The conclusion was that prison was the only appropriate sentence.

Source: Stand News #Apr16
https://www.thestandnews.com/international/8-18-%E6%A1%88-%E8%8B%B1%E7%BE%8E%E5%8A%A0%E8%AD%B0%E5%93%A1%E7%99%BC%E8%81%B2%E6%98%8E%E8%AD%B4%E8%B2%AC%E5%88%A4%E5%88%91-%E7%BE%85%E5%A7%86%E5%B0%BC%E4%BF%83%E6%94%BE%E4%BA%BA-%E7%A8%B1%E7%BE%8E%E6%94%BF%E5%BA%9C%E6%87%89%E6%96%BD%E5%8A%A0%E5%88%B6%E8%A3%81/
The Press Card as the Evidence in Court

Source:Standnews #Apr02

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The Press Card as the Evidence in Court

Last Wednesday, the trial of Hong Kong veteran reporter Ms Choi Yuk-ling commenced. Choi, who was the reporter for RTHK programme Hong Kong Connection, was charged with providing false statements in her reporting of the 721 Yuen Long attacks.

The prosecutor alleged that Choi provided false statements by selecting the option of “other traffic and transportation issues” as her reason for making a vehicle licence plate search with the online registrar. Other options available were “undergoing legal proceedings” and “vehicle trading”. The prosecutor alleged that the chosen option did not include Choi’s purpose of finding the identity of the vehicle owner for purposes of public reporting. The prosecutor insisted the interview and news reporting of the attacks is irrelevant with vehicle-related criminal offences. Absurdly, the evidence presented by the prosecution was not only a compact disc of the relevant chapter of Hong Kong Connection, but also the mobile phone and RTHK-issued press identity card, which was seized by police during their search of Choi’s residence.

When the relevant chapter of Hong Kong Connection was played in the trial, it was confirmed that the vehicle in question was clearly captured on closed-circuit video at the scene of the attacks, and that those coming out of the car were brandishing weapons. The weapons (clubs) were exactly the ones used by the white-shirt attackers in Yuen Long. When the vehicle owner was later confirmed by RTHK reporter through their contact with person-in-charge of registration company, it was revealed that the owner had relocated to the mainland.

Hundreds of public hearings in court that day were experienced news reporters and press management, while RTHK colleagues took personal leave that day to sit the trial, felt so mocked when four words of the Chapter topic, i.e. “Who Controls the Truth”, was shown in court. The defendant of this investigative report, broadcasted widely and watched by millions of people, could never have imagined that her own work was now put as an evidence to prove her offence.

After playing the video report in court, defence lawyer put forth to the court: “How could the number plate search not be related to issues concerning traffic? CCTV captured the vehicle conveying suspected weapons, while the suspect(s) used the vehicle on the road as tools to commit crime. It is evident that the defendant did not make a false statement.”

The prosecutor disagreed and prolonged discourse about definition and wording took up the rest of the afternoon. In the process, the defence lawyer presented a legislative document, which revealed that in 2003, 25% of vehicle searches logged with the registrar involved applications from press organisations, equivalent to 2800 cases. It supports the argument that the Government has always been aware that thousands of vehicle searches are made each year by the press. In the end, the defence lawyer stated that the public has the right to know how the owner used the vehicle when it was found to contain materials related to crime.

The judge finally stated that one month was required for consideration. The sentencing would occur in late April. One week after the trial, RTHK productions, including Hong Kong Connection, were pulled from air by the management. RTHK management also instructed all staff to cease participation in any competitions, and even to withdraw the applications submitted.

Press cards can be confiscated, participation in competitions can be disallowed, programmes can be pulled from air, but the soul of a journalist is not easily broken. Even RTHK discontinued Choi’s employment, she continues to execute her professional responsibilities.

Source:Standnews #Apr02

#PressCard #Evidence #Court #RTHK #ChoiYukLing

https://www.hkcnews.com/article/39909/%E8%94%A1%E7%8E%89%E7%8E%B2-39957/%E8%A8%98%E8%80%85%E8%AD%89%E4%BD%9C%E7%82%BA%E5%91%88%E5%A0%82%E8%AD%89%E7%89%A9
US Reveals Indo-Pacific Strategic Framework, Suggests to Resist China, Helps India to rise and Assist Taiwan's Defence

Source: Stand News #Jan13

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US Reveals Indo-Pacific Strategic Framework, Suggests to Resist China, Helps India to rise and Assist Taiwan's Defence

The night before the US presidential power transfer, the Trump government announced a decrypted file called the US Strategic Framework for Indo-Pacific on Jan 12, revealing the US strategic details for the Indo-Pacific region, including helping India to accelerate its rise and assisting Taiwan to develop national defence strategies, in order to counterbalance China. The Foreign Affairs Ministry of China criticised that the US used the Indo-Pacific strategy to suppress China, undermining the peace and the stability of the region.

This strategic framework was originally regarded as a confidential document, but the Trump government decided to make it public before the government changes. The document was approved by President Trump in February 2018 and has provided "overall strategic guidance" to the US operation for three years, stating that the US would maintain the long term promises on freedom and openness to the Indo-Pacific region.

Robert O'Brien, the US National Security Advisor, criticised in a press release that Beijing is increasing the pressure on the Indo-Pacific region, requesting these countries to submit their freedom and sovereignty to the "mutual fate" suggested by the CCP.

The document suggested an objective: North Korea will no longer be a threat, India will dominate South Asia, and the US will collaborate with the allies, to stand against China's coercive undermining sovereignty actions. The US expected that they could be India's first preferred partner regarding safety issues. Both countries will cooperate to maintain maritime safety and to resist China's influence on South and Southeast Asia.

Source: Stand News #Jan13

https://bit.ly/3fuUP9U

#US #China #Taiwan #NorthKorea #India #SouthAsia #SoutheasAsia #RobertOBrien #IndoPacific #StrategicFramework #Trump
Hong Kong’s autonomy has been tragically destroyed

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) has crushed remaining vestiges of Hong Kong’s autonomy with sweeping legislation that transformed semi-democratic elections in the territory to a Beijing-controlled selection process. Despite Canada’s national obligations as an endorser to the Sino-British Joint Declaration, the Canadian government has done little to hold Beijing accountable.

Under the guise of complying with the Basic Law and the Sino-British Joint Declaration, Beijing loyalists enjoy an overwhelming, de facto advantage. Public office nominees will now be vetted by Beijing and there will be pro-Beijing majority in Hong Kong’s legislature. Despite official’s repeated assertions that the latest electoral “reforms” strengthens Hong Kong’s “democracy,” the message is loud and clear: Hong Kong is now fully under Beijing’s control.

Source: The Star #Apr20

https://t.co/dvoRphtZjd

#China #Canada #HongKong #Beijing
Brain drain fears as quarter of young Hongkongers plan to emigrate

A quarter of young, educated people in Hong Kong are planning to emigrate, according to a new survey, raising fears of a growing brain drain amid China’s crackdown on opposition in the city.

When asked why, more than half cited the implementation of a sweeping national security law, under which more than 100 activists and lawmakers have so far been arrested, while others said it was down to poor governance or deep social divisions.

Britain, New Zealand and Australia were the top destinations for those hoping to leave.

Source: Telegraph #Mar15

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/03/15/brain-drain-fears-quarter-young-hongkongers-plan-emigrate/

#Brain #Hongkongers #Emigrate #Britain #NewZealand #Australia
#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
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#FirstHand #Apr22
Hongkongers Voice Support for Journalist in Defense of #PressFreedom

"Defend Press Freedom", "Stand with #BaoChoy", "Stand with journalists", "the right to truth": Citizens chanted outside the court where former RTHK journalist was trialed over charges of "making false statement".

On April 22, 2021, investigative journalist was convicted over two counts of Road Traffic Ordinance violations. Bao Choy pleaded not guilty and reiterated thst the duty of journalists is to reveal the truth.

The award winning documentaries made by Bao Choy include an investigation on the attacks on pro-democracy protesters and civilians by the white-clad gangsters on July 21, 2019.

The police arrested Choy at her home on November 3, 2020. The charges against Choy has sparked outcry in Hong Kong among journalists and civilians.

#PoliticalProsecution #Censorship
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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
South Korea plans to build a “Chinese Cultural City”, more than 600,000 people jointly signed against, denounce China’s stealing of kimchi and other culture 
 
Source: Stand News #Apr19

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South Korea plans to build a “Chinese Cultural City”, more than 600,000 people jointly signed against, denounce China’s stealing of kimchi and other culture 
 
Some reports stated that South Korea Gangwon do plans a project of building “Chinese Cultural City”, which caused local people to oppose. According to Korea Blue House’s petition website, there were already more than 601,000 people signed as of Monday morning (19April) in Hong Kong time, which claimed the local government revokes that project. Since the petition number is more than 200,000, the government needs to response.  
 
According to Korea English media The Korea Herald, Gangwon do and Chinese People signed a business agreement in 2019. That is, to build a Chinatown in Chuncheon Si and Hongcheon Si, the scale will be 10 times of the Incheon’s. That project is being stated for using revitalizing domestic tourism.  
 
The organiser of the petition judged why it must build a small China inside Korea and stated that the publics do not understand why people need to experience Chinese culture on their land, they strongly oppose the project. The organiser also stated, they opposed Gangwon do build hotels for Chinese tourists, and said the site is the largest historical site in the world, and many cultural relics have been excavated. He said, China tries to steal kimchi, hanbok and other culture which are unique to Korea, they should against China. 
 
Source: Stand News #Apr19

https://bit.ly/3dBx1Qg
 
#Korea #Culture #China #Chinatown #Petition #Kimchi #Hanbok  
Taiwan seizes chance to host foreign reporters kicked out of China
 

Taiwan is courting journalists fleeing China, spotting an opportunity to boost its visibility and build international support as concerns mount that Beijing is flirting with the idea of invading the country.

 Last year, more than 20 journalists made the journey across the Taiwan Strait from China. Many had published articles critical of human rights abuses against the Uyghur Muslim minority in Xinjiang and the government’s early handling of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan.

Source: Financial Times #Apr20

https://www.ft.com/content/ab588fed-fc21-4b19-b601-538d87d79db3
 
#Journalists #Taiwan #China
Stephen Harper warns China likely to be increasingly assertive as U.S. takes less dominant international role
 
OTTAWA – Former prime minister Stephen Harper said the West needs to be prepared for a more robust and aggressive China going forward in a world where the U.S. may not be so dominant on the international stage.

Harper spoke Friday at the Conference of Defence Associations Institute’s annual conference, in a conversation with Richard Fadden, who was Harper’s national security advisor. The conference was held virtually this year, but usually takes place in Ottawa and the National Post is a sponsor of the event.

Source: National Post #Mar21

https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/stephen-harper-warns-china-likely-to-be-increasingly-assertive-as-u-s-takes-less-dominant-international-role
 
#StephenHarper #China #US #International