Forwarded from 📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#WhiteTerror
Mingjing News Pulled Out From Hong Kong; Editor-In-Chief: Hong Kong’s Legislation Can No Longer Protect Its Own Press Freedom
Ho Pin, the New York-based Mirror Media Group (#MingjingNews) Editor-in-Chief Ho Pin, said in an interview with Apple Daily, that since July 1st of last year, Mirror Media’s publishing and magazine business has officially left Hong Kong and they will not be publishing any books in Hong Kong in the future.
He did not disclose how many employees were or will be affected. As for how they will handle the books stored in Hong Kong, Ho replied saying that “they are basically pulp now.”
Ho admitted that the implementation of the #NationalSecurityLaw in Hong Kong is one of the reasons for his business withdrawal.
He believes that the new law is a legislation that has no boundary when it comes to its implementation, explanation and execution. He said that it would be very difficult for Hong Kong’s original legislation to protect its own press freedom.
Ho mentioned that he cannot allow his staff to risk their jobs, “Under the implementation of the National Security Law, there is no way there will continue to be freedom of press.”
He also believes that unless the Chinese government withdraws the Law, there would be no future for press freedom in Hong Kong.
“Even though there are still some who are brave enough to report news right now, I believe that there will be an increase of pressure on them and less room for press freedom”, Ho said.
He recalled that in an interview with a Hong Kong magazine in 1997, “I said at that time, if Mirror Media can remain in Hong Kong, it proves that there is still freedom of publication in Hong Kong; however, if we leave, it basically implies that there is no longer press freedom there.”
Source: Apple Daily #Jan6
#PressFreedom #MingjingNews
Mingjing News Pulled Out From Hong Kong; Editor-In-Chief: Hong Kong’s Legislation Can No Longer Protect Its Own Press Freedom
Ho Pin, the New York-based Mirror Media Group (#MingjingNews) Editor-in-Chief Ho Pin, said in an interview with Apple Daily, that since July 1st of last year, Mirror Media’s publishing and magazine business has officially left Hong Kong and they will not be publishing any books in Hong Kong in the future.
He did not disclose how many employees were or will be affected. As for how they will handle the books stored in Hong Kong, Ho replied saying that “they are basically pulp now.”
Ho admitted that the implementation of the #NationalSecurityLaw in Hong Kong is one of the reasons for his business withdrawal.
He believes that the new law is a legislation that has no boundary when it comes to its implementation, explanation and execution. He said that it would be very difficult for Hong Kong’s original legislation to protect its own press freedom.
Ho mentioned that he cannot allow his staff to risk their jobs, “Under the implementation of the National Security Law, there is no way there will continue to be freedom of press.”
He also believes that unless the Chinese government withdraws the Law, there would be no future for press freedom in Hong Kong.
“Even though there are still some who are brave enough to report news right now, I believe that there will be an increase of pressure on them and less room for press freedom”, Ho said.
He recalled that in an interview with a Hong Kong magazine in 1997, “I said at that time, if Mirror Media can remain in Hong Kong, it proves that there is still freedom of publication in Hong Kong; however, if we leave, it basically implies that there is no longer press freedom there.”
Source: Apple Daily #Jan6
#PressFreedom #MingjingNews
Forwarded from 📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#WhiteTerror #FrozenAsset
#Reuters: HK’s Pro-democracy Newspaper #AppleDaily to shut within days according to #JimmyLai adviser
//Hong Kong pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily will be forced to shut “in a matter of days” after authorities froze the company’s assets under a national security law, Mark Simon, an adviser to jailed owner Jimmy Lai told Reuters on June 21, 2021.
The closure of Apple Daily would undermine the former British colony's reputation as an open and free society and send a warning to other companies that could be accused of colluding with a foreign country, media advocacy groups said.
Next Digital (0282.HK), publisher of the top-selling 26-year-old newspaper, would hold a board meeting on Monday [June 21, 2021] to discuss how to move forward after its lines of credit were frozen, the adviser, Mark Simon, said.
"Vendors tried to put money into our accounts and were rejected," he said by phone from the United States.
"We thought we'd be able to make it to the end of the month. It's just getting harder and harder. It's essentially a matter of days."
Apple Daily said on Sunday the freezing of its assets had left the liberal newspaper with cash for “a few weeks” for normal operations.”
In May, Reuters reported exclusively that Hong Kong's security chief had sent letters to tycoon Lai and branches of HSBC and Citibank threatening up to seven years' jail for any dealings with the billionaire's accounts in the city...
Authorities are also prosecuting three companies related to Apple Daily for alleged collusion with a foreign country and have frozen HK$18 million ($2.3 million) of their assets...
Simon told Reuters it had now become impossible to conduct banking operations in the global financial hub.
"We can't bank. Some vendors tried to do that as a favour ... and it was rejected."
The newspaper has come under increasing pressure since owner and Beijing critic Lai, who is now in jail, was arrested under the national security law last August and has since had some of his assets frozen...
Simon said some reporters had received threatening phone calls from unknown sources.
"Our staff are now just worried about personal safety," he said...//
Read full article:
https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/exclusive-adviser-jailed-hk-tycoon-jimmy-lai-says-apple-daily-shut-within-days-2021-06-21/
Source: Reuters #Jun21
#PoliceState #NationalSecurityLaw #PressFreedom #HongKongMedia #Journalism #PoliticalSuppression #MarkSimon #FreeJimmy
====
Related stories:
[June 17, 2021] HK Police Raids Apple Daily Again and Arrests 3 Editors and 2 Executives
https://publielectoral.lat/guardiansofhongkong/30130
"We Will Press On": Apple Daily Prints 500,000 Copies Despite Police Raid
https://publielectoral.lat/guardiansofhongkong/30142
Hongkongers Rush to Support Apple Daily After Midnight
https://publielectoral.lat/guardiansofhongkong/30140
[June 18, 2021] HK Police Charges Apple Daily Editor-in-chief and #NextDigital CEO with #NationalSecurityLaw
https://publielectoral.lat/guardiansofhongkong/30149
#Reuters: HK’s Pro-democracy Newspaper #AppleDaily to shut within days according to #JimmyLai adviser
//Hong Kong pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily will be forced to shut “in a matter of days” after authorities froze the company’s assets under a national security law, Mark Simon, an adviser to jailed owner Jimmy Lai told Reuters on June 21, 2021.
The closure of Apple Daily would undermine the former British colony's reputation as an open and free society and send a warning to other companies that could be accused of colluding with a foreign country, media advocacy groups said.
Next Digital (0282.HK), publisher of the top-selling 26-year-old newspaper, would hold a board meeting on Monday [June 21, 2021] to discuss how to move forward after its lines of credit were frozen, the adviser, Mark Simon, said.
"Vendors tried to put money into our accounts and were rejected," he said by phone from the United States.
"We thought we'd be able to make it to the end of the month. It's just getting harder and harder. It's essentially a matter of days."
Apple Daily said on Sunday the freezing of its assets had left the liberal newspaper with cash for “a few weeks” for normal operations.”
In May, Reuters reported exclusively that Hong Kong's security chief had sent letters to tycoon Lai and branches of HSBC and Citibank threatening up to seven years' jail for any dealings with the billionaire's accounts in the city...
Authorities are also prosecuting three companies related to Apple Daily for alleged collusion with a foreign country and have frozen HK$18 million ($2.3 million) of their assets...
Simon told Reuters it had now become impossible to conduct banking operations in the global financial hub.
"We can't bank. Some vendors tried to do that as a favour ... and it was rejected."
The newspaper has come under increasing pressure since owner and Beijing critic Lai, who is now in jail, was arrested under the national security law last August and has since had some of his assets frozen...
Simon said some reporters had received threatening phone calls from unknown sources.
"Our staff are now just worried about personal safety," he said...//
Read full article:
https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/exclusive-adviser-jailed-hk-tycoon-jimmy-lai-says-apple-daily-shut-within-days-2021-06-21/
Source: Reuters #Jun21
#PoliceState #NationalSecurityLaw #PressFreedom #HongKongMedia #Journalism #PoliticalSuppression #MarkSimon #FreeJimmy
====
Related stories:
[June 17, 2021] HK Police Raids Apple Daily Again and Arrests 3 Editors and 2 Executives
https://publielectoral.lat/guardiansofhongkong/30130
"We Will Press On": Apple Daily Prints 500,000 Copies Despite Police Raid
https://publielectoral.lat/guardiansofhongkong/30142
Hongkongers Rush to Support Apple Daily After Midnight
https://publielectoral.lat/guardiansofhongkong/30140
[June 18, 2021] HK Police Charges Apple Daily Editor-in-chief and #NextDigital CEO with #NationalSecurityLaw
https://publielectoral.lat/guardiansofhongkong/30149
Reuters
EXCLUSIVE HK’s Apple Daily to shut within days, says Jimmy Lai adviser
Hong Kong pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily will be forced to shut "in a matter of days" after authorities froze the company's assets under a national security law, an adviser to jailed owner Jimmy Lai told Reuters on Monday.
Forwarded from 📡Guardians of Hong Kong
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#WhiteTerror #PoliticalOppression
Members of Student Politicism arrested when setting up street booth
#StudentPoliticism, a local organisation, first planned to set up a street booth in Causeway Bay. However, due to heavy police deployment and the cordon lines, the organisation had to relocate the booth in Mongkok.
Members of the organisation prepared leaflets to be distributed, but were surrounded by a large group of police. The police demanded all citizens on site to leave, otherwise they would be fined for violation of the 599G gathering ban.
At around 1700, three core members of Student Politicism and one volunteer were arrested, including the convenor #WongYatChin.
More video:
https://publielectoral.lat/guardiansofhongkong/30345
Source: Egg Club, Stand News
Video: #FirstHand #Jul1
#PoliceState #Arrest
Members of Student Politicism arrested when setting up street booth
#StudentPoliticism, a local organisation, first planned to set up a street booth in Causeway Bay. However, due to heavy police deployment and the cordon lines, the organisation had to relocate the booth in Mongkok.
Members of the organisation prepared leaflets to be distributed, but were surrounded by a large group of police. The police demanded all citizens on site to leave, otherwise they would be fined for violation of the 599G gathering ban.
At around 1700, three core members of Student Politicism and one volunteer were arrested, including the convenor #WongYatChin.
More video:
https://publielectoral.lat/guardiansofhongkong/30345
Source: Egg Club, Stand News
Video: #FirstHand #Jul1
#PoliceState #Arrest
Forwarded from 📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#WhiteTerror #Censorship
HK #University Management Reports Students' Union Council to National Security Police
On July 8, 2021, the #StudentUnion Council of the University of Hong Kong (#HKUSU) passed a motion to express condolences to #LeungKinFai, a 50-year-old Hong Kong man who died after knifing a policeman and stabbing himself on July 1.
The act of mourning by the Student Union has been condemned by the government and the University.
The Alibaba-owned South China Morning Post (#SCMP) cited the chairman of HKU Council #ArthurLi, a pro-Beijing figure, and reported that the university management 'welcomed' authorities to investigate whether their students has violated the #NationalSecurityLaw. The source claimed the students involved could be expelled by the University.
At 1am on July 9, the Student Union Council announced the resignation of its members and the withdrawal of the motion passed. Their Facebook page and the website were also removed.
Source: Stand News #Jul8
https://bit.ly/2UtVxeU
HK #University Management Reports Students' Union Council to National Security Police
On July 8, 2021, the #StudentUnion Council of the University of Hong Kong (#HKUSU) passed a motion to express condolences to #LeungKinFai, a 50-year-old Hong Kong man who died after knifing a policeman and stabbing himself on July 1.
The act of mourning by the Student Union has been condemned by the government and the University.
The Alibaba-owned South China Morning Post (#SCMP) cited the chairman of HKU Council #ArthurLi, a pro-Beijing figure, and reported that the university management 'welcomed' authorities to investigate whether their students has violated the #NationalSecurityLaw. The source claimed the students involved could be expelled by the University.
At 1am on July 9, the Student Union Council announced the resignation of its members and the withdrawal of the motion passed. Their Facebook page and the website were also removed.
Source: Stand News #Jul8
https://bit.ly/2UtVxeU
Forwarded from 📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#WhiteTerror #Censorship
Hong Kong University Management Continues Crackdown on Pro-democracy Students
According to the #CampusTV and the journal #Undergrad run by the students of the University of Hong Kong (#HKU), the University management has been removing pro-democracy slogans and materials posted on campus.
These targeted locations include the Democracy Wall, the building where the office of Students Union was located, and notice boards in general.
The #StudentsUnion (#HKUSU) said this is a continuous crackdown by the University authorities following the deprival of the Union's right to use the office on campus.
Source: Stand News #Jul11
https://thestandnews.page.link/2nHip7rFwDUZaxSY7
#University #Students #DemocracyWall #FailedState
Hong Kong University Management Continues Crackdown on Pro-democracy Students
According to the #CampusTV and the journal #Undergrad run by the students of the University of Hong Kong (#HKU), the University management has been removing pro-democracy slogans and materials posted on campus.
These targeted locations include the Democracy Wall, the building where the office of Students Union was located, and notice boards in general.
The #StudentsUnion (#HKUSU) said this is a continuous crackdown by the University authorities following the deprival of the Union's right to use the office on campus.
Source: Stand News #Jul11
https://thestandnews.page.link/2nHip7rFwDUZaxSY7
#University #Students #DemocracyWall #FailedState
Forwarded from 📡Guardians of Hong Kong
HKUSU, Undergrad and Campus TV searched by National Security Department, students and press forbid to enter
1514 | #HKU
At around 15:15, The National Security Department (NSD) Police arrived at Undergrad's office at 2/F, Fong Shu Chuen Building in the University of Hong Kong. They will search for evidence in The Hong Kong University Students' Union (HKUSU) composite building and Undergrad's office.
According to the press on the spot, more than 10 police from the NSD entered HKUSU's office. The office of HKU's Campus TV and faculties have also been searched.
Police forbid anyone to enter HKU Fong Shu Chuen Amenities Centre, including students and press. It is known that Editor-in-chief and vice editor-in-chief assisted for investigation and have not been released.
Source: i-Cable, Undergrad
Editor's note: Undergrad is the only media from HKUSU, and publish student newspaper in HKU.
#WhiteTerror #NSL #FreeSpeech #StateTerrorism #HKUSU
1514 | #HKU
At around 15:15, The National Security Department (NSD) Police arrived at Undergrad's office at 2/F, Fong Shu Chuen Building in the University of Hong Kong. They will search for evidence in The Hong Kong University Students' Union (HKUSU) composite building and Undergrad's office.
According to the press on the spot, more than 10 police from the NSD entered HKUSU's office. The office of HKU's Campus TV and faculties have also been searched.
Police forbid anyone to enter HKU Fong Shu Chuen Amenities Centre, including students and press. It is known that Editor-in-chief and vice editor-in-chief assisted for investigation and have not been released.
Source: i-Cable, Undergrad
Editor's note: Undergrad is the only media from HKUSU, and publish student newspaper in HKU.
#WhiteTerror #NSL #FreeSpeech #StateTerrorism #HKUSU
Forwarded from 📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#WhiteTerror #Censorship
Would Karaoke become a crime?: Hong Kong School Politicizes Cantopop Lyrics and Censors Singing Contest
In Hong Kong, two students from the ELCHK Yuen Long Lutheran Secondary School decided to perform a Cantonese pop song titled "銀河修理員” (Translated as: Galatic Repairman) at the school's singing contest.
The song was originally performed by the local band #DearJane.
The school, however, rejected the song, calling certain lyrics "political". The students were forced to modify their performance and only allowed to perform a makeover version call 疫情加油（Translated as: Pandemic Add Oil").
In the end, the two students entered the finals and performed on stage. They sang the song with the original lyrics and chanted "HongKongers Add Oil" after the performance.
The two were disqualified for performing the song without the school's approval and each were given a demerit. They were also banned from performing for the school in the future which could affect their chances of going to college.
Stand News made inquiries to the school about the incident, but the vice principal, Tam refused to give a response.
Source: Stand News #Jul7
https://thestandnews.page.link/eVu9qPBVGz6S9cvq6
#Karaoke #School #Cantopop #SingCon
Would Karaoke become a crime?: Hong Kong School Politicizes Cantopop Lyrics and Censors Singing Contest
In Hong Kong, two students from the ELCHK Yuen Long Lutheran Secondary School decided to perform a Cantonese pop song titled "銀河修理員” (Translated as: Galatic Repairman) at the school's singing contest.
The song was originally performed by the local band #DearJane.
The school, however, rejected the song, calling certain lyrics "political". The students were forced to modify their performance and only allowed to perform a makeover version call 疫情加油（Translated as: Pandemic Add Oil").
In the end, the two students entered the finals and performed on stage. They sang the song with the original lyrics and chanted "HongKongers Add Oil" after the performance.
The two were disqualified for performing the song without the school's approval and each were given a demerit. They were also banned from performing for the school in the future which could affect their chances of going to college.
Stand News made inquiries to the school about the incident, but the vice principal, Tam refused to give a response.
Source: Stand News #Jul7
https://thestandnews.page.link/eVu9qPBVGz6S9cvq6
#Karaoke #School #Cantopop #SingCon
Forwarded from 📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#WhiteTerror #Censorship
5 Universities in Hong Kong Crackdown on Students' Unions
In the past year, multiple students' unions in Hong Kong have been targeted and oppressed by the university management for their pro-democracy stance.
On July 15, 2021, the Hong Kong Lingnan University announced thst they would no longer collect the member fees on behalf of the Students' Union. This makes the 5th Students Union being targeted in Hong Kong universities-- after CityU, CUHK, HKU and PolyU.
After the HKUSU committee passed the proposal to mourn Leung Kin Fai's death, the university was critized heavily by Carrie Lam and other pro-establishment parties. The university responded immediately by reprimanding the SU and claimed that they would no longer acknowledge the SU, and demanded the SU to leave the building before July 21st. On the 11th of July, the university took down all the posters in the building, democratic wall and notice boards.
CUHK also stated that their SU made false claims about the university and urge the SU to take legal responsibility for their actions. The SU stepped down after only being elected for one day.
Source: Stand News #Jul15
https://thestandnews.page.link/LercnyuR77m3Sk6w6
5 Universities in Hong Kong Crackdown on Students' Unions
In the past year, multiple students' unions in Hong Kong have been targeted and oppressed by the university management for their pro-democracy stance.
On July 15, 2021, the Hong Kong Lingnan University announced thst they would no longer collect the member fees on behalf of the Students' Union. This makes the 5th Students Union being targeted in Hong Kong universities-- after CityU, CUHK, HKU and PolyU.
After the HKUSU committee passed the proposal to mourn Leung Kin Fai's death, the university was critized heavily by Carrie Lam and other pro-establishment parties. The university responded immediately by reprimanding the SU and claimed that they would no longer acknowledge the SU, and demanded the SU to leave the building before July 21st. On the 11th of July, the university took down all the posters in the building, democratic wall and notice boards.
CUHK also stated that their SU made false claims about the university and urge the SU to take legal responsibility for their actions. The SU stepped down after only being elected for one day.
Source: Stand News #Jul15
https://thestandnews.page.link/LercnyuR77m3Sk6w6
Forwarded from 📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#WhiteTerror #PressFreedom #PoliticalOppression
Hong Kong National Police revoked bail of two Apple Daily Executives
The National Security police in Hong Kong have revoked the bail granted to two Apple Daily executives arrested last month. Associate publisher Chan Pui-man and editorial writer Fung Wai-kong were reportedly being detained at police stations in Sau Mau Ping and Wan Chai, respectively.
The two were among the several senior Apple Daily staff arrested in June on suspicion of conspiracy to collude with external forces to endanger national security.
Police claimed that those arrested were playing a key role in the publication of articles that called for foreign sanctions against HK and mainland officials.
Earlier on the same day, another former senior employee, Lam Man-chung, from the newspaper was also arrested for the same alleged offence.
https://publielectoral.lat/guardiansofhongkong/30558
Source: Stand News, hkcnews; #Jul20
Hong Kong National Police revoked bail of two Apple Daily Executives
The National Security police in Hong Kong have revoked the bail granted to two Apple Daily executives arrested last month. Associate publisher Chan Pui-man and editorial writer Fung Wai-kong were reportedly being detained at police stations in Sau Mau Ping and Wan Chai, respectively.
The two were among the several senior Apple Daily staff arrested in June on suspicion of conspiracy to collude with external forces to endanger national security.
Police claimed that those arrested were playing a key role in the publication of articles that called for foreign sanctions against HK and mainland officials.
Earlier on the same day, another former senior employee, Lam Man-chung, from the newspaper was also arrested for the same alleged offence.
https://publielectoral.lat/guardiansofhongkong/30558
Source: Stand News, hkcnews; #Jul20