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Latest news and updates on Beijing’s national security law for Hong Kong. The legislation, which was passed by Beijing by promulgation on June 30, 2020, aims to prevent, stop and punish secession, subversion of state power, terrorism and foreign interference. Opposition politicians and critics warn it could be used to suppress dissent and erode freedom in the city. Read the full text of the law here
As the Hong Kong Bar Association turns 75, improved relations with Beijing have allowed it to express its views on pressing legal issues, including the new domestic national security law
Protecting the city’s distinct advantages calls for leaders to promote the importance of the common law system, and impress on Beijing the urgent need for Chinese officials, here and on the mainland, to study it.
Pledge to use city’s new domestic national security law only in compelling circumstances and to promote ‘soft power’ suggests a subtle change in government stance.
Thankfully, Hong Kong authorities recognise the healthy development of the media industry and its consumers is the way to go, not legislation that is difficult to draft and inevitably restricts press freedom.
A landmark national security trial of Hong Kong’s opposition figures will conclude this week with the judges handing down a verdict on whether 16 of them had committed subversion by taking part in an unofficial election they called a primary. The aim of the election was to maximise the opposition’s chances of gaining control of the Legislative Council and bringing down the government.
Judges find 14 of 16 accused guilty over roles in unofficial Legco ‘primary’ that was part of plot to ‘undermine, destroy or overthrow’ government.
Hong Kong Federation of Fujian Associations, one of many community groups hosting “Hometown Market”, says organisers hope activity from June 1 to 5 will become yearly event.
Group is among 47 people prosecuted for what Beijing calls a ‘blatant challenge’ to the law after estimated 610,000 voted in July 2020 to pick candidates for Legco election.
Different versions of 2019 protest song available on Spotify and Apple Music under the name of a new distributor.
Among those detained is activist Chow Hang-tung, security chief Chris Tang reveals.
But efforts to ‘wholly’ ban song online will be impossible, commentators say, especially as creators seek new distribution channels and partners.
‘Glory to Hong Kong’ no longer available on Apple Music or Spotify, even with use of VPN, indicating takedown not limited to Hong Kong.
Professor Simon Young says Matthew Trickett, who was found dead on Sunday, might have shed light on spying accusations if he had chosen to testify at trial.
Chief Executive John Lee says there is no link shown on any local platform relating to the song ‘Glory to Hong Kong’.
Government calls Hong Kong Watch an ‘anti-China organisation’ bent on ‘destabilising’ city and urges public not to be misled by their ‘ulterior motives’.
Panel of judges to hear submissions next month on whether prosecutors can establish a prima facie case against Apple Daily founder.
Authorities singled out handful of institutions including Caritas Resurrection School in Sha Tin and Po Leung Kuk Law’s Foundation School in Yuen Long.
First ex-Hong Kong district councillor to be elected to UK local authority hopes other new arrivals will also get involved in politics.
Defence counsel seeking further information on police contact with former Apple Daily publisher Cheung Kim-hung.
Ronny Tong, member of Executive Council, says dialogue more effective than legal disputes in addressing issue.
The UK says its national security legislation is designed to cover areas such as espionage, sabotage, working for foreign powers, and terrorism, and introduces new offences.
Video-streaming giant complies with injunction by blocking access to 32 clips featuring ‘Glory to Hong Kong’, but at least 20 new ones recently uploaded.
Those convicted of serious offences including endangering national security, ill-treating a child, rape or murder, can be permanently removed by social work regulator.
Jimmy Lai’s defence seeking to question ex-publisher Cheung Kim-hung about internal chat records on Slack, which included abstracts of various ‘lunchbox meetings’ among Apple Daily executives.
Seventeen Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) lawmakers say they have been mentioned at least 50 times in evidence since start of Jimmy Lai trial.
Bar Association chief Victor Dawes says professional independence crucial as city’s rule of law continues to face challenges.
Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, is expected to arrive on Monday
Justice minister calls on tech giant to say whether it will remove links to ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ after court ruled to ban its distribution.
Countries such as US and UK have confused right and wrong, and played with ‘double standards’ to deceive world, commentary published by agency says.
