Hong Kong's Pro-Democracy Movement Marks the Fourth-Year Anniversary
Today marks the fourth anniversary of the Pro-democracy anti-extradition bill movement in Hong Kong, which began with a massive demonstration of 1.03 million people taking to the streets.
On this day four years ago (June 9, 2019), the #CivilHumanRightsFront organized the "Defend Hong Kong, Protest against Extradition Bill" to express opposition to the proposed amendments to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance, also known as the anti-extradition amendment bill (#AntiELAB). The amendments were set to be deliberated in the Legislative Council (#LegCo) on June 12. The protest garnered widespread support, with an estimated 1.03 million Hong Kong citizens participating.
However, the Hong Kong Police reported a much lower turnout, stating that only approximately 153,000 individuals joined the demonstration at Victoria Park, with a peak attendance of 240,000.
In response to the demonstration, the government issued a statement at 11 p.m. that evening, affirming its intention to proceed with the amendments. This refusal to heed public demands resulted in clashes between protesters and the local police force at the Legislative Council.
Subsequent weeks witnessed a series of demonstrations and confrontations, during which the Hong Kong police employed tactics such as tear gas, rubber bullets, beanbag rounds, and pepper ball guns. These actions were met with accusations of police brutality while the government denounced the protesters, labelling their actions as "black violence" and drawing parallels to a "colour revolution."
The Civil Human Rights Front later put forward five major demands:
1. The withdrawal of the extradition bill
2. The retraction of the "riot" designation
3. The release of arrested individuals
4. An independent investigation into alleged police misconduct
5. The resignation of Chief Executive Carrie Lam
From June 2019 to early 2020, the demonstrations and conflicts persisted, shaping the course of the pro-democracy movement.
Throughout the entirety of the pro-democracy movement, a total of 10,297 individuals were arrested. Up to now (June 9, 2023), over 70% (7,369 people) of the cases remain unresolved. This figure excludes over 800 individuals accused of more severe crimes, which were claimed to have further investigation. Consequently, nearly 6,500 people have yet to face formal charges.
As of December 31, 2022, 2,928 people have either undergone or are currently in the judicial process. Among them, 1,475 people have been convicted, 304 have signed behaviour bonds, six have been issued care or protection orders, and four have been found in contempt of court (in civil proceedings). Fifty-seven people had their charges withdrawn, 387 people were acquitted after trial, and the cases of the remaining individuals are still ongoing. Additionally, 25 people were released after receiving a warning from the police.
Source: The #Collective HK; #Jun09
https://www.facebook.com/100090517773995/posts/pfbid0xpvHFiy91jR5c6qkuXvn6FMD8mfwSYnKjGPvcajPWLUMEcE9dKoNQZDwMv4UTTTml/?mibextid=cr9u03
#CourtCaseStatistics #Arrested #5Demands #Fouryears #Jun09 #Jun12 #Review
Today marks the fourth anniversary of the Pro-democracy anti-extradition bill movement in Hong Kong, which began with a massive demonstration of 1.03 million people taking to the streets.
On this day four years ago (June 9, 2019), the #CivilHumanRightsFront organized the "Defend Hong Kong, Protest against Extradition Bill" to express opposition to the proposed amendments to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance, also known as the anti-extradition amendment bill (#AntiELAB). The amendments were set to be deliberated in the Legislative Council (#LegCo) on June 12. The protest garnered widespread support, with an estimated 1.03 million Hong Kong citizens participating.
However, the Hong Kong Police reported a much lower turnout, stating that only approximately 153,000 individuals joined the demonstration at Victoria Park, with a peak attendance of 240,000.
In response to the demonstration, the government issued a statement at 11 p.m. that evening, affirming its intention to proceed with the amendments. This refusal to heed public demands resulted in clashes between protesters and the local police force at the Legislative Council.
Subsequent weeks witnessed a series of demonstrations and confrontations, during which the Hong Kong police employed tactics such as tear gas, rubber bullets, beanbag rounds, and pepper ball guns. These actions were met with accusations of police brutality while the government denounced the protesters, labelling their actions as "black violence" and drawing parallels to a "colour revolution."
The Civil Human Rights Front later put forward five major demands:
1. The withdrawal of the extradition bill
2. The retraction of the "riot" designation
3. The release of arrested individuals
4. An independent investigation into alleged police misconduct
5. The resignation of Chief Executive Carrie Lam
From June 2019 to early 2020, the demonstrations and conflicts persisted, shaping the course of the pro-democracy movement.
Throughout the entirety of the pro-democracy movement, a total of 10,297 individuals were arrested. Up to now (June 9, 2023), over 70% (7,369 people) of the cases remain unresolved. This figure excludes over 800 individuals accused of more severe crimes, which were claimed to have further investigation. Consequently, nearly 6,500 people have yet to face formal charges.
As of December 31, 2022, 2,928 people have either undergone or are currently in the judicial process. Among them, 1,475 people have been convicted, 304 have signed behaviour bonds, six have been issued care or protection orders, and four have been found in contempt of court (in civil proceedings). Fifty-seven people had their charges withdrawn, 387 people were acquitted after trial, and the cases of the remaining individuals are still ongoing. Additionally, 25 people were released after receiving a warning from the police.
Source: The #Collective HK; #Jun09
https://www.facebook.com/100090517773995/posts/pfbid0xpvHFiy91jR5c6qkuXvn6FMD8mfwSYnKjGPvcajPWLUMEcE9dKoNQZDwMv4UTTTml/?mibextid=cr9u03
#CourtCaseStatistics #Arrested #5Demands #Fouryears #Jun09 #Jun12 #Review
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[6.12 Fourth Anniversary] Did Hong Kong police use appropriate force on 6.12?
To truly understand the people of Hong Kong, one cannot overlook this day.
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To truly understand the people of Hong Kong, one cannot overlook this day.
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⬇️⬇️⬇️
[6.12 Fourth Anniversary] Did Hong Kong police use appropriate force on 6.12?
To truly understand the people of Hong Kong, one cannot overlook this day.
6.12 marked the awakening of the people of Hong Kong, where they realized the value of freedom. It was a day when they understood that freedom is not bestowed from above, but a hard-fought battle that requires blood and sacrifice.
6.12 is not just a historical record, but also a reminder of pain. Bringing up history always presents a moral dilemma: not discussing it would be a neglect of historical responsibility, yet revisiting it may resurface the trauma.
Nietzsche once said that what is truly unbearable in life is not "pain" itself but the "meaninglessness of pain." In life, we inevitably experience various hardships and pains, but what is truly terrifying is when the pain we experience ultimately becomes meaningless, simply pain, only pain.
6.12, however is not a hollow and void memory of pain.
Philosopher Maragalit, in his book "The Ethics of Memory," likened memory to an adhesive that binds people together. The memory of 6.12 serves the same purpose. Despite the four-year gap, it remains one of the most significant collective memories for the people of Hong Kong, bringing together scattered individuals in the realm of recollection, with images of water, gas masks, umbrellas, and hats...
If anyone doesn't know what 6.12 means, they are not a true Hongkonger, because 6.12 is a symbol, a tattoo, and a searing mark of the people of Hong Kong.
However, while the memory remains, history is rapidly changing. Many websites and sources that once documented that fateful day have vanished. Finding high-quality and comprehensive video footage online has become exceedingly difficult, with search results often dominated by official narratives. Now, even openly and objectively accounting this piece of history carries significant legal risks.
Four years have elapsed, and we find ourselves immersed in a more twisted paradigm and society, surrounded by oppression, control, fear, and violence.
In a society where justice has lost its way, morality has decayed, and our very humanity is compromised, we need more than just the "courage to survive." We require a steadfast "moral courage" that continues to believe in justice, goodwill, and truth—a courage that refuses to succumb to the logic of evil governance and denies the negation of humanity, morality, and trust between individuals.
By upholding this moral courage, there will always be Hongkongers ready to take up the cause until the day when light is restored, and Hong Kong is liberated.
Source: Writer, #Jun12
https://www.facebook.com/100044644834462/posts/pfbid02oJCuQoMb72YQzXWD958q4gRM1Bfi1qF7iBhVkjJdxHUv6GnNKwCWyh23tWqA6ufsl/?mibextid=cr9u03
To truly understand the people of Hong Kong, one cannot overlook this day.
6.12 marked the awakening of the people of Hong Kong, where they realized the value of freedom. It was a day when they understood that freedom is not bestowed from above, but a hard-fought battle that requires blood and sacrifice.
6.12 is not just a historical record, but also a reminder of pain. Bringing up history always presents a moral dilemma: not discussing it would be a neglect of historical responsibility, yet revisiting it may resurface the trauma.
Nietzsche once said that what is truly unbearable in life is not "pain" itself but the "meaninglessness of pain." In life, we inevitably experience various hardships and pains, but what is truly terrifying is when the pain we experience ultimately becomes meaningless, simply pain, only pain.
6.12, however is not a hollow and void memory of pain.
Philosopher Maragalit, in his book "The Ethics of Memory," likened memory to an adhesive that binds people together. The memory of 6.12 serves the same purpose. Despite the four-year gap, it remains one of the most significant collective memories for the people of Hong Kong, bringing together scattered individuals in the realm of recollection, with images of water, gas masks, umbrellas, and hats...
If anyone doesn't know what 6.12 means, they are not a true Hongkonger, because 6.12 is a symbol, a tattoo, and a searing mark of the people of Hong Kong.
However, while the memory remains, history is rapidly changing. Many websites and sources that once documented that fateful day have vanished. Finding high-quality and comprehensive video footage online has become exceedingly difficult, with search results often dominated by official narratives. Now, even openly and objectively accounting this piece of history carries significant legal risks.
Four years have elapsed, and we find ourselves immersed in a more twisted paradigm and society, surrounded by oppression, control, fear, and violence.
In a society where justice has lost its way, morality has decayed, and our very humanity is compromised, we need more than just the "courage to survive." We require a steadfast "moral courage" that continues to believe in justice, goodwill, and truth—a courage that refuses to succumb to the logic of evil governance and denies the negation of humanity, morality, and trust between individuals.
By upholding this moral courage, there will always be Hongkongers ready to take up the cause until the day when light is restored, and Hong Kong is liberated.
Source: Writer, #Jun12
https://www.facebook.com/100044644834462/posts/pfbid02oJCuQoMb72YQzXWD958q4gRM1Bfi1qF7iBhVkjJdxHUv6GnNKwCWyh23tWqA6ufsl/?mibextid=cr9u03
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Injuction of "Glory to Hong Kong"
Department of Justice applied to the court for an injunction for the song "Glory to Hong Kong". The court order bans playing the lyrics, the rhythm, and the tune of the song with any method, under the intention to incite others tocommit the crime of secession.
The government spokesperson indicated that the content of the song contains slogans that was judged to be incitement by the court. In addition, the song was misrepresented as "Hong Kong Anthem", insulting the Anthem. He added, applying for the injunction is to protect national security and country's sovereignty. Freedom of speech is not absolute that this "legitimate purpose" conforms to the Bill of Right.
(Editor note: By the time of doing this news translation, iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify and YouTube are subsequently removing "Glory to Hong Kong" from their lists. Yet, the songwriting team said they are discssing some details with the streaming platforms.
The court trial was scheduled for 12th June but delayed to 21st July)
Source: The Collective HK #Jun06
https://www.facebook.com/100090517773995/posts/pfbid022fvgwa8vkFdM8mxYtQsLLRmQBNbgq6tzq5dnPsfUrZQNhREPeSHf2gMkSNDxLTvCl/?mibextid=cr9u03
#GlorytoHongKong
Department of Justice applied to the court for an injunction for the song "Glory to Hong Kong". The court order bans playing the lyrics, the rhythm, and the tune of the song with any method, under the intention to incite others tocommit the crime of secession.
The government spokesperson indicated that the content of the song contains slogans that was judged to be incitement by the court. In addition, the song was misrepresented as "Hong Kong Anthem", insulting the Anthem. He added, applying for the injunction is to protect national security and country's sovereignty. Freedom of speech is not absolute that this "legitimate purpose" conforms to the Bill of Right.
(Editor note: By the time of doing this news translation, iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify and YouTube are subsequently removing "Glory to Hong Kong" from their lists. Yet, the songwriting team said they are discssing some details with the streaming platforms.
The court trial was scheduled for 12th June but delayed to 21st July)
Source: The Collective HK #Jun06
https://www.facebook.com/100090517773995/posts/pfbid022fvgwa8vkFdM8mxYtQsLLRmQBNbgq6tzq5dnPsfUrZQNhREPeSHf2gMkSNDxLTvCl/?mibextid=cr9u03
#GlorytoHongKong
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Multinationals turn away from Hong Kong for dispute resolution
Concerns over the rule of law are threatening Hong Kong's ambitions to become a hub for corporate arbitration, according to lawyers, stoking the appeal of regional rival Singapore for many multinationals.
The Chinese city still handles hundreds of arbitration cases each year. However, companies drafting new contracts are increasingly choosing places other than Hong Kong as the location for arbitration, a dozen lawyers and corporate advisers in Hong Kong, Singapore and London told Nikkei Asia.
Cross-border commercial contracts must specify a location for handling arbitration cases should they arise. Judicial independence and whether arbitral awards are readily enforceable are key factors in making that selection.
source: Nikkei Asia #Jun08
https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Hong-Kong-security-law/Multinationals-turn-away-from-Hong-Kong-for-dispute-resolution
#RuleOfLaw #HongKong #Arbitration #Dispute #Singapore #London
Concerns over the rule of law are threatening Hong Kong's ambitions to become a hub for corporate arbitration, according to lawyers, stoking the appeal of regional rival Singapore for many multinationals.
The Chinese city still handles hundreds of arbitration cases each year. However, companies drafting new contracts are increasingly choosing places other than Hong Kong as the location for arbitration, a dozen lawyers and corporate advisers in Hong Kong, Singapore and London told Nikkei Asia.
Cross-border commercial contracts must specify a location for handling arbitration cases should they arise. Judicial independence and whether arbitral awards are readily enforceable are key factors in making that selection.
source: Nikkei Asia #Jun08
https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Hong-Kong-security-law/Multinationals-turn-away-from-Hong-Kong-for-dispute-resolution
#RuleOfLaw #HongKong #Arbitration #Dispute #Singapore #London
Commemorating Tragic Loss in Anti-Extradition Protest
Supporters Risk Littering Fine with Floral Tributes
Source: Panda; #Jun15
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Supporters Risk Littering Fine with Floral Tributes
Source: Panda; #Jun15
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