Hongkongers' Book Fair Cancelled, but Presses On with Online Store: "We'd Rather Be Naive than Give Up"
Source: #FirstHand #Jul13
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
Source: #FirstHand #Jul13
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
Hongkongers' Book Fair Cancelled, but Presses On with Online Store: "We'd Rather Be Naive than Give Up"
The annual Hong Kong Book Fair is set to take place in late July this year. However, many books that had political undertones or highlighted local culture had been banned from the book fair by local the government's Trade Development Council, who refused to explain the ban or give a list of exhibitors that they have turned away.
In light of this, local publisher Hillway Culture partnered with other like-minded exhibitors to organize the first-ever "Hongkongers' Book Fair," set to take place on July 14 in Causeway Bay.
The day before the fair was set to take place, however, the organizers received a notice from the venue owner saying that the book fair may be in breach of the fair's lease agreement, and they may need to terminate the lease, explained Hillway Culture's spokesperson Raymond Yeung during a press conference on the same afternoon.
Yeung explained in tears that he had expected all kinds of unexpected complaints against the book fair, including fire ordinances, anti-pandemic ordinances, or even the #NationalSecurityLaw. They had expressed willingness to fully cooperate with the venue owners, only so that #Hongkongers can have a book fair that belonged to themselves.
A journalist at the press conference mentioned that the pro-Beijing group "Politihk Social Strategic" had called on citizens to visit the book fair and "inspect the books for law violations". Plain-clothes officers were also said to have visited the venue, and inquired about the fair at the mall's management office.
By 9pm, the organizers announced that the venue owner had terminated the lease. The owner claimed that the book fair violated the venue's usage agreement by "sub-letting" booths to exhibitors - despite the venue having been previously used to host bazaars in a similar setup. The owner had even provided photos and promoted contractors who had previously provided booth setup works. Though the fair organizers expressed that they were willing to make any adjustments necessary, the owners insisted on terminating the contract, forcing the event to be cancelled.
News of the sudden shutdown was met with quick responses from Hongkongers who looked forward to the book fair. Many commenters pledged not to refund their VIP tickets and to visit the participating bookstores. In a subsequent Facebook post, the organizers thanked Hongkongers for their "encouragements, comfort, affirmations, and suggestions. This is an unexpected gift that came after such terrible news."
The organizers have continued on with the online version of the book fair, letting Hongkongers everywhere participate despite the lack of a physical venue. They had also secured a distributor in Manchester to ship out orders made in the UK.
Borrowing a quote from the participating Boundary Bookstore, the organizers wrote: "You can mock our naivete for staying behind, but we'd rather be naive than give up."
Source: #FirstHand #Jul13
Hongkongers' Book Fair Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/hkersbookfair/
#HKersBookFair #Suppression #Culture #BookBanning
The annual Hong Kong Book Fair is set to take place in late July this year. However, many books that had political undertones or highlighted local culture had been banned from the book fair by local the government's Trade Development Council, who refused to explain the ban or give a list of exhibitors that they have turned away.
In light of this, local publisher Hillway Culture partnered with other like-minded exhibitors to organize the first-ever "Hongkongers' Book Fair," set to take place on July 14 in Causeway Bay.
The day before the fair was set to take place, however, the organizers received a notice from the venue owner saying that the book fair may be in breach of the fair's lease agreement, and they may need to terminate the lease, explained Hillway Culture's spokesperson Raymond Yeung during a press conference on the same afternoon.
Yeung explained in tears that he had expected all kinds of unexpected complaints against the book fair, including fire ordinances, anti-pandemic ordinances, or even the #NationalSecurityLaw. They had expressed willingness to fully cooperate with the venue owners, only so that #Hongkongers can have a book fair that belonged to themselves.
A journalist at the press conference mentioned that the pro-Beijing group "Politihk Social Strategic" had called on citizens to visit the book fair and "inspect the books for law violations". Plain-clothes officers were also said to have visited the venue, and inquired about the fair at the mall's management office.
By 9pm, the organizers announced that the venue owner had terminated the lease. The owner claimed that the book fair violated the venue's usage agreement by "sub-letting" booths to exhibitors - despite the venue having been previously used to host bazaars in a similar setup. The owner had even provided photos and promoted contractors who had previously provided booth setup works. Though the fair organizers expressed that they were willing to make any adjustments necessary, the owners insisted on terminating the contract, forcing the event to be cancelled.
News of the sudden shutdown was met with quick responses from Hongkongers who looked forward to the book fair. Many commenters pledged not to refund their VIP tickets and to visit the participating bookstores. In a subsequent Facebook post, the organizers thanked Hongkongers for their "encouragements, comfort, affirmations, and suggestions. This is an unexpected gift that came after such terrible news."
The organizers have continued on with the online version of the book fair, letting Hongkongers everywhere participate despite the lack of a physical venue. They had also secured a distributor in Manchester to ship out orders made in the UK.
Borrowing a quote from the participating Boundary Bookstore, the organizers wrote: "You can mock our naivete for staying behind, but we'd rather be naive than give up."
Source: #FirstHand #Jul13
Hongkongers' Book Fair Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/hkersbookfair/
#HKersBookFair #Suppression #Culture #BookBanning
Facebook
Log in or sign up to view
See posts, photos and more on Facebook.
Hongkongers Pay Tribute to Late Queen Elizabeth II at British Consulate
Hong Kong woke up to the news of Queen Elizabeth II's death this morning, bringing an end to her long reign of over 70 years. The British monarch had visited Hong Kong in 1975 and 1986, and residents in this former British colony feel close ties to her even to this day.
Since early morning, citizens have begun bringing flowers to the British Consulate in Admiralty to pay tribute to the Queen. Though many of them might not know the words to God Save the Queen - it was generally not taught in schools in British Hong Kong - the outpouring of tribute shows the reverence in their hearts for the former Queen of Hong Kong.
The British Consulate had added additional opening hours to allow Hongkongers to pay respects:
9 Sep 1200 to 1700
12 - 16 Sep 1000 to 1600
source: #FirstHand
#RIP #QueenElizabethII
Hong Kong woke up to the news of Queen Elizabeth II's death this morning, bringing an end to her long reign of over 70 years. The British monarch had visited Hong Kong in 1975 and 1986, and residents in this former British colony feel close ties to her even to this day.
Since early morning, citizens have begun bringing flowers to the British Consulate in Admiralty to pay tribute to the Queen. Though many of them might not know the words to God Save the Queen - it was generally not taught in schools in British Hong Kong - the outpouring of tribute shows the reverence in their hearts for the former Queen of Hong Kong.
The British Consulate had added additional opening hours to allow Hongkongers to pay respects:
9 Sep 1200 to 1700
12 - 16 Sep 1000 to 1600
source: #FirstHand
#RIP #QueenElizabethII
#FirstHand #Sept7
Police arrests Hong Kong Journalists Association's Chair
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
Police arrests Hong Kong Journalists Association's Chair
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
#FirstHand #Sept7
Police Arrests Hong Kong Journalists Association's Chair
On September 7, 2022, veteran journalist and chairman of Hong Kong Journalists Association (#HKJA) #RonsonChan was arrested in Hong Kong for "obstructing police officers and disorder in public place".
It was reported that Chan and a photographer were on their way to a press briefing in Mong Kok, where they were intercepted by two plainclothes police officers for no apparent reason.
As Chan asked the officers for
police ID, they refused and accused Chan of being not cooperative. Within minutes, he was warned for multiple times and arrested.
Before mid-night, Chan was released on bail after being held at the Mong Kok police station for about 11 hours.
In an interview with local press, Chan told reporters that one of the police officers scoffed at him, "HKJA is trash". Later, he also taunted that "when will you die?"
Chan recited that his wrist was being forcefully held together, leaving a visible bruise mark.
Source: #FirstHand #Sept7
#PoliceState #Journalism #PressFreedom
Police Arrests Hong Kong Journalists Association's Chair
On September 7, 2022, veteran journalist and chairman of Hong Kong Journalists Association (#HKJA) #RonsonChan was arrested in Hong Kong for "obstructing police officers and disorder in public place".
It was reported that Chan and a photographer were on their way to a press briefing in Mong Kok, where they were intercepted by two plainclothes police officers for no apparent reason.
As Chan asked the officers for
police ID, they refused and accused Chan of being not cooperative. Within minutes, he was warned for multiple times and arrested.
Before mid-night, Chan was released on bail after being held at the Mong Kok police station for about 11 hours.
In an interview with local press, Chan told reporters that one of the police officers scoffed at him, "HKJA is trash". Later, he also taunted that "when will you die?"
Chan recited that his wrist was being forcefully held together, leaving a visible bruise mark.
Source: #FirstHand #Sept7
#PoliceState #Journalism #PressFreedom
#Remembrance #RIP #QueenElizabethII
Buckingham Palace Surrounded by Flowers and Mourning Crowds
On September 9, citizens came from across Britain to London's Buckingham Palace to pay tributes to their beloved late Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on Sept 8 after an historic seven decades on the British throne. Light rain showers throughout the day did not deter the mourning crowds; many held up umbrellas as they continued to pay their respects.
As a continuous stream of citizens came to pay their respect at the Royal residences, crowd controls measures are put in place to guide the public to lay their flowers at nearby Green Park and Hyde Park. In addition to colorful flower bouquets, many citizens also left carefully written notes expressing their love and gratitude to the departed Queen.
source: #firsthand; #Sept9
Buckingham Palace Surrounded by Flowers and Mourning Crowds
On September 9, citizens came from across Britain to London's Buckingham Palace to pay tributes to their beloved late Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on Sept 8 after an historic seven decades on the British throne. Light rain showers throughout the day did not deter the mourning crowds; many held up umbrellas as they continued to pay their respects.
As a continuous stream of citizens came to pay their respect at the Royal residences, crowd controls measures are put in place to guide the public to lay their flowers at nearby Green Park and Hyde Park. In addition to colorful flower bouquets, many citizens also left carefully written notes expressing their love and gratitude to the departed Queen.
source: #firsthand; #Sept9
Media is too big
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
Three days after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Hongkongers continue to flock to the British consulate in Central to mourn the departure of the "Boss Lady" -Hongkongers' affectionate nickname for the Queen of this former British colony.
source: #Firsthand
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
source: #Firsthand
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
Three days after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Hongkongers continue to flock to the British consulate in Central to mourn the departure of the "Boss Lady" -Hongkongers' affectionate nickname for the Queen of this former British colony.
Thousands of citizens braved the late summer heat to bring flowers and hand-crafted tributes to the ever-growing display outside the consulate, a testament to the city's fondness for the late Queen. The long queue extended along the hilly road and through the nearby Hong Kong Park, reaching Cotton Tree Drive 600m away in the afternoon.
Though the queue to sign the condolence book was closed by 4pm, many were still patiently queuing into the evening to lay down flowers. Towards the rear of the line is Grandma Wong, a familiar face at many rallies and protests in 2019, sporting her signature yellow umbrella and mask decorated with the British flag.
The consulate had extended hours for signing the condolence book on Friday and Monday, to 19:00 and 12:00 respectively, to accommodate the many Hongkongers coming out to pay their respects.
source: #Firsthand
#RIP #QueenElizabethII
Thousands of citizens braved the late summer heat to bring flowers and hand-crafted tributes to the ever-growing display outside the consulate, a testament to the city's fondness for the late Queen. The long queue extended along the hilly road and through the nearby Hong Kong Park, reaching Cotton Tree Drive 600m away in the afternoon.
Though the queue to sign the condolence book was closed by 4pm, many were still patiently queuing into the evening to lay down flowers. Towards the rear of the line is Grandma Wong, a familiar face at many rallies and protests in 2019, sporting her signature yellow umbrella and mask decorated with the British flag.
The consulate had extended hours for signing the condolence book on Friday and Monday, to 19:00 and 12:00 respectively, to accommodate the many Hongkongers coming out to pay their respects.
source: #Firsthand
#RIP #QueenElizabethII
Head of Hong Kong journalist group Ronson Chan charged with obstructing police officers during reporting
source: Hong Kong Free Press #Sep19
photo: #firsthand
full article: https://hongkongfp.com/2022/09/19/head-of-hong-kong-journalist-group-ronson-chan-charged-with-obstructing-police-officers-during-reporting/
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
source: Hong Kong Free Press #Sep19
photo: #firsthand
full article: https://hongkongfp.com/2022/09/19/head-of-hong-kong-journalist-group-ronson-chan-charged-with-obstructing-police-officers-during-reporting/
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
Head of Hong Kong journalist group Ronson Chan charged with obstructing police officers during reporting
Ronson Chan, the chairperson of the city’s largest journalist group the Hong Kong Journalists Association (#HKJA), has been officially charged with obstructing police officers while reporting.
Speaking to reporters outside Mong Kok Police Station on Monday, the former Stand News reporter said that he had received a call from the force earlier in the day notifying him that he would be officially charged.
Chan said the charge would bring certain “disturbances and difficulties” for his planned departure to the UK on Wednesday to pursue a six-month fellowship programme at the Reuters Institute at Oxford University.
“Fortunately, the Oxford side says they will support me and they will see what will happen,” Chan said, adding that he will respect whatever decision the magistrate makes.
“If… I lost this chance, I will not [have] regret.” Chan added.
HKFP has reached out to the Reuters Institute for comment.
When HKFP asked what he thought the incident said about the status of press freedom in Hong Kong, Chan said “even in Beijing’s streets, you will never experience any charges for asking a policeman which unit he comes from or him to show his warrant card etc.”
“You can imagine how the environment Hong Kong reporters and journalists facing is – it’s not a very easy environment.” Chan added.
source: Hong Kong Free Press #Sep19
photo: #firsthand
full article: https://hongkongfp.com/2022/09/19/head-of-hong-kong-journalist-group-ronson-chan-charged-with-obstructing-police-officers-during-reporting/
#RonsonChan #PressFreedom
Ronson Chan, the chairperson of the city’s largest journalist group the Hong Kong Journalists Association (#HKJA), has been officially charged with obstructing police officers while reporting.
Speaking to reporters outside Mong Kok Police Station on Monday, the former Stand News reporter said that he had received a call from the force earlier in the day notifying him that he would be officially charged.
Chan said the charge would bring certain “disturbances and difficulties” for his planned departure to the UK on Wednesday to pursue a six-month fellowship programme at the Reuters Institute at Oxford University.
“Fortunately, the Oxford side says they will support me and they will see what will happen,” Chan said, adding that he will respect whatever decision the magistrate makes.
“If… I lost this chance, I will not [have] regret.” Chan added.
HKFP has reached out to the Reuters Institute for comment.
When HKFP asked what he thought the incident said about the status of press freedom in Hong Kong, Chan said “even in Beijing’s streets, you will never experience any charges for asking a policeman which unit he comes from or him to show his warrant card etc.”
“You can imagine how the environment Hong Kong reporters and journalists facing is – it’s not a very easy environment.” Chan added.
source: Hong Kong Free Press #Sep19
photo: #firsthand
full article: https://hongkongfp.com/2022/09/19/head-of-hong-kong-journalist-group-ronson-chan-charged-with-obstructing-police-officers-during-reporting/
#RonsonChan #PressFreedom
Hong Kong Free Press HKFP
Head of Hong Kong journalist group Ronson Chan charged with obstructing police officers during reporting
Ronson Chan, the chairperson of the city’s largest journalist group the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA), has been officially charged with obstructing police officers while reporting. Speaking to reporters outside Mong Kok Police Station on Monday…
Chinese Students in Hong Kong Mourns Urumqi Fire Victims, Protests Covid Lockdowns
Source: #FirstHand #Nov28
#UrumqiFire #A4Revolution #ChinaProtests #HongKong
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
Source: #FirstHand #Nov28
#UrumqiFire #A4Revolution #ChinaProtests #HongKong
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
Chinese Students in Hong Kong Mourns Urumqi Fire Victims, Protests Covid Lockdowns
In the evening of Nov 28, students from Mainland China gathered in Central to mourn the victims of the tragic fire in #Urumqi last week. Dozens of Mandarin-speaking young people joined them, bringing flowers, candles, and blank sheets of A4 paper.
Some had handwritten messages on their A4 paper: "R.I.P. Urumqi"; "For Urumqi victims and all zero-Covid policy victims"; "The bell tolls for thee"; "Not anti-CCP, only anti-lockdown"; "reform, freedom, human rights"; "Let all who have courage speak up".
Police arrived to record the identities of attendees, and spoke on loudspeakers to remind citizens not to violate the anti-gathering restrictions. At its peak, the mourning crowd grew to over 100 people, gathering in Theatre Lane in the center of Hong Kong's business district. Speaking to reporters, many mourners expressed their discontent with the anti-pandemic measures in their homeland of China, saying that the lockdown barricades hindered the rescue efforts and contributed to the tragedy.
Source: #FirstHand #Nov28
#UrumqiFire #A4Revolution #ChinaProtests #HongKong
In the evening of Nov 28, students from Mainland China gathered in Central to mourn the victims of the tragic fire in #Urumqi last week. Dozens of Mandarin-speaking young people joined them, bringing flowers, candles, and blank sheets of A4 paper.
Some had handwritten messages on their A4 paper: "R.I.P. Urumqi"; "For Urumqi victims and all zero-Covid policy victims"; "The bell tolls for thee"; "Not anti-CCP, only anti-lockdown"; "reform, freedom, human rights"; "Let all who have courage speak up".
Police arrived to record the identities of attendees, and spoke on loudspeakers to remind citizens not to violate the anti-gathering restrictions. At its peak, the mourning crowd grew to over 100 people, gathering in Theatre Lane in the center of Hong Kong's business district. Speaking to reporters, many mourners expressed their discontent with the anti-pandemic measures in their homeland of China, saying that the lockdown barricades hindered the rescue efforts and contributed to the tragedy.
Source: #FirstHand #Nov28
#UrumqiFire #A4Revolution #ChinaProtests #HongKong