The recent arrests under Hong Kong's national security law serve as a reminder that no one is safe from the reach of Article 23. The apprehensions, including prominent activist Chow Hang-tung, instill fear and raise concerns about freedom of expression and the rule of law. The use of the law to target individuals and suppress dissent has a chilling effect on society. It underscores the need for continued vigilance in protecting fundamental rights and preserving the autonomy of Hong Kong. #Article23 #NationalSecurityLaw #HongKong #FreedomOfExpression #RuleOfLaw

https://hongkongfp.com/2024/05/28/breaking-6-arrested-under-hong-kongs-new-security-law/

In a deeply troubling development, 14 Hong Kong democrats have been found guilty while 2 were acquitted in an unfair trial that lacked a jury and involved judges appointed by the government. This landmark national security case not only undermines citizens' voting rights but also raises serious doubts about the impartiality and fairness of the proceedings. The absence of a jury denies defendants their right to a trial by their peers, further eroding the principles of justice. Upholding democratic values and safeguarding individual rights must remain a top priority. #HongKong #UnfairTrial #NoJury #AppointedJudges #VotingRights #NationalSecurityCase #JusticeUnderThreat

https://hongkongfp.com/2024/05/30/breaking-14-hong-kong-democrats-convicted-2-cleared-of-conspiring-to-commit-subversion-in-landmark-national-security-trial/

The Hong Kong court twisted logic and law to imprison opposition figures and strip away citizens' voting rights. They exploited the broad definitions of the national security law, labeling peaceful actions as subversion. The court equated legislative activities with unlawful conspiracy, undermining democracy. They ignored the defense's argument and extended "unlawful means" to non-criminal acts. This sets a dangerous precedent, allowing the government to criminalize dissent. The trial unjustly imprisoned individuals and eroded voting rights, undermining democracy. This highlights the erosion of Hong Kong's autonomy and the need for international support.

Credit: @mwcartoons @renews_hk @inmediahknet

#HongKong #PoliticalRepression #TwistedLogic #StrippedRights #VotingRights #RuleOfLaw

"Six participants in the Hong Kong pro-democracy primary face charges of 'conspiring to subvert state power.' Defense argues their innocence, but judges' unprofessional and disrespectful attitude, joking about not reading the submissions, raises concerns about impartiality. The case highlights the need for fair and unbiased proceedings. #HongKong #ProDemocracy #SubversionCharges #FairTrial #JudicialAttitude"

Selina Cheng, the current HKJA president, was dismissed by WSJ allegedly due to her presidency role. This event has raised concerns about press freedom and the challenges faced by journalists in Hong Kong. Cheng's situation underscores the complexities journalists encounter in the region.

Threats to press freedom by the Hong Kong government have far-reaching implications beyond the city, impacting international media coverage, global perceptions, trust in institutions, journalists' work, diaspora communities, and the global media landscape.

#HongKong #PressFreedom #HKJA #WSJDismissal

In the '818 Flowing Procession' case at Victoria Park in 2019, final appeal by Jimmy Lai, Lee Cheuk-yan, Wu Chi-wai, Leung Kwok-hung, Claudia Mo, Martin Lee, and Albert Ho for illegal assembly charges unanimously rejected by the Court of Final Appeal. Chief Justice Zhang Juneng emphasizes UK legal precedents differ from HK's context. Overseas judge David Neuberger, part of the ruling, finds no distinction in assessing restrictions on assembly rights between the two jurisdictions. Citizens left confused as judges no longer follow common law practice, influenced by China. #818Protests #JudicialIndependence #OverseasJudges #HongKong

"In the '818 Flowing Procession' case, HK's Court of Final Appeal rejects appeals by Jimmy Lai, Lee Cheuk-yan, Wu Chi-wai, and others for 'participating in a gathering,' sparking controversy over alleged damage to assembly rights. Former HK Governor Patten criticizes the ruling's injustice. Int'l concern mounts over unfair trials in HK. Lord Patterson comments: 'This unjust verdict is worsened by Lord Neuberger's involvement.' HK gov't condemns Patten's 'malicious defamation.' #HongKong #RuleOfLaw #JusticeSystem"

In Hong Kong, Security Chief Tang's intrusion into press freedom sparks worry as truth-telling writers face warnings to 'tread carefully.' Tang cautions media editors against publishing anti-government pieces, stressing writers' accountability. Ming Pao's chief editor also advises columnists to exercise caution amid hints of looming crises. These events unfolded recently, prompting netizens to draw parallels between these warnings and underworld 'watch your step' advice, reminiscent of gangster-like directives. #HongKong #FreedomOfSpeech #MediaScrutiny