Forwarded from 📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#Diaspora
Hong Kong #DemocraticParty's Vice Chairman Leaves the City for UK
On August 7, 2021, Wen Wei Po, a newspaper controlled by China's Liaison Office in Hong Kong, claimed that the Vice Chairman of the Democratic Party in Hong Kong #LEEWingTat were seen in the airport boarding a Cathay Pacific flight to London on August 6. The pro-China newspaper said Lee "will not return shortly".
LEE's wife #CHANShuYing confirmed the news but didn't give more details. CHAN said Lee would speak for himself, when necessary, "I won't speak on his behalf, even though I am his family". Chan is currently in Hong Kong..
LEE, aged 65, is a former legislative and district councilor in Hong Kong. He was also a co-founder of the United Democrats of Hong Kong, an initial body of Democratic Party, in 1991, together with SZETO Wah and HO Chun-yan Albert,
Lee was a legislative councilor until 2012, when he lost in the election repesenting the New Territories West. The defeat marked his step-down from his previous prominent position.
In April 2019, LEE was convicted for one count of "Incitement to Public Nuisance" during the Occupy Central Movement in 2014. He was sentenced to a 8-month imprisonment, with a 2-year suspension.
In June 2021, LEE "returned" yo the political scene by taking up the Vice Chairman role of the Democracy Party. He said he wanted to stablize the Party and its members.
Lee opposed the Democratic Party to organize candidates to participate in the coming Legco election in December 2021. In the political sphere, it was rumoured that Lee's return aims at barring the few young members of the Party from candidating themselves in the election.
Source: Stand News #Aug7
https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/a-%E6%93%9A%E5%A0%B1%E6%9D%8E%E6%B0%B8%E9%81%94%E9%9B%A2%E6%B8%AF%E8%B5%B4%E8%8B%B1-%E5%A6%BB%E5%AD%90%E9%99%B3%E6%A8%B9%E8%8B%B1%E5%90%91%E9%BB%A8%E5%8F%8B%E8%AD%89%E5%AF%A6%E6%B6%88%E6%81%AF
#LegCo #LegCoElection #Migration #Exile #WhiteTerror
Hong Kong #DemocraticParty's Vice Chairman Leaves the City for UK
On August 7, 2021, Wen Wei Po, a newspaper controlled by China's Liaison Office in Hong Kong, claimed that the Vice Chairman of the Democratic Party in Hong Kong #LEEWingTat were seen in the airport boarding a Cathay Pacific flight to London on August 6. The pro-China newspaper said Lee "will not return shortly".
LEE's wife #CHANShuYing confirmed the news but didn't give more details. CHAN said Lee would speak for himself, when necessary, "I won't speak on his behalf, even though I am his family". Chan is currently in Hong Kong..
LEE, aged 65, is a former legislative and district councilor in Hong Kong. He was also a co-founder of the United Democrats of Hong Kong, an initial body of Democratic Party, in 1991, together with SZETO Wah and HO Chun-yan Albert,
Lee was a legislative councilor until 2012, when he lost in the election repesenting the New Territories West. The defeat marked his step-down from his previous prominent position.
In April 2019, LEE was convicted for one count of "Incitement to Public Nuisance" during the Occupy Central Movement in 2014. He was sentenced to a 8-month imprisonment, with a 2-year suspension.
In June 2021, LEE "returned" yo the political scene by taking up the Vice Chairman role of the Democracy Party. He said he wanted to stablize the Party and its members.
Lee opposed the Democratic Party to organize candidates to participate in the coming Legco election in December 2021. In the political sphere, it was rumoured that Lee's return aims at barring the few young members of the Party from candidating themselves in the election.
Source: Stand News #Aug7
https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/a-%E6%93%9A%E5%A0%B1%E6%9D%8E%E6%B0%B8%E9%81%94%E9%9B%A2%E6%B8%AF%E8%B5%B4%E8%8B%B1-%E5%A6%BB%E5%AD%90%E9%99%B3%E6%A8%B9%E8%8B%B1%E5%90%91%E9%BB%A8%E5%8F%8B%E8%AD%89%E5%AF%A6%E6%B6%88%E6%81%AF
#LegCo #LegCoElection #Migration #Exile #WhiteTerror
Forwarded from 📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#Conscience #Professionalism
HK Journalist Reporting Police Brutality Does Not Back Down Despite Threats
Wanchai district councilor #LeungPakKin was a journalist for #RicePost on the scene of the 8.31 Prince Edward Attack, and had recorded video of the attack as it unfolded in 2019.
Earlier in August 2021, someone had mailed him a box cutter blade, along with a threatening letter: "Shut up about 8.31, and your family will stay safe".
In response to inquiries by Stand News, Leung saif that he will not keep quiet because of the letter. He says that the attack had been a collective memory of everyone, and it will not disappear simply because he stopped talking.
He elaborates on his thoughts on the letter on his Facebook page, stating that it didn't have to be him talking about the 8.31 attack by the police. "The video already showed everything. The people and events in the video are the most important [proof]. The violence dealt by the armed men in the video, whether they're reasonable, whether they're proportional - there's no need for me to say more."
Leung said that he had turned down all interviews since last year.
Source: Stand News #Aug30
https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/%E6%9B%BE%E6%8B%8D%E7%89%87%E7%B4%80%E9%8C%84-831-%E5%A4%AA%E5%AD%90%E7%AB%99%E5%85%A7%E6%83%85%E6%B3%81-%E6%A2%81%E6%9F%8F%E5%A0%85%E6%94%B6%E5%88%80%E7%89%87%E6%81%90%E5%9A%87%E4%BF%A1
#831PrinceEdward #WhiteTerror #Censorship #Threat #DistrictCouncillor #Journalism
HK Journalist Reporting Police Brutality Does Not Back Down Despite Threats
Wanchai district councilor #LeungPakKin was a journalist for #RicePost on the scene of the 8.31 Prince Edward Attack, and had recorded video of the attack as it unfolded in 2019.
Earlier in August 2021, someone had mailed him a box cutter blade, along with a threatening letter: "Shut up about 8.31, and your family will stay safe".
In response to inquiries by Stand News, Leung saif that he will not keep quiet because of the letter. He says that the attack had been a collective memory of everyone, and it will not disappear simply because he stopped talking.
He elaborates on his thoughts on the letter on his Facebook page, stating that it didn't have to be him talking about the 8.31 attack by the police. "The video already showed everything. The people and events in the video are the most important [proof]. The violence dealt by the armed men in the video, whether they're reasonable, whether they're proportional - there's no need for me to say more."
Leung said that he had turned down all interviews since last year.
Source: Stand News #Aug30
https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/%E6%9B%BE%E6%8B%8D%E7%89%87%E7%B4%80%E9%8C%84-831-%E5%A4%AA%E5%AD%90%E7%AB%99%E5%85%A7%E6%83%85%E6%B3%81-%E6%A2%81%E6%9F%8F%E5%A0%85%E6%94%B6%E5%88%80%E7%89%87%E6%81%90%E5%9A%87%E4%BF%A1
#831PrinceEdward #WhiteTerror #Censorship #Threat #DistrictCouncillor #Journalism
Forwarded from 📡Guardians of Hong Kong
Hong Kong's Largest and Oldest Teachers' Union Disbanded After Being Attacked by Pro-Beijing Forces
The Hong Kong Professional Teachers' Union (#HKPTU) announced its disbandment on September 11, 2021. Established in 1973, the group has been the largest and oldest teachers' union in the city.
The group's pro-democracy stance has been attacked by pro-Beijing media funded by the Chinese Communist Party government and was picked up by the Hong Kong government.
Source: Stand News #Sept11
#PoliceState #WhiteTerror #Censorship #Attack
The Hong Kong Professional Teachers' Union (#HKPTU) announced its disbandment on September 11, 2021. Established in 1973, the group has been the largest and oldest teachers' union in the city.
The group's pro-democracy stance has been attacked by pro-Beijing media funded by the Chinese Communist Party government and was picked up by the Hong Kong government.
Source: Stand News #Sept11
#PoliceState #WhiteTerror #Censorship #Attack
Forwarded from 📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#ThoughtPolice #WhiteTerror
HK Secretary for Security Warns Against Promoting Secession on #DoubleTenDay: "We'll Surely Find Evidence to Prove What You Think"
In Hong Kong, the Secretary for Security, Chris Tang Ping-Keung, warned Hong Kong citizens not to "attempt splitting Taiwan from China", or to "encourage or to incite people to take related actions on October 10", also known as the "Double Ten Day", Taiwan's national day.
In a Sing Tao Daily's exclusive interview, Tang, the former police commissioner and currently Security Chief, claimed that such behaviours are "serious crimes", and the authorities will definitely enforce the law.
Tang also asked, "If there is no intention to split a country, why would you celebrate this date [The Double Ten Day]?"
In the past Double Ten Days, supporters of Taiwan had hosted events in Hong Kong, displaying the "Blue Sky, White Sun, and a Wholly Red Earth" flag of the Republic of China. However, the Flag-raising Ceremony at Hung Lau, Tuen Mun was cancelled in 2020 due to the implementation of the national security law.
Lee Kwok-Keung, Director of Labor Research at the Hong Kong and Kowloon Trades Union Council, indicates that the council have been celebrating the Double Ten Day since 1948. It commemorates the #XinhaiRevolution and the establishment of the Republic of China. He believes that the celebrations cannot be simply equated to secession.
Tang emphasizes that the main point is whether there is an intention to split the country. "If you truly want to separate Taiwan from China, we will surely find evidence to prove what you think and what you do."
The Chinese Communist Party (#CCP) government does commemorate the Xinhai Revolution; in fact, on 9 Oct 2011, a commemoration of its 100th anniversary was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Then-General Secretary Hu Jintao, then-Premier Wen Jiabao, Vice-Chairman of the Central Military Commission Xi Jinping, former General Secretary Jiang Zemin, former Premier Li Peng, and former chief executive who is also a vice-chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Tung Chee-Hwa participated in that meeting. A huge photo of #SunYatSen, honored as the founder of modern China both on the mainland and in Taiwan, was on display at the center of the hall.
#NationalSecurityLaw #TangPingKeung #DoubleTenDay #Taiwan #Secession #LeeKwokKeung
#History
Source: Stand News #Sep23
https://bit.ly/3lVwYBE
https://bit.ly/2Y1Zh9B
HK Secretary for Security Warns Against Promoting Secession on #DoubleTenDay: "We'll Surely Find Evidence to Prove What You Think"
In Hong Kong, the Secretary for Security, Chris Tang Ping-Keung, warned Hong Kong citizens not to "attempt splitting Taiwan from China", or to "encourage or to incite people to take related actions on October 10", also known as the "Double Ten Day", Taiwan's national day.
In a Sing Tao Daily's exclusive interview, Tang, the former police commissioner and currently Security Chief, claimed that such behaviours are "serious crimes", and the authorities will definitely enforce the law.
Tang also asked, "If there is no intention to split a country, why would you celebrate this date [The Double Ten Day]?"
In the past Double Ten Days, supporters of Taiwan had hosted events in Hong Kong, displaying the "Blue Sky, White Sun, and a Wholly Red Earth" flag of the Republic of China. However, the Flag-raising Ceremony at Hung Lau, Tuen Mun was cancelled in 2020 due to the implementation of the national security law.
Lee Kwok-Keung, Director of Labor Research at the Hong Kong and Kowloon Trades Union Council, indicates that the council have been celebrating the Double Ten Day since 1948. It commemorates the #XinhaiRevolution and the establishment of the Republic of China. He believes that the celebrations cannot be simply equated to secession.
Tang emphasizes that the main point is whether there is an intention to split the country. "If you truly want to separate Taiwan from China, we will surely find evidence to prove what you think and what you do."
The Chinese Communist Party (#CCP) government does commemorate the Xinhai Revolution; in fact, on 9 Oct 2011, a commemoration of its 100th anniversary was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Then-General Secretary Hu Jintao, then-Premier Wen Jiabao, Vice-Chairman of the Central Military Commission Xi Jinping, former General Secretary Jiang Zemin, former Premier Li Peng, and former chief executive who is also a vice-chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Tung Chee-Hwa participated in that meeting. A huge photo of #SunYatSen, honored as the founder of modern China both on the mainland and in Taiwan, was on display at the center of the hall.
#NationalSecurityLaw #TangPingKeung #DoubleTenDay #Taiwan #Secession #LeeKwokKeung
#History
Source: Stand News #Sep23
https://bit.ly/3lVwYBE
https://bit.ly/2Y1Zh9B
Forwarded from 📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#University #Admissions
Steep Drop in Applications to Political Science and Journalism Programmes in HK following China-imposed National Security Law
The Joint University Programmes Admissions System (#JUPAS) published its 2021 admission numbers. The number of applicants to faculties of Political Science and Journalism saw a significant drop this year.
Admissions to the Government and Public Policy in both Chinese University of Hong Kong (#CUHK) and City University had dropped by 20% last year, and by another 40% this year.
A 15% drop was seen in admissions to Journalism among Hong Kong universities last year, and a further 13% this year.
Ronson #ChanLongSing, chairman of Hong Kong Journalists Association, said that the National Security Law has aggravated the political environment in the city, leading to the decline in these numbers. Students saw that becoming a reporter could lead to being sent behind bars; "It is reasonable for those with a rational mind to not choose Journalism."
Tommy #CheungSauYin, a Political Science graduate at Chinese University of Hong Kong and former President of CUHK Students Union, added more depressing facts.
Cheung noted that in 2019, 18 CUHK political science graduates won seats in the District Council election, but all of them have now been disqualified by the government. "There is no future for political science undergraduates," he said.
#PoliticalFreedom #WhiteTerror
Source: Stand News, #Oct23
https://thestandnews.page.link/um3G228riSQDNtRD6
Steep Drop in Applications to Political Science and Journalism Programmes in HK following China-imposed National Security Law
The Joint University Programmes Admissions System (#JUPAS) published its 2021 admission numbers. The number of applicants to faculties of Political Science and Journalism saw a significant drop this year.
Admissions to the Government and Public Policy in both Chinese University of Hong Kong (#CUHK) and City University had dropped by 20% last year, and by another 40% this year.
A 15% drop was seen in admissions to Journalism among Hong Kong universities last year, and a further 13% this year.
Ronson #ChanLongSing, chairman of Hong Kong Journalists Association, said that the National Security Law has aggravated the political environment in the city, leading to the decline in these numbers. Students saw that becoming a reporter could lead to being sent behind bars; "It is reasonable for those with a rational mind to not choose Journalism."
Tommy #CheungSauYin, a Political Science graduate at Chinese University of Hong Kong and former President of CUHK Students Union, added more depressing facts.
Cheung noted that in 2019, 18 CUHK political science graduates won seats in the District Council election, but all of them have now been disqualified by the government. "There is no future for political science undergraduates," he said.
#PoliticalFreedom #WhiteTerror
Source: Stand News, #Oct23
https://thestandnews.page.link/um3G228riSQDNtRD6
Forwarded from 📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#LegCoElection #Censorship
Hong Kong Authorities Ban Citizens from Displaying "Hong Kong Add Oil" on Outfits
The postponed Hong Kong Legislative Council elections will take place on December 19, 2021, despite the majority of the pro-democracy camp was detained or sentenced to jail.
On December 14, 2021, #BarnabasFung, the chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission (#EAC), said voters who have the words "Hong Kong Add Oil [Hang On]" on their outfit might be asked to cover them.
On a side note, staff at polling stations are not allowed to wear, in particular, yellow facemasks.
Source: InMedia #Dec14
https://bit.ly/3dLh4pX
#Regime #LegCo #Election #WhiteTerror
Hong Kong Authorities Ban Citizens from Displaying "Hong Kong Add Oil" on Outfits
The postponed Hong Kong Legislative Council elections will take place on December 19, 2021, despite the majority of the pro-democracy camp was detained or sentenced to jail.
On December 14, 2021, #BarnabasFung, the chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission (#EAC), said voters who have the words "Hong Kong Add Oil [Hang On]" on their outfit might be asked to cover them.
On a side note, staff at polling stations are not allowed to wear, in particular, yellow facemasks.
Source: InMedia #Dec14
https://bit.ly/3dLh4pX
#Regime #LegCo #Election #WhiteTerror
Forwarded from 📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#Breaking #PressFreedom
Hong Kong Citizen News announces its closure 5 years after its establishment
Below is the press’ open letter to its readers:
A farewell from Hong Kong Citizen News
Today is 2 Jan 2022, hkcnews has to say goodbye to all our readers 5 years after our establishment.
It is still in our vivid memory that on 1 Jan 2017, hkcnews was established. During the press conference for announcment, many experienced reporters had expressed their concerns over press freedom in Hong Kong, hoping that hkcnews could uphold the spirit of professionaism, stay true to the essence of journalism, and serve the public. During that time, we "hoped that this tiny step we take could gradually encourage the industry to protect the freedom of press".
Then, albeit facing extremely scarce resources, hkcnews slowly made our tiny stpes, paving our way into the news reporting world. We strove our best to cover exclusive news, data analysis, interviews, investigative reports, feature articles, court news, Chinese news, etc.. Although our coverage might not be the broadest, nor the fastest, but this little team of us has never stopped striving for depth and accuracies in our reports.
We started from having only 10 people in our team, now we are proud colleagues of dozens professionals, and from being a nobody, to hearing people saying they have been reading our articles.
It’s been 5 years. We truly thank all for your support.
─────────
The first news article of hkcnews, published on 1 Jan 2017.
"Hong Kong Citizen News was born on this special new year because we want you all to remember, regardless of situations, that 'This land we cherish, into our bones this love we’ve etched, happy or sad, in life or death, it's still Hong Kong, our land'."
We all love this place, yet with regret, we are not only facing a storm, but a tornado and tsunami.
We have never forgotten the reason we started. Unfortunately, with the radical change in our society, the environment for journalism has been deteriorating. We can no longer strive for our aim fearlessly.
Right in the eye of the typhoon, the little boat of us is in severe situation of waves and winds. We have to first make sure everyone in hkcnews is safe under such dangerous situation.
Therefore it is with utmost sadness that we announce:
Starting from 4 Jan 2022, Hong Kong Citizen News will cease operation. We will stop updating our websites, which will be shut down sometime later.
We sincerely thank our subscribers and readers for all of your support, which we will hold dearly onto, and remember, forever.
All those we have gone through in the past 5 years will be cherished memories of ours.
Hong Kong Citizen News
Source: Citizen News; #Jan2
#Media #CloseDown #Solidarity #Humanity #PressFreedom #PoliticalOppression #Readers #Hongkongers #WhiteTerror
Hong Kong Citizen News announces its closure 5 years after its establishment
Below is the press’ open letter to its readers:
A farewell from Hong Kong Citizen News
Today is 2 Jan 2022, hkcnews has to say goodbye to all our readers 5 years after our establishment.
It is still in our vivid memory that on 1 Jan 2017, hkcnews was established. During the press conference for announcment, many experienced reporters had expressed their concerns over press freedom in Hong Kong, hoping that hkcnews could uphold the spirit of professionaism, stay true to the essence of journalism, and serve the public. During that time, we "hoped that this tiny step we take could gradually encourage the industry to protect the freedom of press".
Then, albeit facing extremely scarce resources, hkcnews slowly made our tiny stpes, paving our way into the news reporting world. We strove our best to cover exclusive news, data analysis, interviews, investigative reports, feature articles, court news, Chinese news, etc.. Although our coverage might not be the broadest, nor the fastest, but this little team of us has never stopped striving for depth and accuracies in our reports.
We started from having only 10 people in our team, now we are proud colleagues of dozens professionals, and from being a nobody, to hearing people saying they have been reading our articles.
It’s been 5 years. We truly thank all for your support.
─────────
The first news article of hkcnews, published on 1 Jan 2017.
"Hong Kong Citizen News was born on this special new year because we want you all to remember, regardless of situations, that 'This land we cherish, into our bones this love we’ve etched, happy or sad, in life or death, it's still Hong Kong, our land'."
We all love this place, yet with regret, we are not only facing a storm, but a tornado and tsunami.
We have never forgotten the reason we started. Unfortunately, with the radical change in our society, the environment for journalism has been deteriorating. We can no longer strive for our aim fearlessly.
Right in the eye of the typhoon, the little boat of us is in severe situation of waves and winds. We have to first make sure everyone in hkcnews is safe under such dangerous situation.
Therefore it is with utmost sadness that we announce:
Starting from 4 Jan 2022, Hong Kong Citizen News will cease operation. We will stop updating our websites, which will be shut down sometime later.
We sincerely thank our subscribers and readers for all of your support, which we will hold dearly onto, and remember, forever.
All those we have gone through in the past 5 years will be cherished memories of ours.
Hong Kong Citizen News
Source: Citizen News; #Jan2
#Media #CloseDown #Solidarity #Humanity #PressFreedom #PoliticalOppression #Readers #Hongkongers #WhiteTerror
Forwarded from 📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#WhiteTerror #Censorship
Newspaper in Hong Kong States in Editorial: "No Intention to Incite Hatred"
In late December 2021, six former and current senior staff members of Stand News were arrested for "conspiracy to publish a seditious material". The authorities said that it contravened sections 9 and 10 of the Crimes Ordinance.
The former chief-editor Chung Pui-Kuen and the former acting editor-in-chief Patrick Lam Shiu-Tung were both detained and denied bail. Stand News immediately announced to cease operation.
On January 6, 2022, #MingPao, a Chinese-language newspaper in Hong Kong, stated in its editorial that the newspaper has no intention to "incite hatred, dissatisfaction, and hostility" and they are only "pointing out the wrongdoings and suggesting a legal improvement to the society".
Following #StandNews, #CitizenNews and other 5 media have been recently closed down.
The chief-writer in Citizen News Chris Yeung Kin-Hing worried about the unpredictable redline. He was not comfortable to be a journalist as any article, report and interview can be classified as incitement.
Chief Executive #CarrieLam, however, claimed that the number of media registered on the information service department has increased in the past year, when she was asked whether press freedom has declined.
"The shut down of the media is their personal choice that we should not directly connect it with #FreedomofPress. The government and the police force only act in accordance with the law."
The editorial posted by Ming Pao reads:
"Criticism in the journal was to point out the mistakes or weaknesses of the related systems, policies or regulations and aim to correct or to eliminate them with legal improvement. There are no hatred, dissatisfaction, or hostility incitement to the government or other social groups."
Source: InMedia #Jan6
https://bit.ly/3JLmArq
#CarrieLam #YeungKinHing #ChungPuiKuen #LamShiuTung #NSL #CrimesOrdinance #PressFreedom #MediaLandscape
Newspaper in Hong Kong States in Editorial: "No Intention to Incite Hatred"
In late December 2021, six former and current senior staff members of Stand News were arrested for "conspiracy to publish a seditious material". The authorities said that it contravened sections 9 and 10 of the Crimes Ordinance.
The former chief-editor Chung Pui-Kuen and the former acting editor-in-chief Patrick Lam Shiu-Tung were both detained and denied bail. Stand News immediately announced to cease operation.
On January 6, 2022, #MingPao, a Chinese-language newspaper in Hong Kong, stated in its editorial that the newspaper has no intention to "incite hatred, dissatisfaction, and hostility" and they are only "pointing out the wrongdoings and suggesting a legal improvement to the society".
Following #StandNews, #CitizenNews and other 5 media have been recently closed down.
The chief-writer in Citizen News Chris Yeung Kin-Hing worried about the unpredictable redline. He was not comfortable to be a journalist as any article, report and interview can be classified as incitement.
Chief Executive #CarrieLam, however, claimed that the number of media registered on the information service department has increased in the past year, when she was asked whether press freedom has declined.
"The shut down of the media is their personal choice that we should not directly connect it with #FreedomofPress. The government and the police force only act in accordance with the law."
The editorial posted by Ming Pao reads:
"Criticism in the journal was to point out the mistakes or weaknesses of the related systems, policies or regulations and aim to correct or to eliminate them with legal improvement. There are no hatred, dissatisfaction, or hostility incitement to the government or other social groups."
Source: InMedia #Jan6
https://bit.ly/3JLmArq
#CarrieLam #YeungKinHing #ChungPuiKuen #LamShiuTung #NSL #CrimesOrdinance #PressFreedom #MediaLandscape
Forwarded from 📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#WhiteTerror #Oppression
Over a dozen companies refuse to transport #PillarofShame, citing concerns over Chinese government's reprisal
The Pillar of Shame - the Tiananmen memorial at the University of Hong Kong (#HKU) which stood for more than 20 years - has been dismantled and packed away in cargo containers by the University management in the middle of the night in December 2021.
Since then, the creator of the Pillar, Danish artist #JensGalschiøt, had been attempting to ship the Pillar back to Denmark.
In a statement, Galschiøt said that his team, including lawyers, 2 shipping companies, and even the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs were involved in the effort, but they had yet to find a company to move the cargo container from storage to the container wharf.
12 shipping companies turned them down, all citing concerns over the Chinese government taking vengeance on them.
Galschiøt reiterated that he is still hopeful for success, but it remains unclear as to when the Pillar can be shipped out of Hong Kong.
Source: Inmediahk; #Apr19
https://bit.ly/3918PH7
See also:
The Pillar of Shame is being destroyed in these minutes : Jen Galschiot calls for public record on Twitter (Dec 23, 2021)
https://publielectoral.lat/guardiansofhongkong/31702
New School for Democracy Announces Rebuilding Pillar of Shame in Taiwan: "One Pillar Falls, Thousands More Will Be Raised" (Jan 27, 2022)
https://publielectoral.lat/BeWaterHK/15
#June4 #TiananmenMassacre #Memorial
Over a dozen companies refuse to transport #PillarofShame, citing concerns over Chinese government's reprisal
The Pillar of Shame - the Tiananmen memorial at the University of Hong Kong (#HKU) which stood for more than 20 years - has been dismantled and packed away in cargo containers by the University management in the middle of the night in December 2021.
Since then, the creator of the Pillar, Danish artist #JensGalschiøt, had been attempting to ship the Pillar back to Denmark.
In a statement, Galschiøt said that his team, including lawyers, 2 shipping companies, and even the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs were involved in the effort, but they had yet to find a company to move the cargo container from storage to the container wharf.
12 shipping companies turned them down, all citing concerns over the Chinese government taking vengeance on them.
Galschiøt reiterated that he is still hopeful for success, but it remains unclear as to when the Pillar can be shipped out of Hong Kong.
Source: Inmediahk; #Apr19
https://bit.ly/3918PH7
See also:
The Pillar of Shame is being destroyed in these minutes : Jen Galschiot calls for public record on Twitter (Dec 23, 2021)
https://publielectoral.lat/guardiansofhongkong/31702
New School for Democracy Announces Rebuilding Pillar of Shame in Taiwan: "One Pillar Falls, Thousands More Will Be Raised" (Jan 27, 2022)
https://publielectoral.lat/BeWaterHK/15
#June4 #TiananmenMassacre #Memorial
Forwarded from 📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#Exodus #Oppression
Senior member of Hong Kong pollster leaves city for the UK, citing ‘red lines’
A senior member of Hong Kong’s leading independent pollster, #ChungKim-wah has left for the UK, calling the city a place where one may “no longer live normally and without intimidation.”
In his lengthy statement on Facebook, Chung said he had not initially considered emigrating.
“Now, I can only hope that the skies will be broader, the air fresher… and that I don’t have to think about whether the red lines that move arbitrarily will one day target me,” deputy CEO of the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute (#HKPORI) Chung wrote.
He added that he did not want his friends and loved ones – especially his elderly parents – to worry about him. “I am apologetic that I left without saying goodbye, and I regret that I couldn’t say farewell to you all,” Chung said.
#NationalSecurityLaw #WhiteTerror
Source: Inmediahk, HKFP; #Apr
https://bit.ly/3kb6J9X
Senior member of Hong Kong pollster leaves city for the UK, citing ‘red lines’
A senior member of Hong Kong’s leading independent pollster, #ChungKim-wah has left for the UK, calling the city a place where one may “no longer live normally and without intimidation.”
In his lengthy statement on Facebook, Chung said he had not initially considered emigrating.
“Now, I can only hope that the skies will be broader, the air fresher… and that I don’t have to think about whether the red lines that move arbitrarily will one day target me,” deputy CEO of the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute (#HKPORI) Chung wrote.
He added that he did not want his friends and loved ones – especially his elderly parents – to worry about him. “I am apologetic that I left without saying goodbye, and I regret that I couldn’t say farewell to you all,” Chung said.
#NationalSecurityLaw #WhiteTerror
Source: Inmediahk, HKFP; #Apr
https://bit.ly/3kb6J9X
Forwarded from 📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#WhiteTerror #June4
Facebook banned authentic Beijing June 4th massacre photograph
Just two weeks before the 33rd Memorials of June 4th Massacre, a media veteran in Hong Kong found a photograph linked to the Tiananmen crackdown had been banned by Facebook.
The photograph that she posted many years ago showed a tank running over protest student Fang Zhang's legs.
Facebook claimed the photography is inappropriate content linked to "violence and bloodshed".
Even though, Facebook said it didn't violate "Community Standards', it argued that the photograph could be "deemed sensitive to some people."
Notes to editors:
Fang Zheng is a former student protester who was seriously injured during the Tiananmen massacre in 1989 in Beijing, China. During the evacuation of the Square in the early morning of June 4, Fang was run over by a People’s Liberation Army tank, which led to the amputation of both his legs.
Source: RFA Cantonese; #May20
https://www.facebook.com/454004001340790/posts/7424609714280149/?d=n
Facebook banned authentic Beijing June 4th massacre photograph
Just two weeks before the 33rd Memorials of June 4th Massacre, a media veteran in Hong Kong found a photograph linked to the Tiananmen crackdown had been banned by Facebook.
The photograph that she posted many years ago showed a tank running over protest student Fang Zhang's legs.
Facebook claimed the photography is inappropriate content linked to "violence and bloodshed".
Even though, Facebook said it didn't violate "Community Standards', it argued that the photograph could be "deemed sensitive to some people."
Notes to editors:
Fang Zheng is a former student protester who was seriously injured during the Tiananmen massacre in 1989 in Beijing, China. During the evacuation of the Square in the early morning of June 4, Fang was run over by a People’s Liberation Army tank, which led to the amputation of both his legs.
Source: RFA Cantonese; #May20
https://www.facebook.com/454004001340790/posts/7424609714280149/?d=n
Forwarded from 📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#WhiteTerror #FreedomofReligion
Cardinal Joseph Zen appears in court in Hong Kong on day of prayer for China
Ninety-year-old retired Catholic cardinal #JosephZen hosted a packed mass in Hong Kong on the World Day of Prayer for the Church in China, just hours after a brief court hearing over charges linked to pro-democracy protests.
In his homily after pleading not guilty to charges of failing to register a pro-democracy association to Hong Kong Police, Zen chose not to speak about his legal case, but to highlight how Catholics in some parts of China cannot attend Mass right now — for they have no freedom now.
Zen dedicated the mass to churches in China where believers are still split between a so-called “underground” church resistant to the government, and a state-sanctioned church belonging to the Chinese Communist Party’s Patriotic Catholic Association.
In his remarks at Mass, Zen again criticised the deal between China and the #Vatican that allows Beijing to nominate bishops for the pope’s approval, calling it “unwise” despite being made with “good intention”.
"There is an urge to unify those above the ground and those underground but it seems that time is not ripe yet,” Zen said.
Implying that there may be more difficult times ahead, Zen said that “we may have to bear some pain and steel ourselves for our loyalty to our faith.”
He also dedicated prayers to churches in Myanmar led by #CardinalBo, his most outspoken supporter in Asia, as well as “brothers and sisters who cannot join tonight because they are not free”.
Zen, one of Asia’s highest-ranking Catholic clerics, was among five prominent democracy advocates — including activist and singer #DeniseHo and veteran human rights barrister #MargaretNg — who were arrested in early May. His arrest is part of a national security police probe into foreign collusion over a legal support fund for pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong.
Instead, all five of the fund’s former trustees and its secretary were charged on May 24 with failing to register it as a “society” with police — a non-national security offence. All plead not guilty.
#NationalSecurityLaw #PoliceState #PoliticalProsecution #Oppression
Image source: #FirstHand
Sources: Reuters, HKFP, UCA News; #May25
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/hong-kong-catholic-cardinal-criticises-china-deal-after-national-security-arrest-2022-05-24/
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Hong Kong Catholic group will not hold Tiananmen crackdown masses citing fears over national security law
https://publielectoral.lat/guardiansofhongkong/32764
612 Fund Trustees and Secretary Plead Not Guilty for "Non-registered organisation" Charge
https://publielectoral.lat/guardiansofhongkong/32751
.
Cardinal Joseph Zen appears in court in Hong Kong on day of prayer for China
Ninety-year-old retired Catholic cardinal #JosephZen hosted a packed mass in Hong Kong on the World Day of Prayer for the Church in China, just hours after a brief court hearing over charges linked to pro-democracy protests.
In his homily after pleading not guilty to charges of failing to register a pro-democracy association to Hong Kong Police, Zen chose not to speak about his legal case, but to highlight how Catholics in some parts of China cannot attend Mass right now — for they have no freedom now.
Zen dedicated the mass to churches in China where believers are still split between a so-called “underground” church resistant to the government, and a state-sanctioned church belonging to the Chinese Communist Party’s Patriotic Catholic Association.
In his remarks at Mass, Zen again criticised the deal between China and the #Vatican that allows Beijing to nominate bishops for the pope’s approval, calling it “unwise” despite being made with “good intention”.
"There is an urge to unify those above the ground and those underground but it seems that time is not ripe yet,” Zen said.
Implying that there may be more difficult times ahead, Zen said that “we may have to bear some pain and steel ourselves for our loyalty to our faith.”
He also dedicated prayers to churches in Myanmar led by #CardinalBo, his most outspoken supporter in Asia, as well as “brothers and sisters who cannot join tonight because they are not free”.
Zen, one of Asia’s highest-ranking Catholic clerics, was among five prominent democracy advocates — including activist and singer #DeniseHo and veteran human rights barrister #MargaretNg — who were arrested in early May. His arrest is part of a national security police probe into foreign collusion over a legal support fund for pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong.
Instead, all five of the fund’s former trustees and its secretary were charged on May 24 with failing to register it as a “society” with police — a non-national security offence. All plead not guilty.
#NationalSecurityLaw #PoliceState #PoliticalProsecution #Oppression
Image source: #FirstHand
Sources: Reuters, HKFP, UCA News; #May25
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/hong-kong-catholic-cardinal-criticises-china-deal-after-national-security-arrest-2022-05-24/
-----
Related News
Hong Kong Catholic group will not hold Tiananmen crackdown masses citing fears over national security law
https://publielectoral.lat/guardiansofhongkong/32764
612 Fund Trustees and Secretary Plead Not Guilty for "Non-registered organisation" Charge
https://publielectoral.lat/guardiansofhongkong/32751
.
Reuters
Hong Kong Catholic cardinal criticises China deal after national security arrest
Hong Kong's Cardinal Joseph Zen - in his first public remarks since he was arrested in a national security case earlier this month - on Tuesday criticised the Vatican for its "unwise" deal with China that is due for renewal in September.