China threatens to withhold vaccines, pressuring Ukraine to withdraw its support for Xinjiang investigation.
The Associated Press (AP) reports that Ukraine is pressured by China, which threaten to withhold COVID-19 vaccines from exported there, to withdraw from a statement by the UN Human Rights Council on sending independent observers to Xinjiang to investigate human rights issue. China welcomes the decision and said it reflects the spirit of independence.
Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations issued a statement at the UN Human Rights Council last Tuesday (22 June) on behalf of more than 40 countries, including Ukraine, urging China to allow immediate access for independent observers to Xinjiang. China warned that it would block at least 500,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines shipment to Ukraine unless it pulled out from the statement, according to the Associated Press. Ukraine withdrew from the statement on Thursday, and AP received written response from China saying that its “provision of vaccines and anti-epidemic materials to other countries is not meant to gain benefits from other countries and there isn’t any geopolitical purpose nor any political conditions attached.”
Source: Stand News #Jun27
https://bit.ly/3hw9qSZ
#Xinjiang #China #Ukraine #Independence #Democracy #HumanRights #UnitedNations #COVID #AssociatedPress #Canada #Vaccine
The Associated Press (AP) reports that Ukraine is pressured by China, which threaten to withhold COVID-19 vaccines from exported there, to withdraw from a statement by the UN Human Rights Council on sending independent observers to Xinjiang to investigate human rights issue. China welcomes the decision and said it reflects the spirit of independence.
Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations issued a statement at the UN Human Rights Council last Tuesday (22 June) on behalf of more than 40 countries, including Ukraine, urging China to allow immediate access for independent observers to Xinjiang. China warned that it would block at least 500,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines shipment to Ukraine unless it pulled out from the statement, according to the Associated Press. Ukraine withdrew from the statement on Thursday, and AP received written response from China saying that its “provision of vaccines and anti-epidemic materials to other countries is not meant to gain benefits from other countries and there isn’t any geopolitical purpose nor any political conditions attached.”
Source: Stand News #Jun27
https://bit.ly/3hw9qSZ
#Xinjiang #China #Ukraine #Independence #Democracy #HumanRights #UnitedNations #COVID #AssociatedPress #Canada #Vaccine
立場新聞 Stand News
據報中國威脅扣起疫苗 迫令烏克蘭退出調查新疆聯合聲明 中方：體現獨立自主實事求是 | 立場新聞
美聯社報道，烏克蘭受到中方以阻止輸出 covid-19 疫苗施壓，退出聯合國人權理事會就派員到新疆調查人權問題...
Blinken: "Tiananmen" is a Synonym of China's brutal actions, the protest at the time echoes Hongkongers' struggle today
On the 32nd Anniversary of the June 4th Massacre, the US Secretary of State Blinken issues a statement saying that Tiananmen had already been a synonym of brutal actions by the Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 1989. He also describes the Tiananmen demonstrations in 1989 echoing the struggles for democracy and freedom in Hong Kong.
The statement said that the people at the Tiananmen Square by then had a noble and simple request: Recognize and respect the human rights. Blinken criticises the PRC authorities for failing to meet the people's request and responded it with violence. He said that the courage of the protesters on the June 4th incident reminds him never stop seeking transparency on the events of that day, including a full accounting of all those killed, detained, or missing. He also pointed out that the Tiananmen demonstrations echoes the struggles for democracy and freedom in Hong Kong, where a planned vigil to commemorate the event was banned by local authorities.
He emphasises that the US will continue to stand with the people of China as they demand their government to respect universal human rights.
Source: Stand News #Jun04
https://bit.ly/3wO2QeQ
#US #China #Tiananmen #Blinken #HumanRights #Tyranny #June4 #Freedom #Democracy
On the 32nd Anniversary of the June 4th Massacre, the US Secretary of State Blinken issues a statement saying that Tiananmen had already been a synonym of brutal actions by the Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 1989. He also describes the Tiananmen demonstrations in 1989 echoing the struggles for democracy and freedom in Hong Kong.
The statement said that the people at the Tiananmen Square by then had a noble and simple request: Recognize and respect the human rights. Blinken criticises the PRC authorities for failing to meet the people's request and responded it with violence. He said that the courage of the protesters on the June 4th incident reminds him never stop seeking transparency on the events of that day, including a full accounting of all those killed, detained, or missing. He also pointed out that the Tiananmen demonstrations echoes the struggles for democracy and freedom in Hong Kong, where a planned vigil to commemorate the event was banned by local authorities.
He emphasises that the US will continue to stand with the people of China as they demand their government to respect universal human rights.
Source: Stand News #Jun04
https://bit.ly/3wO2QeQ
#US #China #Tiananmen #Blinken #HumanRights #Tyranny #June4 #Freedom #Democracy
Human Rights Observe Report: Pro-Chinese Camp harasses Australia to support democracy people, Chinese students overseas supports Hong Kong protest, receive threatening text messages
“Human Rights Watch”, the non-government organization released a report on 28 June 2021 expatiated how advocates of democracy are harassed and threatened by pro-Chinese camp. Chinese university female students who verbally support Hong Kong protests said she received messages from classmates in Mainland China at midnight time saying that she is kept under surveillance which made her feel pressure and seek for professional assistance. She said 98% of students in the class were Chinese students. “Many students said bad things on her and blamed her of “betraying the Country”.
The 102-page report, namely “They don’t know our fear: China suppresses academic freedom of Australia universities and colleges”, pointed out the Chinese government monitors the Chinese and Hong Kong overseas students who support democracy in Australia make student to feel fear. Many people have to cover and self-censor in order to avoid being threatened and harassed, or being reported to relevant authority.”
The reports interviewed 24 Chinese and Hong Kong students and 22 education research staffs who “support democracy”. The organization investigates 3 of the cases and found their family members in China were called on or cited by police and asked their wordings and behaviors in Australia. One of the students was threatened to jail because he registered the Twitter account and published speech which support democracy. Another student’s passport was forfeited after going back to China because he expressed his support of democracy in front of the classmates.
Source: Stand News #Jun30
https://bit.ly/3BmJGQT
#harass #Australia #China #students #threatening #democracy
“Human Rights Watch”, the non-government organization released a report on 28 June 2021 expatiated how advocates of democracy are harassed and threatened by pro-Chinese camp. Chinese university female students who verbally support Hong Kong protests said she received messages from classmates in Mainland China at midnight time saying that she is kept under surveillance which made her feel pressure and seek for professional assistance. She said 98% of students in the class were Chinese students. “Many students said bad things on her and blamed her of “betraying the Country”.
The 102-page report, namely “They don’t know our fear: China suppresses academic freedom of Australia universities and colleges”, pointed out the Chinese government monitors the Chinese and Hong Kong overseas students who support democracy in Australia make student to feel fear. Many people have to cover and self-censor in order to avoid being threatened and harassed, or being reported to relevant authority.”
The reports interviewed 24 Chinese and Hong Kong students and 22 education research staffs who “support democracy”. The organization investigates 3 of the cases and found their family members in China were called on or cited by police and asked their wordings and behaviors in Australia. One of the students was threatened to jail because he registered the Twitter account and published speech which support democracy. Another student’s passport was forfeited after going back to China because he expressed his support of democracy in front of the classmates.
Source: Stand News #Jun30
https://bit.ly/3BmJGQT
#harass #Australia #China #students #threatening #democracy
Australian Foreign Minister: Stand with those who care about freedom of the press
The 26-year-old Hong Kong “Apple Daily” was forced to cease operations on 24 June,2021 due to the freezing of many senior executives and assets. This has drawn many foreign countries’ attention.
Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne indicated through the post, “Sith the closure of the Apple Daily, Australia stands with those raising legitimate concerns about the future of press freedoms in Hong Kong. She especially mentioned those attentions are legitimate.
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has posted on Twitter and demonstrated the concern at the arrest of journalists from Apple Daily. The impact will have on freedom of expression in Hong Kong, as provided in the Basic Law underpinned by the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
Since the closure of Apple Daily, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne retweeted the post of DFAT, and posted to indicate, Australia will stand with the people who care about freedom of press.
Source: Stand News #Jun25
https://bit.ly/3zpeuyD
#AppleDaily #FreedomOfPress #FreedomOfSpeech #Australia #HongKong #China #CCP #Democracy #BasicLaw #JointDeclaration #DFAT #Twitter #StandWithHongKong
The 26-year-old Hong Kong “Apple Daily” was forced to cease operations on 24 June,2021 due to the freezing of many senior executives and assets. This has drawn many foreign countries’ attention.
Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne indicated through the post, “Sith the closure of the Apple Daily, Australia stands with those raising legitimate concerns about the future of press freedoms in Hong Kong. She especially mentioned those attentions are legitimate.
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has posted on Twitter and demonstrated the concern at the arrest of journalists from Apple Daily. The impact will have on freedom of expression in Hong Kong, as provided in the Basic Law underpinned by the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
Since the closure of Apple Daily, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne retweeted the post of DFAT, and posted to indicate, Australia will stand with the people who care about freedom of press.
Source: Stand News #Jun25
https://bit.ly/3zpeuyD
#AppleDaily #FreedomOfPress #FreedomOfSpeech #Australia #HongKong #China #CCP #Democracy #BasicLaw #JointDeclaration #DFAT #Twitter #StandWithHongKong
“Never Kneel Before the Military Boots”: A #Flashmob Protest in
#Myanmar Commemorating Deceased Student Movement Leader
Myanmar has experienced a coup for five months. A flash protest occurred around Yangon on 26 June, 2021 to oppose the military’s seizure of power.
It was a Saturday when some civilians participated in the flashmob protest, flashing torches and holding signboards. Some of them raised three fingers, and then left very quickly.
That was also the 45th year of the death of Salai Tin Maung Oo, a student movement's leader who was hanged on 26 June 1976 when he was in jail.
In 2021, protesters held the sign “I’ll never kneel before your military boots”, which was the last words of Salai Tin Maung Oo. It also indicated that they would not yield to the military government.
Source: Stand News #Jun27
https://bit.ly/3eQTN6C
#Myanmar #WhatsHappenedInMyanmar #Yangon #Protest #Democracy #MilitaryGovernment #Legacy #SalaiTinMaungOo
#Myanmar Commemorating Deceased Student Movement Leader
Myanmar has experienced a coup for five months. A flash protest occurred around Yangon on 26 June, 2021 to oppose the military’s seizure of power.
It was a Saturday when some civilians participated in the flashmob protest, flashing torches and holding signboards. Some of them raised three fingers, and then left very quickly.
That was also the 45th year of the death of Salai Tin Maung Oo, a student movement's leader who was hanged on 26 June 1976 when he was in jail.
In 2021, protesters held the sign “I’ll never kneel before your military boots”, which was the last words of Salai Tin Maung Oo. It also indicated that they would not yield to the military government.
Source: Stand News #Jun27
https://bit.ly/3eQTN6C
#Myanmar #WhatsHappenedInMyanmar #Yangon #Protest #Democracy #MilitaryGovernment #Legacy #SalaiTinMaungOo
The UN General Assembly Condemns the Myanmar Military for Launching a Coup”, and Calls to Stop the Import of Weapons
The UN General Assembly rarely passed a non-legally binding resolution yesterday (18 June), condemning that the Myanmar military launched a coup and called for an arms embargo on Myanmar. The resolution indicates the international opposition to the junta government and demands Myanmar to resume the democratization process. After Belarus requested a recorded vote, resolution finally was passed with 119 agreed, one opposed, and 36 abstained. Belarus is the only one who voted objection.
The resolution requires the Myanmar military government to restore the democratization process and condemns their “excessive and deadly violence” since the coup. At the same time, the resolution calls on all countries to prevent the import of weapons into Myanmar and urges the military to respect the election result from November last year. It also requests that the military immediately release political figures, such as former President Win Min and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, and all people who had randomly been arrested. Moreover, the resolution demands that the military should stop treating peace protesters with violence and limiting the network and social media.
Source: Stand News #Jun19
https://bit.ly/3hUujr6
#UnitedNations #UN #Myanmar #Military #Belarus #Democracy #Violence #WinMin #AungSanSuuKyi
The UN General Assembly rarely passed a non-legally binding resolution yesterday (18 June), condemning that the Myanmar military launched a coup and called for an arms embargo on Myanmar. The resolution indicates the international opposition to the junta government and demands Myanmar to resume the democratization process. After Belarus requested a recorded vote, resolution finally was passed with 119 agreed, one opposed, and 36 abstained. Belarus is the only one who voted objection.
The resolution requires the Myanmar military government to restore the democratization process and condemns their “excessive and deadly violence” since the coup. At the same time, the resolution calls on all countries to prevent the import of weapons into Myanmar and urges the military to respect the election result from November last year. It also requests that the military immediately release political figures, such as former President Win Min and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, and all people who had randomly been arrested. Moreover, the resolution demands that the military should stop treating peace protesters with violence and limiting the network and social media.
Source: Stand News #Jun19
https://bit.ly/3hUujr6
#UnitedNations #UN #Myanmar #Military #Belarus #Democracy #Violence #WinMin #AungSanSuuKyi
Hong Kong protest leaders poised to give up fight
A Hong Kong civil rights group that helped organise the mass pro-democracy protests in 2019 is preparing to disband, according to local media.
The Civil Human Rights Front is understood to be meeting tomorrow to decide whether to fold. If it does so, it will deal another blow to the city’s pro-democracy camp, which has been crumbling since Beijing imposed a tough national security law on the territory in June last year.
The front, established in 2002 by more than 50 groups campaigning for human rights, labour rights and women’s rights, is facing a police investigation into its activities. Most of its member groups have withdrawn or dissolved since the law took effect.
Source: The Times #Aug12
https://t.co/1sFSnLyJrb?amp=1
#HongKongCivilRightsGroup #Mass #Democracy
A Hong Kong civil rights group that helped organise the mass pro-democracy protests in 2019 is preparing to disband, according to local media.
The Civil Human Rights Front is understood to be meeting tomorrow to decide whether to fold. If it does so, it will deal another blow to the city’s pro-democracy camp, which has been crumbling since Beijing imposed a tough national security law on the territory in June last year.
The front, established in 2002 by more than 50 groups campaigning for human rights, labour rights and women’s rights, is facing a police investigation into its activities. Most of its member groups have withdrawn or dissolved since the law took effect.
Source: The Times #Aug12
https://t.co/1sFSnLyJrb?amp=1
#HongKongCivilRightsGroup #Mass #Democracy
Hong Kong crackdown: Thousands flee city amid surge in terrorism charges
Early last week, Michael Mo nervously set off with just two suitcases to Hong Kong’s airport.
Fearing imminent arrest for his pro-democracy political views under Beijing’s sweeping National Security Law, the 35-year-old local politician had taken a snap decision to leave home forever and flee to London.
He had altered his hairstyle and removed his glasses to disguise his regular appearance, but he was still on alert for plainclothes police officers right up until his flight took off.
Source: The Telegraph #Jul21
https://t.co/clfA1tq6cO
#HongKong #MichaelMo #Democracy #NationalSecurityLaw
Early last week, Michael Mo nervously set off with just two suitcases to Hong Kong’s airport.
Fearing imminent arrest for his pro-democracy political views under Beijing’s sweeping National Security Law, the 35-year-old local politician had taken a snap decision to leave home forever and flee to London.
He had altered his hairstyle and removed his glasses to disguise his regular appearance, but he was still on alert for plainclothes police officers right up until his flight took off.
Source: The Telegraph #Jul21
https://t.co/clfA1tq6cO
#HongKong #MichaelMo #Democracy #NationalSecurityLaw
Largest HK Trade Union Group Said to be Preparing to Disband
#WongLaiYuen #WenWeiPo #autonomy #democracy
Source: Stand News #Sep17
Read more
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#WongLaiYuen #WenWeiPo #autonomy #democracy
Source: Stand News #Sep17
Read more
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Largest HK Trade Union Group Said to be Preparing to Disband
Sources claim that the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU) has begun preparations to disband, following a committee meeting last night (Sept 16).
Responding to Stand News' inquiry, Chairperson Wong Nai-yuen says he has no comment regarding the claims, published by Pro-Beijing Wen Wei Po this morning (Sept 17). "I think everyone understands," He adds.
He further confirms that the union group will hold a press conference on the 19th to give further details to the public.
The HKCTU was founded in 1990. It is the first labor organization in Hong Kong to emphasize autonomy and democracy. Aiming to break the pattern of past labor unions having close ties to the regime, the union sought to dedicate itself to the labor sector, staying clear from the control of outside forces.
The CTU has 97 affiliated unions with 145,000 members in total. Affiliated unions represent various occupation sectors, including property management, cleaning, transportation, aviation, household and personal services, catering, construction, retail, business services, theme parks, beauty, education sectors, social welfare industries, civil servants, and more.
#WongLaiYuen #WenWeiPo #autonomy #democracy
Source: Stand News #Sep17
https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/%E6%B6%88%E6%81%AF-%E8%81%B7%E5%B7%A5%E7%9B%9F%E9%80%9A%E9%81%8E%E5%95%9F%E5%8B%95%E8%A7%A3%E6%95%A3%E7%A8%8B%E5%BA%8F-%E4%B8%BB%E5%B8%AD%E9%BB%83%E8%BF%BA%E5%85%83%E6%98%9F%E6%9C%9F%E6%97%A5%E9%96%8B%E8%A8%98%E8%80%85%E6%9C%83%E4%BA%A4%E4%BB%A3
Sources claim that the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU) has begun preparations to disband, following a committee meeting last night (Sept 16).
Responding to Stand News' inquiry, Chairperson Wong Nai-yuen says he has no comment regarding the claims, published by Pro-Beijing Wen Wei Po this morning (Sept 17). "I think everyone understands," He adds.
He further confirms that the union group will hold a press conference on the 19th to give further details to the public.
The HKCTU was founded in 1990. It is the first labor organization in Hong Kong to emphasize autonomy and democracy. Aiming to break the pattern of past labor unions having close ties to the regime, the union sought to dedicate itself to the labor sector, staying clear from the control of outside forces.
The CTU has 97 affiliated unions with 145,000 members in total. Affiliated unions represent various occupation sectors, including property management, cleaning, transportation, aviation, household and personal services, catering, construction, retail, business services, theme parks, beauty, education sectors, social welfare industries, civil servants, and more.
#WongLaiYuen #WenWeiPo #autonomy #democracy
Source: Stand News #Sep17
https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/%E6%B6%88%E6%81%AF-%E8%81%B7%E5%B7%A5%E7%9B%9F%E9%80%9A%E9%81%8E%E5%95%9F%E5%8B%95%E8%A7%A3%E6%95%A3%E7%A8%8B%E5%BA%8F-%E4%B8%BB%E5%B8%AD%E9%BB%83%E8%BF%BA%E5%85%83%E6%98%9F%E6%9C%9F%E6%97%A5%E9%96%8B%E8%A8%98%E8%80%85%E6%9C%83%E4%BA%A4%E4%BB%A3
#Disband #HumanRights
Amnesty shuts offices in Hong Kong as freedom meltdown in this once most free city in the world
#Amnesty #NationalSecurityLaw #NSL #Democracy #Freedom #PoliticalOppression
Sources: Stand News, Reuters, Amnesty; #Oct25
Read more
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Amnesty shuts offices in Hong Kong as freedom meltdown in this once most free city in the world
#Amnesty #NationalSecurityLaw #NSL #Democracy #Freedom #PoliticalOppression
Sources: Stand News, Reuters, Amnesty; #Oct25
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
#Disband #HumanRights
Amnesty shuts offices in Hong Kong as freedom meltdown in this once most free city in the world
International rights group Amnesty International said on October 25 that it would close its Hong Kong offices due to the China-imposed national security law.
Anjhula Mya Singh Bais, the chair of Amnesty’s international board, said in a statement that the two offices in Hong Kong would close by year-end, noting an intensification of a crackdown forcing at least 50 groups to disband under the law this year.
"This decision, made with a heavy heart, has been driven by Hong Kong’s national security law, which has made it effectively impossible for human rights organisations in Hong Kong to work freely and without fear of serious reprisals from the government,” said Singh Bais.
"The environment of repression and perpetual uncertainty created by the national security law makes it impossible to know what activities might lead to criminal sanctions," she added.
In the past, Hong Kong had served as one of Asia's leading NGO hubs, with groups drawn to its robust rule of law and wide-ranging autonomy -- guaranteed for Hong Kong when control over the former British colony was returned to Beijing in 1997.
Among the groups to have disbanded this year are several leading trade unions, NGOs and professional groups, while a number of other NGOs, including the New School for Democracy, have relocated to the democratic island of Taiwan.
Sources: Stand News, Reuters, Amnesty; #Oct25
https://thestandnews.page.link/H9RZt5adP9FKugXA7
https://www.amnesty.org.uk/press-releases/hong-kong-amnesty-international-close-offices-amid-rising-threat-government
#Amnesty #NationalSecurityLaw #NSL #Democracy #Freedom #PoliticalOppression
Amnesty shuts offices in Hong Kong as freedom meltdown in this once most free city in the world
International rights group Amnesty International said on October 25 that it would close its Hong Kong offices due to the China-imposed national security law.
Anjhula Mya Singh Bais, the chair of Amnesty’s international board, said in a statement that the two offices in Hong Kong would close by year-end, noting an intensification of a crackdown forcing at least 50 groups to disband under the law this year.
"This decision, made with a heavy heart, has been driven by Hong Kong’s national security law, which has made it effectively impossible for human rights organisations in Hong Kong to work freely and without fear of serious reprisals from the government,” said Singh Bais.
"The environment of repression and perpetual uncertainty created by the national security law makes it impossible to know what activities might lead to criminal sanctions," she added.
In the past, Hong Kong had served as one of Asia's leading NGO hubs, with groups drawn to its robust rule of law and wide-ranging autonomy -- guaranteed for Hong Kong when control over the former British colony was returned to Beijing in 1997.
Among the groups to have disbanded this year are several leading trade unions, NGOs and professional groups, while a number of other NGOs, including the New School for Democracy, have relocated to the democratic island of Taiwan.
Sources: Stand News, Reuters, Amnesty; #Oct25
https://thestandnews.page.link/H9RZt5adP9FKugXA7
https://www.amnesty.org.uk/press-releases/hong-kong-amnesty-international-close-offices-amid-rising-threat-government
#Amnesty #NationalSecurityLaw #NSL #Democracy #Freedom #PoliticalOppression
#Court #PoliticalOppression
"It was Conscience that Drove Hongkongers for 32 years to Mourn June 4th": Tonyee Chow Defends Herself in Court Against June 4 Unlawful Assembly Charge
#June4 #HongKong #Democracy #Protest
Source: Stand News; #Oct25
Read more
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"It was Conscience that Drove Hongkongers for 32 years to Mourn June 4th": Tonyee Chow Defends Herself in Court Against June 4 Unlawful Assembly Charge
#June4 #HongKong #Democracy #Protest
Source: Stand News; #Oct25
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
#Court #PoliticalOppression
"It was Conscience that Drove Hongkongers for 32 years to Mourn June 4th": Tonyee Chow Defends Herself in Court Against June 4 Unlawful Assembly Charge
Tonyee #ChowHangTung, former Vice-Chairperson of Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China (#HKASPDMC), was accused of promoting and calling on others to participate in the June 4 rally, and had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charge of inciting others to participate in an unauthorized assembly. The case was resumed in the West Kowloon Magistrates Court on Oct 25th.
Tonyee, who is herself a barrister, represented herself in court. She mentioned that all the cases brought against her are related to the Alliance and June 4th. The authorities are piling on these charges, showing that the regime is attempting to suppress and eliminate the memory of June 4th step by step.
She reiterated that after the police banned the rally this year, the Alliance had publicly announced that it would not hold a candlelight rally in Victoria Park. She has since written articles and taken interviews, in which she had simply appealed to the public to overcome their fears and continue to mourn June 4 through personal actions. She questioned how a call for action with no specified location could incite an unauthorized assembly, saying that the regime "might as well admit directly that what is forbidden is the June 4 memorial itself".
Tonyee stressed that it was not anyone's incitement that drove the people of Hong Kong to mourn June 4th for 32 years; rather, it was every person's conscience. "If the court wants to use the word 'incite', it ought to say that it was the people of Hong Kong who had incited me to do this."
And if she were to be punished for it, she would have no regrets, she said.
Source: Stand News; #Oct25
Full account of Tonyee's defense speech (in Chinese) : https://thestandnews.page.link/o3zrFQwM34J6m8ky9
#June4 #HongKong #Democracy #Protest #Court
"It was Conscience that Drove Hongkongers for 32 years to Mourn June 4th": Tonyee Chow Defends Herself in Court Against June 4 Unlawful Assembly Charge
Tonyee #ChowHangTung, former Vice-Chairperson of Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China (#HKASPDMC), was accused of promoting and calling on others to participate in the June 4 rally, and had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charge of inciting others to participate in an unauthorized assembly. The case was resumed in the West Kowloon Magistrates Court on Oct 25th.
Tonyee, who is herself a barrister, represented herself in court. She mentioned that all the cases brought against her are related to the Alliance and June 4th. The authorities are piling on these charges, showing that the regime is attempting to suppress and eliminate the memory of June 4th step by step.
She reiterated that after the police banned the rally this year, the Alliance had publicly announced that it would not hold a candlelight rally in Victoria Park. She has since written articles and taken interviews, in which she had simply appealed to the public to overcome their fears and continue to mourn June 4 through personal actions. She questioned how a call for action with no specified location could incite an unauthorized assembly, saying that the regime "might as well admit directly that what is forbidden is the June 4 memorial itself".
Tonyee stressed that it was not anyone's incitement that drove the people of Hong Kong to mourn June 4th for 32 years; rather, it was every person's conscience. "If the court wants to use the word 'incite', it ought to say that it was the people of Hong Kong who had incited me to do this."
And if she were to be punished for it, she would have no regrets, she said.
Source: Stand News; #Oct25
Full account of Tonyee's defense speech (in Chinese) : https://thestandnews.page.link/o3zrFQwM34J6m8ky9
#June4 #HongKong #Democracy #Protest #Court
#SummitforDemocracy
Nathan Law: I will continue to do what I think [is] good for the city’s freedom
Self-exiled activist #NathanLaw announced that he had been invited by the #US President #JoeBiden to speak at the Summit for Democracy on Human Rights Day. Soon afterwards, Hong Kong’s #SecretaryforSecurity condemned his action, calling it shameful and using ‘#democracy’ as a façade.
In response, Law mocked Tang’s comment on the US Summit for Democracy, saying, “from #China’s standards, it’s already ‘interfering [with] other country’s internal affairs.”
Law stressed that “I am campaigning for a democratic and free Hong Kong. If it’s considered ‘secession’ and ‘subversion’ by #Beijing, it only shows the political #suppression from them.”
He added, “It does not embarrass or stigmatise me. I will continue to do what I think [is] good for the city’s freedom.”
#TangPingKeung #HumanRightsDay
Source: Inmediahk; #Dec8
https://bit.ly/3IvR1RA
Nathan Law: I will continue to do what I think [is] good for the city’s freedom
Self-exiled activist #NathanLaw announced that he had been invited by the #US President #JoeBiden to speak at the Summit for Democracy on Human Rights Day. Soon afterwards, Hong Kong’s #SecretaryforSecurity condemned his action, calling it shameful and using ‘#democracy’ as a façade.
In response, Law mocked Tang’s comment on the US Summit for Democracy, saying, “from #China’s standards, it’s already ‘interfering [with] other country’s internal affairs.”
Law stressed that “I am campaigning for a democratic and free Hong Kong. If it’s considered ‘secession’ and ‘subversion’ by #Beijing, it only shows the political #suppression from them.”
He added, “It does not embarrass or stigmatise me. I will continue to do what I think [is] good for the city’s freedom.”
#TangPingKeung #HumanRightsDay
Source: Inmediahk; #Dec8
https://bit.ly/3IvR1RA
獨立媒體
鄧炳強譴責參與美國民主峰會 羅冠聰嘲「干預緊人地內政」 | 獨媒報導 | 獨立媒體
（獨媒報導）前香港眾志主席羅冠聰獲美國邀請出席全球民主峰會，保安局局長鄧炳強發表網誌點名譴責對方，炮轟對方為反中亂港份子，企圖在外國會議上，發表詆毀中央和特區政府的言論。羅冠聰回應指，該會議並沒有邀請中國，並和香港政府完全無關，「呀局長呢啲批評都已經係干預緊人地內政」。 鄧炳強傍晚發表網誌，稱羅冠聰參與由美國策劃及以民主包裝的會議，對羅的行為感到極度憤
The Australian Senate unanimously passed the Australian version of the Magnitsky Bill, which can sanction human rights violators and hackers
The #AustralianSenate unanimously passed the Autonomous Sanctions Amendment (Magnitsky-style and other Thematic Sanctions) Bill 2021.
This bill empowers the Australian government to sanction #HumanRights violators, corrupted officials, and hackers by the entry prohibition and freezing of assets.
#MarisePayne, Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs, states that they have to ensure the evildoers not to gain benefit from a democratic free world.
In the past, in addition to the mandatory #UnitedNations sanctions, #Australia will also follow its own diplomatic policy through Autonomous Sanctions Amendment Bill 2011.
As the bill uses “country” as a unit for sanction, the sanctions are distinct.
A human rights organization, #HumanRightsWatch, criticizes the current sanctions are “vague and non-permanent” and does not need the Australian government to examine human rights considerations.
The Australian Parliamentary Foreign Affairs and Defence and Trade Committee issued a report at the end of last year discussing whether Australia should establish the Magnitsky Bill.
Payne indicated in August this year that Australia would strengthen the laws of sanctions by empowering the government to impose economic sanctions and travel bans on individuals or entities that cause the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, major human rights violations, malicious network activities, and serious corruption. The bill is no longer setting up separate sanction plans on a national basis.
Source: Stand News #Dec02
https://bit.ly/3ebfCNB
#Australia #Sanction #HumanRights #Democracy
The #AustralianSenate unanimously passed the Autonomous Sanctions Amendment (Magnitsky-style and other Thematic Sanctions) Bill 2021.
This bill empowers the Australian government to sanction #HumanRights violators, corrupted officials, and hackers by the entry prohibition and freezing of assets.
#MarisePayne, Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs, states that they have to ensure the evildoers not to gain benefit from a democratic free world.
In the past, in addition to the mandatory #UnitedNations sanctions, #Australia will also follow its own diplomatic policy through Autonomous Sanctions Amendment Bill 2011.
As the bill uses “country” as a unit for sanction, the sanctions are distinct.
A human rights organization, #HumanRightsWatch, criticizes the current sanctions are “vague and non-permanent” and does not need the Australian government to examine human rights considerations.
The Australian Parliamentary Foreign Affairs and Defence and Trade Committee issued a report at the end of last year discussing whether Australia should establish the Magnitsky Bill.
Payne indicated in August this year that Australia would strengthen the laws of sanctions by empowering the government to impose economic sanctions and travel bans on individuals or entities that cause the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, major human rights violations, malicious network activities, and serious corruption. The bill is no longer setting up separate sanction plans on a national basis.
Source: Stand News #Dec02
https://bit.ly/3ebfCNB
#Australia #Sanction #HumanRights #Democracy
Why China Is Freaking Out Over Biden’s Democracy Summit
The Chinese government is furious about U.S. President Joe Biden’s Summit for Democracy, and it wants the world to know.
A week before the summit was to take place, the Chinese government hastily convened its own democracy forum and published a white paper called “China: Democracy That Works,” as well as a report titled “The State of Democracy in the United States,” in which it claims to “expose the deficiencies and abuse of democracy” in the United States. These actions have been accompanied by countless articles, press conferences, and, of course, tweets about China’s “democracy” and its alleged superiority to U.S. democracy.
So why is the Chinese government reacting so strongly to Biden’s virtual summit?
Source: Foreign Policy #Dec11
https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/12/10/china-response-biden-democracy-summit/
#WHO #China #Biden #Democracy
The Chinese government is furious about U.S. President Joe Biden’s Summit for Democracy, and it wants the world to know.
A week before the summit was to take place, the Chinese government hastily convened its own democracy forum and published a white paper called “China: Democracy That Works,” as well as a report titled “The State of Democracy in the United States,” in which it claims to “expose the deficiencies and abuse of democracy” in the United States. These actions have been accompanied by countless articles, press conferences, and, of course, tweets about China’s “democracy” and its alleged superiority to U.S. democracy.
So why is the Chinese government reacting so strongly to Biden’s virtual summit?
Source: Foreign Policy #Dec11
https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/12/10/china-response-biden-democracy-summit/
#WHO #China #Biden #Democracy
Sculptor of dismantled Tiananmen statue says damage symbolic of Hong Kong struggle
The sculptor of a statue commemorating the victims of China's 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown said on Friday that its removal from a Hong Kong university was "brutal" but any damage would be symbolic of recent changes in the city under Chinese rule.
The eight-metre (26-foot) sculpture of anguished human torsos was one of the few remaining public memorials in the former British colony to remember the crackdown on pro-democracy protesters - a taboo topic in mainland China, where it cannot be publicly commemorated.
Source: Reuters #Dec25
https://reut.rs/32ApwFS
#HKU #Tiananmen #Democracy #Protester #Taboo #China
The sculptor of a statue commemorating the victims of China's 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown said on Friday that its removal from a Hong Kong university was "brutal" but any damage would be symbolic of recent changes in the city under Chinese rule.
The eight-metre (26-foot) sculpture of anguished human torsos was one of the few remaining public memorials in the former British colony to remember the crackdown on pro-democracy protesters - a taboo topic in mainland China, where it cannot be publicly commemorated.
Source: Reuters #Dec25
https://reut.rs/32ApwFS
#HKU #Tiananmen #Democracy #Protester #Taboo #China