#Court #Regime
"No Such Thing as Separation of Powers in the World," National Security Judge Lectures Educators, Despite Claiming It's HK's System 10 Years Ago
As the Hong Kong Government begins to enforce #NationalSecurityEducation in schools, the #EducationBureau held an online seminar on the rule of law, led by Judge Patrick Chan Siu-oi, in which high school teachers received the government's latest views on the rule of law.
Patrick Chan is a non-permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal, and is part of the panel of judges handling the bail application of Next Digital's #JimmyLai, who is currently under custody on national security charges.
Chan began the seminar by telling the attending teachers that what he was about to say may be different from their past knowledge, and "if it's not the same, then please hear me out."
According to Chan, the term "separation of powers" was inaccurate, nor was the mention of "three" powers in the usual Chinese translation of the term. He claimed that many political systems do not have three branches, and calling it a separation of three powers "sounded like they're bracing themselves for a brawl". Instead, he called it a "distribution of duties", saying it was more accurate and "sounded more gentle". If checks and balances were too stringent, he added, it would make for an inefficient government.
Chan further claimed that no country in the world operates a true separation of powers. He cited the US government as an example, saying that the Senate, House of Representatives, and court judges consist of members from the two major political parties, thus the three branches overlap each other. In the British government, he said, the prime minister is the leader of the largest party in Parliament, therefore the legislative branch is also the executive branch.
Interestingly, in a 2011 seminar - merely 10 years ago - Judge Chan claimed that Hong Kong implements a separation of powers. At the time, he stated that the separation of powers prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful, leading to abuses of its power. He also noted that the Basic Law's clauses 59-65, 66-79, and 80-96 prescribe separate duties to the three branches of government. The key was whether the branches could keep each others' powers in check, he noted at the time.
source: Apple Daily #Feb4
https://hk.appledaily.com/local/20210204/EEP2GE3ZN5BBFPLL3N2BBZIGTQ/
#SeparationofPowers #Education #BrainWash
"No Such Thing as Separation of Powers in the World," National Security Judge Lectures Educators, Despite Claiming It's HK's System 10 Years Ago
As the Hong Kong Government begins to enforce #NationalSecurityEducation in schools, the #EducationBureau held an online seminar on the rule of law, led by Judge Patrick Chan Siu-oi, in which high school teachers received the government's latest views on the rule of law.
Patrick Chan is a non-permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal, and is part of the panel of judges handling the bail application of Next Digital's #JimmyLai, who is currently under custody on national security charges.
Chan began the seminar by telling the attending teachers that what he was about to say may be different from their past knowledge, and "if it's not the same, then please hear me out."
According to Chan, the term "separation of powers" was inaccurate, nor was the mention of "three" powers in the usual Chinese translation of the term. He claimed that many political systems do not have three branches, and calling it a separation of three powers "sounded like they're bracing themselves for a brawl". Instead, he called it a "distribution of duties", saying it was more accurate and "sounded more gentle". If checks and balances were too stringent, he added, it would make for an inefficient government.
Chan further claimed that no country in the world operates a true separation of powers. He cited the US government as an example, saying that the Senate, House of Representatives, and court judges consist of members from the two major political parties, thus the three branches overlap each other. In the British government, he said, the prime minister is the leader of the largest party in Parliament, therefore the legislative branch is also the executive branch.
Interestingly, in a 2011 seminar - merely 10 years ago - Judge Chan claimed that Hong Kong implements a separation of powers. At the time, he stated that the separation of powers prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful, leading to abuses of its power. He also noted that the Basic Law's clauses 59-65, 66-79, and 80-96 prescribe separate duties to the three branches of government. The key was whether the branches could keep each others' powers in check, he noted at the time.
source: Apple Daily #Feb4
https://hk.appledaily.com/local/20210204/EEP2GE3ZN5BBFPLL3N2BBZIGTQ/
#SeparationofPowers #Education #BrainWash
#GlobalSupport
US lawmakers nominate Hong Kong democracy movement for #NobelPeacePrize
Source: Stand News, #Feb4
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US lawmakers nominate Hong Kong democracy movement for #NobelPeacePrize
Source: Stand News, #Feb4
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#GlobalSupport
US lawmakers nominate Hong Kong democracy movement for #NobelPeacePrize
Led by US Republican Senator Marco Rubio and Democratic Representative Jim McGovern, co-chairs of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China that assesses human rights, the U.S. Congress nominated Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement for the Nobel Peace Prize, calling the campaigners a global inspiration as they endure a crackdown by Beijing.
In a letter to the Nobel Committee, nine lawmakers across party lines cited the estimate that more than two million took to the streets on June 16, 2019.
“This prize would honor their bravery and determination that have inspired the world,” they wrote.
“A number of [Hong Kong] democracy advocates are already in jail, some in exile, and many more awaiting trials where they are expected to be convicted and sentenced in the coming months for the sole reason of peacefully expressing their political views through speech, publication, elections, or assembly.”
The lawmakers said they expected more Hong Kong democracy activists to be convicted in the coming months “for the sole reason of peacefully expressing their political views.”
Source: Stand News, #Feb4
#USCongress #NobelPrize
#HongKongProtests #AntiELAB
US lawmakers nominate Hong Kong democracy movement for #NobelPeacePrize
Led by US Republican Senator Marco Rubio and Democratic Representative Jim McGovern, co-chairs of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China that assesses human rights, the U.S. Congress nominated Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement for the Nobel Peace Prize, calling the campaigners a global inspiration as they endure a crackdown by Beijing.
In a letter to the Nobel Committee, nine lawmakers across party lines cited the estimate that more than two million took to the streets on June 16, 2019.
“This prize would honor their bravery and determination that have inspired the world,” they wrote.
“A number of [Hong Kong] democracy advocates are already in jail, some in exile, and many more awaiting trials where they are expected to be convicted and sentenced in the coming months for the sole reason of peacefully expressing their political views through speech, publication, elections, or assembly.”
The lawmakers said they expected more Hong Kong democracy activists to be convicted in the coming months “for the sole reason of peacefully expressing their political views.”
Source: Stand News, #Feb4
#USCongress #NobelPrize
#HongKongProtests #AntiELAB
#DualNationality #Embassy
Canadian Foreign Ministry: Hong Kong authorities deny consular access to detainees with dual nationality
Source: Stand News #Feb4
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Canadian Foreign Ministry: Hong Kong authorities deny consular access to detainees with dual nationality
Source: Stand News #Feb4
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#DualNationality #Embassy
Canadian Foreign Ministry: Hong Kong authorities deny consular access to detainees with dual nationality
On 3 February, 2021, the Canadian Foreign Ministry revealed that Hong Kong has denied consular access to detainees with dual nationals in Hong Kong.
Five diplomats say, however, that consular access to dual nationals had largely been granted by local authorities since Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule more than two decades ago. That is now changing, the diplomats said.
Canada said it received a first notification of a Canadian dual-national prisoner in Hong Kong being required to declare their nationality on Jan 18, 2021. The consulate did not identify the prisoner nor the reason they were in jail.
“We are aware of more such incidences involving dual nationals of other countries,” Canadian foreign ministry spokeswoman Christelle Chartrand said, adding Ottawa had expressed its concern towards the Hong Kong government.
Canadians who wish to receive consular services should present themselves as Canadian to authorities at all times, she said.
Source: Stand News #Feb4
#ConsularServices #CanadianForeignMinistry #Canada
Canadian Foreign Ministry: Hong Kong authorities deny consular access to detainees with dual nationality
On 3 February, 2021, the Canadian Foreign Ministry revealed that Hong Kong has denied consular access to detainees with dual nationals in Hong Kong.
Five diplomats say, however, that consular access to dual nationals had largely been granted by local authorities since Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule more than two decades ago. That is now changing, the diplomats said.
Canada said it received a first notification of a Canadian dual-national prisoner in Hong Kong being required to declare their nationality on Jan 18, 2021. The consulate did not identify the prisoner nor the reason they were in jail.
“We are aware of more such incidences involving dual nationals of other countries,” Canadian foreign ministry spokeswoman Christelle Chartrand said, adding Ottawa had expressed its concern towards the Hong Kong government.
Canadians who wish to receive consular services should present themselves as Canadian to authorities at all times, she said.
Source: Stand News #Feb4
#ConsularServices #CanadianForeignMinistry #Canada
Western alarm as Canada says Hong Kong enforcing single nationality
Canada, Britain and the United States have expressed alarm after Ottawa revealed authorities in Hong Kong forced a dual citizen to choose one nationality
Under Chinese law, dual nationality is not legally recognised in Hong Kong and authorities may refuse to grant consular access to those who retain Hong Kong or Chinese passports.
But diplomats say the regulations were never enforced and that, until now, officials faced few problems accessing dual nationals in custody.
A State Department spokesman said Washington had "deep concerns that this new Hong Kong policy will compel people to declare their citizenship under duress and without an opportunity to understand the full implications of the declaration".
Source Yahoo New Australia #Feb4
https://au.news.yahoo.com/western-alarm-canada-says-hong-025405212.html
#HKDualNational #HongKong
Canada, Britain and the United States have expressed alarm after Ottawa revealed authorities in Hong Kong forced a dual citizen to choose one nationality
Under Chinese law, dual nationality is not legally recognised in Hong Kong and authorities may refuse to grant consular access to those who retain Hong Kong or Chinese passports.
But diplomats say the regulations were never enforced and that, until now, officials faced few problems accessing dual nationals in custody.
A State Department spokesman said Washington had "deep concerns that this new Hong Kong policy will compel people to declare their citizenship under duress and without an opportunity to understand the full implications of the declaration".
Source Yahoo New Australia #Feb4
https://au.news.yahoo.com/western-alarm-canada-says-hong-025405212.html
#HKDualNational #HongKong
#Arrest #Suppression #PoliceState
Hong Kong National Police arrested social activists before a planned Winter Olympics demonstration
Source: Inmediahk, #Feb4
#KooSzeYiu #NSL #Subversion #BeijingWinterOlympics
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https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/32103
Hong Kong National Police arrested social activists before a planned Winter Olympics demonstration
Source: Inmediahk, #Feb4
#KooSzeYiu #NSL #Subversion #BeijingWinterOlympics
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https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/32103
#Arrest #Suppression #PoliceState
Hong Kong National Police arrested social activists before a planned Winter Olympics demonstration
Veteran pro-democracy activist Koo Sze-yiu, was re-arrested today (February 4) on suspicion of inciting subversion of state power. The charge carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The 75-year-old member of the League of Social Democrats was taken into custody at his Cheung Sha Wan home shortly after 6am, and was being held at Cheung Sha Wan Police station for questioning.
Koo informed the media about his plan for the demonstration outside Beijing’s Liaison Office in the city that morning to protest China’s Winter Olympics, calling for attention to political activists behind bars.
The police also arrested four other people to assist with the investigation, local media said, although it was unclear if they had also been arrested.
He will be on trial at 9:30am at West Kowloon Magistrate Court on February 5.
Koo was jailed in January 2021 for desecrating the Chinese national flag. It was the tenth prison sentence in his last 30 years.
The veteran social activist who is suffering from the fourth stage of cancer was sent to Stanley Prison in April 2021 for 5 months.
Source: Inmediahk, #Feb4
https://bit.ly/35NQfRc
#KooSzeYiu #NSL #Subversion #BeijingWinterOlympics
Hong Kong National Police arrested social activists before a planned Winter Olympics demonstration
Veteran pro-democracy activist Koo Sze-yiu, was re-arrested today (February 4) on suspicion of inciting subversion of state power. The charge carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The 75-year-old member of the League of Social Democrats was taken into custody at his Cheung Sha Wan home shortly after 6am, and was being held at Cheung Sha Wan Police station for questioning.
Koo informed the media about his plan for the demonstration outside Beijing’s Liaison Office in the city that morning to protest China’s Winter Olympics, calling for attention to political activists behind bars.
The police also arrested four other people to assist with the investigation, local media said, although it was unclear if they had also been arrested.
He will be on trial at 9:30am at West Kowloon Magistrate Court on February 5.
Koo was jailed in January 2021 for desecrating the Chinese national flag. It was the tenth prison sentence in his last 30 years.
The veteran social activist who is suffering from the fourth stage of cancer was sent to Stanley Prison in April 2021 for 5 months.
Source: Inmediahk, #Feb4
https://bit.ly/35NQfRc
#KooSzeYiu #NSL #Subversion #BeijingWinterOlympics
獨立媒體
古思堯涉「煽動顛覆國家政權罪」被捕 今早原定到中聯辦抗議冬奧 | 獨媒報導 | 獨立媒體
（獨媒報導）曾入獄11次、患直腸腺癌第四期的七旬社運人士古思堯，今晨被警方國安處以「煽動顛覆國家政權罪」拘捕。北京冬季奧運會開幕儀式將於今晚舉行，古思堯原計劃今早到中聯辦請願，抗議中央政府漠視被捕的香港市民及政治人物，只顧「粉飾太平」籌辦冬奧。 據了解，多名警方國安處警員在今早6時，抵達古思堯長沙灣青山道永盛工業大廈的住所，以涉嫌觸犯「煽動顛覆國家政權
#Arrest #Suppression #PoliceState
75yo activist remains in custody until April on inciting subversion charge
Hong Kong activist Koo Sze-yiu appeared before a national security judge in the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts on February 5, the day after he was arrested for inciting subversion.
Read more on his arrest:
Hong Kong National Police arrested social activists before a planned Winter Olympics demonstration
https://t.me/BeWaterHK/61
As Koo stepped into the defendant’s dock, he tried to wave and thank his supporters in the courtroom, but was immediately stopped by court security.
Later on when the magistrate asked Koo whether he understood the charges against him, Koo shouted, “Human rights rank above the right of states, and the people are more important than the state. I am not guilty.”
He was soon interrupted by the judge and ordered to cease shouting.
Without a legal representative, Koo applied for bail on his own, and was denied. He was not required to enter a plea as the Judge adjourned the case to April 1, 2022. Koo would be remanded in custody until then.
#KooSzeYiu #NSL #Subversion #BeijingWinterOlympics
Source: InmediaHK; #Feb6
https://bit.ly/3rsxwmp
75yo activist remains in custody until April on inciting subversion charge
Hong Kong activist Koo Sze-yiu appeared before a national security judge in the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts on February 5, the day after he was arrested for inciting subversion.
Read more on his arrest:
Hong Kong National Police arrested social activists before a planned Winter Olympics demonstration
https://t.me/BeWaterHK/61
As Koo stepped into the defendant’s dock, he tried to wave and thank his supporters in the courtroom, but was immediately stopped by court security.
Later on when the magistrate asked Koo whether he understood the charges against him, Koo shouted, “Human rights rank above the right of states, and the people are more important than the state. I am not guilty.”
He was soon interrupted by the judge and ordered to cease shouting.
Without a legal representative, Koo applied for bail on his own, and was denied. He was not required to enter a plea as the Judge adjourned the case to April 1, 2022. Koo would be remanded in custody until then.
#KooSzeYiu #NSL #Subversion #BeijingWinterOlympics
Source: InmediaHK; #Feb6
https://bit.ly/3rsxwmp
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📡Guardians of Hong Kong aka BeWater HK
#Arrest #Suppression #PoliceState
Hong Kong National Police arrested social activists before a planned Winter Olympics demonstration
Source: Inmediahk, #Feb4
#KooSzeYiu #NSL #Subversion #BeijingWinterOlympics
Read more
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Hong Kong National Police arrested social activists before a planned Winter Olympics demonstration
Source: Inmediahk, #Feb4
#KooSzeYiu #NSL #Subversion #BeijingWinterOlympics
Read more
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