Hong

Defying Oppression: Meet Chow Hang Tung, Hong Kong’s Modern Antigone Fighting for Freedom

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Hong Kong – In a world where freedoms are increasingly threatened, one woman stands as a symbol of defiance. Meet Chow Hang Tung, the Antigone of Hong Kong. While many may not be familiar with her name, her story is one of courage and resistance. Every year, Hong Kong held a candlelight vigil at Victoria Park to commemorate the Tiananmen Square massacre. It was a proud tradition, a symbol of Hong Kong’s commitment to remembering a dark chapter in history. However, in 2020, the passing of the national security law changed everything. The law aimed … Read more

Hong Kong Lawyer’s Jail Sentence Overturned: Court Grants Community Service Order in Obstruction Case

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HONG KONG (AP) — A lawyer in Hong Kong has successfully appealed against his jail sentence for obstructing a police officer outside a court during a national security case three years ago. The High Court replaced Leo Yau Lut-pong’s original seven-day sentence with a 160-hour community service order. The appeal was granted after it was found that the trial magistrate had wrongly applied the law in rejecting Yau’s plea for leniency. However, a separate appeal against his conviction for willful obstruction was dismissed. Yau, who works for Bond Ng Solicitors, had ignored a police sergeant’s … Read more

Threat to Hong Kongers’ Right to Legal Counsel: Troubling Cases Highlight Erosion of Constitutional Safeguards

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HONG KONG (AP) — Recent developments in Hong Kong suggest that the right to access legal counsel is being eroded in the national security sector of the police force. The erosion of this important right, guaranteed by the Bill of Rights Ordinance and the Basic Law, is a cause for concern. According to Article 11 (2) (b) of the Bill of Rights Ordinance, individuals charged with a criminal offense have the right to adequate time and facilities for their defense and to communicate with their chosen counsel. Similarly, Article 35 of the Basic Law states … Read more

International Legal Team Urgently Appeals to UN on Alleged Torture of Witness in Hong Kong Activist’s Trial

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Hong Kong, China – Jimmy Lai, a detained pro-democracy activist and media entrepreneur, has filed an urgent appeal with the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Lai’s international legal team alleges that the Chinese authorities tortured a key prosecution witness, Andy Li, in order to extract incriminating evidence against Lai. Lai is currently standing trial for charges under the National Security Law (NSL), including conspiracy to sedition, collusion with a foreign country, and conspiracy to collude with foreign countries. The trial began on December 18 and … Read more