#Interview

Close-up: From "Five Demands" to "Hong Kong Independence". A new phase of resistance under the National Security Law

(25 May)Ever since the Wuhan pneumonia stormed the world, Hong Kong's Anti-ELAB movement was put on hold until Beijing recently took the reins to formulate "Hong Kong's National Security Law". Tens of thousands of people returned to the streets against the backdrop of teargas smoke everywhere. Having experienced nearly a year of resistance, the protesters of today appeared slightly different from before. As the National Security Law draws near, their slogans no longer stop at "Five demands". Some of them are demanding true "Hong Kong independence".

A slogan's evolution from "Five demands" to "Hong Kong independence"

With cameras in hand, Stand News journalist entered the crowds today. They realised that the [Cantonese] 8-character slogan, "Five demands, not one less" has evolved into "Hong Kong independence, the only way out". Under Hong Kong's National Security Law, the demands of Hongkongers appeared to change. Shouting "Hong Kong independence" was no longer limited to youngers. Older generations joined in.

In the past 6 months, 50-year old Guenjie (pseudonym) had participated in the movement as a Peaceful* protester. She witnessed anti-riot police beating up youngsters with batons in Mong Kok. At the time, not only she was unable to prevent it, but she also got pepper-sprayed. She admitted that when the movement began, she never wanted Hong Kong independence. The slogan she shouted was merely "Carrie Lam step down". She remarked, "Destroying the Chinese Communist Party [CCP] was unnecessary. It's just [our] faulty government. If Carrie Lam stepped down, it would've been fine. But that is not the case now. There is no other way except for independence." She still insists on taking to the streets today because her heart breaks for the youngsters. Having lived in Northern Ireland for two decades, she said of the rapidly worsening brutality, "No matter how chaotic it was (back there), they were never beaten like this." Witnessing the advance of the National Security Law, she said remorsefully, "Hongkongers originally didn't care about politics. If there is blame, then put it on our generation. While the Sino-British [Declaration] negotiations were happening, Hongkongers were occupied with making money."

Editor's Note:
* "Peaceful" in this context refers to peaceful, rational, non-violent

Full translation:
https://telegra.ph/Close-up-From-Five-Demands-to-Hong-Kong-Independence-A-new-phase-of-resistance-under-the-National-Security-Law-05-28

Source: The Stand News
https://bit.ly/2zFwR95

#NationalSecurityLaw #5DN1L #FiveDemands #Independence #HongKongProtesters #Democracy

#Censorship #Education
School Censors Students' Hand Gesture from Graduate Photos

The education sector in Hong Kong is suffering from white terror lately.

According to a group of CNEC Lee I Yao Memorial Secondary School graduates, their graduation photo was altered because they made the “Five Demands, Not One Less” gesture, known from the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong. In the touched-up photo, their hand gestures were changed from “5, 1” to “4, 2”.

Their parents complained to the photographers about the forced change, but were told the alteration was “an order from the school”. Many criticised that the freedom of speech is exploited and the school cannot even tolerate a hand gesture.

Source: Apple Daily
#Jun18 #5DN1L #whiteterror

#FirstHand #Dec17 #Court
8 pro-democracy activists released on bail, vow to carry on their fight for freedom

In early December 2020, eight pro-democracy activists, including former legislators, were arrested in connection with the rallies on 30 June and 1 July 2020, which were deemed "illegal" by the Hong Kong police.

The activists were charged with "organising, or inciting others to take part in an unauthorised assembly". Their case was brought before the West Kowloon Magistrates' Court in December 17, 2020.

They were granted bail at $1,000 and required to report to police every week. Their case will be heard in court in February 2021.

The eight charged are former legislators 'long hair' Leung Kwok-hung, Wu Chi-wai and Eddie Chu; Convenor of the Civil Human Rights Front Figo Chan, Eastern District Councilor 'Bull' Tsang Kin-shing, Andy Chui and Chan Wing-tai, and League of Social Democrats member Tang Sai-lai.

Outside the magistrate court, Figo Chan defiantly raised his hands, signaling “Five Demands Not One Less”. Other supporters held banners and signs that read “Never forget fellow protesters” and “Wish the 12 Hong Kong Youth Return home soon”.

Source: First Hand #Dec17
#Authoritarianism #PoliceState #HKProtest #AntiELAB #5DN1L