#Court #HongkongersVoice #Letter
Former #StudentsUnion President #OwenAu: "No matter what awaits us in the future, I believe that our generation is one who determines our own destiny"

[Editor's note:

The following is a letter written by Owen Au Cheuk-hei, the former president of the Students' Union of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (#CUHK). The letter was submitted to the Kowloon City Magistrates' Court in Hong Kong on May18, 2021, where the 22-year-old Au was trialed for "participating in an unauthorized assembly", "possessing weapons" and "obstructing justice" among other charges in a pro-democracy protest on October 20, 2019.

On the same day in court, Au has been convicted and the court will deliver his sentence on June 2, 2021.]

Previously, Part 1:
https://publielectoral.lat/guardiansofhongkong/29797

Part 2:
https://publielectoral.lat/guardiansofhongkong/29805

Part 3:

"...Nobel Prize laureate Albert Camus used to say, 'Each generation doubtless feels called upon to reform the world. Mine knows that it will not reform it, but its task is perhaps even greater. It consists in preventing the world from destroying itself.'

Due to historical reasons, our generation has no choice but to be born into a Hong Kong where political rights and the room for free speech are dwindling day by day.

Two summers ago, we chose to fight back against the fate that was forced upon us, demonstrating to the world our determination to take hold of our own destiny. Now is the time that we take up the responsibility for our choice.

The world is changing, perhaps for better, or perhaps it is crumbling. But no matter what awaits us in the future, I believe that our generation is one who determines our own destiny:

we all hold fast to our own duties in our own ways, striving to create a new, beautiful era that we can truly call our own."

Source: InMedia #May18
https://bit.ly/3tQqQg0

#PoliticalProsecution #PoliticalPrisoner #PoliticalSuppression #PoliceState #HongKongProtests #AntiELAB

#PoliticalProsecution #PoliticalPrisoner
#Letter from Jailed Activist #FigoChan: "As long as we keep our faith, we can advance through adversity together"

Figo Chan, League of Social Democrats committee member and vice-convener of Civil Human Rights Front, was handed a heavy sentence of 18 months for organising a march on Oct 1 2019, which the police deemed an unlawful assembly.

Before his sentence was announced, Chan wrote an open letter to Hong Kongers to thank them for giving their all to fight for democracy, freedom, human rights and justice.

He also said that, although Hong Kongers have a tough road ahead, “don’t forget, the seeds we've sown will certainly lead to a harvest in the future."

In the letter he wrote on May 22, 2021, Chan thanked Hong Kongers for their effort that raised worldwide attention to the Anti-ELAB movement and forced the government to withdraw the act. He felt “proud and touched”.

He also mentioned, although more and more activists are sentenced to prison for violating the National Anthem Ordinance and the National Security Law, Hong Kongers should persist in their belief.

“The road to democracy is very long. As long as we keep our faith, we can advance through adversity together. One day, we will meet again under the pot (Legislature Council Complex)."

Now that Civil Human Rights Front (#CHRF) is facing the risk of being banned by the government, Chan said that although he is being imprisoned, “I still insist that CHRF will not disband until the end. I also hope everyone will still keep fighting for Hong Kong, and speak up on June 4, July 1, etc on behalf of the arrested, exiled, in the name of freedom”.

In closing, he wrote: “There is hope as long as we are still here. Five demands, not one less! May glory be to Hong Kong.”

Source: Apple Daily #May28
https://bit.ly/2RQxGVP

#PoliceState #Court #NeverGiveUp #AntiELAB #HongKongProtests

#FailedState
HK Government suspected of un-shelving another 16 books involving topics of #CivilDisobedience and #Protests in #PublicLibrary

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (#LCSD) of the Hong Kong Government is suspected of un-shelving 16 books from public libraries.

These include:

- The writings of pro-democracy activist and former law professor Benny Tai;

- Reverend Chu Yiu-ming's “Civil Disobedience and the Occupation of Central: Reflections on the Faith of Christians in Hong Kong” (公民抗命與佔領中環：香港基督徒的信仰省思);

- “To All of Those Who Have Worn Black Before” (給穿過黑衣的人) by Scholarism;

- Former legislator Raymond Wong Yuk-man’s book “I Wouldn’t Have Argued If I Did’t Have To” (予豈好辯哉).

In addition, the two issues of “#Breakazine!” about the Anti-Extradition Law (#AntiELAB) Protest, are also removed.

These 16 books were all published before the #NationalSecurityLaw came into effect, yet they are no longer available on the public library website.

So far, the government has removed at least 34 books in total.

Source: Apply Daily #May29

https://bit.ly/2R20IRR

#NSL #Censorship #BannedBooks #Regime #DissentLiterature

#PoliticalProsecution
Former Reporter Charged with Rioting in Hong Kong: Losing the 612 Fund is Like Losing a Backing

Since 2019, the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund have been providing financial support to the pro-democracry protesters arrested in the #AntiELAB movement in Hong Kong. On August 18, 2021, the Fund annouced that they would suspend their operation. Their record shows that there are still 1,274 ongoing cases as of May 2021.

Ari (a pseudonym), who was previously a #AppleDaily reporter and currently unemployed, was charged with rioting during the AntiELAB movement in 2019. She is one of the arrested persons receiving support from the 612 Fund.

She described the 612 Fund as a firm backing the arrested people who were unsure about their future and struggle to live normally. The Fund relieved part of their financial burden; however, after the suspension of the Fund, Ari would hesitate before filing a legal review, if she would be convicted.

Source: InMediaHK #Oct02
https://bit.ly/3aoZeY3

#612Fund #612HumantarianReliefFund #Court #Freedom #Trial #Riots #Appeal

HK Documentary about #PolyUSiege Wins Grand Prize at International Documentary Festival in Japan

The documentary "Inside the Red Brick Wall", chronicling the 13-day police siege of #PolyU during the #AntiELAB movement, has won the grand prize at Japan's #Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival. This honor has never been won by a Hong Kong film in its three-decade history, until now.

The film was selected as the best Hong Kong film of 2020 by the Hong Kong Film Critics Society. However, it had been shunned by local cinemas after pro-government media labeled it anti-police and anti-government. Its premiere was cancelled only hours before its showing by the hosting cinema.

The panel of judges noted that the documentary showed citizens and students being trapped by the police inside Polytechnic University; it documented the reality of youngsters, including minors, as they faced these dire circumstances, whether or not they had food. Live footage also showed photographers being fired upon within the campus

[editor's note: according to statistics from Hong Kong Journalists Association, 3 journalists had been shot with pepper balls at close range].

The film itself carries historical significance.

The film's directors, listed as "Hong Kong Documentary Filmmakers", thanked the organizers through a pre-recorded video. They said that under Hong Kong's current oppressive environment, they must regroup and be formless like water, but believed that "we'll walk together again".

"To all who believe in freedom", they added, "The only response to oppression is resistance. We will keep moving, and keep on filming."

Source: Citizen News #Oct13
https://bit.ly/3awuc0v

#Film #Documentary #Resistance #ProtestArt #FilmFestival

HK Protest-themed Movie Receives Multiple Nominations in Taiwan's #GoldenHorseAwards but Cannot Be Screened At Home

"May You Stay Forever Young" is a Hong Kong film which portrays the "suicide rescue team" during the 2019 Anti-ELAB movement.

The movie is nominated for Best New Director and the Best Film Editing in the 58th Taiwan Golden Horse Awards.

On October 11, 2021, the film publishes its first promotional video. At the end of the clip, there is no screening date but the line "Cannot be screened in Hong Kong".

The trailer is 2 mins 33 seconds long, filled with protest related images. The video starts with a confrontation between police and citizens on Queensway and ends with a scene filled with umbrellas. Images of guns and incendiaries are also featured in the clip.

#AntiELAB #Protest #HongKongMovie #Taiwan #Censorship

Source: Stand News #Oct14
https://thestandnews.page.link/Arx5aymZG6KMJt9y9

Former District Councillors Participated in Demonstration in the UK

Oct 1 is the China National Day. More than 100 HKers gathered for an assembly at Piccadilly Gardens in #Manchester, #UK. Event organisers included former Tuen Mun #DistrictCouncillor (DC) Chris Tsang Chun-Hing and Former Wan Chai DC Clara Cheung. They both mentioned that #HKers should promote our local culture in the UK.

The event lasted for half an hour and was hosted by Abingo, Social Media Page #ManchesteHongKong administrator. Aged 30, he arrived UK half a year ago with a BN(O) visa. He explained that the assembly's theme is "#WeUnion", as the speakers combined with #valiant and #PRN, hoping that HKers would not be easily separated.

Former DC: Build the culture and identity from daily to arts

Chris Tang, former Tuen Mun DC, was one of the organisers. He arrived UK a few months ago with BN(O). He used "#MIRROR", a Hong Kong Cantopop boy group, as an example that there were cheering events in London which stated that HKers could export the culture in daily life in the UK. He also hoped to become a bridge between people in the UK and HKers, building up linkage with them and letting people in the UK to understand the Hong Kong situation.

Clara Cheung, Former Wan Chai DC, was also one of the organisers. She was previously an art curator and she actively integrated art into community while at the position. She indicated that the Hong Kong cultural sector was discussing how to bring Hong Kong cultural art to the world. And that "HKers are now scattered across the world". As long as we proactively create artworks, it will build HKers identity. She also believed that HKers should communicate with other exile people who have similar ideas and share cultural assets such as Cantopop, Hong Kong food as well as stories. Throughout the interaction, HKers can build their own culture.

Editor note: In the #AntiELAB movement in 2019, Hong Kong protesters are classified into 2 groups - "the valiant" and "the PRN". "Valiant" refers to people in the frontline who clash directly with the police. "PRN" means "peaceful, rational, nonviolent" people who support peaceful rallies and marches.

#ChinaNationalDay #SelfIdentity #HKculture #BNO

Source: Stand News, HKU #Oct02

https://bit.ly/3H0uL1l https://www.interpreting.hku.hk/glossary/?p=71706

Activist Edward Leung to be Released from Prison After 6-Year Sentence; Family Asks Hongkongers to Consider Personal Safety

Pro-democracy activist and former spokeperson of #HongKongIndigenous #EdwardLeung Tin-kei will be released from jail on January 19, 2022. He is expected to leave #ShekPikPrison on Lantau Island in the morning.

On January 18, 2022, Leung's family announced on his Facebook page that "there is no need to travel a long way to Shek Pik"; they "hope to soon reunite with Edward"; and fellow Hongkongers shall "consider their personal safety first." In order to better protect Leung, his famiky decided to shut down the Facebook page by midnight of January 19, 2022.

Before being jailed, Leung joined Hong Kong Indigenous, a political group founded by #RoyYeung, in 2015. In February 2016, Leung won 66,000 votes in the New Territories East By-election. His campaign slogan was "Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of Our Times." The government disqualified his candidiacy in the Legislative Election in the same year.

In June 2018, he was convicted of assaulting an officer and riotting in the 2016 #FishballRevolution, and was sentenced to 6 years in jail.

During the 2019 #AntiELAB movement, Leung sent an open letter to #Hongkongers from the prison, telling his fellow citizens "not to be overtaken by hatred; and to stay alert and continue to think during difficult times".

Leung has been relocated to Cat. A in the prison and placed in isolated cell since last year.

Source: InMediaHK #Jan18
https://bit.ly/33LBsFn

#Release #PoliticalPrisoner

#UK #Migration #Hongkonger
Hong Kong Immigrants in Britain are showing a flair for protest

//Between January and September last year [2021] 88,000 Hong Kongers applied to move to Britain under the British National (Overseas) visa route, which was created by the government in response to the crackdown on democracy in Hong Kong. Many of them have been quick to stage in their adopted home the traditions of their old one.

The protest in Edinburgh was one of at least ten held across Britain in January alone. Some demonstrations in London have attracted almost 1,000 people. For a modest-sized group of new immigrants, the speed and scale with which the Hong Kongers have taken to the streets is striking.

Hong Kongers say that the main reason they keep protesting is because objectionable things keep happening. January’s protests have been focused on the issue of press freedom: in December and January two of Hong Kong’s last remaining independent news outlets closed after their offices were raided by police and journalists were arrested. Further protests will probably be held in February to call for a boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics, which start on February 4th...

Hong Kongers who have fled the Chinese Communist Party’s crackdown on the city were specifically driven to leave by sudden restrictions on their rights of free speech and free assembly. The point of moving was to regain those freedoms for themselves and their children. Although many Hong Kongers in Britain still fear the Communist Party, failing to protest in Britain would be cowardly, argues Ken: “If I am silent here I am just helping them.”//

Read the full article:
https://t.co/u1j42pubny

Source: Economist #Feb22

#BNO #Protest #AntiELAB

#ProtestArt
Pro-democracy documentary depicting Anti-ELAB movement in Hong Kong in 2019 sets for international viewing on Vimeo in June

The award recognised documentary, Revolution of Our Times will soon be released internationally on Vimeo, an online streaming platform, on June 1, 2022.

The team of the documentary told supporters on the Facebook page that they want to let the world witness the determination and courage of the Hongkongers in the pursuit of democracy and freedom.

"Never forget why we started this journey, we hope the documentary will travel far, and reach out to more people," the team wrote.

#KiwiChow #ANTIELAB #PoliceState #PoliticalOppression

Pre-order links:
English only subtitled version
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/revolutionofourtimeseng

Chinese and English subtitled version https://vimeo.com/ondemand/revolutionofourtimes

Source: Inmediahk; #May27

"Glory HK": #Hongkongers Raise Glowing Signs amid Storm Clouds on Lion Rock

In Hong Kong, a group of pro-democracy citizens braved the heavy rain and hiked to the top of the #LionRock on the evening of June 9, 2022.

On the mountain, they displayed the light signs that spelled "Glory HK", to commemorate the third anniversary of the 2019 June 9 #AntiExtradition protest march.

When the group reached the summit, however, the hill was shrouded by dense clouds and heavy rain, with a thunderstorm warning from the weather observatory. After discussing their options, the group decided to carry through and set up the sign while they waited for the clouds to clear. Their patience was rewarded after waiting for over an hour; the clouds cleared for a brief moment, and Hong Kong's city lights come into view behind their glowing sign.

Speaking to a reporter, the organizer likened the weather atop the mountain to the outlook for Hong Kong's future: full of dark clouds, but there will be light for those who hold on to the end.

"The oppression keeps Hongkongers from speaking our minds, and even rational debates on the Internet risk violating the authority's red line; however, the beliefs of Hongkongers 3 years ago surely remain engraved in our hearts, and they will never change," said one of the participants.

Source: Boomhead #Jun9

#June9 #GloryToHongKong #AntiELAB #KeepTheFaith #NeverForget #3Years

See also:

Two Years into Hongkongers' #FightForFreedom: "Keep the Faith, Until Darkness Gives Away to the Glorious Dawn and Freedom Returns to Our Land"

https://publielectoral.lat/guardiansofhongkong/30108

June 9, 2019: 1 Million Pro-Democracy #Hongkongers in #AntiExtradition Protest

https://publielectoral.lat/guardiansofhongkong/32866

Overseas Hongkongers Commemorate the 3rd Anniversary of #AntiELAB Movement

In face of the political suppression in Hong Kong, overseas Hongkongers showed solidarity and carried on the "be water" strategy.

On June 12, 2022, overseas Hongkongers initiated commemorative events for the 2019 Anti-extradition Protests in over 43 cities in 11 countries across the world. In Australia alone, a number of activities like demonstrations, seminars, screenings and exhibitions were held in six major cities.

Source: SBS #Jun13

https://www.sbs.com.au/chinese/cantonese/zh-hant/third-anniversary-of-the-2019-hong-kong-movement-in-australia

#Court
Man who Posted Video of Olympic Gold Ceremony with "Glory to Hong Kong" Now Charged with "Insulting National Anthem of China"

When Hong Kong fencer #CheungKaLong won a #GoldMedal at the #TokyoOlympics in July 2021, many Hongkongers were overjoyed. Among them, a 27-year-old man published a video of the medal ceremony on the Internet, replacing the audio of China's national anthem with "Glory to Hong Kong," an anthem of the 2019 #AntiELAB movement.

One year later, the man was now charged with "insulting the national anthem of China" and "insulting the emblem of the Hong Kong SAR."

The case was heard in the Eastern Magistrates on July 22, 2022. The man was not represented by any counsel. The magistrate accepted the man's request to postpone the hearing to September 2, 2022, so that the man can look for a lawyer.

Source: InMedia #Jul22
https://bit.ly/3aVGjYS

#NationalAnthemOrdinance #PoliceState #Censorship #GlorytoHongKong #Sport #OnlineVideo #HongKongAthlete

Hong Kong prisons work to compel loyalty to China among young activists

The day begins with goose-stepping. In the prison yards of juvenile facilities across Hong Kong, young men and women practice the form of marching used by the Chinese military, kicking their legs up high as guards yell out commands.

In their mud-colored uniforms, the prisoners look almost indistinguishable from military recruits. But before they were detained, these inmates were foot soldiers in Hong Kong’s fight for greater democratic freedoms.

Arrested for their involvement in the 2019 mass protests that saw almost a third of the population take to the streets, the detainees are now the latest subjects in China’s decades-long experiment in political control. The goal is to “deradicalize” them, echoing efforts honed by Beijing from the 1989 crackdown on Tiananmen Square protesters up to the forced detention and reeducation of Uyghur Muslims, though the Hong Kong version is not on the industrial scale of the repression in Xinjiang.

The deradicalization program includes pro-China propaganda lectures and psychological counseling that leads to detainees confessing to holding extreme views, and it is accompanied by a system of close monitoring and punishment, including solitary confinement, inside the juvenile facilities, former prisoners and guards said. As of April 30, 871 juvenile inmates had participated in the program, the Hong Kong Correctional Services Department (CSD) said, about 70 percent of them charged in connection with the 2019 protests. Some are as young as 14.

Hong Kong officials have refused to provide any specifics about what deradicalization — or “targeted rehabilitation,” as they call it — entails. But The Washington Post spoke to 10 former juvenile prisoners and three prisoners formerly held in adult facilities, all arrested in connection with the 2019 protests, as well as two former employees at the CSD who described the program and how it has evolved over the past year. All spoke under the condition of anonymity or only wanted their first name used for fear of repercussions, including additional prison time or retaliation from the authorities.

The ultimate objective, according to a former prison guard, is to create a feeling of hopelessness among prisoners, deterring the youngest former protesters from activism or even seeing a future in Hong Kong.

“It was explicitly said to us that by the end of their sentence, the goal is to ensure the desire of these inmates to continue doing political stuff is less and less, and that they instead look for ways to leave Hong Kong,” said the former prison guard.

One former prisoner, Leo, said: “What really slowly wears down your will to fight is the everyday living in prison … [being] targeted, oppressed, silenced.”

“This is the brainwashing that happens 24 hours a day,” he said.

Full article from Washington Post #Jun08:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/interactive/2023/deradicalization-hong-kong-democracy-activists/

#AntiELAB #PrisonerRights #Deradicalization #Brainwashing