U.S. Steps Up Pressure on Businesses Over Forced Labor in China
U.S. lawmakers and Biden administration officials are stepping up pressure on American businesses to stop imports from the Western Chinese region of Xinjiang as Beijing’s alleged use of forced labor emerges as a top item on their bilateral trade agenda.
Western officials say the Chinese government uses forced labor of Uyghur and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang, the world’s leading producer of cotton and raw materials used in solar panels. Beijing strongly denies the claim.
Imports of cotton and tomato products have already been effectively banned since January, and penalties on purchases of some solar materials were implemented in June.
Source: WSJ #Aug09
https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-steps-up-pressure-on-businesses-over-forced-labor-in-china-11628501400
#US #Labor #China #Biden #Xinjiang #Uyghur #Muslim
U.S. lawmakers and Biden administration officials are stepping up pressure on American businesses to stop imports from the Western Chinese region of Xinjiang as Beijing’s alleged use of forced labor emerges as a top item on their bilateral trade agenda.
Western officials say the Chinese government uses forced labor of Uyghur and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang, the world’s leading producer of cotton and raw materials used in solar panels. Beijing strongly denies the claim.
Imports of cotton and tomato products have already been effectively banned since January, and penalties on purchases of some solar materials were implemented in June.
Source: WSJ #Aug09
https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-steps-up-pressure-on-businesses-over-forced-labor-in-china-11628501400
#US #Labor #China #Biden #Xinjiang #Uyghur #Muslim
#PreferentialTradeTreatment
32 countries cancelled China’s preferential trade treatment
China will no longer be eligible for Gereralised System of Preferences (#GSP) trade benefits from 27 EU nations, the United Kingdom, Canada, Turkey, Ukraine, and Liechtenstein as of December 1, leaving the country with only three options: Norway, New Zealand, and Australia.
On October 28, the General Administration of Customs of the Communist Party of China (#GACC) issued the “Announcement on No longer issuing GSP certificates of origin for goods exported to EU member states, the United Kingdom, Canada, Turkey, Ukraine, Liechtenstein and other countries.”
Although the GACC louds the action as "an acknowledgement by other advanced economies, economists have predicted that labor-intensive enterprises will face the brunt of the change.
#China #EU #TradeWar
Sources: Taiwan News, Epoch Times; #Nov2
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4333651
32 countries cancelled China’s preferential trade treatment
China will no longer be eligible for Gereralised System of Preferences (#GSP) trade benefits from 27 EU nations, the United Kingdom, Canada, Turkey, Ukraine, and Liechtenstein as of December 1, leaving the country with only three options: Norway, New Zealand, and Australia.
On October 28, the General Administration of Customs of the Communist Party of China (#GACC) issued the “Announcement on No longer issuing GSP certificates of origin for goods exported to EU member states, the United Kingdom, Canada, Turkey, Ukraine, Liechtenstein and other countries.”
Although the GACC louds the action as "an acknowledgement by other advanced economies, economists have predicted that labor-intensive enterprises will face the brunt of the change.
#China #EU #TradeWar
Sources: Taiwan News, Epoch Times; #Nov2
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4333651
#PoliceState #FreedomOfExpression
Four seniors arrested on suspicion of “seditious intent” for displaying banner demanding genuine universal suffrage in Hong Kong
The group of older pro-democracy activists, between the ages of 61 to 85, was reportedly standing next to a yellow banner displaying the words “I want genuine universal suffrage,” the central slogan of the 2014 Umbrella Movement which saw thousands occupy the city’s main streets to demand wider democracy.
The group has held vigil regularly in Mong Kok, Hong Kong. Two members of the group were seen wearing yellow-coloured clothing, a symbol of the city’s flagging pro-democracy movement.
#SeditiousIntent #HKProtest #Oppression #FreedomOfSpeech #GuiltOfWords
Source: HKFP; #Nov2
https://hongkongfp.com/2021/11/02/hong-kong-police-arrest-4-for-seditious-intent-over-banner-calling-for-democracy/
Four seniors arrested on suspicion of “seditious intent” for displaying banner demanding genuine universal suffrage in Hong Kong
The group of older pro-democracy activists, between the ages of 61 to 85, was reportedly standing next to a yellow banner displaying the words “I want genuine universal suffrage,” the central slogan of the 2014 Umbrella Movement which saw thousands occupy the city’s main streets to demand wider democracy.
The group has held vigil regularly in Mong Kok, Hong Kong. Two members of the group were seen wearing yellow-coloured clothing, a symbol of the city’s flagging pro-democracy movement.
#SeditiousIntent #HKProtest #Oppression #FreedomOfSpeech #GuiltOfWords
Source: HKFP; #Nov2
https://hongkongfp.com/2021/11/02/hong-kong-police-arrest-4-for-seditious-intent-over-banner-calling-for-democracy/
Pentagon: Chinese nuke force growing faster than predicted
A Pentagon report released on 3 Nov (Wednesday) mentioned China’s nuclear arsenal growing faster than expected. Also, the number of Chinese nuclear warheads could increase to 700 within 6 years and may top 1000 by 2030. It makes China more capable of coercing Taiwan.
Wednesday’s report is the latest reminder to Congress that the Pentagon’s frequent promises to focus more intently on countering China have moved only incrementally beyond the talking stage. The Biden administration is expected to take a new step by following through on its announcement in September of plans to increase the U.S. military presence in Australia, in addition to a controversial decision to help Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines.
Source: AP news #Nov04
https://apnews.com/article/china-united-states-beijing-nuclear-weapons-congress-5a8c5ceb9d248810b9dd513894f195f8
#PentagonReport #ChinaNclearArsenal #China
A Pentagon report released on 3 Nov (Wednesday) mentioned China’s nuclear arsenal growing faster than expected. Also, the number of Chinese nuclear warheads could increase to 700 within 6 years and may top 1000 by 2030. It makes China more capable of coercing Taiwan.
Wednesday’s report is the latest reminder to Congress that the Pentagon’s frequent promises to focus more intently on countering China have moved only incrementally beyond the talking stage. The Biden administration is expected to take a new step by following through on its announcement in September of plans to increase the U.S. military presence in Australia, in addition to a controversial decision to help Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines.
Source: AP news #Nov04
https://apnews.com/article/china-united-states-beijing-nuclear-weapons-congress-5a8c5ceb9d248810b9dd513894f195f8
#PentagonReport #ChinaNclearArsenal #China
#Netflix removes episodes showing China's arbitrary nine-dash line after #Philippines' Complaints
The Philippine government has ordered Netflix to remove parts of the Australian drama series "#PineGap" on its platform for "violating Philippine #sovereignty".
The series features a map of the #NineDashLine, an invisible demarcation controversially used by China to claim its territories in the #SouthChinaSea.
The second and third episodes of the series were no longer available in the Philippines by November 1, 2021. Netflix announced that those episodes had been "removed by government's demand". It did not elaborate further.
China lays claim to most of the South China Sea waters within the so-called nine-dash line, a U-shaped feature used on Chinese maps. Parts of the resource-rich waters are also contested by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration handed down a ruling on July 12, 2016, stating that China's historic-rights claim over the maritime areas inside the nine-dash line has no lawful effect. There has also no evidence supporting China's exclusive rights over the waters and resources.
Source: Stand News; #Nov2
https://www.thestandnews.com/international/%E6%BE%B3%E5%8A%87-pine-gap-%E7%8F%BE%E4%B8%AD%E5%9C%8B%E7%89%88%E5%8D%97%E6%B5%B7%E5%9C%B0%E5%9C%96-%E8%8F%B2%E8%B6%8A%E6%8A%97%E8%AD%B0-netflix-%E6%92%A4%E7%89%87?
#NineDash
The Philippine government has ordered Netflix to remove parts of the Australian drama series "#PineGap" on its platform for "violating Philippine #sovereignty".
The series features a map of the #NineDashLine, an invisible demarcation controversially used by China to claim its territories in the #SouthChinaSea.
The second and third episodes of the series were no longer available in the Philippines by November 1, 2021. Netflix announced that those episodes had been "removed by government's demand". It did not elaborate further.
China lays claim to most of the South China Sea waters within the so-called nine-dash line, a U-shaped feature used on Chinese maps. Parts of the resource-rich waters are also contested by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration handed down a ruling on July 12, 2016, stating that China's historic-rights claim over the maritime areas inside the nine-dash line has no lawful effect. There has also no evidence supporting China's exclusive rights over the waters and resources.
Source: Stand News; #Nov2
https://www.thestandnews.com/international/%E6%BE%B3%E5%8A%87-pine-gap-%E7%8F%BE%E4%B8%AD%E5%9C%8B%E7%89%88%E5%8D%97%E6%B5%B7%E5%9C%B0%E5%9C%96-%E8%8F%B2%E8%B6%8A%E6%8A%97%E8%AD%B0-netflix-%E6%92%A4%E7%89%87?
#NineDash
#WhiteTerror #Censorship
Film Censorship Ordinance Amended in HK, as Pro-China Lawmaker Claims a Hong Kong Film is Toxic to Teenagers
Source: WhatsNews Media #Oct29
Read more
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Film Censorship Ordinance Amended in HK, as Pro-China Lawmaker Claims a Hong Kong Film is Toxic to Teenagers
Source: WhatsNews Media #Oct29
Read more
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#WhiteTerror #Censorship
Film Censorship Ordinance Amended in HK, as Pro-China Lawmaker Claims a Hong Kong Film is Toxic to Teenagers
October 27, 2021 marks the final meeting of the Legislative Council after the extension of its terms. The last item on the agenda was the 2021 Film Censorship Ordinance Amendment Bill.
As only 5 councillors expressed their view, the legislation process took only 45 minutes to have the bill passed.
The bill authorises the #FilmCensorshipAuthority to check whether a film violates the national security law. It also allows the Chief Secretary of Administration to withdraw already-issued screening permits.
At the meeting, a pro-China lawmaker Priscilla Leung Mei-Fun comdemned a 2015-Hong Kong film called Ten Years for "hating the country", " romanticising hunger strike and self-immolaton", as well as "inciting Hong Kong independence".
She claimed that Hong Kong had lost "several generations of teenagers" and she hoped to remove what she called "toxic movies" by the censorship law.
Ng Ka-Leung, one of the producers of Ten years replied to media inquiry. He said that Hong Kong people have adequate ability to make judgement and logical thinking skills to proces the so called controversial content of the film.
He added, when some people manipulate power and suppress other people's thought, this is much more toxic not only to teenagers but also everyone in society.
He reiterated that a legal movie exhibition provides a reflective space and this has nothing to do with toxicity.
The producer agrees with Leung regarding the fact that "Hong Kong has lost a few generations of teenagers," but he emphasises that the imbalanced power and unmonitored system are the reasons to the loss of trust in the authority.
[Editor note: Ten Years is a Hong Kong dystopian speculative fictional film which depicts the deterioration human rights and freedom in future Hong Kong.]
#TenYears #Movie #NSL #LegCo #LeungMeiFun #Censorship #HongKongCinema
Source: WhatsNews Media #Oct29
https://t.me/WhatsNewsHK/2506
Film Censorship Ordinance Amended in HK, as Pro-China Lawmaker Claims a Hong Kong Film is Toxic to Teenagers
October 27, 2021 marks the final meeting of the Legislative Council after the extension of its terms. The last item on the agenda was the 2021 Film Censorship Ordinance Amendment Bill.
As only 5 councillors expressed their view, the legislation process took only 45 minutes to have the bill passed.
The bill authorises the #FilmCensorshipAuthority to check whether a film violates the national security law. It also allows the Chief Secretary of Administration to withdraw already-issued screening permits.
At the meeting, a pro-China lawmaker Priscilla Leung Mei-Fun comdemned a 2015-Hong Kong film called Ten Years for "hating the country", " romanticising hunger strike and self-immolaton", as well as "inciting Hong Kong independence".
She claimed that Hong Kong had lost "several generations of teenagers" and she hoped to remove what she called "toxic movies" by the censorship law.
Ng Ka-Leung, one of the producers of Ten years replied to media inquiry. He said that Hong Kong people have adequate ability to make judgement and logical thinking skills to proces the so called controversial content of the film.
He added, when some people manipulate power and suppress other people's thought, this is much more toxic not only to teenagers but also everyone in society.
He reiterated that a legal movie exhibition provides a reflective space and this has nothing to do with toxicity.
The producer agrees with Leung regarding the fact that "Hong Kong has lost a few generations of teenagers," but he emphasises that the imbalanced power and unmonitored system are the reasons to the loss of trust in the authority.
[Editor note: Ten Years is a Hong Kong dystopian speculative fictional film which depicts the deterioration human rights and freedom in future Hong Kong.]
#TenYears #Movie #NSL #LegCo #LeungMeiFun #Censorship #HongKongCinema
Source: WhatsNews Media #Oct29
https://t.me/WhatsNewsHK/2506
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和你報WhatsNews Media
[梁美芬狠批《十年》荼毒年青人
導演伍嘉良笑指邏輯滑稽]
近日，立法會迅速三讀通過《2021 年電影檢查（修訂）條例草案》。修訂草案賦權電檢處檢查員審視電影上映是否不利國家安全，又賦權政務司司長撤銷對以往的電影所發出的許可。大會中梁美芬議員直指《十年》「仇恨自己國家（中國）」「浪漫化絕食、自焚」「煽動港獨」。慨嘆香港已失去了數代年輕人，希望杜絕《十年》這種「荼毒年輕人」的電影。
本報就此專訪《十年》中《本地蛋》的導演，全片其中一位監製伍嘉良先生。
對於梁議員指《十年》「荼毒年輕人」，他認為香港人有…
導演伍嘉良笑指邏輯滑稽]
近日，立法會迅速三讀通過《2021 年電影檢查（修訂）條例草案》。修訂草案賦權電檢處檢查員審視電影上映是否不利國家安全，又賦權政務司司長撤銷對以往的電影所發出的許可。大會中梁美芬議員直指《十年》「仇恨自己國家（中國）」「浪漫化絕食、自焚」「煽動港獨」。慨嘆香港已失去了數代年輕人，希望杜絕《十年》這種「荼毒年輕人」的電影。
本報就此專訪《十年》中《本地蛋》的導演，全片其中一位監製伍嘉良先生。
對於梁議員指《十年》「荼毒年輕人」，他認為香港人有…
The Head of a Belarus Exile Group Hanged in a Park. Police Starts off by Murder Investigation
The BBC reported that the Belarus Exile Group Head Vitaly Shishov, who has lost recently, was found being hanged in a park in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, on August 3. The place was close to his house in Ukraine. The police force has already started an investigation in accordance with murder, not ruling the chance of homicide.
Vitaly Shishov is the Head of the Belarusian House in Ukraine, an exile group helping people in Belarus to flee to Ukraine. The organisation headquarter is in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, mainly helping Belarusians who fleed due to violent oppression to find accommodations, jobs and legal suggestions.
#Belarus #Ukraine #Kyiv #VitalyShishov #BelarusianHouseinUkraine #BBC
Source: Stand News #Aug03
https://bit.ly/3ChJ1jw
The BBC reported that the Belarus Exile Group Head Vitaly Shishov, who has lost recently, was found being hanged in a park in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, on August 3. The place was close to his house in Ukraine. The police force has already started an investigation in accordance with murder, not ruling the chance of homicide.
Vitaly Shishov is the Head of the Belarusian House in Ukraine, an exile group helping people in Belarus to flee to Ukraine. The organisation headquarter is in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, mainly helping Belarusians who fleed due to violent oppression to find accommodations, jobs and legal suggestions.
#Belarus #Ukraine #Kyiv #VitalyShishov #BelarusianHouseinUkraine #BBC
Source: Stand News #Aug03
https://bit.ly/3ChJ1jw
#Remembrance
Citizens Lay Down White Flowers on 2-Year Anniversary of Student Protester's Death
Today (November 8) marked the second year since the passing of pro-democracy Hong Kong student #ChowTszLok. Citizens around the city brought brocades of white flowers to the site of his fatal fall in remembrance.
During the anti-ELAB movement in 2019, Chow, a 22-year-old university student, fell from the 3rd floor of a car park in Tseung Kwan O as police clashed with civilians in nearby streets.
He died from his injuries in hospital 4 days later, on November 8, 2019.
A Coroner’s inquest was conducted in January 2021 to determine cause of Chow’s death. However, as the jury was unable to decide the causes and circumstances of his death, the coroner pronounced an open verdict.
#LestWeForget #PoliceBrutality #AlexChow #PoliceState
Source: Stand News; #Nov8
https://www.facebook.com/710476795704610/posts/4718291671589749/
Citizens Lay Down White Flowers on 2-Year Anniversary of Student Protester's Death
Today (November 8) marked the second year since the passing of pro-democracy Hong Kong student #ChowTszLok. Citizens around the city brought brocades of white flowers to the site of his fatal fall in remembrance.
During the anti-ELAB movement in 2019, Chow, a 22-year-old university student, fell from the 3rd floor of a car park in Tseung Kwan O as police clashed with civilians in nearby streets.
He died from his injuries in hospital 4 days later, on November 8, 2019.
A Coroner’s inquest was conducted in January 2021 to determine cause of Chow’s death. However, as the jury was unable to decide the causes and circumstances of his death, the coroner pronounced an open verdict.
#LestWeForget #PoliceBrutality #AlexChow #PoliceState
Source: Stand News; #Nov8
https://www.facebook.com/710476795704610/posts/4718291671589749/
#Remembrance #FirstHand
Grandma Wong Arrested while Paying Tribute to Chow Tsz-lok
Grandma Wong was in Tseung Kwan O around 7:30pm, holding a handbill with the number 2 in her hands, signifying the two years since the death of Chow Tsz-lok.
She chanted familiar protest slogan “Five Demands No One Less”, and called for establishing an independent inquiry commission to investigate the cause of Chow's death.
Moments later, Grandma Wong was quickly surrounded by police officers, who then took her away in a police car.
See also:
Citizens Lay Down White Flowers on 2-Year Anniversary of Student Protester's Death
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31377
#ChowTszLok #AlexChow #TseungKwanO #LestWeForget #GrandmaWong #PoliceState
Source: #FirstHand, Stand News; #Nov8
https://www.facebook.com/710476795704610/posts/4718694691549447/
Grandma Wong Arrested while Paying Tribute to Chow Tsz-lok
Grandma Wong was in Tseung Kwan O around 7:30pm, holding a handbill with the number 2 in her hands, signifying the two years since the death of Chow Tsz-lok.
She chanted familiar protest slogan “Five Demands No One Less”, and called for establishing an independent inquiry commission to investigate the cause of Chow's death.
Moments later, Grandma Wong was quickly surrounded by police officers, who then took her away in a police car.
See also:
Citizens Lay Down White Flowers on 2-Year Anniversary of Student Protester's Death
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31377
#ChowTszLok #AlexChow #TseungKwanO #LestWeForget #GrandmaWong #PoliceState
Source: #FirstHand, Stand News; #Nov8
https://www.facebook.com/710476795704610/posts/4718694691549447/
#Remembrance
Hongkongers Pledge to Carry On Deceased Student's Unfinished Quest for Freedom and Democracy
#LestToForget #AlexChow #TseungKwanO #NationalSecurityLaw #PoliceState #PoliceBrutality
Source: First Hand; #Nov8
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Hongkongers Pledge to Carry On Deceased Student's Unfinished Quest for Freedom and Democracy
#LestToForget #AlexChow #TseungKwanO #NationalSecurityLaw #PoliceState #PoliceBrutality
Source: First Hand; #Nov8
Read more
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#Remembrance
Hongkongers Pledge to Carry On Deceased Student's Unfinished Quest for Freedom and Democracy
After China's imposition of National Security Law and crackdowns on dissenting voices in what was once one of the world freest cities, Hong Kong has not seen large scale gatherings in remembrance of those who suffered police brutality and sacrificed their lives during the quest of freedom and democracy.
On this night (Novermber 8), defiant Hongkongers continued to pay tribute to #ChowTszLok, a university student who passed away after falling from height in a car park during anti-ELAB movement in 2019.
In a park not far away from the car park, several light boxes with Chow's portrait and a line of white candles had been set up in Chow's remembrance.
A second set of light boxes displayed the citizens' vow to continue their quest for democracy, pledging to Chow that they will "carry on your unfinished journey (代你走下去)."
#LestToForget #AlexChow #TseungKwanO #NationalSecurityLaw #PoliceState #PoliceBrutality
See also:
Citizens Lay Down White Flowers on 2-Year Anniversary of Student Protester's Death
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31377
Source: First Hand; #Nov8
Hongkongers Pledge to Carry On Deceased Student's Unfinished Quest for Freedom and Democracy
After China's imposition of National Security Law and crackdowns on dissenting voices in what was once one of the world freest cities, Hong Kong has not seen large scale gatherings in remembrance of those who suffered police brutality and sacrificed their lives during the quest of freedom and democracy.
On this night (Novermber 8), defiant Hongkongers continued to pay tribute to #ChowTszLok, a university student who passed away after falling from height in a car park during anti-ELAB movement in 2019.
In a park not far away from the car park, several light boxes with Chow's portrait and a line of white candles had been set up in Chow's remembrance.
A second set of light boxes displayed the citizens' vow to continue their quest for democracy, pledging to Chow that they will "carry on your unfinished journey (代你走下去)."
#LestToForget #AlexChow #TseungKwanO #NationalSecurityLaw #PoliceState #PoliceBrutality
See also:
Citizens Lay Down White Flowers on 2-Year Anniversary of Student Protester's Death
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31377
Source: First Hand; #Nov8
Telegram
📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#Remembrance
Citizens Lay Down White Flowers on 2-Year Anniversary of Student Protester's Death
Today (November 8) marked the second year since the passing of pro-democracy Hong Kong student #ChowTszLok. Citizens around the city brought brocades of white…
Citizens Lay Down White Flowers on 2-Year Anniversary of Student Protester's Death
Today (November 8) marked the second year since the passing of pro-democracy Hong Kong student #ChowTszLok. Citizens around the city brought brocades of white…
#Court
"Joint Enterprise" Not Applicable to #Rioting, Hong Kong Top Court Rules; "Only Restoring What the Government Illegally Changed", Says Hongkonger
#CourtOfFInalAppeal #Verdict #JointEnterprise
Sources: Citizen News #Nov4
Read more
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https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31388
"Joint Enterprise" Not Applicable to #Rioting, Hong Kong Top Court Rules; "Only Restoring What the Government Illegally Changed", Says Hongkonger
#CourtOfFInalAppeal #Verdict #JointEnterprise
Sources: Citizen News #Nov4
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31388
#Court
"Joint Enterprise" Not Applicable to #Rioting, Hong Kong Top Court Rules; "Only Restoring What the Government Illegally Changed", Says Hongkonger
Hong Kong's Court of Final Appeal handed down a landmark verdict on November 4, 2021, ruling that people not physically present at a riot or unlawful assembly cannot be charged under the common law doctrine of "joint enterprise".
This ruling had far-reaching implications, as the government had charged large numbers of protesters in the Anti-ELAB Movement with these two offenses.
In September 2020, the Department of Justice (#DoJ) submitted an appeal to seek clarification on the principle of joint enterprise stemming from #ElaineTo and #HenryTong’s case, where the couple was acquitted of rioting.
See also: Chanting protest slogan at home could risk an offence of rioting, legal practitioner warns (Sept 28, 2020)
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25567
If the principle were applicable, then supporters in roles such as sentries, drivers, and being in charge of supplies may become at risk to being found guilty for rioting as secondary offenders, even though they were physically far from the scene of the riot. The verdict ruled otherwise. However, the Court of Final Appeal also emphasized that those who “promote or act in furtherance” of an illegal assembly or riot may still be liable to face charges if they committed "secondary and inchoate liability offences", whether they were present or not.
Henry Tong, one of the two pro-democracy activists who submitted the appeal, said that the verdict was reasonable, and he was satisfied with the results. He noted that the successful appeal merely restores the law to what it was before the DoJ had tried to "make illegal changes" to it.
He admitted that he had been very nervous in the few days leading up to the verdict and had trouble sleeping, and is now quite tired. However, he was glad that today brought some positive energy to friends in these difficult times.
It had been more than a year since the DoJ made its appeal, and he had now finished what he could do, he said. However, he noted that the broader situation of Hong Kong is still changing. "It feels terrible to watch my hometown fall apart," he said.
He took a more positive tone in his Facebook post about the verdict, however, exhorting Hongkongers to keep on: "If we can restore what had gone bad in the areas in the reach of each of us, then Hong Kong has a chance to be restored."
#CourtOfFInalAppeal #Verdict #JointEnterprise
Sources:
- Citizen News #Nov4
https://bit.ly/3q5ldMF
- Court of Final Appeal Press Release (Chinese):
https://legalref.judiciary.hk/doc/judg/html/vetted/other/en/2021/FACC000006_2021_files/FACC000006_2021CS.docx
- Henry Tong's Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/108379573919637/posts/594304725327117/
"Joint Enterprise" Not Applicable to #Rioting, Hong Kong Top Court Rules; "Only Restoring What the Government Illegally Changed", Says Hongkonger
Hong Kong's Court of Final Appeal handed down a landmark verdict on November 4, 2021, ruling that people not physically present at a riot or unlawful assembly cannot be charged under the common law doctrine of "joint enterprise".
This ruling had far-reaching implications, as the government had charged large numbers of protesters in the Anti-ELAB Movement with these two offenses.
In September 2020, the Department of Justice (#DoJ) submitted an appeal to seek clarification on the principle of joint enterprise stemming from #ElaineTo and #HenryTong’s case, where the couple was acquitted of rioting.
See also: Chanting protest slogan at home could risk an offence of rioting, legal practitioner warns (Sept 28, 2020)
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25567
If the principle were applicable, then supporters in roles such as sentries, drivers, and being in charge of supplies may become at risk to being found guilty for rioting as secondary offenders, even though they were physically far from the scene of the riot. The verdict ruled otherwise. However, the Court of Final Appeal also emphasized that those who “promote or act in furtherance” of an illegal assembly or riot may still be liable to face charges if they committed "secondary and inchoate liability offences", whether they were present or not.
Henry Tong, one of the two pro-democracy activists who submitted the appeal, said that the verdict was reasonable, and he was satisfied with the results. He noted that the successful appeal merely restores the law to what it was before the DoJ had tried to "make illegal changes" to it.
He admitted that he had been very nervous in the few days leading up to the verdict and had trouble sleeping, and is now quite tired. However, he was glad that today brought some positive energy to friends in these difficult times.
It had been more than a year since the DoJ made its appeal, and he had now finished what he could do, he said. However, he noted that the broader situation of Hong Kong is still changing. "It feels terrible to watch my hometown fall apart," he said.
He took a more positive tone in his Facebook post about the verdict, however, exhorting Hongkongers to keep on: "If we can restore what had gone bad in the areas in the reach of each of us, then Hong Kong has a chance to be restored."
#CourtOfFInalAppeal #Verdict #JointEnterprise
Sources:
- Citizen News #Nov4
https://bit.ly/3q5ldMF
- Court of Final Appeal Press Release (Chinese):
https://legalref.judiciary.hk/doc/judg/html/vetted/other/en/2021/FACC000006_2021_files/FACC000006_2021CS.docx
- Henry Tong's Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/108379573919637/posts/594304725327117/
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