Police representatives refuse to show warrant cards during Central and Western District Council meeting to "protect dignity of the police"
Cnetral and Western District Council Transport Committee held a meeting with several government department, including Hong Kong Police Force, on Mar 13. In countray to other departments, plaincloth police officers attended did not have their identity shown. When requested to display their warrant cards, the officers refused to comply.
Yip Kam Lung Sam, chairman of the Commitee, stated that police officers should display their warrant cards. "Why do you refuse to identify yourselves as police officers when PK Tang (Commissioner of Police) displayed his warrant card in other district counciil meeting?"
On the other hand, district officer Susanne Wong supported the police by stating that the government had their "internal method" to handle the identity of attendees, so "there' is no need for our colleauges to show their warrant cards."
Ngai, who identified herself as Police Public Relations Officer of the Central District, retorted, "We are not exercising our police power now, so there is no need to show our warrant cards." Yip questioned, "If you are not exercising police power now, then who are you representing? Are you all volunteers? Do you think police is above everything, including our council rules?" She further critized councilor Kam Nai-wai for "leaving his seat multiple times to look at us", and hoped that Kam could stayed in his own seat. But Yip stated that councilors could walk in the conference room at their will, according to the Council Regulation.
Ngai continued, "Although you received 3073 votes, I want you to know that 2487 votes of your district voted for someone else." She later added, "I am protecting the dignity of the police. How do we become police officers? We need to go through a lot of trials, and there's probation period for the qualification of police officers. We could be disqualified during the selection process. I don't think district councillors need to go through all these!"
When Yip made his concluding remarks, he expressed dissatisfaction regarding the police officers' behaviour. Ngai was later denied to speak as she was not complying with the council rules, and decided to leave the meeting early with all the plain-clothed officers.
Editor Note: According to Police General Orders Chapter 20-14, an officer in plain-clothes when dealing with members of the public and exercising his police powers, whether he is on or off duty, shall identify himself and produce his warrant card. Their refusal was not only a violation of the regualtion (which they have been doing these months), but also an arrogence act, especially when the Commissioner had his identity shown.
Source: Apple Daily #Mar13 #PoliceState
Cnetral and Western District Council Transport Committee held a meeting with several government department, including Hong Kong Police Force, on Mar 13. In countray to other departments, plaincloth police officers attended did not have their identity shown. When requested to display their warrant cards, the officers refused to comply.
Yip Kam Lung Sam, chairman of the Commitee, stated that police officers should display their warrant cards. "Why do you refuse to identify yourselves as police officers when PK Tang (Commissioner of Police) displayed his warrant card in other district counciil meeting?"
On the other hand, district officer Susanne Wong supported the police by stating that the government had their "internal method" to handle the identity of attendees, so "there' is no need for our colleauges to show their warrant cards."
Ngai, who identified herself as Police Public Relations Officer of the Central District, retorted, "We are not exercising our police power now, so there is no need to show our warrant cards." Yip questioned, "If you are not exercising police power now, then who are you representing? Are you all volunteers? Do you think police is above everything, including our council rules?" She further critized councilor Kam Nai-wai for "leaving his seat multiple times to look at us", and hoped that Kam could stayed in his own seat. But Yip stated that councilors could walk in the conference room at their will, according to the Council Regulation.
Ngai continued, "Although you received 3073 votes, I want you to know that 2487 votes of your district voted for someone else." She later added, "I am protecting the dignity of the police. How do we become police officers? We need to go through a lot of trials, and there's probation period for the qualification of police officers. We could be disqualified during the selection process. I don't think district councillors need to go through all these!"
When Yip made his concluding remarks, he expressed dissatisfaction regarding the police officers' behaviour. Ngai was later denied to speak as she was not complying with the council rules, and decided to leave the meeting early with all the plain-clothed officers.
Editor Note: According to Police General Orders Chapter 20-14, an officer in plain-clothes when dealing with members of the public and exercising his police powers, whether he is on or off duty, shall identify himself and produce his warrant card. Their refusal was not only a violation of the regualtion (which they have been doing these months), but also an arrogence act, especially when the Commissioner had his identity shown.
Source: Apple Daily #Mar13 #PoliceState
#FirstHand #Court
District Councillor Cheng Tat-hung released on bail after National Security Law arrest
Around 11 am on March 13, the High Court upheld the bail approval for Cheng Tat-hung, one of the 47 arrested activists. He completed his release procedures around 4:30 pm and finally left the High Court. He was accompanied by his wife, relatives and friends, among them Yau Tsim Mong District Councilor Andy Yu Tak-po, .
After over a week in custody, Cheng didn’t answer questions from reporters as he left the court building. He only folded his hands in gratitude for all who gave him support, before leaving by car.
#Mar13 #PoliceState #47ProDemocracyActivists #HongKong #NSL
District Councillor Cheng Tat-hung released on bail after National Security Law arrest
Around 11 am on March 13, the High Court upheld the bail approval for Cheng Tat-hung, one of the 47 arrested activists. He completed his release procedures around 4:30 pm and finally left the High Court. He was accompanied by his wife, relatives and friends, among them Yau Tsim Mong District Councilor Andy Yu Tak-po, .
After over a week in custody, Cheng didn’t answer questions from reporters as he left the court building. He only folded his hands in gratitude for all who gave him support, before leaving by car.
#Mar13 #PoliceState #47ProDemocracyActivists #HongKong #NSL
#FirstHand #Court
Grandma Wong manhandled by police outside courthouse
Grandma Wong was outside the High Court to show support for the 47 activists' bail hearings in the afternoon of March 13, when police got into an altercation with her.
Four officers - 3 male and one female - physically picked her up and carried her away, setting her down on the sidewalk near the courthouse.
#Mar13 #PoliceState
Grandma Wong manhandled by police outside courthouse
Grandma Wong was outside the High Court to show support for the 47 activists' bail hearings in the afternoon of March 13, when police got into an altercation with her.
Four officers - 3 male and one female - physically picked her up and carried her away, setting her down on the sidewalk near the courthouse.
#Mar13 #PoliceState
CCP seeks Danish government assistance over an investigation related to exiled pro-democracy lawmaker
A news report on Danish media, Politiken, revealed on March 11 that the Chinese government has attempted to seek support from the Danish government on an investigation case connected to former legislator, Ted Hui’s flee to the UK in January 2021. The request, however, was rejected.
It was reported that the Chinese government’s request involved four Danish political figures, including #KatarinaAmmitzbøll, member of Parliament for the Conservative party, #UffeElbæk, member of Parliament for the Independent Greens, as well as #ThomasRohden and #AndersStorgaar. They were said to have assisted Ted Hui from fleeing Hong Kong earlier this year.
The report said it remained unclear as to what information the Chinese government specifically asked for but could possibly be related to the invitation issued by Katarina Ammitzbøll.
Source: Stand News #Mar13
https://bit.ly/2Pbo3z9
A news report on Danish media, Politiken, revealed on March 11 that the Chinese government has attempted to seek support from the Danish government on an investigation case connected to former legislator, Ted Hui’s flee to the UK in January 2021. The request, however, was rejected.
It was reported that the Chinese government’s request involved four Danish political figures, including #KatarinaAmmitzbøll, member of Parliament for the Conservative party, #UffeElbæk, member of Parliament for the Independent Greens, as well as #ThomasRohden and #AndersStorgaar. They were said to have assisted Ted Hui from fleeing Hong Kong earlier this year.
The report said it remained unclear as to what information the Chinese government specifically asked for but could possibly be related to the invitation issued by Katarina Ammitzbøll.
Source: Stand News #Mar13
https://bit.ly/2Pbo3z9
#NewZealand and #Australia condemn electoral overhaul forced on Hong Kong by China
Source: Stand News #Mar13
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
Source: Stand News #Mar13
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
#NewZealand and #Australia condemn electoral overhaul forced on Hong Kong by China
On 12 March 2021, New Zealand and Australia have issued a joint statement expressing deep concerns about changes to Hong Kong's electoral system.
Issued by Foreign Affairs Minister #NanaiaMahuta and her Australian counterpart, senator #MarisePayne, it said the changes passed by China further undermine rights, freedoms and the high degree of autonomy guaranteed to Hong Kong until 2047 under the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
The two urged Hong Kong and Chinese authorities to uphold their commitments to allow Hong Kong people’s genuine participation in their governance, and their rights to scrutinise the government and express diverse views.
"These changes run contrary to the ultimate aim of a Hong Kong Chief Executive elected through universal suffrage, weaken Hong Kong's democratic institutions, and erode freedom of speech and association - all of which are set out in the Basic Law," the statement from Mahuta and Payne said.
https://bit.ly/30TQEM6
Read full statement here:
Joint statement on electoral changes in Hong Kong on 12 March 2021
https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/joint-statement-electoral-changes-hong-kong
#ElectoralOverhaul #CCPControl #Regime
Source: Stand News #Mar13
On 12 March 2021, New Zealand and Australia have issued a joint statement expressing deep concerns about changes to Hong Kong's electoral system.
Issued by Foreign Affairs Minister #NanaiaMahuta and her Australian counterpart, senator #MarisePayne, it said the changes passed by China further undermine rights, freedoms and the high degree of autonomy guaranteed to Hong Kong until 2047 under the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
The two urged Hong Kong and Chinese authorities to uphold their commitments to allow Hong Kong people’s genuine participation in their governance, and their rights to scrutinise the government and express diverse views.
"These changes run contrary to the ultimate aim of a Hong Kong Chief Executive elected through universal suffrage, weaken Hong Kong's democratic institutions, and erode freedom of speech and association - all of which are set out in the Basic Law," the statement from Mahuta and Payne said.
https://bit.ly/30TQEM6
Read full statement here:
Joint statement on electoral changes in Hong Kong on 12 March 2021
https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/joint-statement-electoral-changes-hong-kong
#ElectoralOverhaul #CCPControl #Regime
Source: Stand News #Mar13
#CCPControl #Regime
British Foreign Secretary: China Breaches the Sino-British Joint Declaration Continuously
Source: Stand News #Mar13
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
British Foreign Secretary: China Breaches the Sino-British Joint Declaration Continuously
Source: Stand News #Mar13
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
#CCPControl #Regime
British Foreign Secretary: China Breaches the Sino-British Joint Declaration Continuously
On March 13, 2021, British Foreign Secretary #DominicRaab issued another statement, shortly following the first one two days ago on March 11, 2021 in which he slammed Beijing’s decision to impose radical changes to Hong Kong’s electoral system a clear breach of the legally binding Sino-British Joint Declaration.
Raab wrote in the statement that “this is part of a pattern designed to harass and stifle all voices critical of China’s policies and is the third breach of the Joint Declaration in less than nine months.”
He further stated that, “the Chinese authorities’ continued action means I must now report that the UK considers Beijing to be in a state of ongoing non-compliance with the Joint Declaration - a demonstration of the growing gulf between Beijing’s promises and its actions.”
In closing, Raab reiterated UK’s support to Hong Kong, saying that “the UK will continue to stand up for the people of Hong Kong. China must act in accordance with its legal obligations and respect fundamental rights and freedoms in Hong Kong.”
Immediately following the National People's Conference's (#NPC) resolution to impose an electoral overhaul on Hong Kong, Dominic Raab made a statement on March 11, 2021 saying that the latest step by Beijing would “hollow out the space for democratic debate in Hong Kong, contrary to the promises made by China itself.”
Several MPs of UK parliament, however, disparaged the British Government for paying mere lip-service and questioned whether the Government would impose #sanction over concerning officials in Hong Kong based on the Magninisky Human Rights Act.
#MagniniskyAct #SinoBritishJointDeclaration #ElectoralOverhaul
Source: Stand News #Mar13
https://bit.ly/3f18WU9
British Foreign Secretary: China Breaches the Sino-British Joint Declaration Continuously
On March 13, 2021, British Foreign Secretary #DominicRaab issued another statement, shortly following the first one two days ago on March 11, 2021 in which he slammed Beijing’s decision to impose radical changes to Hong Kong’s electoral system a clear breach of the legally binding Sino-British Joint Declaration.
Raab wrote in the statement that “this is part of a pattern designed to harass and stifle all voices critical of China’s policies and is the third breach of the Joint Declaration in less than nine months.”
He further stated that, “the Chinese authorities’ continued action means I must now report that the UK considers Beijing to be in a state of ongoing non-compliance with the Joint Declaration - a demonstration of the growing gulf between Beijing’s promises and its actions.”
In closing, Raab reiterated UK’s support to Hong Kong, saying that “the UK will continue to stand up for the people of Hong Kong. China must act in accordance with its legal obligations and respect fundamental rights and freedoms in Hong Kong.”
Immediately following the National People's Conference's (#NPC) resolution to impose an electoral overhaul on Hong Kong, Dominic Raab made a statement on March 11, 2021 saying that the latest step by Beijing would “hollow out the space for democratic debate in Hong Kong, contrary to the promises made by China itself.”
Several MPs of UK parliament, however, disparaged the British Government for paying mere lip-service and questioned whether the Government would impose #sanction over concerning officials in Hong Kong based on the Magninisky Human Rights Act.
#MagniniskyAct #SinoBritishJointDeclaration #ElectoralOverhaul
Source: Stand News #Mar13
https://bit.ly/3f18WU9
Exclusive: Uighurs harassed and abused by Beijing in UK, minister admits
Chinese flag behind razor wire at a housing compound in Yangisar, south of Kashgar – Greg Baker/AFP
The Government has admitted for the first time that Uighurs are being targeted by China on British soil “in an effort to intimidate them into silence”.
The problem is now so serious that it risks becoming a diplomatic incident after ministers complained directly to the Chinese embassy in London.
Source: Telegraph #Mar13
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/03/13/exclusive-uighurs-harassed-abused-beijing-uk-minister-admits/
#China #Uighurs #Beijing #UK
Chinese flag behind razor wire at a housing compound in Yangisar, south of Kashgar – Greg Baker/AFP
The Government has admitted for the first time that Uighurs are being targeted by China on British soil “in an effort to intimidate them into silence”.
The problem is now so serious that it risks becoming a diplomatic incident after ministers complained directly to the Chinese embassy in London.
Source: Telegraph #Mar13
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/03/13/exclusive-uighurs-harassed-abused-beijing-uk-minister-admits/
#China #Uighurs #Beijing #UK
Legal experts question Beverley McLachlin’s position at Hong Kong court
When one of Canada’s most celebrated legal figures was made a judge in Hong Kong, local leaders celebrated. The presence of Beverley McLachlin on the Court of Final Appeal would help to assure the city’s judicial independence, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Justice said.
When one of Canada’s most celebrated legal figures was made a judge in Hong Kong, local leaders celebrated. The presence of Beverley McLachlin on the Court of Final Appeal would help to assure the city’s judicial independence, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Justice said.
So long as people like Ms. McLachlin sit on the court, “we know that our judiciary is working very well because they might not otherwise want to be part of our judicial system.”
Source: The Globe and Mail #Mar13
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-legal-experts-question-beverley-mclachlins-position-at-hong-kong-court/
#Legal #McLachlin #HongKong #Court
When one of Canada’s most celebrated legal figures was made a judge in Hong Kong, local leaders celebrated. The presence of Beverley McLachlin on the Court of Final Appeal would help to assure the city’s judicial independence, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Justice said.
When one of Canada’s most celebrated legal figures was made a judge in Hong Kong, local leaders celebrated. The presence of Beverley McLachlin on the Court of Final Appeal would help to assure the city’s judicial independence, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Justice said.
So long as people like Ms. McLachlin sit on the court, “we know that our judiciary is working very well because they might not otherwise want to be part of our judicial system.”
Source: The Globe and Mail #Mar13
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-legal-experts-question-beverley-mclachlins-position-at-hong-kong-court/
#Legal #McLachlin #HongKong #Court