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Pro Democracy Activists

All articles tagged with #pro democracy activists

world-news1 year ago

Hong Kong Sentences 45 Pro-Democracy Leaders in Landmark Trial

A Hong Kong court sentenced 45 pro-democracy activists to up to 10 years in prison for violating Beijing's national security law by participating in an informal primary poll in 2020. The case, which began in 2021, saw 47 activists charged with subversion of state power. The harsh sentences have drawn international criticism, highlighting concerns over the erosion of civil liberties and judicial independence in Hong Kong since the law's implementation. Notable figures like Benny Tai and Joshua Wong received lengthy sentences, reflecting the crackdown on dissent in the city.

via NPR|
#hong-kong#judicial-independence#national-security-law
international-news1 year ago

Hong Kong Convicts Democracy Activists in Landmark National Security Trial

The US has condemned the convictions of 14 pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong under a Beijing-imposed national security law, calling for their release and announcing new visa restrictions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials. The verdicts, part of the city's largest national security case, have effectively eradicated political opposition in Hong Kong, with most activists either imprisoned or in exile. The crackdown has significantly altered the city's political landscape and dampened its once vibrant pro-democracy movement.

via Newser|
#hong-kong#international-news#national-security-law
politics1 year ago

"Hong Kong Convicts 14 Democracy Activists in Landmark Security Trial"

Fourteen Hong Kong pro-democracy activists were found guilty of subversion under China's national security law, in a landmark trial criticized for undermining the city's rule of law and international reputation. Sentencing, which could range from three years to life in prison, will occur later. The trial has drawn international condemnation, with countries like the U.S. and Australia expressing deep concern.

via Reuters|
#hong-kong#international-reaction#national-security-law
international-news1 year ago

Hong Kong Convicts 14 Democracy Activists in Landmark Security Case

Fourteen pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong were convicted of conspiracy to commit subversion under the Beijing-imposed national security law, while two were acquitted. The court ruled that their plan to use an unofficial primary election to gain legislative power and veto budgets would have undermined the government's authority and created a constitutional crisis. The case highlights the ongoing crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong following the 2019 protests, with critics arguing that Beijing's promise of retaining the city's civil liberties is eroding.

via The Associated Press|
#beijing#court-verdict#hong-kong
international-news1 year ago

14 Hong Kong Activists Convicted in Landmark Subversion Case

A Hong Kong court convicted 14 pro-democracy activists of subversion under a 2020 national security law imposed by Beijing, marking the city's largest national security case. The activists, including former lawmakers, were accused of attempting to paralyze the government through an unofficial primary election. The law has been criticized for stifling dissent and curbing civil liberties, despite government claims of restoring stability. Those convicted face up to life in prison, while others await sentencing or have pleaded guilty for potentially shorter terms.

via CBS News|
#beijing#hong-kong#international-news
politics1 year ago

"Rising Concerns as Hong Kong Moves to Pass National Security Law"

Hong Kong has initiated public consultation on a local national security law, raising concerns about further crackdown on dissent. The proposed law could expand the government's power to prosecute residents for offenses like collaborating with foreign forces and publishing misleading statements, with provisions threatening criminal prosecutions for acts committed anywhere in the world. Critics fear it will be used to suppress dissidents and erode civil liberties, while authorities argue it is necessary for safeguarding national security. The consultation period will end on Feb. 28, and the proposed legislation is expected to pass easily in the Legislative Council due to the lack of opposition lawmakers following an overhaul of Hong Kong's electoral system.

via NBC News|
#beijing#civil-liberties#hong-kong
politics1 year ago

"Hong Kong's Legislative Push for National Security Law Mirrors Mainland China's Crackdown"

Hong Kong has begun public consultation on a local National Security Law, which could expand the government’s ability to prosecute residents for offenses like collaborating with foreign forces and publishing misleading statements. The proposed legislation has raised concerns about further erosion of civil liberties and crackdown on dissidents, as well as potential impact on journalists and civil society groups. The consultation period will end on Feb. 28, and the proposed law is expected to pass easily given the crackdown on political opposition and lack of opposition lawmakers following an overhaul of Hong Kong’s electoral system.

via The Associated Press|
#beijing#civil-liberties#hong-kong
international-politics2 years ago

US Secretary of State Condemns Hong Kong Authorities' Bounties on Activists

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has condemned Hong Kong authorities for offering bounties on five pro-democracy activists, including a US citizen, calling on the international community to oppose "transnational repression." Blinken criticized the move as a disregard for international norms and human rights, urging the global community to join the US in condemning the act. The UK Foreign Secretary also condemned the move, labeling it a threat to democracy and fundamental human rights. The activists, wanted under Hong Kong's national security law, have advocated for democracy and civil liberties from abroad following a crackdown on opposition to Beijing. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Western governments of malicious intentions in criticizing the bounties.

via Al Jazeera English|
#antony-blinken#hong-kong-authorities#human-rights
politics2 years ago

Hong Kong's 'Birdcage' Election: A Show of Apathy and Confusion

Three pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong were arrested just before the start of a district election that only allows "patriots" to participate, further marginalizing opposition figures in the city. The election, dubbed a "birdcage election" by activists, has faced criticism for lacking democratic scope due to vetting requirements that effectively barred all democrats from running. The changes in electoral rules have significantly narrowed electoral freedoms in Hong Kong, leading to the disbandment of major opposition parties. While some western governments view the national security law as a crackdown on dissent, China claims it has brought stability to the financial hub. Turnout for the election was low, with many expressing skepticism about the state of democracy in Hong Kong.

via Reuters|
#district-election#hong-kong#national-security-law
international-relations2 years ago

International Condemnation Escalates as Hong Kong Targets Pro-Democracy Activists' Families

The US State Department has strongly condemned the ongoing harassment of family members of pro-democracy activists living overseas by Hong Kong authorities. The US expressed particular concern over cases involving activists Nathan Law, Joshua Wong, and Elmer Yuen, whose family members and acquaintances have been detained and questioned by Hong Kong police. The State Department called on Hong Kong authorities to cease all harassment, stating that it is a deliberate campaign to intimidate and silence individuals exercising their human rights. The US also criticized this as a form of transnational repression to coerce the return of activists abroad. Hong Kong police have previously searched the family home of exiled activist Nathan Law and placed bounties on information leading to the arrest of Law and other activists wanted for national security offenses.

via CNN|
#harassment#hong-kong#international-relations
politics2 years ago

Hong Kong Democracy Activists Secure Partial Victory in Conviction Quashing Bid for 2019 Protest

Seven prominent pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong, including Jimmy Lai and Martin Lee, had part of their convictions quashed over their roles in the 2019 pro-democracy protests. While their convictions for organizing an unauthorized assembly were overturned, their convictions for participating in the assembly were upheld. The activists had already served their sentences for this case, but some of them remain in custody due to charges under the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020. The 2019 protests marked a significant challenge to the Hong Kong government, but the movement has since waned due to arrests, exiles, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the national security law.

via The Associated Press|
#convictions-quashed#hong-kong#national-security-law
politics2 years ago

Hong Kong Democracy Activists Secure Partial Victory in Conviction Quashing Bid for 2019 Protest

Seven prominent pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong, including Jimmy Lai and Martin Lee, had part of their convictions quashed over their roles in the 2019 pro-democracy protest. The convictions for organizing an unauthorized assembly were overturned, but their convictions for participating in the assembly were upheld. The activists had already served their sentences for this case, but some of them remain in custody due to charges under the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020. The 2019 movement marked a significant challenge to the Hong Kong government, but it has since waned due to arrests, exiles, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the national security law.

via Yahoo News|
#2019-protest#convictions-quashed#hong-kong
opinion2 years ago

China's Bounty on Dissent: A Threat to Free Speech

Ted Hui, a pro-democracy activist who left Hong Kong in 2020, reveals that the Hong Kong Police's National Security Department has issued arrest warrants and offered bounties of 1 million Hong Kong dollars for information leading to his "successful prosecution" and that of seven other pro-democracy activists, even though he now resides in Australia. Hui believes that the Chinese Communist Party is determined to silence him.

via The Wall Street Journal|
#arrest-warrants#china#communist-party
politics2 years ago

Hong Kong's Crackdown on Democracy Supporters: Arrests, Sanctions, and Investigations

Hong Kong authorities have offered a 1 million Hong Kong dollar ($128,000) bounty for information leading to the arrest of eight pro-democracy activists living in self-exile in the United States, Britain, and Australia. This move comes as Hong Kong tries to repair its image following years of Covid restrictions and the imposition of a national security law, which has been criticized for eroding freedoms. The US, Britain, and Australia have condemned the bounties, describing them as an attempt by China to intimidate and silence overseas critics. The activists are accused of breaching the national security law by advocating for Hong Kong's independence and urging foreign governments to impose sanctions on the city.

via NBC News|
#exile#hong-kong#human-rights
world2 years ago

"Arrests Made: Hong Kong Police Accuse 4 of Backing Overseas Pro-Democracy Leaders"

Hong Kong police have arrested four individuals accused of supporting pro-democracy leaders overseas. The men, former student members of the disbanded political group Demosisto, are allegedly linked to a web platform called "Punish Mee" that financially supports pro-democracy leaders living abroad. They are accused of violating Hong Kong's National Security Law, which criminalizes secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces. Critics argue that the law is draconian and vague. Hong Kong police had recently offered bounties for information leading to the arrest of eight pro-democracy voices, including Finn Lau and Nathan Law, who are living in self-imposed exile in the UK.

via CBS News|
#arrests#exile#hong-kong