The Hong Kong government’s use of the draconian National Security Law to charge 47 democracy figures demonstrates utter disregard for democratic political processes.
The ‘China Model’ Is Expanding in Hong Kong
There are new signs of Hong Kong’s internet, legal, and press systems following in Beijing’s footsteps.
By
March 02, 2021
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From website blocking to SIM card registration to bail denial and a major shakeup at the public broadcaster, more signs of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)’s political, legal, and media controls have appeared in Hong Kong over the past month. The encroaching hand of Beijing was especially noticeable in three crucial areas: internet controls, criminal prosecutions, and public broadcasting.
Internet Controls
Internet controls restricting free speech and anonymity, which recall those in mainland China, had not previously been evident in Hong Kong. But such controls are starting to emerge in the territory. On February 12, internet service providers blocked access to the Taiwan Transitional Justice Commission website, according to internet users and reporters who said
Hong Kong Prosecutors Charge 47 With Subversion, Supporters Rally Outside Bail Hearing
Posted by John Chan | Mar 1, 2021
In an orchestrated spectacle seemingly timed to coordinate with leaders in Beijing, 47 prominent pro-democracy supporters including very nearly every member of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy camp were crammed into a West Kowloon courtroom on Monday, March 1 for a bail hearing. They were charged the day prior with subversion under the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL) for running in an informal primary election in July 2020, in which more than 600,000 Hong Kong people voted. If ultimately convicted, they face up to life in prison.
After adjourning for several hours when it emerged that multiple defendants were denied access to their lawyers, Monday’s hearing continued for more than ten hours without reaching a conclusion. Just before 2 a.m. it was adjourned for nine hours after one defendant fainted, and three more were sent to the emergency room after collaps