Winnie the Pooh on "Free Hong Kong" at Half-year 612 Anniversay Rally on December 12.
Photo: USP #Dec12
#Xinnie #WinniethePooh
Photo: USP #Dec12
#Xinnie #WinniethePooh
Cyclist from Japan Offers Free Coffee in Support of Hong Kong Protesters
Japanese cyclist, Masanori Nishkawa, has toured 90000km on his bike and visited 37 countries in the past 12 years.
Moved by Hongkongers' resistance over the past 6 months, Nishikawa made a special visit to Hong Kong to offer free coffee in a different location each day from December 9 to 25 Dec. He hopes the act can cheer Hongkongers up.
From the photos:
1. The coffee beans used by Nishkawa are home-roasted, and each cup of coffee was hand-pulled for Hongkongers.
2. The coffee grinder is firmly nailed to his bicycle.
3. Nishikawa offered free coffee outside Wanchai MTR Station, many passersby stopped to chat and took photo.
4. Showing the Victory sign, Nishikawa encouraged Hongkongers to keep up their spirit.
5. Note on the cardboard:
"I am heartbroken by Hongkongers' plight. I, therefore, brought coffee from Japan to Hong Kong, hoping to warm your hearts and give you a smile. It's free! Enjoy!"
#GlobalSupport #Japan #Dec12
Japanese cyclist, Masanori Nishkawa, has toured 90000km on his bike and visited 37 countries in the past 12 years.
Moved by Hongkongers' resistance over the past 6 months, Nishikawa made a special visit to Hong Kong to offer free coffee in a different location each day from December 9 to 25 Dec. He hopes the act can cheer Hongkongers up.
From the photos:
1. The coffee beans used by Nishkawa are home-roasted, and each cup of coffee was hand-pulled for Hongkongers.
2. The coffee grinder is firmly nailed to his bicycle.
3. Nishikawa offered free coffee outside Wanchai MTR Station, many passersby stopped to chat and took photo.
4. Showing the Victory sign, Nishikawa encouraged Hongkongers to keep up their spirit.
5. Note on the cardboard:
"I am heartbroken by Hongkongers' plight. I, therefore, brought coffee from Japan to Hong Kong, hoping to warm your hearts and give you a smile. It's free! Enjoy!"
#GlobalSupport #Japan #Dec12
#Economy
Sukiya Opens its First Branch in Hong Kong, Protest-unfriendly Yoshinoya Faces Competition
Sukiya, one of the three major brands of Gyudon (Japanese beef rice), opened its first branch in Hong Kong on December 12. One of it major competitors Yoshinoya is being boycotted by protesters.
The queue for Sukiya was still long at 7pm, reaching 50m with estimated 200 people waiting to be seated. On the other hand, Yoshinoya, which was located in a prime area in Mong Kok near the new Sukiya, only have 60% seats filled, even though the restaurant had closed around 40% of its seats.
Photo: Benjamin Yuen @ USP United Social Press
#Dec12
Sukiya Opens its First Branch in Hong Kong, Protest-unfriendly Yoshinoya Faces Competition
Sukiya, one of the three major brands of Gyudon (Japanese beef rice), opened its first branch in Hong Kong on December 12. One of it major competitors Yoshinoya is being boycotted by protesters.
The queue for Sukiya was still long at 7pm, reaching 50m with estimated 200 people waiting to be seated. On the other hand, Yoshinoya, which was located in a prime area in Mong Kok near the new Sukiya, only have 60% seats filled, even though the restaurant had closed around 40% of its seats.
Photo: Benjamin Yuen @ USP United Social Press
#Dec12
#FirstHand #Dec12
#Save12HongkongYouths
Pro-democracy Hongkongers Detained by China "Request" to Plead Guilty to Protest Charges in Hong Kong
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/27254
#Save12HongkongYouths
Pro-democracy Hongkongers Detained by China "Request" to Plead Guilty to Protest Charges in Hong Kong
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/27254
#FirstHand #Dec12
#Save12HongkongYouths
Pro-democracy Hongkongers Detained by China "Request" to Plead Guilty to Protest Charges in Hong Kong
On November 27, 2020, the Shenzhen Public Security Bureau (Yantian Branch) in China claimed that they have completed their investigation of the case about the 12 detained Hongkongers. The 12 civilians from Hong Kong who were captured by Chinese authorities and jailed in China since then were sent to the Provincial People's Procuratorate of the PRC for the charge to proceed.
However, as of December 12, 2020, their families had not received any official response from any authorities. Nevertheless, the lawyers appointed by Chinese authorities inquired the protest-related course cases in Hong Kong.
The families of the 12 Hong Kong youths spoke to the press in Hong Kong on 12 December, 2020 at 15:30. Although some families had communication with the lawyers appointed by the Chinese government over the phone or in text message, they still didn't know what their charges are in China.
In the press conference, the family members also shared the letters reportedly written by the 12 pro-democracy Hongkongers. In the letters, the detainees "asked" their families to help them plead guilty to all the charges they have in Hong Kong.
According to the solicitors in Hong Kong, this is not possible as they couldn't contact their clients. Thus, they couldn't do anything with the legal procedure in Hong Kong.
Meanwhile, in Hong Kong the detainees' bank accounts in Bank of China have been cancelled due to "commercial decision". Their families couldn't check the balance nor withdraw money.
Earlier, the families have written letters to the 12 Hong Kong youths. The Hong Kong Immigration Department was supposed to help pass the letters to China. However, the families have never received any feedback, even the Immigration Department confirmed to have passed the letters to Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong, China (#GDETO).
The lawyers assigned by Chinese authorities clearly stated that the detention centre wouldn't distribute any letter to 12 Hongkongers.
These CCP-assigned lawyers also asked of the court cases related to the 12 Hongkongers in Hong Kong. In fact, the Chinese authorities should only handle the reported "illegal border crossing", but have no right to intervene any other court cases in Hong Kong.
Worse still, some families in Hong Kong were contacted by two different China-appointed lawyers, but some not even had one.
On these occasions, the lawyers never mentioned their identities, such as name and contact numbers.
One family was requested by a "lawyer" to provide a family photo. "I don't know who you are. You never provide any license to prove you are laywer," the family member recalled telling the self-claimed lawyer from China.
The "lawyer" said, "my identity doesn't matter, but your photo does."
While Christmas is coming, is it possible for the families to visit the 12 detained Hongkongers if accompanied by Hong Kong government officials? Can the 12 Hongkongers give a call to their family? This humanitarian crisis has been going on for nearly 4 months, showing the Chinese authorities' total disregard for basic human rights.
#Save12 #CCPControl
#Save12HongkongYouths
Pro-democracy Hongkongers Detained by China "Request" to Plead Guilty to Protest Charges in Hong Kong
On November 27, 2020, the Shenzhen Public Security Bureau (Yantian Branch) in China claimed that they have completed their investigation of the case about the 12 detained Hongkongers. The 12 civilians from Hong Kong who were captured by Chinese authorities and jailed in China since then were sent to the Provincial People's Procuratorate of the PRC for the charge to proceed.
However, as of December 12, 2020, their families had not received any official response from any authorities. Nevertheless, the lawyers appointed by Chinese authorities inquired the protest-related course cases in Hong Kong.
The families of the 12 Hong Kong youths spoke to the press in Hong Kong on 12 December, 2020 at 15:30. Although some families had communication with the lawyers appointed by the Chinese government over the phone or in text message, they still didn't know what their charges are in China.
In the press conference, the family members also shared the letters reportedly written by the 12 pro-democracy Hongkongers. In the letters, the detainees "asked" their families to help them plead guilty to all the charges they have in Hong Kong.
According to the solicitors in Hong Kong, this is not possible as they couldn't contact their clients. Thus, they couldn't do anything with the legal procedure in Hong Kong.
Meanwhile, in Hong Kong the detainees' bank accounts in Bank of China have been cancelled due to "commercial decision". Their families couldn't check the balance nor withdraw money.
Earlier, the families have written letters to the 12 Hong Kong youths. The Hong Kong Immigration Department was supposed to help pass the letters to China. However, the families have never received any feedback, even the Immigration Department confirmed to have passed the letters to Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong, China (#GDETO).
The lawyers assigned by Chinese authorities clearly stated that the detention centre wouldn't distribute any letter to 12 Hongkongers.
These CCP-assigned lawyers also asked of the court cases related to the 12 Hongkongers in Hong Kong. In fact, the Chinese authorities should only handle the reported "illegal border crossing", but have no right to intervene any other court cases in Hong Kong.
Worse still, some families in Hong Kong were contacted by two different China-appointed lawyers, but some not even had one.
On these occasions, the lawyers never mentioned their identities, such as name and contact numbers.
One family was requested by a "lawyer" to provide a family photo. "I don't know who you are. You never provide any license to prove you are laywer," the family member recalled telling the self-claimed lawyer from China.
The "lawyer" said, "my identity doesn't matter, but your photo does."
While Christmas is coming, is it possible for the families to visit the 12 detained Hongkongers if accompanied by Hong Kong government officials? Can the 12 Hongkongers give a call to their family? This humanitarian crisis has been going on for nearly 4 months, showing the Chinese authorities' total disregard for basic human rights.
#Save12 #CCPControl
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📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#FirstHand #Dec12 #Save12HongkongYouths
Concern Group Asks Citizens to Send Christmas Cards to Detained Pro-democracy Protesters in Chinese Prison
As the Winter Solsftice and Christmas are approaching, the Save 12 Hong Kong Youths Concern Group on Dec 12, 2020 announced the Christmas Card Writing Scheme.
The concern group has prepared 4 kinds of Christmas Cards, for fellow Hongkongers to send their words to the 12 pro-democracy Hongkongers who were detained by Chinese authorities for nearly 4 months.
The Christmas card street booth will be set up by district councillors and partnering groups. Card writers are advised to send their cards directly to the Yantian Detention Center in Shenzhen, China with the "12 Hongkongers" as the addressees. The postage fees from Hong Kong are $2.6 and #3.4 (airmail).
More details:
https://www.facebook.com/save12hkyouths/posts/213633647143732
======
Hongkongers Detained by China "Request" to Plead Guilty to Charges in Hong Kong
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/27254
Concern Group Asks Citizens to Send Christmas Cards to Detained Pro-democracy Protesters in Chinese Prison
As the Winter Solsftice and Christmas are approaching, the Save 12 Hong Kong Youths Concern Group on Dec 12, 2020 announced the Christmas Card Writing Scheme.
The concern group has prepared 4 kinds of Christmas Cards, for fellow Hongkongers to send their words to the 12 pro-democracy Hongkongers who were detained by Chinese authorities for nearly 4 months.
The Christmas card street booth will be set up by district councillors and partnering groups. Card writers are advised to send their cards directly to the Yantian Detention Center in Shenzhen, China with the "12 Hongkongers" as the addressees. The postage fees from Hong Kong are $2.6 and #3.4 (airmail).
More details:
https://www.facebook.com/save12hkyouths/posts/213633647143732
======
Hongkongers Detained by China "Request" to Plead Guilty to Charges in Hong Kong
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/27254
#BringthemBack #Save12HKYouth
Neon lights erected on Lion Rock Peak calling for Hongkongers to stand in solidarity with 12 pro-democracy activists detained in China
Braved the chilly winds for hours, several defiant pro-democracy youngsters climbed up the Lion Rock Peak tonight, and held up a neon sign signaling #Save12. They appeal to all who value human rights and justice to show solidarity with the detainees and their families.
Earlier today, the #save12HKyouth concern group hosted a press conference, in which they revealed that the detainees' families were asked to “plead guilty to protest charges in Hong Kong”.
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/27252
The 12 Hongkongers were arrested by Chinese authorities on August 23 when they fled to Taiwan, fearing the draconian National Security Law. They have then been detained in Yantin District Detention Center for over 100 days without access to the legal representation organised by their families.
Source: #FirstHand #Dec12
=====
Related articles
Concern Group Asks Citizens to Send Christmas Cards to Detained Pro-democracy Protesters in Chinese Prison
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/27256
Neon lights erected on Lion Rock Peak calling for Hongkongers to stand in solidarity with 12 pro-democracy activists detained in China
Braved the chilly winds for hours, several defiant pro-democracy youngsters climbed up the Lion Rock Peak tonight, and held up a neon sign signaling #Save12. They appeal to all who value human rights and justice to show solidarity with the detainees and their families.
Earlier today, the #save12HKyouth concern group hosted a press conference, in which they revealed that the detainees' families were asked to “plead guilty to protest charges in Hong Kong”.
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/27252
The 12 Hongkongers were arrested by Chinese authorities on August 23 when they fled to Taiwan, fearing the draconian National Security Law. They have then been detained in Yantin District Detention Center for over 100 days without access to the legal representation organised by their families.
Source: #FirstHand #Dec12
=====
Related articles
Concern Group Asks Citizens to Send Christmas Cards to Detained Pro-democracy Protesters in Chinese Prison
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/27256
Telegram
📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#PressFreedom #HazeFan #Bloomberg
EU Calls on China to Allow Bloomberg News Staffer Legal Access
Source: European Union, #Dec12
Read more
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EU Calls on China to Allow Bloomberg News Staffer Legal Access
Source: European Union, #Dec12
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
#PoliticalProsecution #PressFreedom
Police flag Twitter activity, founding of Apple Daily English in allegations against Jimmy Lai
Source: Apple Daily, #Dec12
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
Police flag Twitter activity, founding of Apple Daily English in allegations against Jimmy Lai
Source: Apple Daily, #Dec12
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
#PoliticalProsecution #SaveJimmyLai
Police flag Twitter activity, founding of Apple Daily English in allegations against Jimmy Lai
The Hong Kong police have cited Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai’s comments and actions both before and after the enactment of the national security law in accusing him of colluding with foreign forces. It is understood that this includes activity on his Twitter account, live chats with commentators and the founding of an English version of his newspaper.
The police have also accused Lai of having connections with the online group “Fight for Freedom, Stand with Hong Kong,” which advocated for foreign sanctions. Lai’s activities before the implementation of the national security law were part of the allegations, including his meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on July 8 last year, and his calls for sanctions in an interview with Apple Daily.
#PressFreedom #CCP #NationalSecurityLaw
Source: Apple Daily #Dec12
===
Related article
Wall Street Journal: "Jimmy Lai, China’s Lie: In today’s Hong Kong, promoting democracy makes you a criminal" https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/27273
Read full article on Apple Daily
https://hk.appledaily.com/news/20201212/BX7NV27ENREHJLPYMH4UTY2E6U/
Police flag Twitter activity, founding of Apple Daily English in allegations against Jimmy Lai
The Hong Kong police have cited Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai’s comments and actions both before and after the enactment of the national security law in accusing him of colluding with foreign forces. It is understood that this includes activity on his Twitter account, live chats with commentators and the founding of an English version of his newspaper.
The police have also accused Lai of having connections with the online group “Fight for Freedom, Stand with Hong Kong,” which advocated for foreign sanctions. Lai’s activities before the implementation of the national security law were part of the allegations, including his meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on July 8 last year, and his calls for sanctions in an interview with Apple Daily.
#PressFreedom #CCP #NationalSecurityLaw
Source: Apple Daily #Dec12
===
Related article
Wall Street Journal: "Jimmy Lai, China’s Lie: In today’s Hong Kong, promoting democracy makes you a criminal" https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/27273
Read full article on Apple Daily
https://hk.appledaily.com/news/20201212/BX7NV27ENREHJLPYMH4UTY2E6U/
Telegram
📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#HumanitarianCrisis #CCP
Wall Street Journal: "Jimmy Lai, China’s Lie: In today’s Hong Kong, promoting democracy makes you a criminal"
Image: Stand News
Source: Wall Street Journal #Dec2
https://www.wsj.com/articles/jimmy-lai-chinas-lie-11606951156
Read…
Wall Street Journal: "Jimmy Lai, China’s Lie: In today’s Hong Kong, promoting democracy makes you a criminal"
Image: Stand News
Source: Wall Street Journal #Dec2
https://www.wsj.com/articles/jimmy-lai-chinas-lie-11606951156
Read…
#WuhanPneumonia #Covid19 #Vaccine
Peru suspends clinical trials of Chinese COVID-19 vaccine as tester develops neurological problems
Source: Channel News Asia #Dec12
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
Peru suspends clinical trials of Chinese COVID-19 vaccine as tester develops neurological problems
Source: Channel News Asia #Dec12
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
#WuhanPneumonia #Covid19 #Vaccine
Peru suspends clinical trials of Chinese COVID-19 vaccine as tester develops neurological problems
Peru has temporarily suspended clinical trials of a COVID-19 vaccine made by Chinese drug giant #Sinopharm after detecting neurological problems in one of its test volunteers.
The National Institute of Health in Lima said on Dec 11, 2020 that it had decided to interrupt the trial after a volunteer had difficulty moving their arms, according to local media.
"Several days ago we signalled, as we are required, to the regulatory authorities that one of our participants (in trials) presented neurological symptoms which could correspond to a condition called Guillain-Barre syndrome," said chief researcher German Malaga in comments to the press.
Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare and non-contagious disorder which affects the movement of the arms and legs. Peru declared a temporary health emergency in five regions in June last year following multiple cases.
In the 1970s a campaign to vaccinate Americans against a supposedly devastating strain of swine flu ground to a halt after about 450 of those vaccinated developed the syndrome, which can also cause paralysis.
Peru's clinical trials for the Sinopharm vaccine were due to conclude this week, after testing around 12,000 people.
Source: Channel News Asia #Dec12
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/peru-suspends-clinical-trials-china-sinopharm-covid-19-vaccine-13757116
#GuillainBarreSyndrome #Paralysis
Peru suspends clinical trials of Chinese COVID-19 vaccine as tester develops neurological problems
Peru has temporarily suspended clinical trials of a COVID-19 vaccine made by Chinese drug giant #Sinopharm after detecting neurological problems in one of its test volunteers.
The National Institute of Health in Lima said on Dec 11, 2020 that it had decided to interrupt the trial after a volunteer had difficulty moving their arms, according to local media.
"Several days ago we signalled, as we are required, to the regulatory authorities that one of our participants (in trials) presented neurological symptoms which could correspond to a condition called Guillain-Barre syndrome," said chief researcher German Malaga in comments to the press.
Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare and non-contagious disorder which affects the movement of the arms and legs. Peru declared a temporary health emergency in five regions in June last year following multiple cases.
In the 1970s a campaign to vaccinate Americans against a supposedly devastating strain of swine flu ground to a halt after about 450 of those vaccinated developed the syndrome, which can also cause paralysis.
Peru's clinical trials for the Sinopharm vaccine were due to conclude this week, after testing around 12,000 people.
Source: Channel News Asia #Dec12
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/peru-suspends-clinical-trials-china-sinopharm-covid-19-vaccine-13757116
#GuillainBarreSyndrome #Paralysis
CNA
Peru suspends clinical trials of Chinese COVID-19 vaccine
Peru has temporarily suspended clinical trials of a Covid vaccine made by Chinese drug giant Sinopharm after detecting neurological problems in ...
#FreeJimmyLai #PoliticalProsecution
HK Authorities Transport #JimmyLai with a Prison Vehicle for Category A Prisoner in Metal Chain, Former Correctional Officer: Political Dissents are Worse than Felons in China's Eyes
Source: Apple Daily #Dec12
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
HK Authorities Transport #JimmyLai with a Prison Vehicle for Category A Prisoner in Metal Chain, Former Correctional Officer: Political Dissents are Worse than Felons in China's Eyes
Source: Apple Daily #Dec12
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
#FreeJimmyLai #PoliticalProsecution
HK Authorities Transport #JimmyLai with a Prison Vehicle for Category A Prisoner in Metal Chain, Former Correctional Officer: Political Dissents are Worse than Felons in China's Eyes
The founder of Next Digital and Apple Daily Jimmy Lai Chee-ying appeared handcuffed to a chain around his waist when he was leaving the Lai Chi Kok Reception Center on Saturday, December 12, 2020.
Lai was escorted by the Senior Correctional Officer to a special prison vehicle for "Category A prisoners" and taken to the West Kowloon Court for the first hearing.
A former correctional officer who asked not to be named said that the case of Jimmy Lai is very exceptional presumably due to the fact that he is a high-profile political figure.
According to the informant, it can be seen that "in the eyes of the Chinese, the 'crime' committed by Jimmy Lai is much more serious and deadly than the felonies."
Former social welfare sector lawmaker Shiu Ka-chun who is familiar with prisoners' rights said that the photos show that Lai was immediately listed as "Category A prisoner" by the correctional officers, once he was charged under the national security law. This is an unusual practice.
He believed that it is because Lai is regarded as a "sensitive" political figure, and the Correctional Services Department may have received higher orders.
Source: Apple Daily #Dec12
https://hk.appledaily.com/local/20201212/MWTTSO3DKJFJNPF742OAJ35R5Q/
#Totalitarianism
HK Authorities Transport #JimmyLai with a Prison Vehicle for Category A Prisoner in Metal Chain, Former Correctional Officer: Political Dissents are Worse than Felons in China's Eyes
The founder of Next Digital and Apple Daily Jimmy Lai Chee-ying appeared handcuffed to a chain around his waist when he was leaving the Lai Chi Kok Reception Center on Saturday, December 12, 2020.
Lai was escorted by the Senior Correctional Officer to a special prison vehicle for "Category A prisoners" and taken to the West Kowloon Court for the first hearing.
A former correctional officer who asked not to be named said that the case of Jimmy Lai is very exceptional presumably due to the fact that he is a high-profile political figure.
According to the informant, it can be seen that "in the eyes of the Chinese, the 'crime' committed by Jimmy Lai is much more serious and deadly than the felonies."
Former social welfare sector lawmaker Shiu Ka-chun who is familiar with prisoners' rights said that the photos show that Lai was immediately listed as "Category A prisoner" by the correctional officers, once he was charged under the national security law. This is an unusual practice.
He believed that it is because Lai is regarded as a "sensitive" political figure, and the Correctional Services Department may have received higher orders.
Source: Apple Daily #Dec12
https://hk.appledaily.com/local/20201212/MWTTSO3DKJFJNPF742OAJ35R5Q/
#Totalitarianism
#FreeJimmyLai #AppleDaily
Mike Pompeo and Mike Pence go to bat for imprisoned Hong Kong media tycoon #JimmyLai
Sources: Pompeo’s Twitter; New York Post #Dec12
Image: Stand News
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
Mike Pompeo and Mike Pence go to bat for imprisoned Hong Kong media tycoon #JimmyLai
Sources: Pompeo’s Twitter; New York Post #Dec12
Image: Stand News
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
#FreeJimmyLai #AppleDaily
Mike Pompeo and Mike Pence go to bat for imprisoned Hong Kong media tycoon #JimmyLai
Top US officials are speaking out against the arrest and imprisonment of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, the founder of Apple Daily.
U.S. Secretary of State #MikePompeo tweeted on the morning of Dec 12, 2020 (Asia time) that the Hong Kong's national security law “makes a mockery of justice.” He called for Lai's release, saying his only crime is speaking the truth about China's authoritarian Communist Party government.
Separately, US Vice President #MikePence also tweeted in support of Lai, “Today’s charges against Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong are an affront to freedom loving people around everywhere.”
Pence wrote. “Jimmy Lai is a hero and I remain inspired by his stand for democracy & the rights that were promised to the people of Hong Kong.”
Sources: Pompeo’s Twitter; New York Post #Dec12
Image: Stand News
https://twitter.com/SecPompeo/status/1337577721048784896?s=09
https://nypost.com/2020/12/12/us-officials-go-to-bat-for-imprisoned-hong-kong-tycoon-jimmy-lai/
#NationalSecurityLaw #PoliticalProsecution #CCP
Mike Pompeo and Mike Pence go to bat for imprisoned Hong Kong media tycoon #JimmyLai
Top US officials are speaking out against the arrest and imprisonment of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, the founder of Apple Daily.
U.S. Secretary of State #MikePompeo tweeted on the morning of Dec 12, 2020 (Asia time) that the Hong Kong's national security law “makes a mockery of justice.” He called for Lai's release, saying his only crime is speaking the truth about China's authoritarian Communist Party government.
Separately, US Vice President #MikePence also tweeted in support of Lai, “Today’s charges against Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong are an affront to freedom loving people around everywhere.”
Pence wrote. “Jimmy Lai is a hero and I remain inspired by his stand for democracy & the rights that were promised to the people of Hong Kong.”
Sources: Pompeo’s Twitter; New York Post #Dec12
Image: Stand News
https://twitter.com/SecPompeo/status/1337577721048784896?s=09
https://nypost.com/2020/12/12/us-officials-go-to-bat-for-imprisoned-hong-kong-tycoon-jimmy-lai/
#NationalSecurityLaw #PoliticalProsecution #CCP
Global Affairs objected to Canadian military decision to cancel training with People's Liberation Army
Classified Canadian government documents released to media outlets, including The Globe and Mail, reveal that the department of Global Affairs disagreed with the Canadian military to cancel the winter military exercises with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China in 2019.
In a memo to Ian Shugart, then deputy foreign minister, it was said that the "unilateral decisions" by the military to cancel previously agreed co-operation with the PLA "risk being interpreted by China or others in an unintended (and unhelpful) way" and "could also damage Canada's long-term defence and security relationship with China."
The diplomats feared that any reductions in military ties between the PLA and the Canadian army may be viewed as a "retaliatory move" concerning the cases of Meng Wanzhou and the two Canadians, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, detained by China.
The revelations triggered a public outcry among Canadians. Critics said the disagreement indicates that Canada's China policy has been contradictory and incoherent. "It is more urgent than ever, in the context of an increasingly belligerent and assertive China, to present a united political front," said Charles Burton, a China expert. "This is really about the defence of our sovereignty and security on matters over which there is consensus across the political spectrum in Canada."
Sources: The Globe and Mail #Dec09
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-global-affairs-objected-to-canadian-military-decision-to-cancel/
CBC/Radio-Canada #Dec12
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-china-pla-peoples-liberation-army-1.5838658
#Canada #China #PLA
Classified Canadian government documents released to media outlets, including The Globe and Mail, reveal that the department of Global Affairs disagreed with the Canadian military to cancel the winter military exercises with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China in 2019.
In a memo to Ian Shugart, then deputy foreign minister, it was said that the "unilateral decisions" by the military to cancel previously agreed co-operation with the PLA "risk being interpreted by China or others in an unintended (and unhelpful) way" and "could also damage Canada's long-term defence and security relationship with China."
The diplomats feared that any reductions in military ties between the PLA and the Canadian army may be viewed as a "retaliatory move" concerning the cases of Meng Wanzhou and the two Canadians, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, detained by China.
The revelations triggered a public outcry among Canadians. Critics said the disagreement indicates that Canada's China policy has been contradictory and incoherent. "It is more urgent than ever, in the context of an increasingly belligerent and assertive China, to present a united political front," said Charles Burton, a China expert. "This is really about the defence of our sovereignty and security on matters over which there is consensus across the political spectrum in Canada."
Sources: The Globe and Mail #Dec09
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-global-affairs-objected-to-canadian-military-decision-to-cancel/
CBC/Radio-Canada #Dec12
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-china-pla-peoples-liberation-army-1.5838658
#Canada #China #PLA
The Globe and Mail
Global Affairs objected to Canadian military decision to cancel training with China’s People’s Liberation Army
Government documents show that officials at the highest levels of Global Affairs were alarmed that General Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff, had cancelled winter military exercises with the PLA in 2019
Origin story: what do we know now about where coronavirus came from?
Source: The Guardian #Dec12
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Source: The Guardian #Dec12
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
Origin story: what do we know now about where coronavirus came from?
Maria van Kerkhove, the World Health Organization (WHO) virologist said that something happened at Christmas time in 2019.
On the evening of 30 December 2019, the Wuhan municipal health commission had issued an “urgent notice” online, warning all medical facilities to be on the alert and put into effect their emergency plans. It pointed the finger of suspicion for the outbreak at the Huanan [meaning South China] seafood market. Of a sample of 41 early confirmed cases, 70% were stall owners, employees or regular customers of the Huanan market, which sold seafood but also live animals, often illegally captured in the wild and slaughtered in front of the customer.
The market was closed by the Chinese authorities on 1 January 2020 and comprehensively cleaned and disinfected, which was helpful to hygiene but destroyed clues
It’s important for the entire world to know, so the WHO has been investigating since the outbreak began.
The Canadian doctor and epidemiologist appointed by WHO leading the investigation Bruce Aylward said, “from the moment you landed in China, you knew you were dealing with something very serious that the rest of the world wasn’t getting. You got off the plane and you were in an empty Beijing airport. It was absolutely stunning, your footsteps would echo through the great cavernous halls of Beijing airport, which is teeming day and night normally.”
Source: The Guardian #Dec12
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/12/where-did-coronavirus-come-from-covid?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
#Covid19 #Wuhan #WHO #China #Covid19Origin
Maria van Kerkhove, the World Health Organization (WHO) virologist said that something happened at Christmas time in 2019.
On the evening of 30 December 2019, the Wuhan municipal health commission had issued an “urgent notice” online, warning all medical facilities to be on the alert and put into effect their emergency plans. It pointed the finger of suspicion for the outbreak at the Huanan [meaning South China] seafood market. Of a sample of 41 early confirmed cases, 70% were stall owners, employees or regular customers of the Huanan market, which sold seafood but also live animals, often illegally captured in the wild and slaughtered in front of the customer.
The market was closed by the Chinese authorities on 1 January 2020 and comprehensively cleaned and disinfected, which was helpful to hygiene but destroyed clues
It’s important for the entire world to know, so the WHO has been investigating since the outbreak began.
The Canadian doctor and epidemiologist appointed by WHO leading the investigation Bruce Aylward said, “from the moment you landed in China, you knew you were dealing with something very serious that the rest of the world wasn’t getting. You got off the plane and you were in an empty Beijing airport. It was absolutely stunning, your footsteps would echo through the great cavernous halls of Beijing airport, which is teeming day and night normally.”
Source: The Guardian #Dec12
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/12/where-did-coronavirus-come-from-covid?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
#Covid19 #Wuhan #WHO #China #Covid19Origin
the Guardian
Origin story: what do we know now about where coronavirus came from?
When Chinese scientists alerted colleagues to a new virus last December, suspicion fell on a Wuhan market. What have health officials learned since then?
Hong Kong democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai denied bail
The Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai has been denied bail, after being charged with colluding with foreign entities under the city’s new national security law.
Lai, who marked his 72nd birthday in jail this week, appeared in court on Saturday handcuffed to a chain around his waist, and led by a police officer.
He was charged on Friday with offences including asking foreign countries to impose sanctions on Hong Kong or China, and taking other “hostile action”, local media sources – including his own newspaper, Apple Daily – reported. The charges are reportedly based on things he has tweeted and commentaries he has published, as well as interviews with foreign media.
Source: The Guardians #Dec12
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/12/hong-kong-democracy-campaigner-jimmy-lai-denied-bail
#HongKong #Democracy #JimmyLai #NationalSecurityLaw
The Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai has been denied bail, after being charged with colluding with foreign entities under the city’s new national security law.
Lai, who marked his 72nd birthday in jail this week, appeared in court on Saturday handcuffed to a chain around his waist, and led by a police officer.
He was charged on Friday with offences including asking foreign countries to impose sanctions on Hong Kong or China, and taking other “hostile action”, local media sources – including his own newspaper, Apple Daily – reported. The charges are reportedly based on things he has tweeted and commentaries he has published, as well as interviews with foreign media.
Source: The Guardians #Dec12
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/12/hong-kong-democracy-campaigner-jimmy-lai-denied-bail
#HongKong #Democracy #JimmyLai #NationalSecurityLaw