#FailedState
Hong Kong among the bottom 30% in democracy ranking, having the highest increase in repression of civil
society in 2021

In the "Democracy Report 2022: Autocratization Changing Nature", the V-Dem Institute’s report notes that a new wave of democratization is being seen in 15 countries, while 32 countries suffer a decline in democracy.

The Swedish institute's report highlights that #autocratization has “worsened” in Hong Kong, along with India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Thailand and the Philippines in the Asia-Pacific region in the last decade.

Hong Kong is also among the countries with the highest increases in repression of civil
society. On a 0 to 4 scale, these countries are Afghanistan (–2.6), Hong Kong (–2.2), and Nicaragua (–2.1).

The report points out that governments in all three countries "evidently engage in extensive subjugation of civil society."

On the worldwide level, the report shows that the level of democracy enjoyed by the average global citizen in 2021 is down to 1989 levels. “The last 30 years of democratic advances are now eradicated.”

Read full report:
https://v-dem.net/media/publications/dr_2022.pdf

Source: V Dem

#FailedState
Hong Kong's #COVID Hospital Switches Computer to Chinese for Mainland Medics, but Needs Local Staff to Retype in English

Source: Inmedia #Mar15

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#FailedState
Hong Kong's #COVID Hospital Switches Computer to Chinese for Mainland Medics, but Needs Local Staff to Retype in English

The first batch of Chinese mainland medical staff arrived in Hong Kong in March 14, 2022, and are assigned to work at the temporary #AsiaWorldExpo isolation facility.

In preparation, the computer system for clinical management at the facility has been changed to display Chinese.

The President of Hong Kong Public Doctors' Association, #LingSiuChiTony, revealed in a radio interview that after discharging a patient from the makeshift hospital, Hong Kong medical staff have to retype the documents by mainland medics before submitting them to the #HospitalAuthority (#HA) network, as Hong Kong's medical records system is in English. He was also concerned about the diagnosis process; although most of the mainland staff were from Guangdong -- where Cantonese is spoken -- their medical as well as conversational language both have differences from those used by Hongkongers.

The mainland medical staff serving in the COVID hospital are exempt from registration. Although the HA claimed to take responsibility for them, if a medical incident were to occur, it would be difficult to hold them responsible.

"Since they (mainland staff) are not locally registered, we cannot hold a disciplinary hearing on them or revoke their license. By the time of the hearing, they may have left Hong Kong already."

Source: Inmedia #Mar15
https://bit.ly/3q7pn5P

#HKPDA #WuhanPneumonia #OmicronWave

#Resignation
Around 1% of Hong Kong civil servants quit in 2021/22

In Hong Kong, a rise in civil servants and Administrative Officers of the Government quitting their jobs is noticeable in recent years.

In the first 9 months of 2021/22, 8,274 civil servants have left the government, among them, 2,800 handed in their resignation.

The resignations, which represented a 50% increase than last year, were said only made up a small percentage of those who left at the same period. An official source from Civil Service Bureau claimed.

Hong Kong has around 178,000 government workers as of the end of March 2022. Those resigned accounted 1.6%, the highest figure since the return of Hong Kong to China.

The labour union representing civil service employees raised their concern over the vacancy arising from the increase in departure and decline in recruitment, amidst also political and work pressure.

Source: Ming Pao; #Apr19

https://bit.ly/3KaPqAc

#FailedState #CivilServant

#Oppression #FailedState
Hong Kong law firm Vidler & Co, which handled protest-related cases announced closure after 19 years

Sources: Ming Pao, Chaser News

#HumanRights #HKLegalSystem #NationalSecurityLaw

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#Oppression #FailedState
Hong Kong law firm Vidler & Co, which handled protest-related cases announced closure after 19 years

A Hong Kong law firm, which specialised in Human Rights and handled multiple cases related to the 2019 protests will soon cease practising.

The Law Society of Hong Kong notified members that Vidler & Co. intended to cease practice on June 3 after 19 years of operations.

The firm took on several controversial incidents, including an alleged police gang rape and the case of Indonesian journalist Veby Mega Indah, who was allegedly shot in the face with a police projectile.

#MichaelVidler, owner of the firm, has also represented Joshua Wong Chi-fung and protester Ken Tsang Kin-chiu, who was beaten by several police officers in a dark corner in Admiralty.

4 days after the company announced its closure, Vidler was seen leaving the city on 25 April. In the airport, he was bombarded by a group of reporters from Ta Kung Pao, a CCP mouthpiece with questions in Chinese.

Reporters urged him to explain whether his departure is related to #PaulHarris who has left in March this year.

Vidler is on the panel of solicitors for the Legal Aid Department, the Duty Lawyer Scheme and is an approved solicitor for a number of consulates in Hong Kong.

He was twice elected in 2011 and 2017 as a representative of the legal functional constituency on the 1,200-member Election Committee, which is tasked with nominating and choosing Hong Kong's chief executive.

Sources: Ming Pao, Chaser News
https://news.mingpao.com/ins/%e6%b8%af%e8%81%9e/article/20220421/s00001/1650518079447

The Chaser News; #Apr25

Related article
Barrister #PaulHarris Leaves Hong Kong After Being Approached by National Security Police
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/32345
.

#PoliceState #FailedState
Hong Kong Ex-Policeman pleaded guilty to threatening and abusing his own daughter

A 42-year-old former policeman allegedly demanded his ex-wife to see him within 30 minutes, otherwise he would kill their 8-year-old daughter.

Over the phone, the wife could hear her daughter crying and begging the father: "Daddy, please don't. Daddy, please don't. I don't want to use the knife."

The daughter testified in court, and recounted that the man asked her if she wanted to "go with him", which she understood to mean dying. She answered yes at the time, though she didn't want to die.

Later on, when police arrived at the scene, they caught the man attempting to strangle his daughter with a leather belt around her neck and threatening her with a knife.

The man appeared in court on April 21 and pleaded guilty to criminal intimidation and child abuse. He is remanded until his sentencing on May 11.

Source: Channel C; #Apr21
https://bit.ly/3Mq9Nv3

#ChildAbuse #Threat

#Election #FailedState
Hongkongers set up a Facebook page to make fun of the Chief Executive hopeful's poor writing skill

Source: Commons; #Apr21

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#Election #FailedState
Hongkongers set up a Facebook page to make fun of the Chief Executive hopeful's poor writing skill

Although most people in Hong Kong seldom pay much attention to the small-circle Chief Executive election, the substandard writing skill of the sole candidate, John Lee Ka-chiu, did stir up discussions and local people's interests.

In recent days, netizens created a public page on Facebook, titled "Daily Watch over Lee Ka-chiu's Chinese Writing Standard".

The page took a twisted approach to show "concerns" over this year's one-candidate-CE election.

It edited and even gave scores to the official posts on Lee's election page on Facebook.

Many of Lee's posts have seen heavily edited in red so that the language becomes more proper and readable.

To many people's surprise, Lee's election team actually took on many of these edits and amended their original writing.

Ah Chiu, (Pseudo name), administrator of the "Daily Watch" page expressed that since Lee failed to provide an election manifesto when he launched his election campaign, nor has he made meaningful contact with local citizens, his substandard writing skill, is perhaps, the only thing that people could remember.

Source: Commons; #Apr21
http://cmmns.co/9oIPR

#FailedState
Hong Kong gov’t officer among 5 arrested over prostitution syndicate

//Hong Kong police have arrested five people in connection with a prostitution syndicate, including a government officer.

Local media reported that among those arrested was James Lam, assistant district officer for the Sha Tin District Office.

Hong Kong police have arrested five people in connection with a prostitution syndicate, including a government officer.

Local media including Ming Pao and HK01first reported that among those arrested was James Lam, assistant district officer for the Sha Tin District Office. The police later confirmed that Lam was the 30-year-old male released on bail.

Lam was recognised by Chief Executive Carrie Lam in the government’s annual honours list in 2021, when he received the Chief Executive’s Commendation for Government/Public Service.//

Source: Hong Kong Free Press #May6
https://hongkongfp.com/2022/05/06/hong-kong-govt-officer-among-5-arrested-over-prostitution-syndicate-reports/

Cartoon by #AhTo: "We & Us"

"All animals are equal, bur WE are more equal than US."

[in Simplified Chinese] "This is WE"

[in Simplified Chinese] "This is US."

"But WE is not US."

[Editor's note: Taking the idea—some animals are more equal than others—from #GeorgeOrwell's Animal Farm, the 4-frame cartoon by Hong Kong artist Ah To is a satire on Hong Kong Chief Executive-elect #JohnLee's election campaign.

Amidst criticism, Lee defended his campaign slogan "We and Us" as a reflection of "his belief in fairness and togetherness".

Source: Ah To
https://www.facebook.com/100044541035098/posts/561762701985093/

#FailedState #AnimalFarm #ChiefExecutive #English #SmallCircleElection

Report: Gathering Penalty Ticket has no effect on the Controlling Coronavirus Outbreak


Mingpao, a Hong Kong newspaper, compared the monthly enforcement figures of the "Prohibition on group gatherings" (Cap. 599G*) and "Compulsory mask-wearing" rule (Cap. 599I**).

It was found that the Hong Kong police issued 2,460 fixed penalty tickets on 599G in April 2021, highest in a single month, but there was only 60 confirmed local cases of Covid-19 infection in that month.

On the other hand, the maximum number of fixed penalty tickets on 599I was issued in March last year, when the 5th wave of the pandemic peaked.

Dr. Ho Pak-leung, President of the Carol Yu's Centre for Infection at the University of Hong Kong, believes that the variation in fixed penalty tickets issued is not correlated with that of infection cases, and the fixed penalty is not an effective way to control the pandemic.

According to Dr. Ho Pak-leung, the government stepped up the enforcement of the compulsory mask-wearing rule during the 5th wave of the pandemic, which led to a significant increase in the number of fixed penalty tickets. However, the variation in the group gatherings prohibition ticket issued is not correlated to the pandemic but is probably more related to places and police verbal warnings rather than pandemic risk assessment.

Ramon Yuen Hoi-man, a member of the Sham Shui Po District Council and the spokesman of the Democratic Party on medical policy, questions if it is necessary to issue fixed penalty tickets so relentlessly when the pandemic subsides, "the government should not make an impression that there's a hidden agenda proceed in the name public health".

* Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Gathering) Regulation

** Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation

Source: Mingpao #May19

#599G #599I #GatheringBan #FailedState

https://life.mingpao.com/general/article?issue=20220519&nodeid=1652897733454

#Court #FailedState
Upcoming Chief Executive Violates Election Regulations and Asks to be Exempted

#JohnLee, former chief of police and the next Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR, was found violating the election regulations, as he failed to submit the Consent of Support forms on the day when his advertisement was published.

The consent forms concerned table tennis team coach Li Ching, lawmaker Nelson Lam and artist Alex Fong.

The penalties can go up to a fine of HK$5,000 and a sentence of six months in jail; however, Lee asked the High Court to “exempt” him from the regulations, and “relieve” him from the penalties.

According to Hong Kong Free Press, Lee also urged the court to waive the costs of his application for the penalties to be waived.

Source: Ming Pao; Hong Kong Free Press #Jun8

Image: ReNews

#FailedState
Hong Kong Government Censors its Own $31m Anti-ELAB Movement Report in light of National Security Concerns

Source: Hong Kong Economic Journal #Jun14

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#FailedState
Hong Kong Government Censors its Own $31m Anti-ELAB Movement Report in light of National Security Concerns

The Hong Kong SAR Government's Policy Innovation and Co-ordination Office (#PICO) had allocated $31 million HKD to 79 research studies regarding the 2019 #AntiELAB movement.

The research topics included public sentiments towards violence or the strategy of "mutual destruction" (攬炒, literally "burn with us"), public participation during the government's policy-making process, culture, values, ethnic identity, and so on.

All 79 studies have been concluded, but their results have yet to be published to PICO's website, contrary to the Office's established practices.

Responding to Economic Journal's inquiry, PICO stated that the government is compiling the results into a report; however, it will be for internal reference only, and the government has no plans to make it available to the public.

The decision was allegedly due to legal risks regarding certain content in the report. A researcher who participated in the studies noted that the topics were determined before the #NationalSecurityLaw was enacted, and they covered a relatively wide range of subject matter. The government may be concerned of the National Security Law's implications when it decided not to publicize the report.

Source: Hong Kong Economic Journal #Jun14
https://bit.ly/39k85NR

#Censorship #GovernmentTransparency #NSL #BurnWithUs

Hong Kong Judiciary updates “Guide to Judicial Conduct” to Restrain Judges' Social Media Activities

On May 16, 2022,the Judiciary of Hong Kong updated the “Guide to Judicial Conduct” since 14 years. The new guidelines targets judges and judicial officers and added suggestion of their social media activities.

For example, judges and judicial officers are asked to be extra cautious on “adding friends”, “liking posts” and “following” anyone or any organization. At the same time, they should ensure that thet themselves and their friends and family would not unnecessarily reveal their contact details and private life information, to avoid being “doxxed”.

The Guide also has regulations on how judges and nudicial officers shall behave in interviews and warned them of making comments to the media, even when it is anonymous.

Since the implementation of the #NationalSecurityLaw (#NSL), foreign media has interviewed a few Hong Kong judges who stayed anonynous and showed their concerns about unfair court decision. The new regulations also mention that the media’s enquiry should be referred to the court and will be sent to Press and Public Relations Section for follow-up.

In recent years, many judges in Hong Kong have been criticized for taking the side of the authorities when dealing with the social movement-related cases. However, the Guide told the judges and judicial officers are asked avoid responding to any criticism, sending letters to the press, and dealing with other matters in court.

Source: Inmedia #May16
https://bit.ly/3Mly9WW

#JudicialConduct #Doxxing #Court #FailedState #Micromanagement

#FirstHand #Jun30
Hong Kong Authorities Seal Off Wanchai North to 'welcome' Xi Jinping

Since June 29, 2022, Hong Kong police sealed off a large area completely including car ways and pavements in Wanchai North, to prepare for the arrival of the Chinese Communist Party (#CCP) leader #XiJinPing. From the midnight of June 30, the Exhibition and Convention Center station will also be closed.

On July 1, Xi will be present at the Exhibition and Convention Center to observe the ceremony celebrating the establishment day of the Hong Kong SAR and the officiation of the new Chief Executive.

On the eve of July 1, Hong Kong police sent in the anti-terrorism squad to patrol the area in their new uniform. Police dogs were also deployed. Reporters on the flyover were stopped and searched for 4 times.

During Xi's visit to Hong Kong, the metro will not stop at the
Exhibition and Convention Center station until 2pm on July 1. Buses will also be rerouted.

It was reported that some pro-democracy groups like the League of Social Democrats were warned by the authorities of the consequence of carrying out protests on the day.

#PoliceState #FailedState #Authoritarianism #Suppression #Handover

#NationalSecurityPolice in Hong Kong Demands Pro-democracy Groups to Cancel Protest on #HandoverAnniversary

On the eve of the 25th anniversary of the handover, chairperson Chan Po-ying, of the pro-democracy group League of Social Democrats (#LSD), released a statement. She said some volunteers working for thr group were visited by the national security police. The friends of these volunteers have also become the target of the police. After evaluating the situation, the group decide not to pursue any protest on the day.

Meanwhile, #AveryNg, a core member of the grouo who was recently released from the prison, was reportedly under the police surveilance. Ng posted the sentence "I'm in prison, if you know what I mean" on his social media page. Many associated the incident to how the Chinese police surveyed and monitored dissidents like Lu Xia before important days.

This time in Hong Konh Ng commented on his own post by saying, "I'm not being detained" and "I will be happy in the 'prison'."

Source: Mingpao; whatsapp news #Jube29

https://link.mingpao.com/74403.htm

https://www.whatsnewsmedia.com/9685/22/50/22/

#PoliceState #FailedState #Authoritarianism #Suppression #Handover

Hong Kong photographers to Record the Authorities' Destruction of #Lantau's Ecology

"Lantau Tomorrow Vision" is a plan of the Hong Kong SAR government to conduct reclamation in Lantau Island. Despite opposition, the government will start making consultation and finance plan in October 2022.

#Greenpeace invited local photographers to produce a documentary "Lantau - The Hidden Treasure of Hong Kong" to record the scenery and wildlife of the island, as the reclamation plan is expected to damage the ecosystem.

The photographers believe in the importance of this decumentary, in order to pass on the memory of the era and the testimony of the destruction to future generations.

"This place could be completely different in 10 years. We will look at it and treasure it as much as we can. We will stand witness to the destruction."

Source: Inmedia #Jul02
https://bit.ly/3ulb7Zl

#Ecosystem #Conservation #Reclamation #Photography
#LantauTomorrow #FailedState

#UN rights committee seeks assurances hearing participants from Hong Kong won’t be targeted under security law

//The #UnitedNations #HumanRightsCommittee on Thursday began reviewing Hong Kong’s rights record for the first time since Beijing imposed its #nationalsecuritylaw, amid questions about whether groups making submissions to the meeting could fall foul of the legislation.

Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs #ErickTsang and several other top officials attended the meeting in Geneva via video link. In his opening speech, which lasted just under 20 minutes, Tsang said the government had done much to protect #humanrights in Hong Kong.

He also cited Chinese leader #XiJinping as saying the One Country, Two Systems policy has been working well, adding it was recognised by 1.4 billion Chinese people and the international community...

The UN Committee members, however, were not convinced the security law offered sufficient protections for people’s rights and freedoms.

“I note, honourable secretary, your comment about the events that precipitated this law, but I must observe that it was done overnight, without consultation, and bypassing the local legislature,” the committee’s vice chair Christopher Arif Bulkan said.

Another vice chair, Shuichi Furuya from Japan, expressed concern at the overarching nature and broad scope of the legislation. He said the committee had received reports about organisations overseas being requested by Hong Kong authorities to remove content that may be in violation of it....

The meeting of the committee of 18 international experts will continue on Friday and next Tuesday, while a closing session will take place on July 22, 2022.//

Read the full article:
https://hongkongfp.com/2022/07/07/un-committee-starts-first-review-of-hong-kong-human-rights-since-security-law/

Source: Hong Kong Free Press #Jul7

#NSL #FailedState #UnitedNations