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#PoliceState #PressFreedom
Local Newspaper Accused of "Smearing" After Publishing a News Report about the Hong Kong Police

Source: Stand News #Feb15
Photo: Apple Daily

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#PoliceState #PressFreedom
Local Newspaper Accused of "Smearing" After Publishing a News Report about the Hong Kong Police

The Hong Kong Police Force accused local newspaper #AppleDaily of "smearing", as one of its article revealed that the Hong Kong police's firearm orders had been cancelled by foreign manufacturers’ due to the police’s misconduct including arbitrary arrests during the pro-democracy movement.

On Feb 15, 2021, Apple Daily headlined that the American firearm manufacturer SIG cancelled the Hong Kong police’s submachine gun orders because of its arbitrary arrests during the Anti-ELAB movement and the implementation of the #NationalSecurityLaw.

It was said that the Hong Kong police tried to buy CZ SCORPION EVO 3 A1 submachine guns from Česká zbrojovka a.s. Uherský Brod, a firearm company in the Czech Republic.

In response to the news report, the Hong Kong Police posted on Facebook and issued a letter to Apple Daily chief editor Ryan Law Wai-kwong, claiming that the term “arbitrary arrest” in the headline was defaming.

The Hong Kong Police also accused Apple of slandering as it mentioned that the police sometimes “shoot not just once, but 4 or 5 times continuously” when subduing citizens.

The police described Apple Daily’s headline as “inexplicable, exaggerating and misrepresenting” and demand the local newspaper for a clarification.

AFP correspondant Xingqi Su revealed on Twitter on Feb 16, 2021 that the Czech Republic cannot export arms to Hong Kong due to international emargo. "AFA arms exports are concerned, Czech has made no difference between HK and mainland China est 2020," the reporter tweeted.

Source: Stand News #Feb15 ; Twitter #Feb16
https://twitter.com/XinqiSu/status/1361600601180704771?s=20

Photo: Apple Daily
https://www.facebook.com/hk.nextmedia/photos/10159881562357448

#PoliticalOppression #ArbitraryArrest #WhiteWash #Censorship
#Choices #Boycott
Hong Kong Netizens Boycott Made-in-China TV Series

Source: Stand News #Feb15

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#Choices #Boycott
Hong Kong Netizens Boycott Made-in-China TV Series

ViuTV, a free-to-air TV channel in Hong Kong, broadcast a Chinese drama seriee called "Drug War" during their prime time since Feb 8, 2021. One week later on Feb 15, the TV station annnounced a change of program after facing strong opposition from Hong Kong netizens.

The Chinese drama, which has 30 episodes in total, has been boycotted by Hongkongers since its first release. Hong Kong netizens filled the facebook page of ViuTV with requests to remove the series and the hastag "#StopShowingDrugWar". The 45,000-membered activists group "Boycott TVB" has voiced support for the boycott. A recently established concern group has already gathered 3,500 likes within a week. Netizens also warned ViuTV that they might extend the boycott to artists like Mirror and Error in the TV station.

In the end, #ViuTV announced that the Chinese series will be aired during midnight over the weekend. The primetime slot will be replaced by the South Korean drama "Kkondae Intern". ViuTV also said they will release more locally produced programmes in due course.

Source: Stand News #Feb15

#ViuTV #KkondaeIntern #CCTVB #KoreanDrama #YellowEconomy #Television
Canada launches 58-nation initiative to stop arbitrary detentions

On 15 Feb, Canada launched a 58-nation initiative to stop countries from detaining foreign citizens for diplomatic leverage. Other signatories include Japan, Britain, Australia and virtually all members of the 27-nation European Union.

Even the declaration does not target any nation, a Canadian official said the initiative had been sparked by concern over arrests of foreigners by China, Iran, Russia and North Korea. Also, the declaration could help put pressure on Beijing.

The Canadian initiative was started last year by Francois-Philippe Champagne, Garneau’s predecessor. Champagne said by working together nations could better focus attention on the detainees.

Source: Reuters #Feb15

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-canada-diplomacy-detainees-idUSKBN2AF0NV

#Canada #ChinaHostageDiplomacy #58NationInitiative
#ShameOnYouChina: Burmese Population Condemn China for its Reported Assistance in Nationwide Internet Blockage and Support for Military Coup

Source: Stand News #Feb15

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#ShameOnYouChina: Burmese Population Condemn China for its Reported Assistance in Nationwide Internet Blockage and Support for Military Coup

On Feb 14, 2021, armoured vehicles were deployed by the Myanmar military in response to the escalation of the demonstrations in the country.

On the morning of Feb 15, the military shut down the country’s internet, which left the national connectivity to only 14% according to the internet observatory #NetBlocks. The internet was resumed at 9am.

Netizens suspected China's intervention by delivering hardwares that helped the internet shut down.

A screenshot showing 6 flights from Kunming to Yangong was posted on social media this morning, with hashtags #ShameOnYouChina and #ChinaHelpMilitaryCoupForOwnBenefit. Multiple universities in Myanmar also issued open letters to Chinese Communist Party (#CCP) leader #XiJiping demanding China to stop recognising the military dictatorship in Myanmar.

Previously, there have been photos circulating on the internet implying China assisted the Myanmar military by providing hardwares to shutdown the internet and build firewalls.

On Feb 10, 2021, the Chinese Enterprises Chamber in Myanmar claimed that the delivery only contained, but protestors were still skeptical. The nationwide internet shutdown on Feb 14 further escalated the protestors’ anti-China stance.

Netizens once again suspected China’s intervention based on the screenshot circulating on social media which showed the arrival of 6 flights from Kunming, China to Yangon. It was reported that the related posts were shared at least 3500 times, and the hashtag #ShameOnYouChina was used more than 1,500 times in just 6 hours after the internet was resumed.

Source: Stand News #Feb15

Read more about the #OpenLetter from university students in Myanmar:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-55960284

http://www.mmtimes.com/news/myanmar-student-union-leaders-appeal-china.html

#MyanmarProtest #InternetShutdown
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Scott Morrison could tear up Victoria's controversial Belt and Road deal with China with WEEKS as PM declares there's 'no benefit' to Australia

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has claimed Victoria's controversial Belt and Road Initiative agreement with China has no benefits.

Victorian Premier Dan Andrews who signed a memorandum of understanding in 2018 with China,
and other state premiers and chief ministers must detail to the Commonwealth all agreements made with foreign powers by March 10 for the assessment of the Federal Government

The intervention was made possible when Federal legislation was passed in December allowing the foreign minister to review and scrap state, territory, local council and public university deals with other nations.

Source: DailyMail #Feb15

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9260117/No-benefit-Scott-Morrison-tear-Victorias-controversial-Belt-Road-deal-China.html

#Australia #BRI #BRINoBenefit #China #CCP
Tong has been an assistant boxing trainer and fitness coach for over 10 years.

Source: Stand News #Feb15

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Tong has been an assistant boxing trainer and fitness coach for over 10 years.

The decision to close his fitness center was not because business was bad, he stressed; rather, he and his wife did not want to be willing accomplices in the government's plans in gathering citizens' personal information.

Resuming business is a "normal, expected right", he says, and it should come with no conditions attached. "If I help them with this [collecting personal information], I would be too ashamed to face my clients. I don't want to hand over all their information without them authorizing it. This would be very disrespectful; it's a big breach of trust. I don't even know what kind of people will end up with the information I'd collect."

Beside the Leave Home Safe app, a slew of surveillance-oriented programs, such as bluetooth-tracking light poles and mandatory real-name SIM cards, are coming at Hongkongers.

Tong says that the government is gathering personal information from more and more channels, reaching ever deeper into citizens' lives. "They violate our human rights, and interfere with our daily lives in so many ways."

Tong does not hide his disappointment or reluctance at closing his fitness center. He is also aware that, to many people, their decision is regrettable, rash, and even unwise. To the young couple, however, it is the bottom line.

"A lot of people feel that closing the business is giving up, or a loss. Actually, I don't think it's that serious ..."

Over the two years, the center is the couple's blood, tears, and toil; moreover, it's their memories. "We come away with so many memories from it. Plus, in the end, we stayed true to ourselves."

Source: Stand News #Feb15
https://bit.ly/3tZqODM
#Arrest #Sedition
Singer activist Tommy Yuen arrested under National Security Law

Sources: Inmediahk, Luminant, RTHK; #Feb15

#TommyYuen #NSL #MoneyLaundering
#Arrest #Sedition
Singer activist Tommy Yuen arrested under National Security Law

Tommy Yuen Man-on was arrested in the morning of February 15 by the Hong Kong national security on suspicion of sedition and money laundering.

In a press briefing, the police said the 41-year-old singer was arrested over content he published on social media since last September that incites hatred towards the government, the police and judges.

The Senior superintendent of the force’s national security unit, also accused the singer of smearing the government’s Covid policies, and singing a song that contains a banned protest slogan during an online concert.

Yuen, a former member of boyband E-kids, has been an activist supporting the pro-democracy camp over the past few years and at the height of the 2019 social unrest.

He had actively participated in the city's political events, including the Human Rights Day Rally on December 8, 2019, where he led the protest march.

Sources: Inmediahk, Luminant, RTHK; #Feb15
https://bit.ly/3sNZqZQ

#TommyYuen #NSL #MoneyLaundering
#Censorship #InternetFreedom
Pro-democracy NGO #HongKongWatch website reportedly blocked in Hong Kong

Source: Hong Kong Watch; Hong Kong Free Press; InMedia #Feb15

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#Censorship #InternetFreedom
Pro-democracy NGO
#HongKongWatch website reportedly blocked in Hong Kong

On February 15, 2022, the website of Hong Kong Watch, a NGO based in the UK, cannot be accessed in Hong Kong, unless a VPN is used.

It is reported that the Hong Kong authorities have requested internet service providers such as PCCW, CMHK, HKBN and Navigator networks among others, to delist the website.

In 2021, the Hong Kong government has taken down other websites including HKChroniclees.com, Transitional Justice Commission, and HK Charter 2021.

Benedict Rogers, CEO of Hong Kong Watch, said:

“If this is not just a technical malfunction, and Hong Kongers will no longer be able to access our website because of the #NationalSecurityLaw, then this is a serious blow to internet freedom. With the steady drip of website removals, there are fears that China could begin introducing its Great Internet Firewall into the city."

Source: Hong Kong Watch; Hong Kong Free Press; InMedia #Feb15

https://www.hongkongwatch.org/all-posts/2022/2/14/hong-kong-watch-website-blocked-by-internet-firms-in-hong-kong

https://hongkongfp.com/2022/02/15/website-of-ngo-hong-kong-watch-appears-blocked-amid-rising-fears-of-internet-censorship/

https://bit.ly/3uRjQDQ
Novak Djokovic : prepared to miss #Wimbledon and #FrenchOpen if forced to have COVID vaccine

#NovakDjokovic said missing the next two Grand Slam tournaments, where he is reigning champion, "is the price that I'm willing to pay".

He told the BBC: "I was never against vaccination... but I've always supported the freedom to choose what you put in your body.

Sources: Now TV, Sky News,CBC ; #Feb15
https://news.now.com/home/international/player?newsId=466579&refer=Share
Swedish Gold Medalist says China's hosting of Olympics 'extremely irresponsible' amid human rights abuses

Source: Taiwan News #Feb15

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Swedish Gold Medalist says China's hosting of Olympics 'extremely irresponsible' amid human rights abuses

//Swedish speed skater Nils van der Poel, who won two gold medals at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, on Sunday, February 13, 2022, condemned the International Olympic Committee (#IOC) as being "extremely irresponsible" in handing over the games to a country that "violates human rights as blatantly" as China does.

25-year-old Nils van der Poel took gold in the men's 5,000-meter and 10,000-meter speed skating competitions at the 2022 Winter Olympics, setting the world record in the latter.

...He compared the games to the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin.

He said that the Olympics is a "fantastic sporting event where you unite the world and nations meet," but he added that "so did Hitler before invading Poland, and so did Russia before invading Ukraine," referring to the German invasion of Poland in 1939 and the invasion of Ukrainian territory in Crimea by Russia in 2014.

As for Beijing's hosting of the Winter Games, Van de Poel said, "I think it is extremely irresponsible to give it to a country that violates human rights as blatantly as the Chinese regime is doing."//

Read full article:
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4444098

Source: Taiwan News #Feb15

#NilsVanDerPoel #Sweden #WinterOlympics #Beijing #China
#FailedState
Hong Kong Chief Executive's popularity remains at historic low as 34% respondents gave her zero mark : survey found

#HKPORI

Source: Inmediahk; #Feb15

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#FailedState
Hong Kong Chief Executive's popularity remains at historic low as 34% respondents gave her zero mark : survey found

Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institution's (#HKPORI) survey showed that the latest popularity rating of Chief Executive Carrie Lam is 31.9 marks, with 34% of respondents giving her 0 mark. Lam's net popularity stands at negative 53 percentage points.

On a scale of 0 to 10, people’s ratings on the five core social indicators ranked from the highest to the lowest are “rule of law” (5.13), “freedom” (5.09), “prosperity” (4.97), “stability” (4.94) and “democracy” (4.25).

Compared to the last survey, the rating of “efficiency” dropped significantly, while the ratings of “social welfare sufficiency”, “civilization”, “efficiency” and “equality” have all registered all-time lows since records began in 1997.

As for the ten freedom sub-indicators, freedom of “speech”, “freedom to strike”, “association”, “press”, “publication” and “procession and demonstration” all score lower than 5 marks.

Freedom of “entering or leaving Hong Kong” has dropped significantly when compared to the last survey and registered a historical low since records began in 1997.

PORI successfully interviewed 1,012 Hong Kong residents by a random telephone survey conducted by real interviewers in early February.

Read full survey results:
https://www.pori.hk/press-release-en/2022-02-15-pm.html?lang=en

Source: Inmediahk; #Feb15
https://bit.ly/3rQ5em1
#Authoritarianism #FailedState
HK Cheif Executive refuses to wear face covering in press briefing while tightening COVID control measures

In a press briefing on mid-February, Hong Kong Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, insisted on not wearing a #mask during her press conference.

When reporters again asked why she wasn't wearing a face covering, she taunted that reporters should let go of this matter, and focus on COVID-control measures.

On another press conference last month, Lam had explained that she had gone mask-less because "people need to understand and feel my feeling".

#COVIDControlMeasure

Source: Inmediahk; #Feb15
https://bit.ly/3szjFu0