📡Guardians of Hong Kong aka BeWater HK
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We provide translation of news in English from local media and other sources, for academic use.
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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
Commemorating Tragic Loss in Anti-Extradition Protest
Supporters Risk Littering Fine with Floral Tributes


Source: Panda; #Jun15

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Commemorating Tragic Loss in Anti-Extradition Protest
Supporters Risk Littering Fine with Floral Tributes


June 15th marks the fourth memorial of the tragic death of Marco Leung Ling-kit, who fell from a height at #Admiralty #Pacific Place. His passing remains a solemn reminder of the #AntiExtradition Law Amendment Bill (#AntiELAB) protest in Hong Kong in 2019. This day holds significant importance as it honors the memory of Leung and reflects upon the events that unfolded during the movement.

Leung's untimely demise, coupled with the Hong Kong government's failure to respond to the demands of pro-democracy protesters to #WithdrawTheBill, gave rise to a subsequent mass protest involving two million Hong Kongers. The resounding slogan "Not disbanding until withdrawal" echoed throughout the city as a symbol of unity and resilience.

Unlike previous years, there were no uniformed police officers stationed at the site on this occasion. However, a considerable number of plainclothes police officers were scattered in the vicinity. They did not interfere with citizens who came to pay tribute to Leung and allowed them to stand and observe a moment of silence. Nevertheless, when individuals placed their floral tributes at the designated flowerbeds, plainclothes officers holding "fixed penalty tickets" swiftly emerged from all sides, warning that failure to retrieve the flowers would result in a littering fine.

The white flowers that had been placed in the flowerbeds earlier were respectfully removed by cleaning workers around 8 o'clock in the evening.

Source: Panda; #Jun15

https://www.facebook.com/100075850610487/posts/pfbid029z6nvuj5jMETf2e2LreuKtvBxT1Tw2LXm4t1CdC7z97YGzu4MWDGoQDfL19xGDvol/
Lester Shum's Hopeful Message from behind the bar: Resiliance in the Face of loss

Source: Lester Shum Facebook; #Jun12

#LesterShum #NationalSecurityLaw #NSL #Birthday

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Lester Shum's Hopeful Message from behind the bar: Resiliance in the Face of loss

Lester Shum Ngo-fai is one of the pro-democracy politicians, lawyers, scholars, journalists, NGO workers and activists being arrested by the National Security Police in Hong Kong over their involvement in a planned Legislative Council primary election in January 2021. The incident came to be known as the arrest of “Hong Kong 47”, which symbolises the death of the city’s civil society.

On June 12, Shum found himself spending yet another birthday behind prison walls. A heartfelt message was shared on his personal social media account, managed by his devoted wife, seeking birthday blessings and support.

The Facebook post acknowledges that this marks Shum's third consecutive birthday spent in confinement, reminding us of the sacrifices he has made for his beliefs.

With a bittersweet smile, he has often joked about how time flies, going from a vibrant 27-year-old to now carrying the weight of turning 30. He seeks solace and support from the community, hoping to gather well-wishes that will uplift his spirit during this difficult time.

Shum yearns for a future where he can once again stand alongside his fellow "friends" in the struggle, reunite with his family, and celebrate together. He dreams of the simple joys of cutting a birthday cake, decorating a Christmas tree, personally presenting flowers to loved ones on Valentine's Day, and sharing a heartfelt meal with his parents on Mother's and Father's Day. Though these wishes may seem distant in their current circumstances, their hope for realization remains strong.

As we enter June 2023, Shum sends his sincerest wishes for peace to all. "Though we may lack material possessions, our hearts are filled with abundance," as Shum wrote in his post.

Source: Lester Shum Facebook; #Jun12

#LesterShum #NationalSecurityLaw #NSL #Birthday

https://www.facebook.com/100083258981625/posts/pfbid02P8GynPToThwnghaHfKkBnwY7dKi7Ka9bjBwgmyXt4HvXmQi9DnDkoPrn4tkUZFQ4l/?mibextid=cr9u03
HKers were Attacked in Southampton after Attending 612 Assembly

There was an assembly at Southampton marking the 4th year of the #June12 incident on Sunday (11th) in Southampton, UK. Some participants were injured by some #LittlePink, shocking the overseas HongKongers' group.

Tom, one of 4 victims, expressed in an interview at #ChaserNews that he could not imagine being attacked after joining a rally with his friends in the UK, given that the UK is a country that values ​​freedom of speech and assembly.

The British police indicated in a media inquiry that the case has been classified as a "hate crime".

Tom said that the police force is gradually taking statements from them.

#UoS #UniversityofSouthampton #UK #Southampton #Bargate #ChineseOverseasStudent

Source: The Chaser News #Jun12

https://thechasernews.co.uk/612%E5%9B%9B%E5%91%A8%E5%B9%B4%EF%BD%9C%E5%B0%88%E8%A8%AA%E4%BF%AE%E5%92%B8%E9%A0%93%E9%81%87%E8%A5%B2%E6%B8%AF%E4%BA%BA/
Hong Kong: Tech Firms Should Oppose Protest Song Ban

Tech companies should oppose the Hong Kong government’s application for an injunction to ban broadcasting and distribution of the 2019 protest song, “Glory to Hong Kong,” Human Rights Watch said today.

In a June 20, 2023 letter, more than 24 human rights and digital rights groups urged companies including Apple, Google, Meta, Twitter, and Spotify to oppose a potential injunction by the High Court of Hong Kong to protect the right to freedom of expression and access to information in Hong Kong and around the world. The injunction, if ordered by the court, would require that companies remove the song from their respective platforms, effectively banning it online.

#Injunction #Protest #Song #HongKong #GlorytoHongKong

Source: Human Right Watch #Jun21

https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/06/20/hong-kong-tech-firms-should-oppose-protest-song-ban
Young pro-democracy Christian asks: Would the outcome have been different if more Christians had been willing to join their cause?

Source: The Voice; #Jun12

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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