Police mocked visually impaired lawyer with discriminating and humiliating remarks
Read full article:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/20109
#Discrimination #VisuallyImpaired #Lawyer #PoliceBrutality
Read full article:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/20109
#Discrimination #VisuallyImpaired #Lawyer #PoliceBrutality
#Analysis #RuleofLaw
Three young lawyers discuss the legal system in Hong Kong
• Three young lawyers expressed their thoughts and opinions on working in the current judicial environment in Hong Kong. They discussed the discrepancy between the public’s expectations from the legal system and the limitations imposed on the courts by the system.
• Although they support or sympathise with the social movement, they are also caught in a position between the public and the traditional legal elites. In the midst of cries that “the rule of law is dead”, these young lawyers seem speechless. They criticise the system, yet they have to work within the system.
• Benny Tai: “If the court does not cooperate with an authoritarian regime, the authoritarian government will set up an alternative legal or political body that it can fully control to deal with political sensitive cases. In order to protect the damage in legal authority, the court can only avoid dealing with politically sensitive issues, thus limiting its power.”
• The rule of law in Hong Kong has not collapsed yet but it does not mean it will not. In reality, it can break easily because there is an invincible external force called the Interpretation of the Basic Law by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC). But Ben and Jerry further pointed out that there is no need for the regime to Interpret the Basic Law or incorporate judges because it has hundreds of other ways to undermine the authority of the judiciary.
Read more:
https://telegra.ph/Diagnosis-for-the-Rule-of-Law---Reflections-of-Three-Young-Lawyers-on-the-System-and-the-People-05-29
#BennyTai #LegalSystem #Lawyer
Three young lawyers discuss the legal system in Hong Kong
• Three young lawyers expressed their thoughts and opinions on working in the current judicial environment in Hong Kong. They discussed the discrepancy between the public’s expectations from the legal system and the limitations imposed on the courts by the system.
• Although they support or sympathise with the social movement, they are also caught in a position between the public and the traditional legal elites. In the midst of cries that “the rule of law is dead”, these young lawyers seem speechless. They criticise the system, yet they have to work within the system.
• Benny Tai: “If the court does not cooperate with an authoritarian regime, the authoritarian government will set up an alternative legal or political body that it can fully control to deal with political sensitive cases. In order to protect the damage in legal authority, the court can only avoid dealing with politically sensitive issues, thus limiting its power.”
• The rule of law in Hong Kong has not collapsed yet but it does not mean it will not. In reality, it can break easily because there is an invincible external force called the Interpretation of the Basic Law by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC). But Ben and Jerry further pointed out that there is no need for the regime to Interpret the Basic Law or incorporate judges because it has hundreds of other ways to undermine the authority of the judiciary.
Read more:
https://telegra.ph/Diagnosis-for-the-Rule-of-Law---Reflections-of-Three-Young-Lawyers-on-the-System-and-the-People-05-29
#BennyTai #LegalSystem #Lawyer
Telegraph
Diagnosis for the Rule of Law - Reflections of Three Young Lawyers on the System and the People
One night at the beginning of last November, a protester in black threw a few Molotov cocktails towards the Tseun Wan Magistrates’ Court building, which ceased to function in 2016, from the stairs of the bridge nearby. A tree was hit and subsequently was…
#NetizensVoice
Being as a person facing court right now, I would like to warn you that even Spark Alliance HK is infiltrated
(1 Jun) Well, that is:
My younger brother was arrested in the scene last Sep; we sought legal assistance from lawyers from “Civil Human Rights Front” (CHRF) and “Spark Alliance HK” (612). Soon later, my family members referred another one to us, thus we changed the legal representative; who is a solicitor named Lee xx. Lee later claimed himself joined CHRF and 612. I am not going to publicize the full name of Lee here as my family members are still having good relationship with Lee. However, I will report Lee’s behavior to CHRF and 612.
Lee found a barrister to act on us, Kwong Man Cheong. All along the period, Kwong told us in all meetings that “our case would be lose, suggested pleading guilty to relieve the sentence.” Though I told Kwong that I won’t plead guilty to an offence in political nature; and I’d prepared for the jail. Kwong replied me throughout the period that: “I respect your choice. If you would like to have a trial, I would represent you to fight for it.”
It’s fine, I’m going to have the plea day tomorrow.
Today in the afternoon, I received a call from Lee who said: “Kwong (Gilbert Kwong) opined your case would not win, and you did not agree to plead guilty, Kwong now decided not to represent you. So that I have already helped you to find another barrister, will send his name card to you soon.”
When I read the name card, the barrister is Albert Luk’s Chambers, the fu*king Albert Luk!
I throwback, they (Lee and Kwong) in fact want to persuade me admitting the charges at the very beginning; and declined us right before the plea day.
Although Lee said Kwong could represent us the last time (tomorrow), we rejected. To be frank, How do I know if Kwong will not ask the court to remand me?! LOL.
This is a remind to everyone, infiltration is really serious, regardless of LIHKG, undercovers in the scene and teams; and even infiltrated into the process of seeking a legal representative.
Even they are not undercovers and infiltration, those heartless legal advisers, who have never thought to help the activists (us), sucked hard-earned money donated by the public to 612.
Last but not least, I would like to particularly thank for the legal advisors from CHRF; they had not abandoned us due to our initial rejection to their lawyers. They even worked overtimes at midnight to understand our situation before my plea day, and represent us on the next day.
Million thanks to you all, though I might be in jail at the end.
I will never forget your all’s sincere assistance.
Source: LIHKG
https://lih.kg/2046761
#SparkAllianceHK #Court #Lawyer #Chinainfiltration
Being as a person facing court right now, I would like to warn you that even Spark Alliance HK is infiltrated
(1 Jun) Well, that is:
My younger brother was arrested in the scene last Sep; we sought legal assistance from lawyers from “Civil Human Rights Front” (CHRF) and “Spark Alliance HK” (612). Soon later, my family members referred another one to us, thus we changed the legal representative; who is a solicitor named Lee xx. Lee later claimed himself joined CHRF and 612. I am not going to publicize the full name of Lee here as my family members are still having good relationship with Lee. However, I will report Lee’s behavior to CHRF and 612.
Lee found a barrister to act on us, Kwong Man Cheong. All along the period, Kwong told us in all meetings that “our case would be lose, suggested pleading guilty to relieve the sentence.” Though I told Kwong that I won’t plead guilty to an offence in political nature; and I’d prepared for the jail. Kwong replied me throughout the period that: “I respect your choice. If you would like to have a trial, I would represent you to fight for it.”
It’s fine, I’m going to have the plea day tomorrow.
Today in the afternoon, I received a call from Lee who said: “Kwong (Gilbert Kwong) opined your case would not win, and you did not agree to plead guilty, Kwong now decided not to represent you. So that I have already helped you to find another barrister, will send his name card to you soon.”
When I read the name card, the barrister is Albert Luk’s Chambers, the fu*king Albert Luk!
I throwback, they (Lee and Kwong) in fact want to persuade me admitting the charges at the very beginning; and declined us right before the plea day.
Although Lee said Kwong could represent us the last time (tomorrow), we rejected. To be frank, How do I know if Kwong will not ask the court to remand me?! LOL.
This is a remind to everyone, infiltration is really serious, regardless of LIHKG, undercovers in the scene and teams; and even infiltrated into the process of seeking a legal representative.
Even they are not undercovers and infiltration, those heartless legal advisers, who have never thought to help the activists (us), sucked hard-earned money donated by the public to 612.
Last but not least, I would like to particularly thank for the legal advisors from CHRF; they had not abandoned us due to our initial rejection to their lawyers. They even worked overtimes at midnight to understand our situation before my plea day, and represent us on the next day.
Million thanks to you all, though I might be in jail at the end.
I will never forget your all’s sincere assistance.
Source: LIHKG
https://lih.kg/2046761
#SparkAllianceHK #Court #Lawyer #Chinainfiltration
LIHKG 討論區
「警世長文」作為一個上緊庭嘅人，我想同你地講連星火律師都有滲透
是咁的
細佬我上年九月on site被捕
搵咗星火同埋民陣律師幫我
後嚟我屋企人搵咗個相熟嘅律師幫，所以轉咗律師
佢叫李xx，係一個事務律師嚟
佢期後就聲稱加入咗星火同612
屋企人同佢都有交情，所以我喺哩到就唔開佢名啦
不過條冚家拎我會同返612基金同星火果邊report
話說佢幫我搵咗個大律師叫鄺民昌
一直以嚟佢同我開會嘅主軸都大體上係講
「輸嫁啦，認罪判輕啲」
然而我一直都係覺得，政治罪我認咩呢？講到明我真係唔會認，最多咪坐囉
而佢畀我嘅回覆一直都係話「咁我都尊重返你意見啦，你要打官司我都一定幫你打嘅」…
細佬我上年九月on site被捕
搵咗星火同埋民陣律師幫我
後嚟我屋企人搵咗個相熟嘅律師幫，所以轉咗律師
佢叫李xx，係一個事務律師嚟
佢期後就聲稱加入咗星火同612
屋企人同佢都有交情，所以我喺哩到就唔開佢名啦
不過條冚家拎我會同返612基金同星火果邊report
話說佢幫我搵咗個大律師叫鄺民昌
一直以嚟佢同我開會嘅主軸都大體上係講
「輸嫁啦，認罪判輕啲」
然而我一直都係覺得，政治罪我認咩呢？講到明我真係唔會認，最多咪坐囉
而佢畀我嘅回覆一直都係話「咁我都尊重返你意見啦，你要打官司我都一定幫你打嘅」…
#Newspaper
Fifth anniversary of 709 Crackdown puts Hong Kong national security law in the spotlight, Chinese and Hong Kong lawyers concerned about future "Hong Kong version 709"
(8 Jul) The fifth anniversary of the "709 Crackdown" in mainland China is approaching. Currently in political asylum in the US, Chinese human rights lawyer, Chen Jiangang, had handled the cases of Xie Yang, Li Heping, Wang Quanzhang and Jiang Tianyong in the 709 incident. Chen was prohibited from leaving China until last year when he was threatened for handling the case of Zhou Yongkang's daughter-in-law, Fiona Huang. He and his family fled to the US that same year in July. Chen pointed out that the Hong Kong national security law should not be viewed from a legal perspective as it is intrinsically not a law. Rather, it represents that "the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) can openly push their authority on Hong Kong. This is in their nature."
//the implementation of the Hong Kong national security law was like "sticking a knife" into more than 100 years of Common Law practice and changing it beyond recognition.
//self-censorship is already occurring in Hong Kong. He is concerned that a "'Hong Kong version' of 709 Crackdown may follow."
//under President Xi Jinping, the Administrative Procedure Law and the State Compensation Law were left stranded.
//During the pandemic, the CCP tightly monitored the family members of those deceased from the virus, "If five or more family members of the deceased interacted with each other, they had to be caught."
Full translation:
https://telegra.ph/Fifth-anniversary-of-709-Crackdown-puts-Hong-Kong-national-security-law-in-the-spotlight-Chinese-and-Hong-Kong-lawyers-concerned-07-17
Source: Mingpao
Translated by: Hong Kong Echo
#709MassArrest #Lawyer #RuleOfLaw #NationalSecurityLaw #Coronavirus
Fifth anniversary of 709 Crackdown puts Hong Kong national security law in the spotlight, Chinese and Hong Kong lawyers concerned about future "Hong Kong version 709"
(8 Jul) The fifth anniversary of the "709 Crackdown" in mainland China is approaching. Currently in political asylum in the US, Chinese human rights lawyer, Chen Jiangang, had handled the cases of Xie Yang, Li Heping, Wang Quanzhang and Jiang Tianyong in the 709 incident. Chen was prohibited from leaving China until last year when he was threatened for handling the case of Zhou Yongkang's daughter-in-law, Fiona Huang. He and his family fled to the US that same year in July. Chen pointed out that the Hong Kong national security law should not be viewed from a legal perspective as it is intrinsically not a law. Rather, it represents that "the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) can openly push their authority on Hong Kong. This is in their nature."
//the implementation of the Hong Kong national security law was like "sticking a knife" into more than 100 years of Common Law practice and changing it beyond recognition.
//self-censorship is already occurring in Hong Kong. He is concerned that a "'Hong Kong version' of 709 Crackdown may follow."
//under President Xi Jinping, the Administrative Procedure Law and the State Compensation Law were left stranded.
//During the pandemic, the CCP tightly monitored the family members of those deceased from the virus, "If five or more family members of the deceased interacted with each other, they had to be caught."
Full translation:
https://telegra.ph/Fifth-anniversary-of-709-Crackdown-puts-Hong-Kong-national-security-law-in-the-spotlight-Chinese-and-Hong-Kong-lawyers-concerned-07-17
Source: Mingpao
Translated by: Hong Kong Echo
#709MassArrest #Lawyer #RuleOfLaw #NationalSecurityLaw #Coronavirus
Telegraph
Fifth anniversary of 709 Crackdown puts Hong Kong national security law in the spotlight, Chinese and Hong Kong lawyers concerned…
#Newspaper (8 Jul) The fifth anniversary of the "709 Crackdown" in mainland China is approaching. Currently in political asylum in the US, Chinese human rights lawyer, Chen Jiangang, had handled the cases of Xie Yang, Li Heping, Wang Quanzhang and Jiang Tianyong…
#MassArrest #PrimaryElection
Hong Kong Police Arrests US Lawyer for Breaching National Security Law during Territorywide Crackdown
//John Clancey, a US solicitor with law firm Ho Tse Wai and Partners that is known for taking on human rights cases, was arrested by the Hong Kong Police under the national security law in Hong Kong on January 6, 2021.
A US citizen, Clancey could potentially be the first foreign citizen who does not also hold a Hong Kong passport to be arrested under the national security law.
The US Consulate in Hong Kong would not comment on the arrests. Clancey's detention could pose a major diplomatic issue for Washington, amid an already tense relationship with China.//
Source: CNN #Jan6
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/01/05/asia/hong-kong-national-security-law-intl-hnk/index.html
#PoliceState #USCitizen #JohnClancey #Lawyer
======
Authorities Launch #MassArrest in Hong Kong to Silence Pro-democracy Dissents
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/27822
Hong Kong Police Arrests US Lawyer for Breaching National Security Law during Territorywide Crackdown
//John Clancey, a US solicitor with law firm Ho Tse Wai and Partners that is known for taking on human rights cases, was arrested by the Hong Kong Police under the national security law in Hong Kong on January 6, 2021.
A US citizen, Clancey could potentially be the first foreign citizen who does not also hold a Hong Kong passport to be arrested under the national security law.
The US Consulate in Hong Kong would not comment on the arrests. Clancey's detention could pose a major diplomatic issue for Washington, amid an already tense relationship with China.//
Source: CNN #Jan6
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/01/05/asia/hong-kong-national-security-law-intl-hnk/index.html
#PoliceState #USCitizen #JohnClancey #Lawyer
======
Authorities Launch #MassArrest in Hong Kong to Silence Pro-democracy Dissents
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/27822
#Court #NationalSecurityLaw
Hong Kong Police Bar Arrested Pro-democracy Activist From Meeting Their Lawyers Before Court Hearing
On March 1, 2021, 47 pro-democracy activists and politicians, who were charged with inciting subversion under the National Security Law was mentioned at the West Kowloon Magistrate Court at 11 am.
The defendants were detained overnight in the police station and sent to court under escort at around 9 am. The defendants’ finally got to meet their lawyers at the detention room in the court. The trial started at around 1 pm.
The live broadcast arranged by the court was, however, not clear. Journalists couldn’t identify who attend the hearing and who were absent from the screen.
The live streaming of the court failed to capture all the defendants. Some faces cannot shown. From the screen, at least ten police officers were standing in front of the defendants.
In the court, some defendants made requests. However, no one could hear them in the live broadcast and could not identify which ones of them were involved.
A male voice among the defendants shouted, “I just want to pass an instruction to my lawyer. Why is it not allowed?”.
A female voice which resemember former reporter Gwyneth HO Kwai-lam shouted, “I want to meet my lawyer! I am not allowed to meet my lawyer before the hearing. That’s what I know only.”
Source: Apple News #Mar1
https://bit.ly/37SD5jW
#PoliceState #Lawyer #HumanitarianCrisis #PoliticalPersecution #PrimaryElection
Hong Kong Police Bar Arrested Pro-democracy Activist From Meeting Their Lawyers Before Court Hearing
On March 1, 2021, 47 pro-democracy activists and politicians, who were charged with inciting subversion under the National Security Law was mentioned at the West Kowloon Magistrate Court at 11 am.
The defendants were detained overnight in the police station and sent to court under escort at around 9 am. The defendants’ finally got to meet their lawyers at the detention room in the court. The trial started at around 1 pm.
The live broadcast arranged by the court was, however, not clear. Journalists couldn’t identify who attend the hearing and who were absent from the screen.
The live streaming of the court failed to capture all the defendants. Some faces cannot shown. From the screen, at least ten police officers were standing in front of the defendants.
In the court, some defendants made requests. However, no one could hear them in the live broadcast and could not identify which ones of them were involved.
A male voice among the defendants shouted, “I just want to pass an instruction to my lawyer. Why is it not allowed?”.
A female voice which resemember former reporter Gwyneth HO Kwai-lam shouted, “I want to meet my lawyer! I am not allowed to meet my lawyer before the hearing. That’s what I know only.”
Source: Apple News #Mar1
https://bit.ly/37SD5jW
#PoliceState #Lawyer #HumanitarianCrisis #PoliticalPersecution #PrimaryElection
British Law Firm Being Sanctioned and Responded on China's Stupidity: Independent Practitioners Can Have Different Views as Clients and Colleagues
Ministry of Foreign Affairs in China announced to sanction nine personnel and four entities, including British Essex Court Chambers. The chair of the Bar Human Rights Committee and Head of Cloisters Human Rights Practice Group, Schona Jolly, described the sanctions from China are “maladroit”, as lawyers are work in the same office but are all independent and might not agree with the views of clients and colleagues. She reiterated that China should accept the independent investigation by the international society on Xinjiang human rights problems instead of engaging “the diplomatic tactics”.
Schona Jolly also indicated that according to The Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers defined by the United Nations, lawyers' professional work should not be intimidated by sanctions and should not be implicated by clients. She stated that the sanctions to the whole lawyer office from China are “maladroit” as they work at the same office but are independent and self-employed practitioners, not necessarily sharing their professional points of views with other colleagues and clients. China sanctions the whole structure (i.e. the whole office) will only reflect their misunderstanding on the British law professional operations and the independence of lawyers.
Source: Stand News #Mar28
https://bit.ly/3cRJ1gd
#China #England #Sanctions #UnitedNations #Lawyer #Independence #InternationalSociety #Xinjiang #HumanRights #Diplomatic
Ministry of Foreign Affairs in China announced to sanction nine personnel and four entities, including British Essex Court Chambers. The chair of the Bar Human Rights Committee and Head of Cloisters Human Rights Practice Group, Schona Jolly, described the sanctions from China are “maladroit”, as lawyers are work in the same office but are all independent and might not agree with the views of clients and colleagues. She reiterated that China should accept the independent investigation by the international society on Xinjiang human rights problems instead of engaging “the diplomatic tactics”.
Schona Jolly also indicated that according to The Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers defined by the United Nations, lawyers' professional work should not be intimidated by sanctions and should not be implicated by clients. She stated that the sanctions to the whole lawyer office from China are “maladroit” as they work at the same office but are independent and self-employed practitioners, not necessarily sharing their professional points of views with other colleagues and clients. China sanctions the whole structure (i.e. the whole office) will only reflect their misunderstanding on the British law professional operations and the independence of lawyers.
Source: Stand News #Mar28
https://bit.ly/3cRJ1gd
#China #England #Sanctions #UnitedNations #Lawyer #Independence #InternationalSociety #Xinjiang #HumanRights #Diplomatic
Independent English bookshop in Hong Kong Closes as Owner Leaves the City
In Hong Kong, the independent English bookshop, Bleak House Books (清明堂) will be closed in mid-October, 2021. The co-founder Albert King-ho Wan announced on Sunday, August 29, 2021.
Wan and his family will be leaving Hong Kong in the near future. Wan wrote in the blog of the bookstore, "the backdrop to these developments is, of course, politics".
Albert Wan was born in the 1970s in the United States and grew up there until he moved back to Hong Kong with his family in 2016. Previously a lawyer, Albert Wan started #BleakHouseBooks in early 2018 in San Po Kong, Kowloon.
Bleak House Books mainly sells vintage English books and comics and has become popular among readers over time. The bookshop also held talks for readers to exchange reflections.
Albert Wan said that the bookshop will be closed on October 15, 2021. Wan explained that his family’s daily lives are not overtly political, "but as George Orwell once remarked, in our age there is no such thing as 'keeping out of politics. All issues are political issues."
The closure is a decision made with great sadness, said Wan. He added that given the state of politics in Hong Kong, "My wife and I can no longer see a life for ourselves and our children in this city, at least in the near future."
Source: Stand News #Aug29
https://thestandnews.page.link/NBKUcSdHhuqu6u527
More at:
https://blog.bleakhousebooks.com.hk/the-last-memo/
#NationSecurityLaw #emigration #MigrationWave #BookStore #Lawyer #AlbertWan
In Hong Kong, the independent English bookshop, Bleak House Books (清明堂) will be closed in mid-October, 2021. The co-founder Albert King-ho Wan announced on Sunday, August 29, 2021.
Wan and his family will be leaving Hong Kong in the near future. Wan wrote in the blog of the bookstore, "the backdrop to these developments is, of course, politics".
Albert Wan was born in the 1970s in the United States and grew up there until he moved back to Hong Kong with his family in 2016. Previously a lawyer, Albert Wan started #BleakHouseBooks in early 2018 in San Po Kong, Kowloon.
Bleak House Books mainly sells vintage English books and comics and has become popular among readers over time. The bookshop also held talks for readers to exchange reflections.
Albert Wan said that the bookshop will be closed on October 15, 2021. Wan explained that his family’s daily lives are not overtly political, "but as George Orwell once remarked, in our age there is no such thing as 'keeping out of politics. All issues are political issues."
The closure is a decision made with great sadness, said Wan. He added that given the state of politics in Hong Kong, "My wife and I can no longer see a life for ourselves and our children in this city, at least in the near future."
Source: Stand News #Aug29
https://thestandnews.page.link/NBKUcSdHhuqu6u527
More at:
https://blog.bleakhousebooks.com.hk/the-last-memo/
#NationSecurityLaw #emigration #MigrationWave #BookStore #Lawyer #AlbertWan
立場新聞 Stand News
獨立英文書店清明堂將結業 店主：因政治原因舉家離港 | 立場報道 | 立場新聞
香港碩果僅存的獨立英文書店清明堂（Bleak House Books）今日宣布將於 10 月中結業。店主溫敬豪...
#UK #CCPThreat
MI5 accuses lawyer of trying to influence politicians on behalf of China
An unprecedented security warning from MI5 was circulated to MPs and peers on Thursday that accused a lawyer, Christine Lee, of seeking to improperly influence parliamentarians on behalf of China’s ruling Communist party.
It is the first time that MI5 has issued an “interference alert” relating to China and concerns a high-profile Anglo-Chinese lawyer who received an award from Theresa May and who has donated £584,177 to the office of Labour MP and former shadow cabinet member Barry Gardiner.
The alert names and pictures Christine Ching Kui Lee, who has allegedly “knowingly engaged in political interference activities on behalf of the United Front Work Department (UFWD) of the Chinese Communist party”.
It added that the UFWD was “seeking to covertly interfere in UK politics through establishing links with established and aspiring parliamentarians across the political spectrum” and to “cultivate relationships with influential figures”.
Read the full article:
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/jan/13/chinese-national-trying-to-improperly-influence-politicians-says-mi5
Source: Guardian #Jan13
#SecurityBreach #Espionage #Lawyer
MI5 accuses lawyer of trying to influence politicians on behalf of China
An unprecedented security warning from MI5 was circulated to MPs and peers on Thursday that accused a lawyer, Christine Lee, of seeking to improperly influence parliamentarians on behalf of China’s ruling Communist party.
It is the first time that MI5 has issued an “interference alert” relating to China and concerns a high-profile Anglo-Chinese lawyer who received an award from Theresa May and who has donated £584,177 to the office of Labour MP and former shadow cabinet member Barry Gardiner.
The alert names and pictures Christine Ching Kui Lee, who has allegedly “knowingly engaged in political interference activities on behalf of the United Front Work Department (UFWD) of the Chinese Communist party”.
It added that the UFWD was “seeking to covertly interfere in UK politics through establishing links with established and aspiring parliamentarians across the political spectrum” and to “cultivate relationships with influential figures”.
Read the full article:
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/jan/13/chinese-national-trying-to-improperly-influence-politicians-says-mi5
Source: Guardian #Jan13
#SecurityBreach #Espionage #Lawyer
the Guardian
MI5 accuses lawyer of trying to influence politicians on behalf of China
Warning circulated to MPs and peers about Christine Lee, accused of targeting parliamentarians
British lawyers defending Hong Kong pro-democracy tycoon Jimmy Lai say they have received threats
//Barristers from a British law firm who are representing jailed Hong Kong tycoon and democracy campaigner #JimmyLai said on July 7, 2022 they had received anonymous e-mails warning them against travelling to the city to defend him.
Lai is among the most prominent people in Hong Kong to be charged under a #National SecurityLaw that Beijing imposed in June 2020 to punish terrorism, collusion with foreign forces, subversion and secession with possible life imprisonment.
The barristers - Caoilfhionn Gallagher, Jonathan Price and Jennifer Robinson from Doughty Street Chambers - told Reuters the messages came from a generic Gmail address.
"A person that refuses to abide by the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region could be extradited...from other jurisdictions. Foreign nationals will be charged with the offences of subversion," one of the e-mails said. "You have been warned not to attempt entry or land in Chinese territory."
The barristers declined to say if they would be travelling to Hong Kong for the trial.
"Threatening journalists, campaigners and lawyers within Hong Kong has been happening for some time," the barristers said in an e-mail.
"Now these intimidatory tactics are spreading outside the borders of China and Hong Kong."
Police said in a statement they were concerned about the media reports and "strongly condemn the act of impersonating police officers". They appealed to those concerned to provide further information.
The government did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether the barristers would be allowed to enter Hong Kong.
Baroness Helena Kennedy, Director of the International Bar Association's Institute of Fundamental Rights, condemned what she said was an act of intimidation.
"Intimidating the lawyers who act for citizens pursuing freedom and democracy is the tactic of an authoritarian regime," she said.
"Jimmy Lai's right to instruct international lawyers of his choice is fundamental to a fair trial. The Hong Kong authorities seem to have abandoned the values which underpin the rule of law."//
Source: Reuters #Jul7
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/british-lawyers-defending-hong-kong-tycoon-say-they-receive-threats-2022-07-07/
#PoliceState #CCP #Intimidation #FairTrial #Lawyer #Court #AppleDaily #NextMedia
//Barristers from a British law firm who are representing jailed Hong Kong tycoon and democracy campaigner #JimmyLai said on July 7, 2022 they had received anonymous e-mails warning them against travelling to the city to defend him.
Lai is among the most prominent people in Hong Kong to be charged under a #National SecurityLaw that Beijing imposed in June 2020 to punish terrorism, collusion with foreign forces, subversion and secession with possible life imprisonment.
The barristers - Caoilfhionn Gallagher, Jonathan Price and Jennifer Robinson from Doughty Street Chambers - told Reuters the messages came from a generic Gmail address.
"A person that refuses to abide by the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region could be extradited...from other jurisdictions. Foreign nationals will be charged with the offences of subversion," one of the e-mails said. "You have been warned not to attempt entry or land in Chinese territory."
The barristers declined to say if they would be travelling to Hong Kong for the trial.
"Threatening journalists, campaigners and lawyers within Hong Kong has been happening for some time," the barristers said in an e-mail.
"Now these intimidatory tactics are spreading outside the borders of China and Hong Kong."
Police said in a statement they were concerned about the media reports and "strongly condemn the act of impersonating police officers". They appealed to those concerned to provide further information.
The government did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether the barristers would be allowed to enter Hong Kong.
Baroness Helena Kennedy, Director of the International Bar Association's Institute of Fundamental Rights, condemned what she said was an act of intimidation.
"Intimidating the lawyers who act for citizens pursuing freedom and democracy is the tactic of an authoritarian regime," she said.
"Jimmy Lai's right to instruct international lawyers of his choice is fundamental to a fair trial. The Hong Kong authorities seem to have abandoned the values which underpin the rule of law."//
Source: Reuters #Jul7
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/british-lawyers-defending-hong-kong-tycoon-say-they-receive-threats-2022-07-07/
#PoliceState #CCP #Intimidation #FairTrial #Lawyer #Court #AppleDaily #NextMedia
Reuters
Lawyers defending Hong Kong tycoon say they have received threats
Barristers from a British law firm who are representing jailed Hong Kong tycoon and democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai said on Thursday they had received anonymous e-mails warning them against travelling to the city to defend him.
A jailed Hong Kong lawyer defies Beijing’s campaign to subjugate the city
It was just after sunrise when the police came for Chow Hang-tung.
The table in the room where she was working was strewn with documents as she prepared a bail application for a fellow pro-democracy activist. The 37-year-old barrister had pulled an all-nighter in her Hong Kong chambers on the 34th floor of the Bank of America Tower, where she liked to fuel herself with Japanese instant noodles and cups of instant coffee.
Suddenly, there was a loud rattling at the chambers’ glass doors. Chow tapped the Facebook app on her phone and began live-streaming. Someone kept ringing the doorbell and trying to input a security code. “It looks like they’ve really decided to take action today,” she said with a short laugh.
Source：Reuters #Nov10
https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/china-lawyers-crackdown-hongkong
#ChowHangTung #NSL #Lawyer
It was just after sunrise when the police came for Chow Hang-tung.
The table in the room where she was working was strewn with documents as she prepared a bail application for a fellow pro-democracy activist. The 37-year-old barrister had pulled an all-nighter in her Hong Kong chambers on the 34th floor of the Bank of America Tower, where she liked to fuel herself with Japanese instant noodles and cups of instant coffee.
Suddenly, there was a loud rattling at the chambers’ glass doors. Chow tapped the Facebook app on her phone and began live-streaming. Someone kept ringing the doorbell and trying to input a security code. “It looks like they’ve really decided to take action today,” she said with a short laugh.
Source：Reuters #Nov10
https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/china-lawyers-crackdown-hongkong
#ChowHangTung #NSL #Lawyer
Beijing gives Hong Kong leader power to bar foreign lawyers after loss at top court
China’s top lawmaking body gave Hong Kong leader John Lee the power on Friday to bar foreign lawyers from national security trials, removing the decision from the city’s courts.
Critics said the decision created a “dual state” in Hong Kong’s justice system and turned its national security committee, controlled by top Hong Kong and Beijing officials, into an “omnipotent authority” that could overthrow any national security rulings.
Beijing imposed the sweeping national security law in 2020 after huge, and sometimes violent, pro-democracy protests rocked the city a year earlier.
Source: HKFP #Dec30
#Beijing #HongKong #Foreign #Lawyer #Court
https://hongkongfp.com/2022/12/30/beijing-gives-hong-kong-leader-power-to-bar-foreign-lawyers-after-loss-at-top-court/
China’s top lawmaking body gave Hong Kong leader John Lee the power on Friday to bar foreign lawyers from national security trials, removing the decision from the city’s courts.
Critics said the decision created a “dual state” in Hong Kong’s justice system and turned its national security committee, controlled by top Hong Kong and Beijing officials, into an “omnipotent authority” that could overthrow any national security rulings.
Beijing imposed the sweeping national security law in 2020 after huge, and sometimes violent, pro-democracy protests rocked the city a year earlier.
Source: HKFP #Dec30
#Beijing #HongKong #Foreign #Lawyer #Court
https://hongkongfp.com/2022/12/30/beijing-gives-hong-kong-leader-power-to-bar-foreign-lawyers-after-loss-at-top-court/