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Young pro-democracy Christian asks: Would the outcome have been different if more Christians had been willing to join their cause?

Four years ago, on the evening of June 11 and the following morning, outside the government headquarters, the song "Sing Hallelujah to the Lord" echoed.

A group of devoted Christians took a courageous stance by positioning themselves between riot police and protesters. Their weapon of choice was not violence or aggression, but rather the powerful hymn "Sing Hallelujah to the Lord." Their belief was that through their melodic prayers, they could bring a moment of peace to the tumultuous situation. In the days that followed the events of June 12th, during a time fraught with tension, a gathering of Christians congregated nearby, transforming the "Bridge connecting China CITIC Bank and government headquarters" into the renowned "Hallelujah Bridge." Their intention was to uplift spirits and offer solace through their united devotion.

Did we relinquish our efforts, creating the perception that we had "lost the battle"?

K, a university student who spent the night singing hymns outside the government headquarters, recollected the events of that fateful evening on June 11. At the conclusion of the prayer meeting, a senior member led the closing song, "Sing Hallelujah to the Lord." After three renditions of the hymn, an inexplicable atmosphere of emotion compelled them to continue singing. Consequently, dozens of individuals persisted in their melodic prayer even after the group disbanded. In a tense moment, with both protesters and police on edge, the group of Christians found themselves caught between opposing forces, believing that their songs could bring solace and pacify the confrontational situation.

Following a seemingly tranquil night of hymn-singing, K, feeling fatigued, observed incoming of citizens voluntarily joining the prayer, as though it were an orchestrated event.

Encouraged by this show of support from fellow citizens, he decided to return home and rest, thinking, "I will sort things out when I wake up." However, upon waking, he was shocked to find a world turned upside down, engulfed in chaos: "Wow! Why is there such chaos?"

In that moment, he pondered why they had managed to maintain peace throughout the night but seemed to have lost it subsequently. Was it because they had given up, giving the impression of defeat in this struggle? Would the outcome have been different if more Christians had been willing to join their cause?

Source: The Voice; #Jun12

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0KKzz8q4YNiPc3qDUv9Ht9swXTaEeWJtRLuknfY6gDnv3fVrNcnuyAegvHQhcaA2ol&id=100083281244190
In March 2023, the Hong Kong National Security Police detained a female student, accusing her of making multiple provocative posts and sharing photos on her social media accounts, including promoting Hong Kong independence.

Source: The Witness; #Jun16

#HongKong #Japan #NSL #NationalSecurityPolice #Student

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In March 2023, the Hong Kong National Security Police detained a female student, accusing her of making multiple provocative posts and sharing photos on her social media accounts, including promoting Hong Kong independence.

The 23-year-old student was said to study in Japan. She went back to Hong Kong in March to renew her Hong Kong identity card.

She was charged with one count of incitement and appeared in court for the first time at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Court on 16 June.

The defense raised concerns about the jurisdiction of the court to handle the case. They argued that a significant portion of the posts were made outside of Hong Kong and that the prosecution had exceeded the time limit for prosecution. The prosecution responded by stating that the legal disputes were currently awaiting resolution at the appellate court and suggested that the case be adjourned until the appeals process concludes.

Chief Magistrate Peter Law Tak-chuen, who is designated under the National Security Law, granted bail with certain conditions. These conditions included a restriction on leaving Hong Kong, the requirement to delete all social media applications, and the surrendering of related accounts to the police for inspection.

The case was adjourned until August 2nd for further proceedings.

The defendant remained composed throughout the hearing, while her family members shed tears upon hearing the decision. As she left the court, she was accompanied by Deputy Secretary for Transport and Housing, Yau Shing-mu.

Source: The Witness; #Jun16

#HongKong #Japan #NSL #NationalSecurityPolice #Student

https://bit.ly/3JipRzw
"Glory to Hong Kong 2023 Edition" Re-Released; Production Team Echoes Sentiments of "Not Wanting to Lose Freedom to Choose Music"

Source: In-Media HK #Jun19

#GloryToHongKong #FreedomOfSpeech #Suppression

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"Glory to Hong Kong 2023 Edition" Re-Released; Production Team Echoes Sentiments of "Not Wanting to Lose Freedom to Choose Music"

Hong Kong's protest anthem "Glory to Hong Kong" was suddenly taken offline across multiple streaming platforms after the government filed an injunction to ban the song earlier this month. At the time, the production team cited "technical issues" unrelated to the streaming platforms, not political reasons, as the cause for the takedown.

Within a week, the team has re-released a "2023 Edition" of the anthem on KKBox, Spotify, YouTube Music, and other platforms. The newer version is labeled "remastered" in the title. The melody and lyrics have remained unchanged.

Prior to the takedown, the anthem had taken over the top spots on multiple streaming services within 24 hours of the government's injunction filing. The song's unannounced disappearance was met with reactions of dismay by netizens, as well as anger at what appeared to be the streaming platforms bowing to government pressure to silence the song.

Dgxmusic, the team behind the anthem, responded to the public's concerns through a Facebook post, expressing that they understand the sentiment of "not wanting to lose even the freedom to choose music", and will strive to uphold this aspiration. They also "firmly oppose any attempts to restrict freedom of thought and speech."

The High Court has scheduled the hearing for the injunction on July 21.

Source: In-Media HK #Jun19

#GloryToHongKong #FreedomOfSpeech #Suppression
Hong Kong Police hunts down more pro-democracy advocates continues

Source: inmedia; #Jul05

#Oppression #YellowEconomicCircle #NationalSecurityLaw

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Hong Kong Police hunts down more pro-democracy advocates continues

On July 3, the Hong Kong National Security Police launched a high-profile search for eight Hong Kong citizens who are currently abroad. These individuals are suspected of violating the National Security Law, the police source said.

Today (July 5), the police arrested four men in Hong Kong, and conducted a search in a unit located in a Kwai Chung industrial building.

According to Hong Kong police, the arrested individuals are believed to have used their businesses, social media platforms, and mobile applications to collect funds. These funds were allegedly channeled towards supporting activities deemed detrimental to national security by Hong Kong citizens residing overseas.

The platform at the center of the investigation is identified as "PunishMee", an app that helps users find pro-democracy restaurants and businesses around the city. The police claims that it facilitated financial support for the eight Hong Kong citizens who are currently the subject of the manhunt.

The four apprehended individuals are currently being held for further investigation. The operation is ongoing, and law enforcement officials have not ruled out the possibility of additional arrests in the near future.

Source: inmedia; #Jul05

https://bit.ly/3O0AtWA

#Oppression #YellowEconomicCircle #NationalSecurityLaw
Human Rights Organisation's Report Shows Hong Kong Ranked 4th Last

Source: The Chaser News #Jun22

#HumanRightsMeasurementInitiative #CivilRights #PoliticalRights #YangXiaoguang #ForeignAffairsMinistry #UnitedNations #UN #HumanRights

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Human Rights Organisation's Report Shows Hong Kong Ranked 4th Last

The Human Rights Measurement Initiative (#HRMI), an international organisation based in #NewZealand, published the 2022 Human Rights Report on June 21, assessing the civil and political rights in 30 districts.

The overall score of Hong Kong's "Empowerment" (which relates to general freedoms for citizens) slightly increased from 2021. Yet, it is still fourth last, while mainland China remains at the bottom of the ranking.

Meanwhile, the Special Representative of the Human Rights Department under China's Foreign Affairs Ministry, Yang Xiaoguang, attended the United Nations Human Rights Council on Wednesday (Jun 21), strongly criticising the UK, Australia and other countries and "anti-China organisations" for slandering China and repeating lies on the issues in #HongKong, #Xinjiang and #Tibet. He even claimed the development of human rights in Xinjiang and Tibet is "in the best period in history".

Source: The Chaser News #Jun22

https://bit.ly/43j1GrS

#HumanRightsMeasurementInitiative #CivilRights #PoliticalRights #YangXiaoguang #ForeignAffairsMinistry #UnitedNations #UN #HumanRights
National Security Department Offers Bounty for 8 Exiled Activists

Source: Inmedia #July03

#Exiled #HKers #LiKwaiWah #NationalSecurityLaw #ExtraterritorialEffect

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National Security Department Offers Bounty for 8 Exiled Activists

Three years into the implementation of the National Security Law (#NSL), the National Security Department (#NSDepartment) announced that they are offering bounty for the arrest of eight exiled Hongkongers.

In a press conference on July 3, Chief Superintendent Li Kwai-wah said he has applied to the courts for an arrest warrant, with an award of up to 1 million dollars for information on the eight wanted Hongkongers. The eight are: lawyer #KevinYam News commentator #ElmerYuen, Director of Hong Kong Democratic Council (#HKDC) #AnnaKwok, #FinnLau, #MungSiuTat, Former LegCo member #DennisKwok, #TedHui, and #NathanLaw.

The police displayed black-and-white photos of the eight in the conference, announcing their offenses one by one, and criticising their threats to the national security.

Li also mentioned that some "Anti-China rioters" are exiled but continue endangering national security. He quoted the 37th and 38th Ordinance under NSL, emphasising the regulation has an extraterritorial effect, regardless of whether the person is a Hong Kong permanent resident.

#Exiled #HKers #LiKwaiWah #NationalSecurityLaw #ExtraterritorialEffect

Source: Inmedia #July03

https://bit.ly/4388usC
US bill that could close Hong Kong’s trade offices advances in Senate; gov’t slams ‘gross interference’

The proposed bill would require the White House to remove the immunities granted to Hong Kong trade offices in the US if it decided that “Hong Kong no longer enjoys a high degree of autonomy” from Beijing.

A draft bill that could shut down Hong Kong’s economic and trade offices in the US was approved by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs last Thursday, bringing it closer to becoming law. The action was strongly condemned by the Hong Kong government and the city’s commerce chief.

Source: HKFP #Jul19

#US #HongKong #Bill #TradeOffices

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https://hongkongfp.com/2023/07/19/us-bill-that-could-close-hong-kongs-trade-offices-advances-in-senate-govt-slams-gross-interference
Hong Kong Police Harasses vulnerable Homeless Voicing Their Concerns

Source: inmediahk; #Jul10

#HKPF #Homelesss #NationalSecurityLaw #NSL

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HK Authorities continue Exploiting National Security to Erode Media Neutrality

Source: Inmediahk; #Jul17

#OCFA #NationalSecurityLaw #NSL

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HK Authorities continue Exploiting National Security to Erode Media Neutrality

The Hong Kong Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) initiated a public consultation on July 17th to discuss proposed changes to the regulations governing television and radio programs and advertisements. The OFCA presented 11 suggestions, one of which focused on ensuring program neutrality, with an exception for content related to national education, national identity, and a proper understanding of the Hong Kong National Security Law. According to the OFCA, licensed broadcasters might face legal risks if they include anti-National Security Law content in their programs to meet the neutrality requirement.

At present, licensed broadcasters are bound by the OFCA to allocate a minimum of 30 minutes per week for broadcasting content covering subjects such as national education, national identity, and an accurate understanding of the National Security Law.

Under the guise of the Television Program Code and Radio Program Code, the OFCA has expressed concerns that broadcasters may receive complaints if their programs are perceived as one-sided and lacking diverse perspectives.

Paradoxically, in an effort to adhere to neutrality guidelines, should broadcasters include content that is critical of the National Security Law, they may inadvertently expose themselves to legal risks."

To address this, the OFCA proposed to exempt programs concerning national education from the neutrality requirements.

Source: Inmediahk; #Jul17

https://bit.ly/44koJUJ

#OCFA #NationalSecurityLaw #NSL
US bars Hong Kong’s sanction-hit John Lee from APEC meeting in San Francisco – report

Washington will bar Chief Executive John Lee from the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum meeting in the US this November, along with ten other Hong Kong officials, the Washington Post reported on Friday citing sources. Lee is still under US sanctions.

The annual APEC CEO Summit 2023 will be held in San Francisco on November 15 and 16. The economic conference involves political leaders from the Asia-Pacific region. However, Lee is one of multiple Chinese officials who were sanctioned by the US in 2020 for their alleged role in cracking down on political freedoms in the city.

The move comes despite recent efforts by the Joe Biden administration to reset relations with Beijing.

Source:HKFP #Jul28

https://hongkongfp.com/2023/07/28/just-in-us-bars-hong-kongs-sanction-hit-john-lee-from-apec-meeting-in-san-francisco-report/

#HongKong #US #JohnLee #APEC #Sanction
"Perfected" District Council Election Will Be Held on 10 December, Same Day as International Human Rights Day

#HumanRights #InternationHumanRightsDay #CivilHumanRightFront #DistrictCouncilElection

Source: Inmedia #Jul24

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"Perfected" District Council Election Will Be Held on 10 December, Same Day as International Human Rights Day

On July 24, the government announced that the first District Council Election since its "perfection" will be held on #Dec10 this year, the same day as the International Human Rights Day. The nomination period for the District Councillor sector and Geographical Constituency Candidates is between Oct 17 and 30.

This election will be the first time since the hangover that the district council election is held in December. According to records, previous district council elections were all scheduled in November. The last one held was on Nov 24, 2019, during the height of the #AntiELAB movement. The International Human Rights Day was on Dec 8 that year, when the Civil Human Rights Front held a demonstration with 800,000 participants.

The number of directly-elected District Council seats has been drastically reduced since the government amended the election ordinance on July 6. Previously, 452 seats were directly elected by voters; the upcoming election will have only 88, less than 20% of the total 470 seats. 355 of the remaining seats will be either directly appointed by the Chief Executive, or chosen by government-established committees. Pro-Beijing officials often lauded this rule change as "perfecting" the city's electoral system.

#HumanRights #InternationHumanRightsDay #CivilHumanRightFront #DistrictCouncilElection

Source: Inmedia #Jul24

https://bit.ly/44Z5yj6
France is investigating suspected smuggling to China and Russia of advanced chip technology

Source: AP News #Jul28

#China #IndustrialEspionage #TechnologyTheft

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France is investigating suspected smuggling to China and Russia of advanced chip technology

French magistrates have filed preliminary charges against two Chinese citizens and two other people from France in an investigation of a leading chip supplier whose advanced technology with possible military uses was reportedly smuggled to China and Russia, allegedly skirting sanctions and export controls.

The probe of #Ommic, a Paris-region semiconductor manufacturer now in American hands, was launched by France’s national prosecution service that specializes in cases involving arms proliferation.

The newspaper Le Parisien first reported on the case. It said investigators have uncovered nearly 12 million euros (more than $13 million) worth of suspected exports of technology.
It said the company’s French manager is suspected of having personally delivered chips to Russian clients. It said products were also exported to Chinese armament manufacturers with the help of forged paperwork.

The newspaper said a Beijing-based Chinese businessman with ties to China’s defense industry bought a majority stake and took control of Ommic in 2018.

France’s counter-espionage agency suspects the Chinese investor was seeking to transfer French technology to China, notably a semiconductor manufacturing process that Ommic specializes in, the newspaper said.

Source: AP News #Jul28

https://apnews.com/article/france-china-russia-chip-technology-smuggling-66a8a4edcaf7137e109a16d6d300cd94

#China #IndustrialEspionage #TechnologyTheft
France is investigating suspected smuggling to China and Russia of advanced chip technology

French magistrates have filed preliminary charges against two Chinese citizens and two other people from France in an investigation of a leading chip supplier whose advanced technology with possible military uses was reportedly smuggled to China and Russia, allegedly skirting sanctions and export controls.

The probe of #Ommic, a Paris-region semiconductor manufacturer now in American hands, was launched by France’s national prosecution service that specializes in cases involving arms proliferation.

The newspaper Le Parisien first reported on the case. It said investigators have uncovered nearly 12 million euros (more than $13 million) worth of suspected exports of technology.
It said the company’s French manager is suspected of having personally delivered chips to Russian clients. It said products were also exported to Chinese armament manufacturers with the help of forged paperwork.

The newspaper said a Beijing-based Chinese businessman with ties to China’s defense industry bought a majority stake and took control of Ommic in 2018.

France’s counter-espionage agency suspects the Chinese investor was seeking to transfer French technology to China, notably a semiconductor manufacturing process that Ommic specializes in, the newspaper said.

Source: AP News #Jul28

https://apnews.com/article/france-china-russia-chip-technology-smuggling-66a8a4edcaf7137e109a16d6d300cd94

#China #IndustrialEspionage #TechnologyTheft