#Breaking #Arrest #Jul17
Police Arrest Pro-Democracy Activist Tam Tak-chi for Reasons Unknown
1457
According to the official Facebook page of pro-democracy activist Tam Tak-chi, Tam were taken away by the police at D100 carpark. The same officers had been monitoring him near his home yesterday.
Source: Takchi Tam's Facebook
#Jul17
Police Arrest Pro-Democracy Activist Tam Tak-chi for Reasons Unknown
1457
According to the official Facebook page of pro-democracy activist Tam Tak-chi, Tam were taken away by the police at D100 carpark. The same officers had been monitoring him near his home yesterday.
Source: Takchi Tam's Facebook
#Jul17
#PolyU
Police Bypass University's Management and Search PolyU to Investigate Riot
Source: Stand News #Jul17
Read more:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/23534
Police Bypass University's Management and Search PolyU to Investigate Riot
Source: Stand News #Jul17
Read more:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/23534
⬆️⬆️⬆️ Continue reading
#Mainlandization #FailedState
Beijing Genomics Institution (BGI) suspected setting up a testing centre in Hong Kong, with simplified Chinese notice posted and China national flag hanged outside
On July 13, Carrie Lam, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, announced two companies from Shenzhen and Macau would conduct Covid-19 tests for Hong Kong.
According to Tai Po district councillor Man Nim-chi, he went to the testing center at Tai Ping industrial park on July 17 and found some testing equipment with labels of "Huo Yan Laboratory" and "Beijing Genomics Institute". The staff spoke Mandarin. Odds and ends were everywhere. The sign "sample collection" was written in simplified Chinese and China national flag was hanged n the wall.
Man Nim-chi has asked the staff there, but no response. "Stand News" sent inquires to Chief Executive's Office, and Food and Health Bureau, but still waiting for their feedback.
The government announced to directly procure testing services from Sunrise Diagnostic Centre (established by BGI) and Prenetics under the anti-epidemic fund.
Source: Stand News #Jul17
#BGI
#Mainlandization #FailedState
Beijing Genomics Institution (BGI) suspected setting up a testing centre in Hong Kong, with simplified Chinese notice posted and China national flag hanged outside
On July 13, Carrie Lam, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, announced two companies from Shenzhen and Macau would conduct Covid-19 tests for Hong Kong.
According to Tai Po district councillor Man Nim-chi, he went to the testing center at Tai Ping industrial park on July 17 and found some testing equipment with labels of "Huo Yan Laboratory" and "Beijing Genomics Institute". The staff spoke Mandarin. Odds and ends were everywhere. The sign "sample collection" was written in simplified Chinese and China national flag was hanged n the wall.
Man Nim-chi has asked the staff there, but no response. "Stand News" sent inquires to Chief Executive's Office, and Food and Health Bureau, but still waiting for their feedback.
The government announced to directly procure testing services from Sunrise Diagnostic Centre (established by BGI) and Prenetics under the anti-epidemic fund.
Source: Stand News #Jul17
#BGI
⬆️⬆️⬆️ continue reading
#FreeHongKong #NBA #Kowtow
Feature for Personalising Apparel Disabled from NBA Official Online Store following Controversy on Restricting “FreeHongKong” as Text Option
NBA Spokesperson: There Were Attempts to Print Hateful Messages
Many NBA players have been showing their support for the recent movements against systemic racial discrimination in the US, and the National Basketball Players Association has reached an agreement with the NBA to allow slogans supporting racial equality to be printed on the back of jerseys. However, it was discovered last Monday that the NBA official online store had restricted apparel customisations that included the text “FreeHongKong”.
The website then briefly reopened orders for personalised apparel with “FreeHongKong” and explained that there was a technical problem previously. But four days later, the customisation feature was completely removed from the website.
An NBA spokesperson confirmed to Fox News that the apparel customisation feature was temporarily removed from the website since there were “attempts to include violent, abusive and hateful messages on personalised NBA jerseys”, yet no explanation was offered on the inappropriate language in question. Republican Senator Josh Hawley accused the NBA of carrying out censorship like China and not daring to offend Beijing.
Fox News pointed out that before the “FreeHongKong” controversy, the personalised apparel feature had allowed customisations of all sorts of texts, even violent messages such as “Kill Cops”.
A Stand News reporter logged into the NBA website on Friday morning and found all personalised apparel had been taken off the shelf. The only customisable item still available was the Los Angeles Lakers bear, but the text limit had been changed from 12 characters to 11, making it impossible to print the “FreeHongKong” slogan. However, “FreeHK” was still a possible choice and the reporter was able to proceed smoothly to the shopping cart for payment.
Another official NBA online store operator, Fanatics, is also no longer offering personalised NBA apparel, but the website still offers personalised gear from NFL, MLB and other leagues. Fans could still order apparel or gear with “FreeHongKong” text, but “Kill Cops” or other such hateful texts were not accepted.
Experts have opined that the incident has shown NBA’s double standards in allowing stance that pertains to equality movements in the US but hesitating to touch on topics sensitive to China.
Source: Stand News #Jul17
#SelectiveSupport #Inequality #FreeSpeech
#FreeHongKong #NBA #Kowtow
Feature for Personalising Apparel Disabled from NBA Official Online Store following Controversy on Restricting “FreeHongKong” as Text Option
NBA Spokesperson: There Were Attempts to Print Hateful Messages
Many NBA players have been showing their support for the recent movements against systemic racial discrimination in the US, and the National Basketball Players Association has reached an agreement with the NBA to allow slogans supporting racial equality to be printed on the back of jerseys. However, it was discovered last Monday that the NBA official online store had restricted apparel customisations that included the text “FreeHongKong”.
The website then briefly reopened orders for personalised apparel with “FreeHongKong” and explained that there was a technical problem previously. But four days later, the customisation feature was completely removed from the website.
An NBA spokesperson confirmed to Fox News that the apparel customisation feature was temporarily removed from the website since there were “attempts to include violent, abusive and hateful messages on personalised NBA jerseys”, yet no explanation was offered on the inappropriate language in question. Republican Senator Josh Hawley accused the NBA of carrying out censorship like China and not daring to offend Beijing.
Fox News pointed out that before the “FreeHongKong” controversy, the personalised apparel feature had allowed customisations of all sorts of texts, even violent messages such as “Kill Cops”.
A Stand News reporter logged into the NBA website on Friday morning and found all personalised apparel had been taken off the shelf. The only customisable item still available was the Los Angeles Lakers bear, but the text limit had been changed from 12 characters to 11, making it impossible to print the “FreeHongKong” slogan. However, “FreeHK” was still a possible choice and the reporter was able to proceed smoothly to the shopping cart for payment.
Another official NBA online store operator, Fanatics, is also no longer offering personalised NBA apparel, but the website still offers personalised gear from NFL, MLB and other leagues. Fans could still order apparel or gear with “FreeHongKong” text, but “Kill Cops” or other such hateful texts were not accepted.
Experts have opined that the incident has shown NBA’s double standards in allowing stance that pertains to equality movements in the US but hesitating to touch on topics sensitive to China.
Source: Stand News #Jul17
#SelectiveSupport #Inequality #FreeSpeech
⬆️⬆️⬆️ Continue reading
As National Security Law Descends upon Hong Kong, VPN Service TunnelBear Removes Hong Kong Servers, ProtonVPN Lists Hong Kong as “High-Risk Country”
Hong Kong was once the data centre of many companies and the designated server location for various VPN (virtual private network) services since freedom of information had been an advantage in the city. However, since the implementation of the national security law, some VPN services had begun to re-evaluate their strategies. Foreign media had reported that some VPN services, including Canada-based TunnelBear, had indicated that they would remove their servers from Hong Kong. ProtonVPN stated that they would keep their servers in Hong Kong, but they had listed Hong Kong as a “high-risk country” while continuing to operate their servers under enhanced protection.
TunnelBear: Pulling Out of the Market to Stay True to Company Values
According to a report on TechCrunch, Canadian VPN service TunnelBear had announced the removal of their servers from Hong Kong to “ensure the safety of [their] users”. TunnelBear had stated that their servers do not store any personally identifiable information (PII), and that their servers were being removed in order to stay true to their company values. In the days ahead, they would “monitor the reach of the new security law on technical ecosystem in Hong Kong”.
ProtonVPN: Hong Kong Service Requires Enhanced Protection
Another VPN service, ProtonVPN, stated that they would not remove their servers in Hong Kong. However, the company had designated Hong Kong as a “high-risk country” and enhanced protection was necessary to continue operating their servers in Hong Kong. ProtonVPN had also noted that this same approach was adopted in Russia, Turkey and Vietnam. The company’s spokesperson Edward Shone said that even if the Chinese government were to expressly oppose to the company setting up servers in Hong Kong or attempt to obtain data from the servers, the servers are equipped with enforced full disk encryption, not to mention that no users’ activities records are ever stored in their servers, so potential risks for users are now greatly lowered.
NordVPN: Service Saw a 120-Fold Increase in One Day after News of the National Security Law Broke out
NordVPN had stated that they would continue to run servers in Hong Kong. Their spokesperson Laura Tyrell said that their servers are all either diskless or encrypted, and therefore would not compromise users’ privacy no matter what. Tyrell also mentioned that when news of the national security law broke out, their service saw a 120-fold increase in one day. In response to the demand, the company has added more servers in Hong Kong and its surrounding regions to maintain its service quality.
Source: Stand News #Jul17
https://bit.ly/30xwbMG
As National Security Law Descends upon Hong Kong, VPN Service TunnelBear Removes Hong Kong Servers, ProtonVPN Lists Hong Kong as “High-Risk Country”
Hong Kong was once the data centre of many companies and the designated server location for various VPN (virtual private network) services since freedom of information had been an advantage in the city. However, since the implementation of the national security law, some VPN services had begun to re-evaluate their strategies. Foreign media had reported that some VPN services, including Canada-based TunnelBear, had indicated that they would remove their servers from Hong Kong. ProtonVPN stated that they would keep their servers in Hong Kong, but they had listed Hong Kong as a “high-risk country” while continuing to operate their servers under enhanced protection.
TunnelBear: Pulling Out of the Market to Stay True to Company Values
According to a report on TechCrunch, Canadian VPN service TunnelBear had announced the removal of their servers from Hong Kong to “ensure the safety of [their] users”. TunnelBear had stated that their servers do not store any personally identifiable information (PII), and that their servers were being removed in order to stay true to their company values. In the days ahead, they would “monitor the reach of the new security law on technical ecosystem in Hong Kong”.
ProtonVPN: Hong Kong Service Requires Enhanced Protection
Another VPN service, ProtonVPN, stated that they would not remove their servers in Hong Kong. However, the company had designated Hong Kong as a “high-risk country” and enhanced protection was necessary to continue operating their servers in Hong Kong. ProtonVPN had also noted that this same approach was adopted in Russia, Turkey and Vietnam. The company’s spokesperson Edward Shone said that even if the Chinese government were to expressly oppose to the company setting up servers in Hong Kong or attempt to obtain data from the servers, the servers are equipped with enforced full disk encryption, not to mention that no users’ activities records are ever stored in their servers, so potential risks for users are now greatly lowered.
NordVPN: Service Saw a 120-Fold Increase in One Day after News of the National Security Law Broke out
NordVPN had stated that they would continue to run servers in Hong Kong. Their spokesperson Laura Tyrell said that their servers are all either diskless or encrypted, and therefore would not compromise users’ privacy no matter what. Tyrell also mentioned that when news of the national security law broke out, their service saw a 120-fold increase in one day. In response to the demand, the company has added more servers in Hong Kong and its surrounding regions to maintain its service quality.
Source: Stand News #Jul17
https://bit.ly/30xwbMG
#Interview #KiwiChow
“Revolution Of Our Times” Director Seeks Freedom by Faith: "Hong Kong is Where My Heart Is"
Part 1
Source: Stand News #Jul17
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
“Revolution Of Our Times” Director Seeks Freedom by Faith: "Hong Kong is Where My Heart Is"
Part 1
Source: Stand News #Jul17
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
#Interview #KiwiChow
“Revolution Of Our Times” Director Seeks Freedom by Faith: "Hong Kong is Where My Heart Is"
Part 1
On July 16, 2021, the #CannesFilmFestival in France added #KiwiChow’s “Revolution Of Our Times” to this year’s screening as a last minute surprise. The short film documented the pro-democracy movement sparked off by an extradition law in Hong Kong in 2019.
Speaking in subsequent media interviews, Chow acknowledged that his safety has been a grave concern to many people close to him. Some advised him to release the film anonymously, while others urged him to leave Hong Kong.
Chow, however, does not want to be overtaken by fear, so he decided to stay behind.
“If I leave, I’ll be trapped in fear”
In early July, Chow’s interview was featured on the CGST Magazine published by the Chinese Academy of Theology. In this feature story, he talked about his short film “Self-Immolator”, one of the segment episodes of “Ten Years”, a film which won multiple awards in Hong Kong in 2016. Back then, people close to him were also concerned for his safety and advised him to flee, but he decided otherwise, clinging to his strong Christian faith.
Chow recalled the time he went on a mission trip in Africa with his wife. “Where your heart is" (扎心) is an expression that they spoke of often. Chow said his heart is now tightly knit to Hong Kong. He decides to stay, not only to fulfill his responsibility, but also to seek freedom in his heart.
Chow expressed that if he leaves Hong Kong, he will be trapped in fear. “We are Christians. We have always been seeking Christ, seeking love, seeking freedom.” “They can imprison my body, but not my soul, nor my faith,” Chow added.
In recent months, the social situation in Hong Kong has become tense. Chow expressed in his interview with Stand News that he thought that the documentary, “Revolution of our Times”, could well be banned from discussion even on the internet. He is delighted to see netizens sharing the film, as well as its news, posters and trailers online as usual.
#KiwiChow #RevolutionOfOurTimes #Art #KeepTheFaith
Source: Stand News #Jul17
https://bit.ly/37zcPdX
“Revolution Of Our Times” Director Seeks Freedom by Faith: "Hong Kong is Where My Heart Is"
Part 1
On July 16, 2021, the #CannesFilmFestival in France added #KiwiChow’s “Revolution Of Our Times” to this year’s screening as a last minute surprise. The short film documented the pro-democracy movement sparked off by an extradition law in Hong Kong in 2019.
Speaking in subsequent media interviews, Chow acknowledged that his safety has been a grave concern to many people close to him. Some advised him to release the film anonymously, while others urged him to leave Hong Kong.
Chow, however, does not want to be overtaken by fear, so he decided to stay behind.
“If I leave, I’ll be trapped in fear”
In early July, Chow’s interview was featured on the CGST Magazine published by the Chinese Academy of Theology. In this feature story, he talked about his short film “Self-Immolator”, one of the segment episodes of “Ten Years”, a film which won multiple awards in Hong Kong in 2016. Back then, people close to him were also concerned for his safety and advised him to flee, but he decided otherwise, clinging to his strong Christian faith.
Chow recalled the time he went on a mission trip in Africa with his wife. “Where your heart is" (扎心) is an expression that they spoke of often. Chow said his heart is now tightly knit to Hong Kong. He decides to stay, not only to fulfill his responsibility, but also to seek freedom in his heart.
Chow expressed that if he leaves Hong Kong, he will be trapped in fear. “We are Christians. We have always been seeking Christ, seeking love, seeking freedom.” “They can imprison my body, but not my soul, nor my faith,” Chow added.
In recent months, the social situation in Hong Kong has become tense. Chow expressed in his interview with Stand News that he thought that the documentary, “Revolution of our Times”, could well be banned from discussion even on the internet. He is delighted to see netizens sharing the film, as well as its news, posters and trailers online as usual.
#KiwiChow #RevolutionOfOurTimes #Art #KeepTheFaith
Source: Stand News #Jul17
https://bit.ly/37zcPdX
#Interview #KiwiChow
“Revolution Of Our Times” Director Seeks Freedom by Faith: "Hong Kong is Where My Heart Is"
Part 2
Source: Stand News #Jul17
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
“Revolution Of Our Times” Director Seeks Freedom by Faith: "Hong Kong is Where My Heart Is"
Part 2
Source: Stand News #Jul17
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
#Interview #KiwiChow
“Revolution Of Our Times” Director is Not Afraid: "“No matter how insignificant it is, I'll do it and keep going”
Previously, Part 1:
https://www.facebook.com/2406628919558580/posts/3041807359374063/
Continue with Part 2:
On July 16, 2021, the #CannesFilmFestival in France added #KiwiChow’s “Revolution Of Our Times” to this year’s screening as a last minute surprise. The short film documented the pro-democracy movement sparked off by an extradition law in Hong Kong in 2019.
“No matter how insignificant it is, I'll do it and keep going”
Kiwi Chow said, “[If] I leave Hong Kong, it is going to be painful and fearful for me. So, I am in fact too scared to leave Hong Kong for now. Although it might sound contradictory, I am staying behind to find freedom, to be free from fear.”
Chow continued to say that his decision to stay in Hong Kong is connected to his religious belief. “I believe in freedom and justice. I want to practice what I believe. Now I am presented this opportunity to practice it, so I must hold on and carry it through.”
Chow also mentioned that a businessman approached him two years ago to produce a documentary about the anti-extradition movement. Although Chow specializes primarily in feature films, he saw it as an appropriate role for him to contribute. “No matter how insignificant my role is going to be, I'll do it and keep going.”
In another interview on Ming Pao Weekly, Chow said he felt blessed that the documentary was accepted and shown in the Cannes Film Festival, so that people around the world can come to understand the movement taking place in Hong Kong.
Chow said he is hoping the film would send a message of empathy, justice, and freedom. He does not want history to be distorted, and it is never his intention to spread hatred.
"I am a film director, and I documented this movement. As to what the audience may take from the film, it is beyond my control. In this documentary, I recorded what happened. The scenes, the people and their voices captured in this documentary are real. That’s what I want to let the world know and understand.”
#KiwiChow #RevolutionOfOurTimes #Art #KeepTheFaith
Source: Stand News #Jul17
https://bit.ly/37zcPdX
“Revolution Of Our Times” Director is Not Afraid: "“No matter how insignificant it is, I'll do it and keep going”
Previously, Part 1:
https://www.facebook.com/2406628919558580/posts/3041807359374063/
Continue with Part 2:
On July 16, 2021, the #CannesFilmFestival in France added #KiwiChow’s “Revolution Of Our Times” to this year’s screening as a last minute surprise. The short film documented the pro-democracy movement sparked off by an extradition law in Hong Kong in 2019.
“No matter how insignificant it is, I'll do it and keep going”
Kiwi Chow said, “[If] I leave Hong Kong, it is going to be painful and fearful for me. So, I am in fact too scared to leave Hong Kong for now. Although it might sound contradictory, I am staying behind to find freedom, to be free from fear.”
Chow continued to say that his decision to stay in Hong Kong is connected to his religious belief. “I believe in freedom and justice. I want to practice what I believe. Now I am presented this opportunity to practice it, so I must hold on and carry it through.”
Chow also mentioned that a businessman approached him two years ago to produce a documentary about the anti-extradition movement. Although Chow specializes primarily in feature films, he saw it as an appropriate role for him to contribute. “No matter how insignificant my role is going to be, I'll do it and keep going.”
In another interview on Ming Pao Weekly, Chow said he felt blessed that the documentary was accepted and shown in the Cannes Film Festival, so that people around the world can come to understand the movement taking place in Hong Kong.
Chow said he is hoping the film would send a message of empathy, justice, and freedom. He does not want history to be distorted, and it is never his intention to spread hatred.
"I am a film director, and I documented this movement. As to what the audience may take from the film, it is beyond my control. In this documentary, I recorded what happened. The scenes, the people and their voices captured in this documentary are real. That’s what I want to let the world know and understand.”
#KiwiChow #RevolutionOfOurTimes #Art #KeepTheFaith
Source: Stand News #Jul17
https://bit.ly/37zcPdX
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#China uses #coronavirus warning app to stifle #dissent
//China's #COVID19 warning app enables health authorities to move quickly against a virus outbreak. But it seems officials also use the app to stop perfectly healthy people from doing what Beijing doesn't want them to do. And the target is dissidents.//
Watch the video:
https://www.dw.com/en/china-uses-coronavirus-warning-app-to-stifle-dissent/av-62501253
Source: DW #Jul17
#HealthCode #MassSurveillance #Beijing #Authoritarianism
//China's #COVID19 warning app enables health authorities to move quickly against a virus outbreak. But it seems officials also use the app to stop perfectly healthy people from doing what Beijing doesn't want them to do. And the target is dissidents.//
Watch the video:
https://www.dw.com/en/china-uses-coronavirus-warning-app-to-stifle-dissent/av-62501253
Source: DW #Jul17
#HealthCode #MassSurveillance #Beijing #Authoritarianism
HK Authorities continue Exploiting National Security to Erode Media Neutrality
Source: Inmediahk; #Jul17
#OCFA #NationalSecurityLaw #NSL
Read more
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Source: Inmediahk; #Jul17
#OCFA #NationalSecurityLaw #NSL
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
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
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