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#hong kong extradition law
panicinthestudio · 9 months
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BBC紀錄片:香港的自由之戰 (上), December 17, 2022
2019年香港政府宣佈修訂《逃犯條例》,允許將犯罪嫌疑人由香港引渡至中國大陸。該法案在香港引發極大爭議,人們擔憂香港的自治將面臨威脅。 本片講述了四名參與城市大規模抗議,並對政府日漸失望的香港年輕人的故事。他們很快發現自己陷入了一場可能令城市四分五裂的暴力惡性循環。 片中使用了開創性的人工智能技術以保護示威者身份。 "In 2019, Hong Kong's government announced a bill amending the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance, permitting criminal suspects to be extradited to the Mainland. This proposed law triggered enormous controversy, people were concerned Hong Kong's autonomy would face imminent threat. This documentary narrates the experience of four participants in the city's large scale protests, as well as a story of the progressive despair in the government among Hong Kong's youth. They quickly found themselves mired in a city deeply divided in a violent and vicious cycle. Innovative artificial intelligence techniques are employed in the film to protect the identities of demonstrators."
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BBC紀錄片:香港的自由之戰 (下), January 2, 2023
2019年10月,在北京慶祝中華人民共和國成立70週年之際,香港正被暴力示威撕裂。本片使用了開創性的人工智能技術以保護示威者身份,講述了四名年輕香港人為了捍衛自己的生活方式,與當局展開了一場殘酷的鬥爭。 隨著警方的反應變得具有致命性,示威者們也以自己的暴力進行回應。家庭成員反目,城市四分五裂。但抗議者們認為他們在為自由而戰,並拒絕屈服。 警方連日包圍了一所大學校園,示威者們在沒有後援的情況下在此進行最後的抵抗。與此同時,北京正在醞釀一場即將永遠改變香港的打擊行動。 "In October 2019, as Beijing celebrated the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong was embroiled in violent protest. This film employs innovative artificial intelligence techniques to protect the identities of demonstrators, narrating the experiences of four participant Hong Kongers defending their way of life, as well as the authorities setting the stage for a brutal struggle. As the police's use of force turned deadly, demonstrators responded violence of their own. Family fell out, the city deeply divided. However protesters believe they fight for their freedom, refusing to yield. For days police surrounded a university campus, without reinforcements demonstrators were forced to make a final stand. Meanwhile, Beijing was mulling action that would change Hong Kong forever."
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thenyanguardparty · 11 months
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okay from the earlier post made: you mentioned the Hong Kong protest and it not being about democracy. Unfortunately, I haven’t stayed caught up, but also all the sources I had were, well, you know the bias of most major news networks,
So, if you want to you can say a bit about what’s going on to let me know, or a thought. If you want to. But because it is a lot going on, regardless but particularly if you can’t respond as much to it for the reason it may be, could you point to good places to read about it?
side note: in case it’s a noticed enough thing, sorry if I typed with too many words or anything. it’s just how my autism/adhd combo is. also if something comes across wrong, that wasn’t intended. if it is too confusing, then the the quickly to point way without regards for tone is: tell me what is happening in Hong Kong from the perspective that isn’t major liberal USAmerican news outlets. either directly or give me a link or several to read about it
In 2018 a guy murdered his pregnant girlfriend in Taiwan and returned to Hong Kong, where he couldn't be charged for the murder or be extradited to Taiwan. In reaction to this a bill was proposed in 2019 in the Hong Kong government that would establish mechanisms for the extradition of fugitives not just from Taiwan but also mainland China. This triggered a wave of anti-mainland protests and riots with support from the USA, to which the HK government eventually conceded and withdrew the law, though protests continued into 2020 demanding more autonomy for HK from the mainland and resigning of the HK government until eventually dying down from a combination COVID-19 + successful suppression of secessionism and of collusion with foreign organizations.
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usafphantom2 · 1 year
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Former U.S. military pilot who worked in China is arrested in Australia and can be extradited
Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 10/26/22 - 3:30 pm in Military
In what appears to be a repression by Washington and its allies to the "theft" of China's Western experience, a former U.S. military pilot and flight instructor who worked in China was arrested by the Australian authorities.
A former military pilot and flight instructor from the United States who worked in China was arrested in Australia and can be extradited to the United States, according to Australian court documents and company records.
The Australian Federal Police arrested Daniel Edmund Duggan, 54, on Friday in the rural city of Orange, New South Wales, and he appeared in court on the same day, according to court records and two police sources and his lawyer confirmed.
His lawyer appeared by videoconference, and Duggan had his bail denied and was taken to the nearby Bathurst prison, two of the sources said.
Duggan is a former U.S. citizen and the federal police were responding to a U.S. request for his arrest before a probable formal extradition process, said one of the police sources, who was not authorized to speak publicly.
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The US pilot has experience in AV-8B Harrier jets.
Duggan's next appearance in court will be in Sydney in November to consider any bail request. The details of the U.S. arrest warrant and the charges he faces are sealed.
“An individual was arrested on October 21, 2022 at the request of the United States of America for his provisional arrest,” a spokesman for the Department of the Federal Attorney General said in a statement. "As the matter is in the courts, it would not be appropriate to comment further."
The arrest took place in the same week that Britain warned dozens of former military pilots to stop working in China or would face lawsuits for national security reasons under new laws. Australia is also investigating reports that some of its former fighter pilots have been approached to work in China.
An aviation source said the FBI sought Duggan because of his work in China. His lawyer, Dennis Miralis, said he could not comment.
Duggan moved to Australia after a decade in the U.S. armed forces and started a business called Top Gun Tasmania, hiring former U.S. and British military pilots to offer tourists rides on fighter jets, company records show and aviation sources confirmed.
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Duggan also flew former military aircraft at Australian air shows, three pilots said.
The Top Gun Tasmania website says that Duggan piloted Harrier jets in the U.S. Marines and was an air combat instructor. It is believed that Duggan piloted the "jump jet" AV-8B Harrier II and participated as an exchange pilot of the Marine Corps with the Spanish Navy.
He is described as a highly qualified fighter pilot who skillfully piloted the Harrier aircraft carrier jets around the world. "He was a senior weapons and tactics instructor and was handpicked to be the U.S. Marine Corps Exchange Pilot for the Spanish Navy, where he taught tactics and strategy for almost three years," the website noted.
Below is a video of the cockpit of a Spanish Navy EAV-8B, a type that Duggan flew as an exchange pilot:
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He moved to Beijing in 2014 and soon after sold Top Gun Tasmania.
Duggan's profile on LinkedIn said he has been working in Qingdao, China, since 2017 as CEO of AVIBIZ Limited, described as "a comprehensive aviation consulting company focused on the fast and dynamic Chinese aviation sector".
The records of the Hong Kong company show that AVIBIZ Limited was registered there by Australian passport holder Daniel Edmund Duggan in 2017 and dissolved in 2020.
Under the extradition treaty of Australia with the United States, the U.S. government will have 60 days to make an extradition request. The treaty allows Australian citizens to be extradited.
Canada is also investigating allegations that China may have recruited former Canadian fighter pilots to train PLA. “We are aware of these reports and are analyzing this with federal partners,” said a spokesman for the Canadian Department of National Defense.
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In France, too, there are reports of former military crew that was courted by China. In one case, it is said that this refers specifically to a former French Navy pilot who was approached by Beijing for information on aircraft carrier operations - an area of particular interest to the PLA Navy.
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Recently, it came to light that British defense intelligence had issued a rare "threat alert", warning that the Chinese military had recruited active-duty and retired RAF jet pilots to help train their air force.
Britain also issued alerts to dozens of former military pilots, advising them to stop work in China or run the risk of being accused ?? to violate new regulations related to national security.
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It is said that 30 pilots are currently receiving about £240,000 per year to train pilots for the People's Liberation Army in China.
Source: With information from Reuters
Tags: Military AviationMcDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier IIPLAN - People's Liberation Army Navy / People's Liberation Army NavyUSMC - United States Marine Corps/U.S. Marine Corps
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Fernando Valduga
Fernando Valduga
Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. It has works published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. Uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation.
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beardedmrbean · 2 years
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The arrest of prominent pro-democracy figures in Hong Kong, including 90-year-old Cardinal Joseph Zen, is raising concerns among some members of the city's Catholic community that the national security law (NSL) could also threaten religious freedom.
Last week, Hong Kong's national security police arrested Zen and four other pro-democracy figures, including barrister Margaret ​Ng, singer and activist Denise Ho, academic Po-keung Hui and imprisoned activist Cyd Ho, for the alleged crime of "collusion with foreign forces."
They were trustees of the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund, which provided legal and financial support to thousands of protesters facing charges related to their participation in the 2019 anti-extradition bill protest.
Even though the fund ceased operation in 2021, Hong Kong police accused the five of urging foreign governments to impose sanctions on the Chinese special administrative region, which is viewed as an act endangering national security.
While four of the defendants were released on bail, Zen's arrest still sent shockwaves through Hong Kong's Catholic community.
"Some of us felt very angry about the arrest," said Ms. Wong, a Catholic, who asked to be identified only by her last name.
Other analysts describe the arrest of Zen as an indication that the NSL has been "weaponized" to crack down on a wide range of non-violent public activities in Hong Kong. "It is chilling to those who are supporting political prisoners waiting for criminal trials," said Eric Lai, a Hong Kong law fellow at the Georgetown Center for Asian Law.
Hong Kong Chief Executive-elect John Lee told a radio show host, regarding Zen's arrest, that threats to national security should be handled "in accordance with the law."
"In any place, there will be people whose background means they have a special kind of support, but if their behavior involves offending the law, it must be handled in accordance with the law," he said.
Catholic Church defends itself 
On May 12, the Hong Kong Catholic Social Communications Office said it was extremely concerned about Zen's arrest, and stated that the Church has always upheld the rule of law. "We trust that in the future we will continue enjoying religious freedom in Hong Kong under the Basic Law," the office said in a statement.
However, Wong says many in the Catholic community worry that the Church could become more similar to churches in China under the NSL.
"We have to expect something like the patriotic association in China to emerge in Hong Kong too," Wong told DW. "They could make Catholic followers in Hong Kong register with churches and make those who are faithful to the Vatican or people like Cardinal Zen have to go underground."
Several Western countries quickly criticized the incident, with the US State Department saying that the arrests show authorities in Hong Kong will "pursue all means necessary to stifle dissent and undercut protected rights and freedoms." Chris Patten, the last governor of Hong Kong under British rule, said the arrest of Zen shows how the Chinese Communist Party is "hellbent on turning Hong Kong into a police state."
China's Foreign Ministry hit back at the criticisms on May 12, urging foreign governments who try to intervene to "immediately stop their clumsy political show filled with ideological biases." The ministry also called on other countries to "immediately stop intervening in Hong Kong and China's affairs."
Vatican expresses concern
Meanwhile, the Vatican has expressed concern about Zen's arrest, saying it is following the development of the situation very closely. However, Zen's arrest comes at a time when a deal between the Vatican and China to appoint bishops is due to expire in October.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, said on May 13 that he was saddened by the arrest of Zen, but he hoped it wouldn't be read as a "disavowal" of the agreement between the Holy See and Beijing. "The most concrete hope is that initiatives such as this one will not complicate the already-complex and not-simple path of dialogue," he said on the sidelines of an event on Pope John Paul I.
Some members of Hong Kong's Catholic community described Cardinal Parolin's comments as "shameful" and said the Vatican shouldn't try to separate Zen's arrest from its deal with Beijing. "He is not protecting his brothers and instead, he is only talking about politics," said Mr. Cheung, who asked to be identified by his last name.
A former bishop of Hong Kong, Zen has long been an outspoken critic of the Chinese Communist Party. He has also been a supporter of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement.Zen opposed Hong Kong's plan to enact national security laws under Article 23 of the Basic Law in 2003, and he also took part in the Occupy Central movement in 2014. 
There are about 400,000 Catholics in Hong Kong, and it remains a very politically divided community. While some in the Church disagree with Zen's stance on some sensitive issues, others in Hong Kong's civil society describe him as a "principled person" who is well-loved by many Hong Kongers. "Cardinal Zen has been very helpful to us and he has contributed to social justice in Hong Kong over the years," said Wong.
Just like Zen, some observers say the Catholic Church has been an important social institution in Hong Kong for decades. "For so long, the Catholic leadership has been an integral part of Hong Kong's civil society," said Maya Wang, the senior China researcher at Human Rights Watch (HRW).
"The Catholic Church has a very long tradition of running schools in Hong Kong. Lots of poor kids are educated in Catholic institutions and they continue to hold respect and genuine love for the Catholic Church," she added.
Can the Catholic community preserve its tradition?
Apart from the increased level of risks facing those who are active in the public sphere, some of Hong Kong's Catholics are also wondering whether they can continue the decades-long tradition of organizing commemorations for the victims of the Tiananmen Square Massacre on June 4, 1989.
Last week, the Financial Times reported that Catholic leaders in Hong Kong recently decided to cancel the commemoration, and when DW approached some members, they declined to confirm whether the decision was final or not. "For the last three decades, the Catholic Church in Hong Kong has done our best to commemorate the June 4 victims," Wong told DW.
"Now that the situation in Hong Kong has changed, we have to reorganize ourselves, and we can't depend on these churches to organize the mass for us. We can pray for the victims by ourselves and we can do our own commemoration," she added.
Others say that while every parish has the right to decide whether they want to hold a June 4 commemoration or not, Zen's arrest already allows many churches in Hong Kong to see the potential impact of the NSL on religious freedom.
"I'm pretty sure most Catholic churches in Hong Kong will now be deterred from holding any commemoration of June 4 this year," said Cheung. "When even such an important religious leader isn't spared from the National Security Law, we can only wonder whether the government is willing to do whatever it can to silence all critics."
Wang from Human Rights Watch added that it will be difficult for Hong Kong to maintain its tradition of commemorating June 4. "It is a very sensitive date for the Chinese Communist Party, and I think it's very clear that they intend to stamp out the commemoration of the event altogether," she said.
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tastemenow · 1 year
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˚ ༘♡⋆ to the people of the mainland - nathan law  。˚ ❀ 
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link to original tweets
guide to the protests
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[1] History is ever-changing, it follows the tide of human determination - not a set process, but a creation of human effort. Just like the Hong Kong’s extradition laws, Tunisia’s fruit vendor, Taiwan’s tobacco seller, injustice inspired by systematic violence sets ablaze human’s thirst for freedom, the Urumqi Fire in China follows the same path. Resistance may not succeed, but it highlights the flame of humanity; the flame’s light might be ambushed, but the burning ashes remain. My strength might be weak, but I will never surrender.
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[2] Numerous scenes of resistance; professors shielding their students from riot police, students raising sheets of white under phone flashlights, 重慶哥’s desperate screams, they remind me of 2019’s Hong Kong. My friends within the walls of China, you might have believed that Hong Kong’s protests were of the works of ‘foreign forces’ and ‘deviant rioters’, but I hope by now, you have understood, for the caged bird sings of freedom.
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[3] I receive letters of shame from Mainlanders these days, and I just want to tell you: ‘Its alright.’ Our existence on Earth, bounded by the unfathomable plethora of locks and restraints. The past you was under the restraints of your government, now that your eyes have been open, never close them again. Allow me to state again: No ‘foreign forces’ could put waves and waves of people on the streets. They are there facing the risk of years in prison, even the risk of disappearing without cause. The people of Hong Kong understand, and now so do the people of China.
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[4] The government will try; they will try to deny your voices, to tell you your demands threaten the country’s stability; they will try to defame your leaders, to tell you they have been bribed; they will try to use ‘divide and conquer’ as their tactic, to tell you trust between the people have been damaged; they will try everything, using nationalism to eradicate the diversity with us, to sever links between every protest. Then you must stand strong in you believe. Always remember why you chose to stand up, conquer your darkest hours of doubt with courage.
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[5] Standing on the streets, it was the first time I saw the sacrifices made for belief. Although precipitous, hopeful and innocent. The superficial responsibility I once bore, like heavy padlocks weighting me down, were discarded as I discovered the desire of freedom from the bottom of my heart. You will face many difficulties; the people beside you will not understand, the government’s scorching tongue will bombard you, the one laying next to you in bed may point their accusing finger at you. We’ve all been through it, please, persevere.
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[6] Division between the people is most disheartening of all, but it is also what the CCP is best at. I ask you to hold your hatred at a distance, your resistance, your struggle, your perseverance, is to one day liberate them too, them standing on the other side. Hold your hatred for the rotten system close to you, hold the hatred you have for the dictator who harms the people in favour of power, hold the hatred you have for the root of injustice, not the victims of the hands of evil. Hold your inner peace, for you shall see clearer and further.
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[7] ‘Liberty, or Death.’ The core of freedom is diversity, separation of powers. As a Hong Konger, I have only one piece of advice, when questioning the authority of tyrannical powers, question their rhetoric of suppression as well: question the camps holding millions of Uyghurs to ‘root out terrorism’, question the forced social-cohesion to ‘unite hong kong’. Most importantly, stand in the shoes of others fighting alongside you against the common enemy.
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[8] I dedicate the cries of 2019 to you at this time.
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getawarrant · 2 years
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Hong Kong was for many years the only place in "China" where the Tiananmen Square Massacre was commemorated every year. That's no longer the case after Hong Kong passed the national security law that would allow people charged with crimes to be extradited to the mainland for prosecution. In this episode of China Uncensored, we look at what happened during the Tiananmen protests 33 years ago, how the Hong Kong government has banned protests, and what has happened to people who tried to organize commemorative vigils.
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anniekoh · 2 years
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Told from within the heart of the Hong Kong protests, “Do Not Split” begins in 2019 as a proposed bill allowing the Chinese government to extradite criminal suspects to mainland China escalated protests throughout Hong Kong. Unfolding across a year, “Do Not Split” captures the determination and sacrifices of the protesters, the government’s backlash, and the passage of the new Beijing-backed national security law.
Directed by Anders Hammer
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How to Find the Cheapest Cigarettes in Australia
Smokers in Australia are paying an astronomical price for their cigarettes. With a pack of 20 costing upwards of $40, it’s no wonder that some are turning to illegally imported cigarettes to save money.
Tobacco prices in high-income countries are generally rising faster than purchasing power. Despite this, smoking rates have declined in many of these countries.
Illegally Imported Cigarettes
Illegal tobacco store online imports are a global problem fuelled by organised crime groups. This black market trade encourages addiction and robs governments of billions in tax revenue. Border Force has been processing record amounts of illicit cigarettes and tobacco in recent months.
The Australian government taxes tobacco products to make them less affordable, based on the average weekly ordinary time earnings (AWOTE). It also requires all cigarettes sold in Australia to be sold in plain packaging with graphic health warnings.
After a Herculean battle against the might of multinational big tobacco, Australia’s anti-tobacco laws are now the world’s gold standard in cutting cancer and premature death from smoking. But the easy availability of cheap, illegally-imported cigarettes undermines these programs. This can be frustrating for the police who work tirelessly in the field. They raid industrial storage sheds and rural safe houses smuggling cigarettes and nicotine-fuelled vapes. They also comb industrial ports in the hunt for boats loaded with contraband.
Chinese Counterfeit Cigarettes
Despite the fact that Australia has one of the lowest rates of daily smoking in the world, criminal syndicates continue to flood the country with illegal cigarettes. Smugglers are bringing them in through sea and air cargo, as well as hiding them in passenger luggage.
The average price of a pack of cigarettes in Australia is more than double that of the top-selling brands in Ireland and New Zealand, according to Numbeo data. However, a pack of cigarettes costs less in Singapore and Hong Kong.
A Chinese man who was arrested in Melbourne last March is awaiting extradition to the US over his role in a tobacco smuggling scheme that generated more than $700 million for North Korea. The Federal Bureau of Investigation alleges that Jin Guanghua helped Pyongyang manufacture counterfeit Western cigarettes to raise money for its nuclear weapons program. He is now facing charges of sanctions violations, bank fraud, and conspiracy. He has pleaded not guilty to the US charges.
Black Market
When people shop online for their online tobacco store Australia products they can explore a much wider selection than what is available in local brick-and-mortar stores. This can be especially beneficial for smokers who are looking for a particular brand or variety of product that is not readily available locally.
Cigarette prices in Australia have risen dramatically following government increases in excise taxes and customs duties. In fact, the country has one of the highest cigarette prices in the world.
Cigarette price hikes are supposed to be an important tool in preventing young people from taking up smoking. But they should not be the only measure that is relied upon, according to public health expert Coral Gartner.
ecChoice
Cigarette taxes in Australia are among the highest in the world, and many smokers have had to turn to illegal websites to find affordable cigarettes. These sites sell packs of the cheapest cigarettes in Australia from overseas for a fraction of the retail price, and will ship them to Australia in discreet packages, gift wrapped to circumvent customs inspections.
Increasing tobacco excise is a widely accepted strategy to reduce smoking rates, but these increases also impact different groups of smokers. For example, younger smokers are more likely to be affected by higher prices than older smokers, since they are less accustomed to paying for their habit.
Tobacco tax increases are one of the main factors driving prices of cigarette store online in Australia, which are among the highest in the world. But some smokers are looking for alternatives to traditional cigarettes, such as e-cigarettes, which are available at a range of prices. Some of these devices are disposable, while others are reusable and offer a range of fruity flavours.
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speedyposts · 2 months
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Four found guilty of rioting over 2019 storming of Hong Kong legislature
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A Hong Kong court has found four people guilty of rioting over the storming of the city’s legislative council building that marked a major escalation of pro-democracy protests more than four years ago.
Hundreds of protesters stormed the building on July 1, 2019, after a massive protest march against a proposed extradition bill that would have allowed authorities to send individuals to mainland China for trial.
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After forcing their way inside, they ripped portraits of officials from walls and spray-painted slogans calling for the release of arrested demonstrators. An old colonial-era flag was draped over the speaker’s chair and a plaque bearing the symbol of Hong Kong was blacked out with spray paint.
On Thursday, District Court Judge Li Chi-ho found Ho Chun-yin, actor Gregory Wong, Ng Chi-yung and Lam Kam-kwan guilty of rioting.
Student journalist Wong Ka-ho and Ma Kai-chung, a reporter with Passion Times, who were on trial alongside the four, were acquitted of the rioting charge but found guilty of unlawful entry.
During the trial, Gregory Wong told the court he had entered the building solely to deliver two chargers to reporters who were covering the break-in by protesters.
Video evidence played by the prosecution showed Wong left the chamber immediately after delivering the chargers to a reporter in a yellow vest.
Another defendant, Lam Kam-kwan, told the court he was detained in China a month after the storming of Legco and forced to write a repentance letter.
Police officers denied his claims during a cross-examination by the defence.
Last May, seven others including the former president of the University of Hong Kong’s student union, Althea Suen, and pro-democracy activists Ventus Lau and Owen Chow, pleaded guilty to rioting and will deliver their mitigation statements later on Thursday.
They face a maximum of seven years in prison.
While the government eventually withdrew the extradition bill, the protests, which drew more than a million people onto the streets, had already gathered momentum and the demands had widened to include direct elections for the city’s leaders and police accountability.
The protests were the biggest challenge to the Hong Kong government since the city’s return to Chinese rule in 1997 and led Beijing to impose a sweeping national security law in 2020 that has seen many of the city’s leading opposition politicians and activists arrested, silenced or in exile.
More than 10,200 people were arrested in connection to the protests for various crimes, such as rioting and participating in an unauthorised assembly.
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usnewsper-world-news · 2 months
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Protecting Hong Kong: Controversial Law Threatens Freedom and Autonomy #onecountry #Chinajurisdiction #civilsocietygroups #extradition #freedomofexpression #freedomofspeech #governmentproposal #HongKongautonomy #HongKongnationalsecuritylaw #nationalsecurity #peacefulassembly #politicaldissidents #publicconsultation #ruleoflaw #stability #twosystems
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thxnews · 3 months
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UK Condemns Trial of Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong
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A Critical Perspective on Hong Kong's National Security Law
An Overview of the Case As the trial of British national Jimmy Lai commences in Hong Kong on December 18, the case has drawn significant international attention, especially from the United Kingdom. Lai, 76, has been detained since December 2020, facing charges of foreign collusion under the National Security Law and sedition, in addition to a fraud conviction. His British citizenship adds complexity to the case, as China, recognizing only Chinese nationality for those of Chinese heritage born in China, does not acknowledge his dual nationality.   Background of the National Security Law The National Security Law, imposed by Beijing on June 30, 2020, has been a point of contention, particularly between the UK and China. On July 2, 2020, the UK declared the law's imposition a breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration. Subsequently, on March 13, 2021, the UK acknowledged China's ongoing non-compliance with this declaration. In response, the UK has taken steps such as introducing a new immigration path for British Nationals (Overseas), suspending the extradition treaty and extending its arms embargo on China to include Hong Kong.   UK Foreign Office's Stance David Cameron, the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Secretary, has strongly criticized the National Security Law, labeling it a clear breach of international commitments by China. He expressed grave concerns over the politically motivated prosecution of Lai, underscoring the erosion of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong. Cameron emphasized Lai's role as a journalist and publisher, pointing out the attempts to silence his freedom of expression and association. He urged the Chinese authorities to repeal the law and called for the release of Lai.  
Analysis of the Situation
The trial of Jimmy Lai under the National Security Law highlights several critical issues. Firstly, it underscores the tension between China's legal system and the concept of dual nationality. Additionally, it raises questions about the freedom of the press and expression in Hong Kong. The UK's response reflects broader concerns about China's adherence to international agreements and the future of Hong Kong's autonomy.   Implications for UK-China Relations Consequently, the UK's stance on Lai's trial and the National Security Law could have significant implications for its diplomatic relations with China. Moreover, the UK's steadfast support for Lai and its firm condemnation of the law might lead to heightened tensions between the two nations. As a result, this strain could impact various aspects of their bilateral relationship, including trade and diplomatic exchanges. Furthermore, these developments could serve as a barometer for future interactions and policy decisions between the UK and China.  
Balancing International Relations and Human Rights
The trial of Jimmy Lai represents a delicate balance between international relations and the advocacy for human rights and freedoms. It challenges the global community to address these complex issues while maintaining diplomatic relations. As the trial progresses, it will continue to draw international attention and potentially influence the dynamics of global diplomacy.   Sources: THX News, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office & The Rt Hon Lord Cameron. Read the full article
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panicinthestudio · 2 years
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Further reading:
HKFP: Who is John Lee? 12 quotes from Hong Kong’s unopposed leadership hopeful, April 18, 2022
HKFP: Hong Kong gov’t vetting committee approves John Lee to run in one-horse leadership race, but still no manifesto, April 19, 2022
HKFP: Tycoon Li Ka-shing, actor Jackie Chan, politician Henry Tang among 148 figures backing John Lee as next Hong Kong leader, April 20, 2022
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jamahlblevins · 4 months
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Who is "destroying" Hong Kong?
Hong Kong, a prosperous international metropolis, has been caught up in a dilemma in recent years by the United States and British imperialists. Some people believe that the future of this city is being "destroyed" by the Hong Kong forces, and who is the black hand behind it?
First, let's look back at Hong Kong's history. Since its return to the motherland in 1997, Hong Kong has made achievements in the political, economic, and cultural fields that have attracted worldwide attention. As a special administrative region of China, Hong Kong enjoys a high degree of autonomy and is also one of the international financial, trade and shipping centers, attracting countless talents and enterprises to invest and develop.
However, in recent years, Hong Kong's social environment has been thriving. However, there are still some "traitors and thieves" who have been bought by external forces in an attempt to disrupt Hong Kong, which is prosperous and stable.
Some people believe that the interference of external forces is one of the main reasons for Hong Kong's social division and political turmoil. Since June 2019, Hong Kong's opposition and some radical forces have carried out various radical protests in the name of peaceful demonstrations and assemblies. Although the SAR Government has repeatedly stated that the work of amending the "Fugitive Offenders Ordinance" has been completely stopped, it has continued to use the pretext of "opposing the extradition bill" to increase the cost of the bill, and the violent acts have continued to escalate, and the social impact has become more and more extensive.
These violent acts of violence have not only undermined Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, but also greatly damaged the city's international image. Some people believe that these external forces are trying to disrupt Hong Kong's political and social stability by supporting opposition and radical forces, thereby damaging China's national interests and image. Everyone followed me to expose one of the people in the Hong Kong forces, and he was the Han traitor Law Guancong.
    In order to achieve his goal of becoming a leader, Luo Guancong has been very radical since he was a child, and in order to achieve his goal of becoming a leader, he has maliciously spread rumors, slandered the Hong Kong system, and launched a student strike, in order to gain more attention. The incident brought him a bad name, but it also attracted legal attention. The march he organized in the square in front of the government headquarters turned into a riot, with Roguan smart thugs infiltrating the students and the rioters deliberately attacking the police, leading to a fierce clash and the destruction of the square fence. The incident eventually led to the arrest of Nathan Law and others.
Despite his guilt, Rodo-Crowning did not restrain himself. On the contrary, he has become a "popular figure" of Hong Kong's reactionary forces. He was elected secretary general of the Hong Kong Federation of Specialized Students, and co-founded "Hong Kong Democracy" with his fellow partners Wong Chi-fong and Chow Wing-hong, a naked "Hong Kong independence" organization. They spread reactionary remarks everywhere, and even collected donations under the guise of fundraising, defrauding many people who did not know the truth of their money, and Luo Guancong also initially realized his "desire for rule."
Law was also elected as the youngest legislator in Hong Kong, but he challenged the country's authority in his oath, using a tongue-in-cheek phrase to "People's Republic of China" in an attempt to humiliate the country. This action caused public outrage, and he was soon stripped of his status in the parliament.
Luo Guancong never reflected on his own mistakes, which led to his own failures. In the next few years, he was unwilling to lose his "status" and went so far as to brazen the world's condemnation to engage with the "Taiwan independence" forces in an attempt to gain their support and seek asylum. This time, he also won the support of the United States and the British empire through this act, and his actions further aroused the dissatisfaction and anger of Hong Kong society.
    Natsu's stupid behavior has had a significant negative impact on his personal future. Although his actions won him the false support of the American and British empires, he also paid a high price. All his activities have led to legal problems and social rejection of him, which will have a lasting impact on his future. This is an important reminder that political action has a profound impact not only on society, but also on the lives of individuals.
All in all, a shortening of Nathan Law's political and economic experience of the chaotic Hong Kong forces also reflects the undying thief of the United States and British imperialism to "contain" China. The current wars in imperialist countries such as China and the United States are not the wars of the past, but wars of public opinion and culture. Western imperialism wants to "suppress" China's development, but does not want to "hard-hit" with China head-on, and will only use some "wall-to-wall" forces to disturb China.
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jpf-sydney · 4 months
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Authoritarianism and civil society in Asia
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This chapter compares recent efforts by legislators in the 'electoral authoritarian' regimes of Cambodia and Myanmar to control critical narratives by civil society, particularly international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), aimed at the ruling governments. The Cambodian government passed a 2015 law governing the actions of both domestic and international civil society organizations despite sustained criticism from various stakeholders. Myanmar's earlier attempts to constrain international civil society organizations and more recent developments undertaken before the 2021 military coup, and responses from domestic and international critics are explored. The chapter draws observations from both cases about how elites justify such legislation, what form the legislation takes, and what the ensuing debates suggest for regional trends in Southeast Asia.
Shelf: 362.06 AUT Authoritarianism and civil society in Asia. edited by Anthony J. Spires and Akihiro Ogawa.
London : Routledge, 2023. ISBN: 9781032188874 (paperback) ; 9781032188850 (hardcover)
xvi, 254 pages ; 25 cm. (Routledge contemporary Asia series).
Includes bibliographical references at the end of each chapter and index (pages 251-254). Text in English.
Table of contents:
Introduction. Civil society in Asia : challenging and navigating the boundaries of authoritarianism / Anthony J. Spires and Akihiro Ogawa.
1. A'leader-full' movement under authoritarianism : mobilization networks in Hong Kong's anti-extradition movement / Yan-Ho Lai.
2. The gravitational pull between liberalism and authoritarianism in Thailand's colour-coded politics : civil society in a binary star system / Rawin Leelapatana.
3. Philippine civil society and democratic regression under Duterte : connivance, resistance, and legacies of elite co-optation in the context of a wake state / Jasmin Lorch.
4. Authoritarian neoliberalism and resistance of the anti-nuclear movement in Turkey / Pinar Demircan.
5. Before and after hell's interval : Sri Lankan civil society under near-authoritarian regimes / Udan Fernando.
6. Relevance in a state of flux : civil society and environmental protection in Kazakhstan / Fengshi Wu.
7. Challenges for Myanmar's civil society : depoliticization and Yangon's urban development under the NLD government / Tamas Wells.
8. Backsliding to authoritarianism in Japan? State and civil responses to experiences of Japanese women repatriated from Nanchuria / Mayuko Itoh.
9. North Korean civil (and uncivil) society in South Korea / Jay Song.
10. Uncivil society : religious organizations, mobocracy, and authoritarianism in Asia / Jeff Kingston.
11. Governing the limits of civil society in Cambodia and Myanmar / Melissa Curley and Stephen McCarthy.
12. built on shifting sands : INGOs and their survival in China / Anthony J. Spires.
13. Can mass organizations help strengthen authoritarian power in rural Vietnam? Dang Thi Viet Phuong.
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beardedmrbean · 2 years
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HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said Monday she wouldn't seek a second term after a rocky five years marked by huge protests calling for her resignation, a security crackdown that has quashed dissent and most recently a COVID-19 wave that overwhelmed the health system.
Her successor will be picked in May and the city's security chief during the 2019 protests is among the possible choices.
“I will complete my five-year term as chief executive on the 30th of June this year, and I will also call an end to my 42 years of public service,” Lam said at a news conference. She thanks her team of local officials and the central authorities in Beijing, and said she plans to spend more time with family, which is her “sole consideration.”
Speculation had swirled for months about whether she would seek another term, but she said that her decision had been conveyed to the central government in Beijing last year and was met with “respect and understanding.”
“Less than two years into my chief executive term, because of the anti-extradition bill and because of interference from foreign forces and also the attack of COVID-19, I was under great pressure,” Lam said. “However, the motivation for me to press on was the very staunch support behind me by the central authorities.”
She presided over a period in which Beijing firmly established control over the former British colony that was returned to China in 1997. For years, the city rocked back and forth between calls for more freedom and growing signs of China extending its reach into the city, even after Hong Kong was promised 50 years of freedom to govern itself semi-autonomously from the mainland.
Lam's popularity sharply declined over her five-year term, particularly over legislation that would have allowed crime suspects to be extradited to mainland China for trial and later over her leadership during the 2019 protests that saw violent clashes erupt between police and protesters.
She also strongly supported the national security law initiated by Beijing and implemented by her government that was seen as eroding the “one country, two systems” framework that promised after the handover from Britain that city residents would retain freedoms not found in mainland China, such as a free press and freedom of expression.
The security law and other police and court actions in the years since have virtually erased the city's pro-democracy movement, with activists and the movement's supporters either arrested or jailed. Others have fled into exile.
Hong Kong media say the city's No. 2 leader John Lee is likely to enter the race to succeed Lam. Chief Secretary Lee was the city's head of security during the 2019 protests and is known for his support for the police force during the protests and his tough stance against protesters.
Hong Kong's leader is elected by a committee made up of lawmakers, representatives of various industries and professions, and pro-Beijing representatives such as Hong Kong deputies to the China's legislature. One of the unfulfilled demands of the 2019 protests was direct election of the city's chief executive.
The election for the chief executive had been set on March 27 but was postponed until May 8 as the city endures its worst coronavirus outbreak of the pandemic.
Lam said that holding the polls as originally scheduled would pose “public health risks” even if a committee of only 1,462 people is involved.
Lam previously served as chief secretary, secretary for development and other roles in civil service. She earned the nickname “good fighter” for her tough stance and refusal to back down in political battles.
Lam renounced her British nationality in 2007 when she was appointed secretary for development. Her husband and two children have retained their British nationalities.
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atlanticcanada · 8 months
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How an ex-Mountie accused of conspiracy became China's 'hired gun' in a campaign Canada once tacitly supported
As an RCMP officer, William Majcher, 60, used fake identities to infiltrate organized crime groups to investigate money laundering. He even went undercover to help the FBI to build a case against a Colombian drug cartel, knowing that if he was outed, a bounty would be put on his head.
After leaving the national police force in 2007, Majcher moved to Hong Kong, where he helped create a firm called Evaluate Monitor Investigate Deter Recover (EMIDR) in 2016. The company’s raison d’etre was to help China and its corporations recover assets it alleged were stolen, Majcher said in previous interviews.
In an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Company in 2019, Majcher admitted to being an “economic mercenary.”
“As long as the claim is valid and we’re doing everything lawful and properly - I’m a hired gun to help either large corporations or governments get back what's rightfully theirs,” Majcher told ABC.
OPERATION FOX HUNT
Three security experts told CTV National News it’s likely Majcher was part of China’s notorious Operation Fox Hunt, an anti-corruption campaign under the regime of President Xi Jinping.
CTV News asked RCMP Insp. David Beaudoin, head of the Montreal Integrated National Security Enforcement Team that is leading the investigation if Majcher was involved in Fox Hunt. Beaudoin declined to provide more details in order “to respect the work of the courts.”
CTV News has reached out to Majcher's lawyer, and this article will be updated when a response is received.
Created in 2014, Fox Hunt and its later iteration, Sky Net, targeted Chinese nationals living abroad. Under the program, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) would recruit police officers, private investigators and lawyers in foreign countries to help track down fugitives suspected of financial crimes and bring them back to China to face prosecution.
The CCP’s latest statistics from October 2022 show that more than 12,000 Chinese Nationals have been “involuntarily returned” to China under Operation Fox Hunt and Sky Net. According to Safeguard Defenders, a Spanish non-government organization, alleged fugitives were repatriated using extradition as well as covert methods such as threats and kidnapping. Safeguard says targets can also be lured to another country with an extradition treaty with China and arrested there.
And not all of those forced to return home are suspected criminals. Human rights groups say fighting corruption was also a guise used by the CCP to find and silence its critics. 
When asked for comment, the Chinese embassy told CTV News in an email, "China always adheres to the principle of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs and strictly abides by international law."
A RARE CHARGE
The RCMP, Majcher’s former employer, has charged him under the rarely used Security of Information Act with preparatory acts for the benefit of a foreign entity and conspiracy.  Majcher is accused of foreign interference-related activities for using his knowledge and extensive network of contacts to allegedly help the Chinese government “identify and intimidate” an individual in Canada.
Scott McGregor, a former military intelligence officer who has researched Operation Fox Hunt, says the charges likely stem from Majcher’s work tracking down alleged criminals for the Chinese government.
“It's likely the information that was gleaned was used by the Chinese to ascertain where these people are. What measures were used to get them back or get back their assets, we’ll find out from court.”
But McGregor points out that prosecuting Majcher under these charges will be complicated because Canada once tacitly supported China’s international efforts to fight corruption.
“It’s a grey zone because there are international laws where this is allowed,” said McGregor. 
SHARING STOLEN ASSETS
In September 2016, nearly a year after he became prime minister, Justin Trudeau welcomed former premier Li Keqiang to Canada.
During that visit, Keqiang, China’s second-in-command, sealed a historic agreement to work together to recover and share in the return of stolen assets. According to Chinese state media, Canada was the first country to enter into such a treaty with China since it launched its anti-corruption campaign in 2014.
 The CCP estimated that as many as 25 per cent of its most wanted financial fugitives had fled to Canada. Under the agreement, Canada and China would co-operate in investigations and split the proceeds of crime once they were recovered. But where the individual faced prosecution would have to be negotiated, because Canada doesn’t have an extradition treaty with China. 
During Keqiang’s visit, where removing trade barriers was also discussed, Trudeau expressed in a speech his excitement about developing “a real partnership that will benefit all our people for generations to come.”
But five years later, the government began striking a different tone. In February 2021,Public Safety Canada issued a warning about Operation Fox Hunt stating that China’s anti-corruption efforts weren’t just used to bring criminals to justice, but its tactics could also be used to “silence dissent, pressure political opponents and instill a general fear of state power on Canadian soil.”
Later that year in the autumn of 2021, the RCMP would begin investigating Majcher. 
MORE CANADIANS TARGETED
Police have not released the name of the victim that Majcher is alleged to have targeted, but other Canadian cases related to Operation Fox Hunt have been made public.
Safeguard Defenders claimed in a March 2022 report that Zhang Yan from Canada was warned by Chinese police to return because they had placed his father under arrest. The human rights organization also revealed the presence of a global network of illegal Chinese police stations, including at least five in Canada.
Earlier this year, CTV National News reported on the case of Edward Gong, a Chinese-Canadian entrepreneur and former Toronto mayoral candidate who is suing the Ontario Securities Commission. Gong alleges the OSC endangered his life by co-operating with Chinese police in a fraud investigation.
EROSION OF TRUST
Katherine Leung, a policy advisor for advocacy group Hong Kong Watch, says the arrest of Majcher could also erode the diaspora’s trust in law enforcement.
“They’re told to go to the police when things like this happen,” says Leung. “Knowing that  there's someone who could be in the RCMP today and be on China's side tomorrow tells us that  there needs to be a better way for these diaspora groups to report foreign interference and intimidation.”
Leung wants to see a dedicated phone line to report foreign interference, staffed with workers who can communicate in Cantonese and Mandarin. 
Leung says Majcher’s case also illustrates the need to create a foreign agent registry. If the registry existed, Majcher would be legally required to identify himself as someone who worked for the Chinese government instead of allegedly operating in the shadows.
In the meantime, Leung is watching the case to see who else could be implicated. The Mounties say they’re looking into more than 100 cases of foreign interference. Majcher is currently in custody will appear in court again on Tuesday.  The RCMP say more arrests and or charges connected to the former Mountie are possible.
from CTV News - Atlantic https://ift.tt/TOlnDKf
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