📡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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#FailedState
Hong Kong police job vacancies rise for 4th consecutive year

//Vacancies in the Hong Kong Police Force have risen for the fourth straight year, recent government figures showed.

... the Secretary for Security said in a written response that there have been 5,706 openings during the 2021-2022 financial year so far – an 8 per cent increase from the previous year when there were 5,258 vacancies.

The number of vacancies in 2018-2019 and 2019-20 were 1,440 and 2,235, respectively.

The figures – up until December 31 last year – show that most vacancies were for rank and file, or junior police officer, positions. The 2021-2022 recruitment target for junior police officers was 1,350. Just 423 have joined the force.

Months-long protests and unrest in the summer of 2019, initially against a controversial extradition bill, caused the city’s trust in the police force to plummet...//

Source: Hong Kong Free Press #Jan21

#Police #Recruitment
Production of Judgement for all activists court cases. Young Lawyers to gather community powers to fill the gap of Hong Kong History.

By Translated by Guardians of Hong Kong – August 23, 2021 • 19 January 2022

https://telegra.ph/Production-of-Judgement-for-all-activists-court-cases-Young-Lawyers-to-gather-community-powers-to-fill-the-gap-of-Hong-Kong-Hist-01-19

Within 2 years, there have been over 2,608 Hongkongers being arrested and charged since the outbreak of 2019 - 20 social movements. Apart from serious cases, Magistracies deal with most of the cases. There is growing public awareness on these cases.

However, while cases in Magistracies do not have judgements for public search, record of these court proceedings can only be relied on reporters and members of public in the courts. They take notes manually and publish the contents in Telegram channels. Yet, no proper complete records of the entire proceedings are kept.  

Source: The Stand News #Aug07

#Production #Judgement #Court #HongKong #History
#June4th #Tienanmen
June 4 Slogan Outside HKU Swire Hall Barricaded; University Cites Maintenance Reasons

Source: WhatsNews Media, Undergrad; #Jan29

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#June4th #Tienanmen
June 4 Slogan Outside HKU Swire Hall Barricaded; University Cites Maintenance Reasons

Since the end of 2021, numerous June Fourth artefacts have been removed from the grounds of various universities, including the Pillar of Shame in the University of Hong Kong (#HKU), the Goddess of Democracy in the Chinese University of Hong Kong (#CUHK), and the June Fourth Commemorative Relief and “Goddess of Democracy” spray art in Lingnan University (#LingU).

Since around 0930 on #Jan29, the June Fourth slogan outside of HKU’s Swire Hall has been barricaded by the university, with personnel at the site stating that they were there on behalf of “beautification works”.

Undergrad, one of HKU’s campus media, have enquired HKU’s Communications and Public Affairs Office, who stated that the site was barricaded due to a “scheduled maintenance” of the site.

Jason Wong Ching Hin, elected full-time undergraduate student of the University Council, arrived at the site in the afternoon, and stated to the press that he did not know about the incident prior, questioning the University's self-censorship and expressed confusion why the University would “attract attention with this unnecessary move”.

In 1989, then chairperson of Swire Hall Students' Association Cheung Yui Fai and his fellow schoolmates, angered at the Chinese Government's massacre at Tiananmen Square, wrote a banner on a piece of black cloth that reads:-

Cold-blooded Massacre, Martyrs’ Souls Enduring; Eliminate Evil, Undying Democracy Flames.
冷血屠城 烈士英魂不朽 誓殲豺狼 民主星火不滅

The paint seeped through the black banner and remained on the bridge. After this, HKU students and Swire Hall residents would repaint the slogan every year as a way to keep the June Fourth Spirit going.

Source: WhatsNews Media (https://www.whatsnewsmedia.com/6831/15/03/02/), Undergrad (https://www.instagram.com/p/CZTuKgxBOAX/); #Jan29
#WhiterTerror #Censorship
Unions registry demands answers from Hong Kong Journalists Assoc. over film screenings, book events, social media posts

Source: Hong Kong Free Press #Jan22

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#WhiterTerror #Censorship
Unions registry demands answers from Hong Kong Journalists Association (#HKJA) over film screenings, book events, social media posts

//Hong Kong’s Registry of Trade Unions (#RTU) has launched a probe into the city’s largest press group, asking them to provide answers how certain events they held were relevant to their objectives.

The list of events included movie screenings and book launches. The association was also asked about social media posts during the anti-extradition bill protests and unrest, and how they were relevant to HKJA’s objectives.

The HKJA was criticised by Secretary for Security Chris Tang in September last year. Tang accused it accused it of “infiltrating” campuses to “rope in” student journalists as members.

The association had since hit back at the criticism, saying that it was “factually wrong,” and that Tang’s suggestion to make public membership information may be a violation of the Privacy Ordinance.//

Read the full article:
https://hongkongfp.com/2022/01/21/unions-registry-demands-answers-from-hong-kong-journalists-assoc-over-film-screenings-book-events-social-media-posts/

Source: Hong Kong Free Press #Jan22

#PressFreedom
China Is Pouring Everything Into the Race for AI Supremacy

The full strength of the Communist Party is being focused on a technology that may soon tip the scales of global economic and military dominance.

Artificial intelligence is set to revolutionize the world, empowering those nations that fully harness its potential. While the U.S. is still seen as the world AI leader, China is catching up fast.

Indeed, China aims to surpass the U.S. by 2030, around the same time some observers predict its economy will become the world’s largest. As China’s military capabilities become comparable to or even exceed those of the U.S. in some areas, AI technology may become critical to a fraught global competition that will define this decade—and beyond.

Source: Bloomberg #Oct20

https://t.co/Ait3jF7Mzc

#China #AI #Technology #Competition
#Oppression #PoliceState
Pro-democracy activists Henry Tong and wife left Hong Kong; Managed to overcome bouts of depression

Source: InMediaHK; #Jan18


#WhiteTerror #JointEnterprise #Taiwan #NationalSecurityLaw #PoliceState

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#Oppression #PoliceState
Pro-democracy activists Henry Tong and wife left Hong Kong; Managed to overcome bouts of depression

Henry Tong and his wife Elaine To announced on #Jan17 on their Facebook page that they have left Hong Kong. Due to concerns over the safety of his family and the changing Hong Kong judicial environment, he stated that he “had to physically move away [from Hong Kong]”.

Tong and To (then fiancée) were convicted of rioting in a protest in Sheung Wan on 28 July 2019 (known as the “728 case”) and were later cleared of all charges.

Initially Tong thought the transition should be relatively straightforward, but in reality “it isn’t easy to leave a place where you grew up”. “We have done nothing wrong. Poor governance and policies in the past 20 odd years have turned our lives upside down. In the end it is us who have to go. Why?” He could not help asking himself, in tears with his wife on the plane flying out.

Tong shared his experience of depression after arrival in the first two months. The pain of separation [from his loved ones in Hong Kong] was so raw that he even had suicidal thoughts.

Thanks to the encouragement from his fellow remand prisoners in the 728 case, he managed to overcome this trying time. The group named themselves “turnips” after the worst ever dish they had in custody. Fellow turnips kept reminding him that “the physical distance will not prevent one from pursuing the cause”. Tong said his “primary goals right now are to equip himself and seek opportunities”. He added, regardless of what lies ahead and where he is, his determination will not waver and hope “everyone takes care and we will meet again in Hong Kong”.

See report by HKCNews in Chinese.
https://www.hkcnews.com/article/32370/728%E4%B8%8A%E7%92%B0%E8%A1%9D%E7%AA%81-%E6%9A%B4%E5%8B%95-%E8%B5%B4%E6%B9%AF%E6%9D%9C%E7%81%AB-32392/%E6%9A%B4%E5%8B%95

He posted a photo of him holding a yellow umbrella at Liberty Square in Taipei. He added two lines of text in the photo, showing “wishing everyone a life that is free and equal” and “looking forward to meeting again in Hong Kong”.

In addition, he stated, “afterall, I will stay true to what I believe regardless of what will happen and where I am”.

Henry Tong and his wife used to be fitness coaches and operated a gym together. They closed the gym following Hong Kong’s LeaveHomeSafe app was mandated on 18 February 2021 due to privacy concerns. They also stopped coaching due to suspicious people lurking around where they worked.

See Henry Tong's announcement in Chinese on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/Futongtofor/posts/640198240737765

Source: InMediaHK; #Jan18
https://www.inmediahk.net/node/%E7%A4%BE%E9%81%8B/%E8%B5%B4%E6%B9%AF%E6%9D%9C%E7%81%AB%E9%9B%A2%E6%B8%AF-%E6%B9%AF%E5%81%89%E9%9B%84

#WhiteTerror #JointEnterprise #Taiwan #NationalSecurityLaw #PoliceState

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Related News

"Joint Enterprise" Not Applicable to #Rioting, Hong Kong Top Court Rules; "Only Restoring What the Government Illegally Changed", Says Hongkonger
https://publielectoral.lat/guardiansofhongkong/31388

Chanting protest slogan at home could risk an offence of rioting, legal practitioner warns
https://publielectoral.lat/guardiansofhongkong/25566
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#Economy #FailedState
Recruiters say 'no amount of money' can lure #bankers to #HongKong

//Hong Kong's status as a magnet for international financiers is cratering as firms struggle to coax traders and bankers to move to the once vibrant trading hub.

... The crunch comes as the former British colony is dealing with a growing outflow of expatriates who are frustrated with the city's strict #zeroCovid19 policies. They're abandoning a city where low taxes, ease of travel, top class schools and a vibrant night-life once proved a potent lure.

For some candidates, "no amount of money is going to convince a candidate to go to Hong Kong," said Jason Kennedy, founder of London-based recruiting firm Kennedy Group, which hires traders for hedge funds with offices across Asia.//

Read the full article:
https://www.straitstimes.com/business/banking/recruiters-say-no-amount-of-money-can-lure-bankers-to-hong-kong

Source: Bloomberg #Jan21
Canada Diplomatically Boycotts Beijing Winter Olympics

Source: Stand News #Dec09

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Canada Diplomatically Boycotts Beijing Winter Olympics

#Canada announces that they will join the diplomatic boycott to #Beijing2022 #WinterOlympics, and will not have a delegation to attend.

Canadian President #JustinTrudeau indicated that many partner countries are extremely concerned about the continuous behaviour on #humanrights violation. "We have raised the concerns on China's human rights issues for years, and we have to reiterate our stand to #China."

The spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in Canada stated that #Trudeau had a false accusation on China's "human rights violation". China strongly dissatisfies Canada using this reason to diplomatically boycott the Beijing Winter Olympics and has been raised solemn negotiation to Canada.

The spokesperson says that the Canadian government tragically treats the Aboriginals and that the nationwide ethnic discrimination in Canada is severe. China continues that Canada does not qualify to teach or criticise China about human rights. They suggest that Canada should not politicise sports events and should stop interfering with the hosting of the Beijing Olympics, or else, Canada will bring disgrace to itself.

Source: Stand News #Dec09
#Censorship #Oppression
Hong Kong Government's Double Standard: Patriotism Gets Free Pass in Political Union Activities; Complaints About June 4 Commemorations Will Spring Action


Source: InMediaHK, CRHK #Dec28

#NanjingMassacre #TiananmenMassacre #RedLine

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#Censorship #Oppression
Hong Kong Government's Double Standard: Patriotism Gets Free Pass in Political Union Activities; Complaints About June 4 Commemorations Will Spring Action

Commissioner for Labour Chris Sun Yuk Han was interviewed interview by Commercial Radio on December 28, 2021. When asked about the boundaries that constitutes as “union activities”, Sun claimed that, with activities such as commemorating the #NanjingMassacre, such activities involving patriotism and race are "common sense", and would "not constitute as a violation of the ordinance."

Under the Trade Unions Ordinance, the funds of a registered trade union shall not, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere be applied either directly or indirectly for any political purpose; or be paid or transferred to any person or body of persons in furtherance of any political purpose.

Citing the ordinance, The Labour Department had removed the General Union of Hong Kong Speech Therapist (#GUST) from their registry of unions in October 2021 due to a suspected violation in one of its union activities.

“If it involves patriotism and the importance of the [Chinese] race," Sun said during the interview, "it would be common sense to pay attention to the issue. Unions should do what unions do, but if it is something that should be done under common sense, then do it. You don’t need to worry.”

On the contrary, when asked about commemorating the June 4th #TiananmenMassacre, Sun replied, “if someone submitted a complaint, or if the activities are well beyond what unions should do, we have the responsibility to do something about it.”

Source: InMediaHK, CRHK #Dec28
https://bit.ly/3HdPpdV

#NanjingMassacre #TiananmenMassacre #RedLine
#University
Editorial Committee of Hong Kong Baptist University's Students' Union resigns en masse due to #Censorship

Source: Luminant Hong Kong; #Jan28

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#University
Editorial Committee of Hong Kong Baptist University's Students' Union resigns en masse due to #Censorship

On January 28, 2022, students’ Union Editorial Board of the Hong Kong Baptist University (#HKBU) revealed on Facebook that the university managenent had repeatedly interfered in students' editorial work.

The student board said the university had asked them to stop using the term “Wuhan virus” in their reports, interfered their coverage of the university’s national security curriculum, and asked them to withdraw copies of a recent issue of their student magazine, “Jumbo”.

The board accused the university of suppressing the students' publication, and announced that all its members would resign with immediate effect.

The university, meanwhile, decided to discontinue its relationship with the students' board and terminate students' rights to use all the facilities on campus. The university management claimed that they would take disciplinary action against the students concerned.

Source: Luminant Hong Kong; #Jan28
https://publielectoral.lat/luminanthk/5224

#StudentUnion #PressFreedom #Resignation #HongKongStudents
China harvests masses of data on Western targets to fight the Public Opinion War. Central Propaganda Department staff: To Help understand the anti-China network

Source: MingPao #Jan02

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China harvests masses of data on Western targets to fight the Public Opinion War. Central Propaganda Department staff: To Help understand the anti-China network

The US "Washington Post" published an investigative report on Friday December 31, finding that China began to expand online monitoring and censorship overseas at least two years ago. The Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau and other mainland government departments invite bids from official media and enterprises to build a monitoring system and user profile database to track the information dynamics of Western social media such as Twitter and Facebook in real time, targeting important figures in Western political and business media. The focus includes Hong Kong, Taiwan, Xinjiang, and Sino-US relations. When negative reports and public opinion trends against China, officials will be automatically warned. Some mainland public opinion analysts said that this move is to help Beijing understand foreign anti-China forces in order to fight public opinion wars, but American think tank scholars warned that overseas Chinese will be at risk for everyone’s activities on social media.

Source: MingPao #Jan02

https://news.mingpao.com/pns/%e5%9c%8b%e9%9a%9b/article/20220102/s00014/1641059721108

#China #Monitoring #Database #Twitter #Facebook #HongKong #Taiwan #Xinjiang
#University in Hong Kong demands #StudentUnion to hand over 17 years of audit reports in 2 weeks

Source: Inmediahk; #Jan26

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#University in Hong Kong demands #StudentUnion to hand over 17 years of audit reports in 2 weeks

The Students’ Union of the City University of Hong Kong (#CityU) said it is facing “the largest crisis since its establishment,” as the university management demanded 16 years of audit reports within two weeks and warned of possible punishment if the union did not comply.

In a statement, the student organisation said it had received a letter from the Student Development Services saying that the university was “extremely concerned about the union’s inability to provide the audit reports from 2005 to 2020.”

According to the student union the university also said it may take back its premises and stop the organisation from using “City University of Hong Kong” in its name if it failed to handover the related reports on February 5, 2022.

Acting Internal Affairs of the Student Union, Lee Chun-rui stressed that so much the Union is willing to hand over the audit report, they need more time to compile reports in past 17 years.

In distress and frustrated, Lee said he was only 5 years old, 17 years ago.

Source: Inmediahk; #Jan26
https://bit.ly/3o0Tued

#Suppression #HongKongYouth #University #PoliticalSuppression
#Brainwashing #Education
Universities in Hong Kong to Implement Courses on Modern China and National Security

Source: Inmedia #Jan18
https://bit.ly/3nwAVhB

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