January
Monday, January 4
Two lawyers hired to counsel the group of 12 activists arrested at sea have been threatened by Chinese officials with the revocation of their law licenses, even though the two lawyers, Lu Siwei and Ren Quanniu, were barred from representing them. Source .
Police arrest the 63rd person—a 35-year-old, surnamed Ng, involved in the Yuen Long mob attack last year on suspicion of taking part in a riot and conspiracy to wound with intent. Of the 63 people arrested so far, 48 were the “white-clad” attackers. Source .
Tuesday, January 5
Chief justice Geoffrey Ma speaks at his last press conference before his retirement, pleading that "[w]hat we need most is judicial independence in Hong Kong." Source .
Wednesday, January 6
53 pro-democracy activists are arrested on suspicion of “subversion” under the National Security Law for organizing or participating in unofficial primaries last July to select democratic candidates for an upcoming Legislative Council election that has since been postponed. Among those detained are Occupy Central co-founder Benny Tai, Democratic Party and Civic Party lawmakers James To Kun-sun, Lam Cheuk-ting, Andrew Wan Siu-kin, Alvin Yeung Ngok-kiu, and Wu Chi-wai, as well as American lawyer John Clancey. Source . Source .
Thursday, January 7
50 of the 53 pro-democracy activists arrested on January 6 are released. However, former chairman for the Democratic Party Wu Chi-wai is being detained at a Correctional Services facility for allegedly breaching bail conditions linked to his unauthorized assembly case after police found his British National (Overseas) passport at his home during his arrest on Wednesday. A court will decide on Friday whether his earlier bail should be revoked. Source . Source . Source . Source .
Friday, January 8
Authorities release two more arrestees rounded up on January 6, leaving only Wu Chi-wai still in custody, who had his bail revoked for failing to surrender his British National (Overseas) passport as ordered by a court on December 17. Most of those released had to pay a cash bail of HK$30,000 (~$3,868 U.S. dollars) and hand in their travel documents. Some had their phones and computers confiscated. They will report back to the police in early February and none have been formally charged. Source . Source .
Three defendants found guilty of rioting and assaulting a mainland Chinese journalist at the Hong Kong International Airport in August 2019 during the height of the pro-democracy protests are given harsh “deterrent sentences” of up to five years and six months. Source .
Saturday, January 9
A jury at the coroner’s court returns an open verdict regarding the cause of death of student activist Alex Chow Tsz-lok, who died in November 2019 after falling from the second level of a car park near the site of a confrontation between protesters and police. Source .
Monday, January 11
District Judge Sham Siu-man clears Kazakhstani student Abilkaiyr Nukpi of attempted arson for allegedly igniting a petrol bomb at a protest in November 2019. The judge cites inconsistencies in police testimony regarding crucial evidence. Source .
Tuesday, January 12
The Court of First Instance grants the Department of Justice’s application to fly in British Queen’s Counsel David Perry to prosecute the case of media mogul Jimmy Lai, “Father of Democracy” Martin Lee, and other pro-democracy activists in connection with a protest in Victoria Park in 2019. Source .
Wednesday, January 13
Hoang Lam-phuc, 17, one of the two teens among the 12 activists arrested at sea who were sent back to Hong Kong from Shenzhen, may face charges of jumping bail and assisting offenders in addition to charges in connection with the 2019 protests. Source .
Thursday, January 14
Police arrest 11 people under the National Security Law for “assisting offenders”—namely, the 12 activists arrested at sea. Among the arrestees is Daniel Wong Kwok-tung, a lawyer known for providing legal assistance to hundreds of protesters detained during the 2019 protests. Source .
Freelance documentary producer Bao Choy pleads not guilty to making false statements in connection with information provided in a form to access vehicle registration information as part of research for a documentary about the delayed police response to the 2019 Yuen Long mob attacks. Choy’s two-day trial is scheduled for March 24. Source .
Internet service provider Hong Kong Broadband Network confirms it “disabled the access to [HKChronicles] in compliance with the requirement issued under the National Security Law.” HKChronicles collected stories and footage from protests highlighting police violence and listed personal details of police officers. Source .
The 11 arrested on Thursday, January 14, on suspicion of helping a dozen Hong Kong fugitives flee the city last year are expected to be released on bail by Friday, January 15. At least four have already been released on bail. Source .
Friday, January 15
A public school teacher at a school in Kowloon East is under investigation for allegedly using “inappropriate and biased teaching materials” after two teachers were disqualified in 2020. Source .
Saturday, January 16
American activist group Hong Kong Democracy Council (HKDC) says it has welcomed five Hong Kong protesters to the United States after their “arduous and perilous” journey and will be assisting them in their application for asylum in the U.S. Source .
Wednesday, January 20
The Hong Kong government issues a statement saying the British Queen’s Counsel David Perry has pulled out of the case to prosecute Hong Kong activists, including media mogul Jimmy Lai and “Grandfather of Democracy” Martin Lee, due to “growing pressure and criticism from the UK community directed at Mr. Perry QC for his involvement in this case.” Source .
A planned amendment to the Immigration Ordinance, which includes a clause to allow border guards to stop people from boarding a flight or other transportation out of the city, is debated in the Legislative Council. Source .
Thursday, January 21
Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang tells the Legislative Council that district councillors are considered public officers who must take an oath of allegiance under Article 6 of the National Security Law. The government will submit an amendment bill detailing oath-taking arrangements for public officers after Lunar New Year to the Legislative Council. Source .
Friday, January 22
Liberal Party member Tommy Cheung proposes a plan to install CCTV cameras in classrooms to monitor teachers’ behavior and comments to identify “bad apples” following Chief Executive Carrie Lam and Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung’s comments on ridding the teaching profession of “bad apples.” Source .
New chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association Paul Harris calls for the National Security Law to be amended for being “profoundly offensive because it sa[ys] certain people’s actions can’t be challenged in the court of law,” and says the arrests of the 55 pro-democracy figures are an abuse of the law. Source .
Monday, January 25
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology suspends two students, the president and vice-president of the Students’ Union, for organizing a memorial on campus marking the six-month anniversary of the death of HKUST student Alex Chow Tsz-lok. Source .
Tuesday, January 26
Chinese state-run media outlet China Daily blasts chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association Paul Harris for the second day in a row for loss of “professionalism and rationality” over his comments calling for the amendment of the National Security Law. Source .
Family members of Li Tsz-yin and Kwok Tsz-lun, two of the 12 activists arrested at sea, are finally allowed to visit them for an hour at Yan Tian Detention Center, where the two are serving their seven-month prison sentences. Families are allowed two visits per month. Source .
Pro-democracy activist and organizer of political group StudentPoliticism Yat-Chin Wong reveals that Chinese authorities questioned his family and friends in mainland China for information about him and told them not to keep in contact with him, forcing Wong to sever ties with them. Source .
Thursday, January 28
The Hong Kong Court of Appeal increases the sentence of Szeto Ho-san from the already-served ten days to three months for possessing offensive weapons in a public place at the prosecutors’ request. Source .
Friday, January 29
China strikes back in response to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s promise to provide long-term sanctuary for Hong Kong residents with British National (Overseas) passports by saying it will no longer recognize the British National (Overseas) passport as of January 31 “as a travel document and ID document, and [China] reserves the right to take further actions.” Source .
Hong Kong’s Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Edward Yau will lead a press conference to announce details of a public consultation regarding real-name registration for mobile phone SIM cards, raising privacy fears. The program has been required in the mainland since 2010. Source .
February
Monday, February 1
Jimmy Lai is remanded to custody after the Court of Final Appeal took issue with the principles that led a lower court judge to grant Lai bail. The top court cites Article 42(2) of the National Security Law, which specifies that “no bail shall be granted to a criminal suspect or defendant unless the judge has sufficient grounds for believing [they] will not continue to commit acts endangering national security.” Source .
Tuesday, February 2
Ren Quanniu, one of the lawyers for the 12 activists arrested at sea, is the second Chinese lawyer to have his law license revoked. Lu Siwei, who served alongside Ren on the case, had his license revoked in January. Source .
A consultation paper sent to schools reveals Education Bureau’s proposed revision of the Liberal Studies subject that would expand content on national security, lawfulness, and patriotism. New names for the subject are being also considered. Source .
Wednesday, February 3
The Hong Kong Bar Association denies being a “political organization” and promises to engage in “constructive and rational dialogue” with authorities after Beijing lashed out at its new chairman Paul Harris for being an “anti-Communist lawyer,” and accused the association of being “hijacked by a minority of anti-China troublemakers.” Source .
Thursday, February 4
Canada, Britain, and the United States are alarmed after Canada's foreign affairs department said on February 2 that a dual-national in prison in Hong Kong was forced to make a declaration of nationality on January 18. Source .
Education authorities issue guidelines to bring Hong Kong’s schools in line with the National Security Law, touching on aspects from management and teaching to students’ behavior off campus. Primary level students will have to learn the basic concepts of national security and name the offences under it, while older students must understand there are limits to existing rights and freedoms. Source . Source .
Friday, February 5
Prominent activist Joshua Wong, former lawmaker Eddie Chu Hoi-dick, and three district councillors, Lester Shum, Tiffany Yuen Ka-wai, and Janelle Leung Hoi-ching, face five years in prison after pleading guilty to taking part in last year’s banned June 4 vigil. The 19 other co-defendants, including media mogul Jimmy Lai, requested more time to decide their respective pleas pending the verdict of a similar case. Source .
Wednesday, February 24
Hong Kong Budget 2021: National security
The Hong Kong budget allocates HK$8 billion for “safeguarding national security” in 2021-2022 despite a projected record deficit of HK$101.6 billion.” Source . Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
High Court denies bail to pro-democracy activists Agnes Chow and Ivan Lam who are appealing against their sentence on “illegal assembly” charges related to a siege of police headquarters on June 21, 2019. Source .
Electoral system overhaul
Sources reveal Beijing is considering proposals to reform Hong Kong’s electoral system, which may include replacing the proportional representation system to eliminate “non-patriots.” Source .
Thursday, February 25
National security mass arrests: Japan’s reaction
The Japanese government criticizes the mass arrests of more than 50 Hong Kong pro-democracy activists and politicians under the National Security Law. Tokyo says it has “grave concerns” about Hong Kong’s situation. Source .
Friday, February 26
Political pressure on campus activities
The management of the Chinese University of Hong Kong withdraws institutional support for the newly elected student union, Syzygia, which received 99% of the record 4,000 ballots cast. Syzygia criticizes the CUHK of making a potentially false accusation that cabinet members may have violated the National Security Law. Source . Source . Source .
Hong Kong 12 case
Among the 12 Hong Kong activists captured in mainland Chinese waters while fleeing to Taiwan, 17-year-old Hoang Lam-phuc returned to Hong Kong and now faces a new charge over failing to surrender to custody as required. Hoang is originally accused of attempted arson in the 2019 protests. Source .
National security mass arrests
52 of the 55 pro-democracy activists and lawmakers arrested under the National Security Law in January, 2021, are told to report to the police on Sunday, February 28, 2021, more than a month earlier than the originally scheduled date in April 2021. Source .
Civil society groups retreat from Hong Kong
Sources reveal that two China-focused rights groups—the New School for Democracy and Global Innovation Hub—relocated to Taiwan from Hong Kong in September, 2020, under the pressure of the National Security Law. Source .
Saturday, February 27
Civil society group disbands
Power for Democracy, the political group that coordinated the Legislative Council election primaries in July 2020, announces its disbandment, before the group’s convenor, Andrew Chiu, is due to report to the police on Sunday, February 28. Source .
Sunday, February 28
National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case
47 pro-democracy activists are charged and detained for alleged subversion under the National Security Law for organizing and participating in a primary election exercise in July 2020 to select candidates for the Legislative Council election scheduled for September 2020 (which the HK SAR administration later suspended for a year). The 47 were arrested in January for allegedly attempting to paralyze the government with the “35+” plan but were released. Source . Source .
Political pressure on campus activities
Two days after withdrawing its manifesto and campaign statements that allegedly breach the National Security Law, the Chinese University of Hong Kong’s newly-elected student union resigns as members of its cabinet and their families are threatened and intimidated. Source .
Restrictions on the media
Radio Television Hong Kong’s Head of Public and Current Affairs section, Doris Wong Lok-har, resigns, as new director of broadcasting Patrick Li Pak-chuen takes office on the same day, citing her frustration with tasks that had "overstepped her value." Source .
March
Tuesday, March 2
National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case
After a 14-hour initial hearing of bail applications from the 47 pro-democracy defendants charged with subversion under the National Security Law on Monday, March 1, four defendants are hospitalized for exhaustion. The hearing is adjourned at 2:45am, March 2, and continues later that morning. Prosecutors have applied to postpone the hearing until May 31 and keep the 47 in custody at least until then. Source .
One of the 47 pro-democracy defendants, Winnie Yu Wai-ming, who is also the chairwoman of the Hospital Authority Employees Alliance trade union, is suspended by the union on account of her being charged under the National Security Law. Source .
Disciplining of academics
The University of Hong Kong’s selection and promotion committee overrides the institution’s medical school and opts to not renew the contract of renowned hepatitis expert and medical professor, Lai Ching-lung, who supported hospital workers’ strike in 2020. Source .
Wednesday, March 3
National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case
Among the 47 charged with subversion under the National Security Law, four from the Civic Party—Alvin Yeung Ngok-kiu, Jeremy Tam Man-ho, Kwok Ka-ki, and Lee Yue-shun—
quit the party. The four and three other defendants—Lam Cheuk-ting, Clarisse Yeung Suet-ying and Gwyneth Ho Kwai-lam—dismiss their lawyers and decide to represent themselves going forward. Source . Source .
National security arrest: Next Digital
Former executive director of Next Digital, Stephen Ting Ka-Yu, is arrested by national security police over alleged fraud. Next Digital is the publisher of newspaper Apple Daily. Source .
Hong Kong 12 case
Among the 12 Hong Kong activists captured in the sea by China’s Coast Guard while en route fleeing to Taiwan, 17-year-old Liu Tsz-man returned to Hong Kong and now faces a new charge of failing to surrender to custody as required. Source .
Thursday, March 4
National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case
Among the 47 charged with subversion under the National Security Law, 15 are granted bail: the Department of Justice immediately appeals the court’s decision. The 15 will remain in custody until the court hears the appeal. Source .
Electoral system overhaul
The National People’s Congress (NPC), the legislative body of the People’s Republic of China, is set to consider a resolution to overhaul Hong Kong’s electoral system during its annual plenary session, scheduled to open on March 5. The Legislative Council election that has already been suspended for a year since September 2020 is expected to be further postponed until 2022. Source .
Civil society group disbands
Ventus Lau, the spokesperson of Hong Kong Civil Assembly Team, and one of the 47 pro-democracy defendants, announces through his lawyer the “immediate disbandment” of the Team. Source . Source .
Occupy Central case
Court of Appeal revokes bail for Benny Tai Yiu-ting, a co-founder of the “Occupy Central with Love and Peace” protests in 2014. Tai is sent back to jail to wait for the court’s ruling on his appeal against his conviction and jail term over the 2014 protests. Source .
Friday, March 5
National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case
Prosecutors dropped challenge to bail granted to four defendants among the 47 charged with subversion under the National Security Law: Lawrence Lau; Hendrick Lui; Clarisse Yeung; and Mike Lam. The four were among the 15 granted bail on Thursday, March 4. Source .
Electoral system overhaul
The draft decision on improving Hong Kong’s electoral system is outlined and submitted to the National People’s Congress at the opening of its annual meeting. “The chaos in Hong Kong society indicates that there are obvious loopholes and flaws in Hong Kong’s existing electoral mechanism,” says Wang Chen, vice chairman of the NPC Standing Committee. Source . Source .
Electoral system overhaul: EU’s reaction
In a statement, the EU expresses deep concern over Beijing’s decision to amend Hong Kong’s electoral system and warns of “additional steps in response to any further serious deterioration of political freedoms and human rights in Hong Kong.” Source .
Attacks on civil society: Civil Human Rights Front
In a statement, Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF) denies allegations circulating online that it has received funding from foreign governments or organizations including the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), in actions that may have violated the National Security Law. CHRF states that the group has never received any sort of foreign funding and has “always relied on Hong Kong citizens' donations from protests to run our organisation.” Source . Source .
Monday, March 8
National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case
Eleven defendants—among the group of 47 charged with subversion under the National Security Law—are remanded in custody despite having been granted bail, as the judge on their cases considers prosecutors’ challenge to the bail decision. Their next hearings are set to resume on March 11 and 13. Source .
Erosion of civil society: Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions
One of the 47 pro-democracy defendants, Carol Ng, whose bail was denied by the court, steps down as the chairwoman of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions. Source .
Hong Kong’s electoral overhaul: EU reaction
In response to the National People’s Congress’s agenda to overhaul Hong Kong’s election system, the European Union urges China to “carefully consider the political and economic implications of any decision to reform the electoral system of Hong Kong.” The EU warns that it is “ready to take additional steps in response to any further serious deterioration of political freedoms and human rights.” Source .
Tuesday, March 9
Loyalty oath
Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip Tak-kuen says that around 200 civil servants who refused to sign oath to declare allegiance to the government may face dismissal. Source .
Activists in exile
Former lawmaker Ted Hui, in self-exile with his family, left the UK to settle in Australia. Hui left Hong Kong in December 2020, after facing protest related charges. He first arrived in Denmark before entering the UK. Source . Source .
Hong Kong’s electoral overhaul: U.S. reaction
Eight bipartisan U.S. senators—Sen. Marco Rubio, Sen. Ed Marke, Sen. Jeff Merkley, Sen. Mitt Romney, Rep. Ami Bera, Rep. James McGovern, Rep. Steve Chabot, Rep. Chris Smith—issue a joint statement voicing deep concerns over Hong Kong’s electoral overhaul by Beijing. “Beijing is once again violating its binding international commitments under the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration and its obligations under Hong Kong’s Basic Law,” says the statement. Source .
Wednesday, March 10
Hong Kong’s electoral overhaul
In his remarks at the conclusion of the annual session of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (NPPCC) National Committee, Chairman Wang Yang expresses firm support for “patriots ruling Hong Kong” in order to carry forward the “one country, two systems” principle in Hong Kong. Source .
Restrictions on peaceful assembly
Eight activists from the League of Social Democrats and Labour Party are convicted of violating a ban on group gathering in connection with a protest on May 1, 2020 that called for unemployment assistance for the jobless amid the pandemic. They receive suspended sentences. Source .
Restrictions on peaceful assembly
In the first case arising from an unauthorized assembly charge in which seven of the defendants challenge its constitutionality, District Judge Amanda Woodcock rules that the prosecution has provided sufficient evidence and that the defendants have a case to answer. The case centers on an anti-government protest on August 18, 2019, and the seven defendants are: media tycoon Jimmy Lai, former lawmakers Martin Lee Chu-ming, “Long Hair” Leung Kwok-hung, Lee Cheuk-yan, Albert Ho Chun-yan, Cyd Ho Sau-lan, and Margaret Ng Ngoi-yee. Two other defendants—former lawmakers Au Nok-hin and Leung Yiu-chung—pleaded guilty in February before the start of the trial. Source . Source .
Thursday, March 11
National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case
Among the 47 charged with subversion under the National Security Law, the High Court grants bail for former lawmaker Helena Wong, but revokes bail for district councillor Ng Kin-wai. Source .
Hong Kong’s electoral overhaul
On the final day of National People’s Congress annual session, 2,895 delegates vote, with one abstention but no opposition, to approve a resolution to overhaul Hong Kong’s electoral system. Source . Source .
Friday, March 12
National Security Law: EU reaction
The European Commission's Annual Report on Hong Kong says Beijing uses the National Security Law to “crack down on pro-democracy forces, stifle dissent and pluralism, and erode fundamental freedoms,” and that “China is consciously dismantling the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle in violation of its international commitments and the Hong Kong Basic Law.” Source .
Hong Kong’s electoral overhaul: G7 reaction
In a joint statement, foreign ministers of the G7 group of nations, including the United States, expressed their “grave concerns at the Chinese authorities’ decision fundamentally to erode democratic elements of the electoral system in Hong Kong [and] that authorities in mainland China are determined to eliminate dissenting voices and opinions in Hong Kong.” Source .
Restrictions on media
Public broadcaster Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) cancels a program that would have featured a panel discussion on the National People’s Congress’s decision to overhaul Hong Kong’s electoral system less than an hour before its scheduled broadcast. Source .
National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case
The court denies bail again to 11 of the 47 charged with subversion under the National Security Law. Another ten withdraw their bail applications. Source .
Monday, March 15
Electoral system overhaul: UK’s reaction
British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab says UK considers China to be in a “state of ongoing non-compliance” with the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration. Source .
National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case
Among the 47 charged with subversion under the National Security Law, High Court reinstates bail for three pro-democracy activists—Kalvin Ho, Sze Tak-loy, and Lee Yue-shun—but revokes bail for two former lawmakers Jeremy Tam Man-ho and Kwok Ka-ki. Source .
“2021 Hong Kong Charter”
Eight Hong Kong pro-democracy activists in exile—Nathan Law, Sunny Cheung, Alex Chow, Glacier Kwong, Ray Wong and Brian Leung, and former lawmakers Ted Hui and Baggio Leung—issue the “2021 Hong Kong Charter” calling for Hong Kong democracy and autonomy as well as solidarity among Hong Kongers overseas. Source . Source .
Tuesday, March 16
Restrictions on the media
The new Director of Broadcasting of Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), Patrick Li Pak-chuen, confirms pulling several television program episodes that he deemed unbalanced. He also says, going forward, he will require ideas and plans to be submitted for review ahead of production. Source .
Wednesday, March 17
US sanctions
A day before US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s scheduled meeting with top Beijing diplomats on Thursday, March 18, the US declares sanctions on 24 mainland Chinese and Hong Kong officials for their involvement in the revamping of the electoral system in Hong Kong. In a statement, Blinken says these officials’ actions “have reduced Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy.” Source . Source . Source .
Loyalty oath
The Hong Kong government has officially introduced to the legislature an oath-taking requirement for all members of the 18 district councils. Source .
Restrictions on the arts
Pro-Beijing Chinese language newspaper Tak Kung Pao attacks the Hong Kong Arts Development Council for making grants to fund pro-democracy film projects. “These pro-protest film-makers actually got public money to produce so-called works of art that were anti-government, and which beautified the notion of Hong Kong independence,” says the article. Source . Source .
Thursday, March 18
Independence of judiciary
Senior court prosecutor William Wong who complained about the police “blatantly lying” and “harming the judicial system” during the 2019 protests is suspended from his post. Source .
Friday, March 19
National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case
Among the 47 charged with subversion under the National Security Law, five pro-democracy activists—Lam Cheuk-ting, Fergus Leung, Henry Wong, Gwyneth Ho and Gordon Ng—
withdraw their challenge against a bail refusal. Lam and Ng, however, reserve their right to apply for further bail review on March 25. Another defendant Andy Chui’s application for bail is rejected. Source .
National security education
Under the “Competitive Allocation” mechanism of University Grants Committee (UGC), resources for first-year first-degree places are reallocated every three years according to performance of individual UGC-funded universities. National security education is set out as a new requirement for receiving government subsidies under “Competitive Allocation 2022-2025”. Source .
April
Thursday, April 1
Restrictions on the media
Hong Kong government plans to restrict public access to company directors’ residential addresses and ID card numbers in the Companies Registry, which are now searchable online. The Hong Kong Journalists' Association expresses deep concern about the move’s impact on journalists’ ability to investigate corporate activities. Source .
Friday, April 2
Hong Kong 12 case
National security prosecutions
Sister of Andy Li, among the eight activists sent back to Hong Kong after serving their sentences in mainland China for illegal border crossing but whose whereabouts had been unknown since his return to Hong Kong on March 22, 2021, says she has finally received information about her brother. Source .
Monday, April 5
Hong Kong 12 case
Five of the 12 Hong Kong activists captured in mainland Chinese waters while fleeing to Taiwan and returned to Hong Kong—Cheung Chun-fu, Cheung Ming-yu, Yim Man-him, Kok Tsz-lun and Wong Wai-yin—make first court appearance after completing the two-week quarantine. Source .
Restrictions on the media
RTHK public affairs TV series “Hong Kong Connection” loses another episode in a string of programs pulled after the arrival of the public broadcaster’s new head, Patrick Li Pak-chuen. The episode contains interviews with CitizenNews and Hong Kong Free Press. An RTHK radio show featuring opposition district councillor Michael Mo Kwan-tai has also been put on hold for review of its “contentious” content. Source . Source .
Tuesday, April 6
Electoral system overhaul
Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah and Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang Kwok-wai urge the public not to cast blank ballots and say that the authorities may ban such actions. Source .
National education
Primary and secondary schools are required to conduct self-assessment under the Education Bureau’s “Assessment Program for Affective and Social Outcomes” evaluation framework. Teachers say schools are under pressure to include national education-related questions as part of the assessment. Source .
Wednesday, April 7
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Three pro-democracy figures including media tycoon Jimmy Lai, Labour Party vice-chair Lee Cheuk-yan, and former Democratic Party chair Yeung Sum plead guilty to organizing and taking part in an unauthorized protest on August 31, 2019. Lee Cheuk-yan declares: “history will absolve” those on trial. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
A 14-year-old shot by police is the youngest to plead guilty to rioting in 2019 protests. He was arrested in an “anti-mask law“ protests in Yuen Long on October 4, 2019 and is sentenced to correctional institution. Source .
Electoral system overhaul
Pro-democracy Yuen Long district councilor To Ka-lun refuses to take oath and resigns. Source .
Hong Kong 12 case
National security prosecutions
Andy Li, one of the eight activists sent back to Hong Kong after serving their sentences in mainland China for illegal border crossing, makes first court appearance since his release from a Chinese prison on March 22, 2021. Li is charged with colluding with foreign powers under the National Security Law, along with conspiracy to assist offenders by attempting to flee to Taiwan, and possession of ammunition without a license. Li has not submitted a bail application. Barrister Lawrence Law, who represents Li, declines to disclose how Li appointed him as legal representative. Source .
Thursday, April 8
Electoral system overhaul
Erick Tsang, Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, says the government is considering extending candidate eligibility review mechanism to district council level. Source .
National security prosecutions
Tong Ying-kit, the first person charged with terrorism and incitement to commit secession under the National Security Law over the July 1, 2020 protest, mounts a legal challenge against a no-jury trial and his lawyer is applying for judicial review. Source .
National security prosecutions
Lui Sai-yu, a 24-year old student at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, is charged with inciting others to commit secession under the National Security Law between June 30 and September 24, 2020. He was earlier charged with possession of firearms without a license, possession of offensive weapons, and importing strategic commodities without a license. No bail application is made and the case is adjourned until May 4. Source .
Activists in exile
Nathan Law Kwun-chung, former pro-democracy lawmaker who fled Hong Kong for Britain in late June, 2020, is now granted political asylum in Britain. Beijing slammed Britain of sheltering wanted suspects. Source .
Loyalty oath
Civil Service Bureau says over 100 civil servants who have not signed the loyalty pledge will be called to explain. Source .
Electoral system overhaul
Pro-democracy Sai Kung district councilor Lai Ming Chak refuses to take oath and resigns from his councilor post. He is silent about rumor of him having left Hong Kong. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Department of Justice says that out of the 10, 242 individuals arrested between June 9, 2019 and February 28, 2021 in connection with Anti-ELAB incidents, 2,521 are under judicial proceedings, and 617 have been convicted. Source .
Hong Kong 12 case
Li Tsz-yin and Cheng Tsz-ho, among the 12 Hong Kong activists captured in mainland Chinese waters while fleeing to Taiwan, make first court appearance after returning to Hong Kong and completing their quarantine. They are remanded in custody, with June 29, 2021 as their next court date. Source .
Friday, April 9
National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case
Ex-lawmaker Andrew Wan Siu-kin, one of the 47 charged and detained with subversion under the National Security Law, faces additional charge of allegedly interfering with the election of LegCo's environmental affairs panel by casting an extra vote on October 16, 2020. Source .
Restrictions on the media
Patrick Li Pak-chuen, new head of Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), orders the “Hong Kong Connection” production team to stop filming all but one of programs—about COVID vaccines—that are already in progress. Source .
Saturday, April 10
Exodus from Legco, district councils, political parties
Pro-democracy ex-lawmaker Dennis Kwok Wing-hang from the Civic Party confirms he has left Hong Kong for Canada with his family. He is one of the four opposition lawmakers disqualified by the government on November 11, 2020 followed by a collective Legislative Council (LegCo) resignation from the pan-democratic camp. Source .
Immigrantion pathways
New guidelines on the British government’s British National (Overseas) visa scheme—introduced as a response to the National Security Law to facilitate applications by Hong Kong people to emigrate and seek citizenship in Britain—now allow husbands, wives and their children to apply separately. Source .
Monday, April 12
Electoral system overhaul
Following Beijing’s overhaul of Hong Kong’s electoral system, 200 pro-establishment candidates who lost in the 2019 district council elections are appointed as members of area committees. Area committee members may be eligible to join the Chief Executive Election Committee under the overhauled electoral system. Source .
Loyalty oath
The political party People Power opposes loyalty oath, but its district councilor Wan Chi-chung decides to continue his work at Yuen Long district council and resigns from the party. Source .
National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case
The High Court revokes again the bail application of district councilor Jimmy Sham Tsz-kit, one of the 47 charged and detained with subversion under the National Security Law. Source .
National security education
Primary school general studies textbook replaces "Government of the Republic of China”—a term used to refer to the government of Taiwan—with “Chinese Nationalist Party.” Source .
Tuesday, April 13
Hong Kong’s electoral overhaul
Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor says individual voters’ right to spoil or cast blank ballots will be protected but those who incite others to perform such actions will be considered illegal and could face up to three years in jail. The next Legislative Council election is scheduled for December 19, 2021. Source . Source . Source .
Civil servants training in mainland
Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip Tak-kuen says the government is considering making training courses in the mainland mandatory for civil servants to be permanently hired following the three-year probation period. Source .
National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case
Among the 47 charged with subversion under the National Security Law, two former pro-democracy lawmakers, Andrew Wan Siu-kin and Helena Wong Pik-wan, face new charges of interfering with the LegCo's environmental affairs panel election by casting an extra vote on October 16, 2020. Source .
National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Joshua Wong Chi-fung—who is among the 47 charged under the National Security Law and is now serving a separate 13.5-month jail sentence for unauthorized assembly on June 21, 2019—is sentenced to another four months in jail for involvement in the October 5, 2019 “anti-mask law” rally. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Veteran pro-democracy activist Koo Sze-yiu, who has stage-four cancer, is sentenced to five months’ jail for participating in an unauthorized assembly in the October 5, 2019 “anti-mask law” rally. "Human rights are more important than any government, and the people are more important than any government," Koo told the court. Source .
National security education
To celebrate National Security Education Day on April 15, 2020, kindergarten students receive National Security Day promotion materials that list 16 key aspects of national security. Source .
Sanction on Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s last British Governor Chris Patten leads 103 UK Members of Parliament to urge the British government to sanction Hong Kong officials. Source . Source .
Wednesday, April 14
Electoral system overhaul
Hong Kong security police are drafting protocols for screening candidates under the overhauled electoral system. Security minister John Lee Ka-chiu maintains that this does not contradict the neutrality of the police force. Source .
Electoral system overhaul
Restrictions on the media
The government has proposed future electoral rolls that will only show the first character of the voter’s name and full residential address, and only government-registered media, political parties, and election candidates can access the electoral register. Source .
Exodus from Legco, district councils, political parties
After confirming his move to Canada from Hong Kong on April 12, pro-democracy ex-lawmaker Dennis Kwok Wing-hang officially resigns from the Civic Party. Source .
National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case
High Court revokes bail again for opposition lawmaker Claudia Mo Man-ching, one of the 47 pro-democracy figures charged with subversion under the National Security Law. Source .
Academic freedom
Press report reveals that Ian Holliday, Vice President for Teaching and Learning at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), sent a letter to senior faculty staff on March 18, 2021 outlining how the university should operate under the National Security Law while upholding academic freedom. Source .
Thursday, April 15
National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case
Exodus from Legco, district councils, political parties
Four former lawmakers from the Civic Party who are among the 47 pro-democracy figures charged under the National Security Law—Kwok Ka-ki, Lee Yue-shun, Jeremy Tam Man-ho and Alvin Yeung Ngok-kiu—suggest disbandment of the party, saying there is no more room for the party in the Legislative Council. Source .
National security cases in China related to Anti-ELAB movement
State television discloses the arrest of two mainland Chinese students under the national security law in China for joining the 2019 anti-extradition protests in Hong Kong, as well as an 11-year sentence for a Chinese-born Belize businessman for allegedly advising U.S. officials on foreign sanctions on Hong Kong and for funding the 2019 protests. Source .
National security education
All Hong Kong school students, including kindergarten children, are taught to “uphold national security, safeguard our homeland” on National Security Education day. National security teaching materials are distributed to schools to celebrate the occasion. Source .
Friday, April 16
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Ten veteran pro-democracy figures, including media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying who is currently already imprisoned for other cases, are sentenced to eight to 18 months in jail for organizing or participating in an unauthorized assembly on August 18, or August 31, 2019. Sentences of five defendants—Albert Ho Chun-yan, Martin Lee Chu-ming, Margaret Ng Ngoi-yee, Leung Yiu-chung, and Yeung Sum—are suspended for one to two years. Source . Source .
In statement, the European Union reacts to the sentences: “the lengthy imprisonment of some of the individuals for non-violent acts when exercising protected civic rights is a further sign of the continued diminution of the democratic space and erosion of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong.” Source .
National security prosecutions
Media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying faces additional charge of colluding with foreign forces under the National Security Law and another charge of perverting justice for helping fugitives to flee to Taiwan. Source .
Monday, April 19
Electoral system overhaul
Pro-establishment lawmakers urge government to require election candidates to publicly disclose foreign citizenship even if they are allowed to sit in the legislature. Source .
Loyalty oath
Nearly 130 civil servants who fail to sign loyalty oath to pledge allegiance to the government face dismissal. 16 among them are from disciplined services and the rest are civilian officers. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Pro-democracy ex-lawmaker Tam Tak Chi applies for permanent stay of proceedings for 8 counts of sedition charges over speeches he made in the 2019 protests. His barrister argues that the sedition charges violate the Basic Law and the “sedition” provisions are vague and overly broad. Source .
Exodus from Legco, district councils, political parties
Kwun Tong district councilor and chair, Li Ka-tat, who is among the 47 pro-democracy detainees charged under the National Security Law, resigns from his post. A week earlier, on April 12, fellow district councilor Anthony Bux also resigned from his post. Source . Source .
On the same day, Li Wai Lam, also councilor from the Kwun Tong district, quits the Civic Party, following fellow councilor Lee Kwan Chak, who did the same April 13. . Source . Source .
Restrictions on the media
Two former senior civil service officers with no media experience—Kitty Choi Kit-yu and Freda Cheung Yun-chee—join the management at Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) to assist the new RTHK head Patrick Li Pak-chuen. Source .
Political pressure on campus activities
State-controlled People's Daily slams University of Hong Kong’s student union for “smearing” national security education and "one country, two systems." Source . Source .
Lobbying by Hong Kong government
Hong Kong Free Press reveals that the Hong Kong government spent at least HK$84 million on fees to U.S. lobbying firms, 2014-2020, to lobby Congress. A key item was to defeat the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act. Source .
Tuesday, April 20
Restrictions on the media
Hong Kong ranks 80th out of 180 countries and territories in Reporters without Border (RSF)’s 2021 Press Freedom Index report. The report cites the National Security Law as a “grave threat to journalists in Hong Kong. The city ranked 18th in the 2002 index. Source . Source .
Loyalty oath
Exodus from Legco, district councils, political parties
Tam Hoi-pong, one of the 47 pro-democracy detainees charged under the National Security Law, resigns from his Tsuen Wan district councilor post. Another pro-democracy North district councilor Yuen Ho-lun refuses to take oath and also resigns. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Hui Pui-yee, who managed a Telegram group during the Anti-ELAB protests in 2019, becomes the first person to be sentenced under the colonial-era sedition law in more than two decades. Her conviction stemmed from a doxxing campaign targeting police and officials in the Telegram group. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Out of concern for a defendant’s right to a fair trial, District Court Judge Clement Lee rejects prosecutors’ request to proceed with the trial, in absentia, of student Wong Ting-tao, of her involvement in the siege of the Chinese University of Hong Kong on November 12, 2019. Wong fled Hong Kong after arrest.
Four other tertiary students are charged with rioting and violating anti-mask law over the same incident. Source . Source .
Wednesday, April 21
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying appeals his convictions and jail sentences for organizing or participating in an unauthorized assembly on August 18, 2019 and August 31, 2019. Martin Lee Chu-ming and Albert Ho Chun-yan, whose sentences are suspended for joining one of the rallies, also submit their appeals. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions—unlawful assembly
In response to the convictions of ten veteran pro-democracy figures over two protests in 2019, the Hong Kong Bar Association chair Paul Harris says in an interview that hindering peaceful protests may result in violence. Source .
Restrictions on the media
Hong Kong police chief Chris Tang attacks local media over coverage of National Security Education Day and accuses them of inciting hatred among the public. He calls for a new law to ban fake news in order to “assist national security and make Hong Kong safer.” Source .
U.S. resolution to condemn China over Hong Kong
U.S. House of Representatives voted 418-1 to pass a resolution to condemn the Chinese government for continuing to "violate the rights and freedoms" of people in Hong Kong. Source . Source . Source .
Thursday, April 22
Restrictions on the media
Bao Choy Yuk-ling, a producer of “7.21 Who Owns the Truth,” an episode of the RTHK television series “Hong Kong Connection” about the Yuen Long mob attacks in 2019, is convicted of violating the Road Traffic Ordinance for making false statements to obtain vehicle license plate information for the episode and ordered to pay a HK$6,000 fine. Source .
National security law
The recently retired Hong Kong chief justice Geoffrey Ma raises concerns about “strange” and “controversial” national security provision allowing the Hong Kong Chief Executive to assign judges to hear cases under the National Security Law. Source .
Friday, April 23
National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case
The judiciary releases written reasons by a High Court judge for denying bail to two defendants, Jeremy Tam Man-ho and Andy Chui Chi-kin, but granting bail to two others, Sze Tak-loy and Shun Lee. The four are among the 47 pro-democracy figures charged under the National Security Law. Being contacted by the U.S. consulate is cited as the reason for denying bail to Tam, while YouTube video posted by Chui “causing fear and inciting hatred” is evidence submitted by the prosecution to deny his bail. Source .
National security education
Education Bureau lays out new national security education framework to guide schools to teach students about national security in relation to eight subjects, including business and accounting, physics, chemistry and information technology. Source . Source .
Loyalty oath
Mr. Wu, a 30-year veteran civil servant, discloses his suspension from work on April 12 for not signing a pledge of allegiance to the government. He was barred from retrieving his house keys from the office and spent several nights on the street. Source . Source .
National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Ex-lawmaker Au Nok-hin, one of the 47 pro-democracy figures charged under the National Security Law, is sentenced to nine weeks in jail for two counts of assaulting police officer with a loudhailer in the 2019 protests, increased from the original sentence of 140 community service following an appeal by the Department of Justice. Source . Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Louis Lo Yat-sun, member of pro-independence group Hong Kong National Front, is sentenced to 12 years in prison for possessing explosives, the heaviest sentence to date over charges related to protests in 2019. Source . Source .
National security law
A permanent base for the national security office is established on the western Kowloon peninsula. The temporary headquarters were first opened in July 2020 housed at the Metropark Hotel in Causeway Bay, on Hong Kong Island. Source .
May
Friday, May 7
Exodus from Legco, district councils, political parties
Civic Party member Eunice Chau Yuen-man resigns from Sham Shui Po district councilor post. Source .
Electoral system overhaul
Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute (HKPORI) survey shows nearly 60% of 7,000 respondents oppose to the electoral overhaul. Among the 732 non-democratic interviewees, 39% oppose to the overhaul while 96% of the 6,268 pro-democracy interviewees oppose it. Source .
Sunday, May 9
Restrictions on June 4 vigil
Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements in China sets up June Fourth street booth and distributes candles in Mong Kok, but is warned by the police about unauthorized fundraising activities. Source .
National security education
Professional Teachers' Union survey shows four in ten Hong Kong teachers have decided or are inclined to leave the profession, and nearly 20% already have plans to leave the sector:
many cite increasing political pressure in the wake of the National Security Law. The union urges the government to improve governance and stop interfering in teaching. Source . Source .
Hong Kong 12 case
Mainland Chinese lawyer Lu Siwei, delisted by mainland provincial judicial authorities for representing one of the “Hong Kong 12” accused, is barred from flying to Seattle to attend an American fellowship programme at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Source .
Monday, May 10
National security prosecutions
Lawyers for Tong Ying-kit, the first person charged under the National Security Law, challenge the constitutionality of the justice minister’s decision to let Tong face trial without a jury.Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Independence of judiciary
Judge Johnny Chan Jong-heng, presiding over a riot trial stemming from the 2019 protests, declines 12 defendants’ request for his recusal over his “bias” towards the prosecution. He hits back at defendants for “losing focus.” Source .
Exodus from Legco, district councils, political parties
Five district councilors—Andrew Wan Siu-kin, Dalu Lin Kok-cheung, Max Wu Yiu-cheong, Andy Chui Chi-kin, and Ben Chung Kam-lun—resign, and Wu also quits the Neo Democrats. Wan, Chui, and Chung are among the 47 pro-democracy figures charged under the National Security Law over the 2020 primaries. In 2021, 17 pro-democracy district councilors have resigned so far. Source . Source . Source .
Restrictions on freedom of information
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has ordered public libraries to remove nine books written by six pro-democracy figures and critics of Beijing for review, to “avoid breaking the law” following the enactment of the National Security Law. Source .
National security law—overseas reach
SOAS University of London advises its academics not to record classes about Hong Kong and China in the wake of the National Security Law as it may pose risks to teachers and students. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement
Nicole, a longtime resident of Hong Kong originally from Guangxi, China, has not been heard from after she cleared quarantine in Shenzhen in early April 2021 for a family visit there. Nicole was active in the 2019 Anti-ELAB protests. Source .
Tuesday, May 11
Attacks on civil society: Civil Human Rights Front
The Civil Human Rights Front refuses a police request to provide information on its registration, funding, and bank account. Police chief Chris Tang Ping-keung says the force is seeking legal advice on further action. Source .
Exodus from Legco, district councils, political parties
Two more pro-democracy district councilors—Neo Democrats Mary Lam Shuk-ching of North district and Nick Lam Ming-yat of Tai Po district—resign, while Carmen Lau Ka-man quits the Civic Party and plans to resign from district councilor post just before oath-taking requirement takes effect on May 21. Source . Source . Source .
Restrictions on the media
Police chief Chris Tang Ping-keung slams “fake news” as the instigator of national security crimes and criticizes news media of producing “fake news,” but the Hong Kong Journalists Association hits back at the police chief for obscuring the facts. Source . Source .
Restrictions on the media
The government proposes a series of new legal amendments to criminalize “doxxing," with sentence of up to five years in prison and a fine of as much as HK$1 million, as part of the government’s plan to rein in cyber harassment common during the 2019 protests. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement
The court has opened an inquest into the death of anti-ELAB protester “raincoat man” Marco Leung Ling-kit, who became the first person to die during the 2019 protests when he fell from scaffolding at Pacific Place. A note found in his backpack blamed the government and said he had lost hope in the city. Source .
National security prosecutions
Authorities add five counts of money laundering and one count of conspiracy to commit sedition against Edmund Wan Yiu-sing (a.k.a. DJ Giggs). Wan was arrested in November 2020 by police officers from the national security department and was charged in February 2021 with four counts of sedition under a colonial-era law. Source .
Restrictions on the media
Leung Zhen, a reporter from the Epoch Times often critical of the Chinese government, is attacked by an unknown assailant wielding a baseball bat outside her home. In a statement, the Hong Kong Journalists Association says: “the association expresses anger at the incident and strongly condemns violence against media.” Source .
Wednesday, May 12
Loyalty Oath
The Legislative Council passes, by a vote of 40-1, an oath-taking bill that requires public officers, including district councilors, to pledge allegiance to the government and swear to uphold the Basic Law. According to Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, when the new law takes effect on May 21, it will mean that four pro-democracy district councilors—Fergus Leung Fong-wai, Lester Shum Ngo-fai, Cheng Tat-hung and Tiffany Yuen Ka-wai—charged under the National Security Law over the 2020 primaries will be unseated,. Source .
Exodus from Legco, district councils, political parties
Two pro-democracy district councilors—Ivan Wong Yun-tat of Kwai Tsing district and Ma Kee of Tuen Mun district—resign out of fear of shifting national security redlines. Another three of the 47 pro-democracy figures charged under the National Security Law—Cheng Tat-hung, Ng Kin-wai, and Cheung Ho-sum—also resign from their district councilor posts. Source . Source .
A survey by the Stand News shows over 100 pro-democracy district councilors intend to take oath, 30 will resign, and the pro-democratic camp will still control 17 out of 18 district councils. Earlier, Democratic Party expressed support for oath-taking, and the Hong Kong Association for Democracy and People's Livelihood said that all its district councilors will take the oath. Source . Source .
National security law
Frederic Choi Chin-pang, director of the national security division of the Hong Kong Police, has been suspended and is under investigation after he was found at an unlicensed massage parlor during a police raid close to a month ago. Police chief Chris Tang Ping-keung says Choi will not step down because of this and declines to offer details on the case. Source .
National security law
American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong’s latest survey shows around four in ten members are considering leaving Hong Kong, with many of them citing the National Security Law as the main reason. Source .
Thursday, May 13
Corruption
The former assistant of Starry Lee, chairwoman of pro-Beijing party Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB), is convicted of bribery in the 2018 Legislative Council by-election for Kowloon West. Source .
National education
Revamped liberal studies teaching materials from Ling Kee Publishing describes Hong Kong under British rule as “occupation which violated international conventions,” and the key word “handover” is changed to “resuming the exercise of sovereignty” over Hong Kong by the Chinese government in 1997. Source .
Restrictions on the media
Now TV news chief Bill Chan has ordered staff to take down news item about police director of national security department Frederic Choi Chin-pang, who is under investigation after he was found at an unlicensed massage parlor during a police raid. Source .
National security prosecutions
Judge explains that earlier rejection of bail for Edmund Wan Yiu-sing (a.k.a. DJ Giggs), who is facing 10 charges relating to money laundering, sedition, and national security, is based on Wan’s Taiwan connections, constituting an “extremely high” flight risk. Source .
Friday, May 14
National security prosecutions
Restrictions on the media
Authorities freeze assets of Apple Daily edia tycoon Jimmy Lai, who has been charged under the National Security Law and is in jail over an unauthorized protest in 2019, including his shares in Next Digital Limited and bank accounts belonging to three other companies he owns.
Next Digital Trade Union spokesperson Alex Lam cites company management as saying that the daily operations of Next Digital and Apple Daily will not be affected. Source .
The Taiwan print version of Jimmy Lai’s Apply Daily will cease on May 18, citing shrinking advertising revenue and tougher Hong Kong business conditions affected by politics. Source .
Restrictions on the media
Pro-democracy digital news media "Post 852" suspends operation and dismisses all six employees. Its founder and chief editor Yau Ching-yuen says the "fake news" law is the trigger for this decision. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Mainlander Liu Guosheng is sentenced to six years and four months in prison for randomly assaulting a 19-year-old student with a fruit knife in the neck and abdomen near a “Lennon Wall” in Tai Po during the 2019 protests, when the student was handing out protest-related leaflets. Liu had purchased the knife immediately after crossing the border into Hong Kong a day before the attack. Source . Source .
National security law
Retired Court of Final Appeal judge Henry Litton says it is “reasonable” to allow Beijing to exercise jurisdiction in exceptional cases under the National Security Law, and that Article 55 of the law will not be abused since its wording limits its usage to extremely rare instances. Source .
Exodus from Legco, district councils, political parties
Pro-democracy district councilor Szeto Pok-Man resigns, becoming the fourth to quit the Yuen Long district council. Source .
Academic freedom
Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute (HKPORI) survey shows nearly 60% of 7,216 respondents think the National Security Law restricts academic freedom, and 45% do not believe the management of various Hong Kong universities are making enough efforts to protect academic freedom. Source . Source .
Saturday, May 15
National security prosecutions
Restrictions on the media
Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council warns that risks for doing businesses in Hong Kong have increased following the freezing of Jimmy Lai’s assets. Source .
Civil society group disbands
18 District Councils Liaison, a group set up in early 2020 to coordinate work among pro-democracy district councilors across various districts, ceases operations citing unstable political situation. Source .
Restrictions on the media
Radio Television Hong Kong rejects Kam Yiu-yu Press Freedom Award for “7.21: Who Owns the Truth,” an episode of the television series "Hong Kong Connection” about the Yuen Long mob attacks in 2019. Producers Bao Choy Yuk-ling and Cheng Sze Sze accept the award on behalf of the production team. Source .
Sunday, May 16
Restrictions on June 4 vigil
The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China proceeds with the annual marathon in diminished form to mark the 32nd anniversary of Tiananmen Square crackdown. The Alliance has also dropped its long-held “end the one-party dictatorship” slogan. Source .
Monday, May 17
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Ten pro-democracy figures—Jimmy Lai, Yeung Sum, Cyd Ho Sau-lan, Avery Ng Man-yuen, Sin Chung-kai, Richard Tsoi Yiu-cheong, Figo Chan Ho-wun, Lee Cheuk-yan, “Long Hair” Leung Kwok-hung and Albert Ho Chun-yan—plead guilty to organizing or participating in the unauthorized National Day protest on October 1, 2019, but Albert Ho says they have no regrets. Former Democratic Party leader Yeung Sum said: “[the government] limited the freedom for peaceful demonstration. It is a very important basic right. . . . I hope people can stand firm.” Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
National security prosecutions
Secretary for Security John Lee Ka-chiu reports that 10,250 people have been arrested and 2,500 of them have been prosecuted in Anti-ELAB protest-related cases since June 2019. Legal proceedings against 1,500 of them have been completed, of which 80% face legal consequences such as jail term. Lee also says 107 people have been arrested under the National Security Law since its promulgation in June 2020, and 57 of them have been prosecuted so far. Source .
National security law
Secretary for Labour and Welfare Law Chi-kwong says in a blog post that the Labour Department is responsible for enforcing the National Security Law, and trade unions are among the “community organizations” that need to comply with the law and will be “monitored and managed” by the Labour Department. Some pro-democracy trade unions see Law’s statement as a warning to intimidate labour movements in Hong Kong. Source . Source .
Exodus from Legco, district councils, political parties
Two district councilors—Manson Yiu Yeuk-sang of Tai Po and Chris Chan Ka-yin of Kwun Tong—resign. Source .
Tuesday, May 18
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Six pro-democracy figures—Yeung Sum, Avery Ng Man-yuen, Sin Chung-kai, Richard Tsoi Yiu-cheong, Figo Chan Ho-wun, and Albert Ho Chun-yan—plead guilty to organizing or participating in an unauthorized National Day protest in 2019 and have been remanded in custody before their sentencing on May 28, 2021. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Owen Au Cheuk-hei, former student union president of the Chinese University Hong Kong, and four others, is found guilty of participating in an unauthorized assembly in a Kowloon protest on October 20, 2019. The five have been remanded in custody. Au writes in his mitigation letter that “self-determination is the greatest value of being human” and that he does not feel hopeless at all. Source . Source .
Restrictions on June 4 vigil
Chief Executive Carrie Lam declines to say whether this year’s candlelight vigil, held annually at Victoria Park to commemorate victims of the June Fourth crackdown on the 1989 Democracy Movement, is in breach of the National Security Law. She says, “I cannot simply comment on a scenario to say whether it is allowed or not,” as such a decision is a matter for the courts. Source .
Restrictions on freedom of information
The government introduces new amendment to the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance to punish those who commit doxxing with a fine of up to HK$1 million and up to five years in jail. The new amendment also empowers the Privacy Commissioner to ban overseas websites and platforms if they fail to comply with doxxing data removal requests and subject their local employees to criminal sanctions. Source .
Restrictions on the media
Another producer quits after Radio Television Hong Kong pulled plug on another episode about election of the television programme “Hong Kong Connection”. Source .
National security law
Frederic Choi Chin-pang, director of the national security division of the Hong Kong Police, who was caught in an unlicensed massage parlor during a raid, has been cleared of any illegal or immoral conduct. Source .
International relations
Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office suspends operations in Taiwan. Source . Source .
Religious freedom
Stephen Chow Sau-yan, new bishop of the Hong Kong Diocese appointed by the Vatican, says the catholic church and its schools in the city will continue its “passive cooperation” in politics. Head of the catholic boys’ school Wah Yan College since 2007, Chow hopes students will continue to be given “space for thought.” Source .
Wednesday, May 19
National security law
Independence of judiciary
In his first trip to Beijing since his appointment in January 2021, Hong Kong Chief Justice Andrew Cheung Kui-nung is urged by the head of the Supreme People’s Court of China, Zhou Qiang, that he should fully implement the National Security Law and ensure only patriots rule Hong Kong. Source .
Thursday, May 20
National security prosecutions
Tong Ying-Kit, first person prosecuted under the National Security Law, loses appeal for a jury trial, as the judge rules that a jury trial is not a constitutional right and the provision for trial by jury contained in the Basic Law is overridden by the security law. Source . Source .
Loyalty oath
Chief Executive Carrie Lam signs the Public Offices Amendment Bill 2021, which officially requires all civil servants including district councilors to pledge allegiance to the Chinese and Hong Kong governments. Source .
Exodus from Legco, district councils, political parties
Sha Tin district councilor Ting Tsz-yuen resigns right before oath-taking. Ting expresses on his social media, “as a responsible son, husband and father, I can hardly pursue my political aspirations and I don't want my family to live in fear.” Source .
Exodus from Legco, district councils, political parties
Eddie Chu Hoi-dick, one of the 47 pro-democracy figures charged under the National Security Law and facing other charges, announces he is quitting politics and has decided to disband his “Team Chu Hoi-dick of New Territories West” group. He states in a social media post that he “believes [he may] not enjoy freedom for a long time.” Source . Source .
Academic freedom
Education officials withdraw HK$470 million funding request by Wa Ying College after pro-establishment lawmakers raised questions over the school management’s political stance: its principal Wun Chi-wa has been critical of the government’s handling of the extradition bill in 2019. Source .
Friday, May 21
Exodus from Legco, district councils, political parties
Civic Party Cherry Wong Kin-Ching resigns from Central and Western district councilor post and will quit politics on June 1, 2021, citing health issues. Source .
Monday, May 24
National security law
According to the source, the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO)—Beijing top office overseeing Hong Kong affairs—is expanding its operation with two new departments: a national security department to be led by former liaison office legal affairs director Wang Zhenmin, and a propaganda department to be led by one of HKMAO’s spokesmen Yang Guang. Source .
National security law
Restrictions on the media
Apple Daily parent company Next Media files in High Court for the return of documents unrelated to national security confiscated in a raid on the headquarters of the newspaper in August 2020. Source .
Restrictions on the media
Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) deletes from online platforms a segment on the June 4th anniversary marathon in an episode of the "LegCo Review" television program, citing failure of the production team to follow new editorial management procedure to seek approval beforehand. Source . Source .
Restrictions on the media
Bao Choy Yuk-ling, the Radio Television Hong Kong producer who was fined HK$6,000 in connection with her production of the award-winning documentary program, “Hong Kong Connection: 7.21: Who Owns the Truth,” receives the Nieman Fellowship from Harvard University to conduct research on how media can survive under autocratic regimes. Source .
Exodus from Legco, district councils, political parties
Gary Fan Kwok-wai, one of the 47 pro-democracy figures charged under the National Security Law, announces on his Facebook page that he has quit the Neo Democrats and is quitting politics. He says he will not again “play a role in influencing politics or take part in elections at any levels.” Source .
Exodus from Legco, district councils, political parties
Cheng Tsz-kin resigns from his Wong Tai Sin district councilor post and expresses regret for not finishing the term. Cheng admits he is outmatched by fear and describes the oath-taking under the Public Offices Amendment Bill as “a sword hanging on his head.” Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Busker Oliver Ma is arrested by police for “public disorder” for singing protest anthem “Glory to Hong Kong.” He wrote on Instagram: “I was minding my own business busking to my first crowd in seven to nine months. My first, second and third songs had nothing to do with politics whatsoever when the cops decided to target, harass & arbitrarily arrest me again.” Source .
National security education
University Grants Commission asks universities to make national security education compulsory, which will become the indicator for assessing resources allocation under their “Competitive Allocation” mechanism. Source .
Tuesday, May 25
Exodus from Legco, district councils, political parties
Amid the wave of district councilor resignations, Chief Executive Carrie Lam reveals the government is going to delay plans for loyalty pledges by district councilors but will make sure vows are taken as required under the newly passed Public Offices Amendment Bill. Source .
Wednesday, May 26
Restrictions on June 4 vigil
Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements in China appeals to Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung Kin-chung to ease social-distancing rules, in light of the improvement in the COVID-19 situation, so that it may organize a march on May 30, 2021, and the annual candlelight vigil in Victoria Park on June 4, 2021. Source .
Corruption
Wong Wai-ha, a former assistant of Starry Lee, chairwoman of the largest pro-Beijing party, Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB), is sentenced to eight months in jail for bribing Sham Shui Po residents with “lucky bags” to vote for the DAB candidate in the Legislative Council by-election in 2018. Source .
Exodus from Legco, district councils, political parties
Phoenix Tsang Yan-ying resigns from her Eastern district councilor post as she refuses to take the oath which would require her to self-censor and betray her conscience. Her district councilor office will stop operation on May 31, 2021. Source .
Attacks on social workers
Pro-establishment lawmakers urge the government to deregister social workers who are convicted of public order offences, and reform the Social Workers Registration Board which is tasked with monitoring and regulating social workers. Source .
Thursday, May 27
Electoral system overhaul
The Legislative Council, now controlled by pro-establishment lawmakers after the mass resignations of pro-democracy lawmakers in 2020, passes a new electoral reform bill requiring that only “patriots” may govern Hong Kong. Source . Source .
Restrictions on June 4 vigil
Citing COVID-19 concerns, the police reject requests to hold two events that mark the 32nd anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre: a march on May 30 and the annual candlelight vigil in Victoria Park. Source .
National security law
Secretary for Security John Lee Ka-chiu threatens banks with imprisonment of up to seven years jail sentence for conducting any transactions with Jimmy Lai, founder of Apple Daily. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
20-year-old student Cherie Yee Lok-yiu is sentenced to 10 weeks in jail for chanting political slogans calling for Hong Kong’s liberation a demonstration on Halloween day, 2019. Source .
National security education
The Education Bureau (EDB) issues new national security education curriculum guidelines on changes in various subjects in secondary schools. The new framework of history curriculum reads: “the course also allows students to clearly understand that the country has been invaded by foreign powers, so that the British occupied Hong Kong.”
Teachers are also warned by Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung Yun-hung that "under no circumstances" should they promote personal political views in class. Source . Source .
Disciplining of educators
The Education Bureau (EDB) sends new guidelines to schools on handling complaints against teachers. Schools are expected to deal with anonymous complaints which they were not required to process before. Hong Kong Professional Teachers’ Union (HKPTU) expresses concerns about the chilling effect and “strongly protests” that the change may fuel baseless allegations against teachers. Source . Source . Source .
Immigration pathways
Since the launch of its new BNO visa scheme in response to the National Security Law, the UK government has received 34,000 applications in only two months. Source .
International relations
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the Chinese government continues to undermine democratic institutions in Hong Kong and deny the Hong Kong people’s rights that the Chinese government had guaranteed. Blinken calls for the release of all people charged under the National Security Law. Source . Source .
Friday, May 28
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Ten democracy figures are sentenced for organizing and/or inciting participation in an unauthorized National Day protest on October 1, 2019. The longest jail sentence, 18 months, is handed to four—activist Figo Chan Ho-wun and former lawmakers Lee Cheuk-yan, “Long Hair” Leung Kwok-hung, and Albert Ho Chun-yan. Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai and former lawmakers Yeung Sum and Cyd Ho Sau-lan are all sentenced to 14 months each. Activist Avery Ng Man-yuen is also sentenced to 14 months jail sentence, plus an additional 14 days for violating a probationary order. Former lawmaker Sin Chung-kai and activist Richard Tsoi Yiu-cheong are both given 14 months in prison, to be suspended for two years. Source . Source .
Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC)
Chief Executive Carrie Lam appoints barrister Priscilla Wong Pui-sze, wife of pro-Beijing lawmaker Martin Liao Cheung Kong, as new chair of the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC), the civilian body that investigates complaints against police. Source .
Saturday, May 29
Restrictions on June 4 vigil
After police rejected the request by Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China to hold the annual candlelight vigil, the Security Bureau has warned in a statement: “the relevant meetings and procession are unauthorized assemblies. No one should take part in it, or advertise or publicize it, or else he or she may violate the law.” Offenders may face up to five years in prison for participating in the assemblies or up to one year for publicizing the event under the Public Order Ordinance, even if the assemblies are peaceful. Source . Source .
Monday, May 31
National security prosecutions
47 pro-democracy figures charged with subversion under the National Security Law in relation to the unofficial 2020 Legislative Council primary election are facing potential life imprisonment sentences after Chief Magistrate Victor So Wai-tak approves prosecutors’ request to move the trial to High Court. Source .
Restrictions on June 4 vigil
Alexandra Wong Fung You (a.k.a. Grandma Wong), a 65-year-old veteran democracy activist, is arrested for staging a solo Tiananmen protest. Police arrest Wong for “knowingly participating in an unauthorized assembly and attempting to incite others to join an unauthorized assembly,” though she was alone holding a sign that read “32, June 4, Tiananmen’s lament” and a yellow umbrella, a symbol of Hong Kong’s democracy movement. Source .
June
Tuesday, June 1
National security prosecutions
For the 47 pro-democracy figures facing subversion charge under the National Security Law, the court rejects bail applications for seven out of the 11 who applied for bail review. The seven are Ben Chung Kam-lun, Gordon Ng Ching-hang, Henry Wong Pak-yu, Andrew Chiu Ka-yin, Lau Chak-fung, Gary Fan Kwok-wai and Winnie Yu Wai-ming. Former chairwoman of Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions Carol Ng Man-yee withdraws her bail application. All of the eight forfeit their rights to further bail review. Source . Source .
Restrictions on June 4 vigil
The jailing of pro-democracy activists over last year’s June Fourth Victoria Park candlelight vigil, police ban on this year’s event, as well as the investigation into Tiananmen Square museum have made the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China decide not to take the vigil online. Residents are seeking alternative methods such as lighting candles at home to commemorate June Fourth victims. Source . Source .
Chief Executive Carrie Lam dodges questions on the event by saying: “What we have to do is to act in accordance with the law.” Source .
Electoral system overhaul
Pro-democracy party League of Social Democrats (LSD) has announced it will not take part in the coming Legislative Council election following the passage of a new bill overhauling the electoral system. The party said the Chinese government intends to “wipe out dissidents.” Source .
Digital surveillance
The government planning real-name registration system for pre-paid mobile SIM cards in the name of fighting crime, but citizens worry about privacy and surveillance issues. The new legislation is expected to come into effect on September 1, 2021 if the bill is passed on June 9 in the Legislative Council, now dominated by pro-establishment lawmakers after the mass resignations of pro-democracy lawmakers in 2020. Source .
The Hong Kong Journalists Association expresses deep concerns about the real-name registration system for pre-paid mobile SIM cards as this may hinder the public from providing sensitive information to the media. Source .
Restrictions on the media
“We were informed that no political story is allowed,” a Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) employee discloses to a reporter. The public broadcaster used to feature stories such as June Fourth anniversary events, but has seen removal of many programs deemed politically “sensitive” since former government administrative officer Patrick Li Pak-chuen assumed leadership in March 2021. Source .
Wednesday, June 2
International relations
Liu Guangyuan, new head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in Hong Kong and Beijing’s top diplomat in the city, declares his top priority: “battle against foreign forces trying to seize power and seek subversion and infiltration.” Source .
Restrictions on June 4 vigil
Following a licensing probe of the June 4 Museum, the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, which organizes the museum, has decided to temporarily shut down the museum, “to protect the safety of our staff and visitors.” Source .
Hong Kong police plans to deploy more than 3,000 anti-riot officers to stop any possible unauthorized commemorative gatherings on June 4, 2021 near Victoria Park where the annual vigil had been held for years. The Police Tactical Unit will conduct stop-and-search checks near the area. Source . Source .
The U.S. government condemns actions by the Chinese and Hong Kong governments “to silence dissenting voices by also attempting to erase the horrific massacre from history,” says Department of State deputy spokesperson Jalina Porter in a telephone briefing as quoted in the press. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Owen Au Cheuk-hei, former student union president of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, is sentenced to six months in jail for participating in an unauthorized assembly in an anti-mask law protest on October 20, 2019. In his plea, Au tells the court: “I have absolutely no complaints, because this is the destiny I chose autonomously.” Source .
National security prosecutions
Roy Tam Hoi-pong, one of the 47 pro-democracy figures charged under National Security Law, is denied bail and remanded in custody. Source .
National education
In the revamped Liberal Studies, now renamed the Citizenship and Social Development curriculum, the Education Bureau introduces compulsory "officially-organized" trips to mainland China to nurture Hong Kong students’ national identity and understanding of the country. Source .
A report commissioned by China’s Ministry of Education, “Report on the Linguistic Life in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area,” suggests that Hong Kong students should learn Mandarin and simplified Chinese characters with the language incorporated into examinations in primary and secondary schools. Source . Source . Source .
Thursday, June 3
Restrictions on June 4 vigil
Informed sources reveal that the Hong Kong police force is closing part of Victoria Park under the Public Order Ordinance and deploying 7,000 officers across the city, with 3,000 of them to be stationed on Hong Kong Island to prevent any unauthorized Tiananmen massacre anniversary gatherings. Source .
Restrictions on June 4 vigil
Justice and Peace Commission of the Hong Kong Catholic Diocese hosts June 4 requiem mass, but seven Catholic churches hosting the event are attacked by pro-Beijing groups that hung offensive banners outside the churches. Source .
National security prosecutions
Ben Chung Kam-lun, one the 47 pro-democracy figures facing charges under the National Security Law, is denied bail on June 1, 2021, as the High Court cites his social media statements as proof that he is a security threat and therefore needs to remain in custody. Source .
Restriction on freedom of information
The website “2021 Hong Kong Charter” (2021HKcharter.com), run by the Hong Kong Liberation Coalition, an alliance of Hong Kong diasporic groups and activists in exile, is temporarily shut down by its Israel-based web hosting company, Wix. Ex-lawmaker-in-exile Nathan Law Kwun-chung says it is the result of police pressure alleging possible breach of the National Security Law. Wix later apologizes for taking down the Hong Kong Charter site “by mistake.” Source . Source .
International relations
In response to a Hungarian government plan for a new Fudan University campus in Budapest (to be built by a state-owned Chinese construction company), Budapest’s mayor Gergely Karácsony names four roads in tribute to opponents of China’s authoritarian regime: “Free Hong Kong,” “Uyghur Martyrs,” “Dalai Lama,” and “Bishop Xie Shiguang” roads. The newly-name roads surround the planned site of Fudan’s first European campus. Karácsony slams the plan, which will cost Hungarian taxpayers 1.5 billion euros (HK$14.2 billion): “China and Hungary are worlds apart when it comes to human rights and solidarity.” Source .
Academic freedom
An international study on social activism, which paid Hong Kong students to participate in the July 1 March in 2017, is attacked by the pro-establishment camp as proof of foreign forces that tried to incite a “colour revolution” in Hong Kong. Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), which is also involved in the study, says it had never approved paying the students to join the march. Source .
Friday, June 4
Restrictions on June 4 vigil
Tonyee Chow Hang-tung, barrister and vice-chairwoman of Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements, and a 20-year-old man are arrested under the Public Order Ordinance for “publicising unauthorized assembly.” On June 3, Chow posted on her Facebook account this message, “Turn on the lights wherever you are - whether on your phone, candles or electronic candles," urging residents to commemorate the victims of June Fourth. Source . Source .
More than 200 police seal off Victoria Park in the afternoon to prevent people from gathering for the banned candlelight vigil for the 32nd anniversary of the Tiananmen massacre. In the nearby Causeway Bay area, hundreds of black-clad residents are on the streets holding their lit mobile phones or candles. Some chant pro-democracy slogans including “liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times,” which authorities said is illegal under the National Security Law. The police wave flags warning the crowds to disperse or risk breaking the law. Source . Source .
At least six people aged between 20 and 75 are arrested over June Fourth-related commemorative activities. Among them is Student Politicism convenor Wong Yat Chin, arrested for setting up a June Fourth street booth in Mong Kok, another 12 people are fined for breaching social distancing rules. Source . Source .
National security law
Baroness Brenda Hale, former president of the British Supreme Court in 2017-2020, says that she will not continue to serve in the Court of Final Appeal in Hong Kong after her first term expires in July 2021. Hale says, “the jury is out on how they will be able to operate the new national security law.” Source .
Exodus from Legco, district councils, political parties
Leung Li quits Neo Democrats, a pro-democracy party, and resigns from his district councilor post, becoming the fourth councilor to quit in the Sai Kung district council. Source .
International relations
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is urged by six former British foreign secretaries to ensure that the “crisis in Hong Kong” is on the agenda at the upcoming G7 leaders’ summit to be held on June 11-13, 2021 in Cornwall, England. Source .
Saturday, June 5
Exodus from Legco, district councils, political parties
Chow Yuen Wai quits pro-democratic party Neo Democrats and resigns from Tai Po district councilor post. Source .
National education
Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung Yun-hung says the government will not rule out the possibility of making national education a stand-alone mandatory subject. Source .
Restrictions on rreedom of information
The website of the U.S.-based pro-democracy Hong Kong Liberation Coalition, co-founded by ex-lawmaker in exile Baggio Leung Chung-hang, is taken down by WordPress, a web-hosting company. WordPress denies any external influence and only states that the site has violated its terms of service. Source .
Sunday, June 6
Restrictions on June 4 vigil
Chow Hang-tung, barrister and vice-chairwoman of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements, arrested for “publicising unauthorised assembly” after she used a social media post to urge residents to commemorate June Fourth victims, is released on HK$10,000 cash bail and required to report back to police on July 5, 2021. After her release, Chow said: “I reject all the allegations. The arrest yesterday is obviously an unjust preventive arrest with a blatant purpose of stopping myself from physically being in Victoria Park and to frighten other people from doing the same.” Source .
Around 20 pro-democracy district councilors have received warning letters from the Home Affairs Department for June Fourth-related activities. Source .
National education
Survey conducted by pro-government Shine Tak Foundation has found a little more than half of primary and secondary schools are ready to teach national education, but that nearly 80% of schools also said it is hard to implement the new national education guidelines. Source .
Academic freedom
In an article in The Atlantic titled “How Academic Freedom Ends,” multiple interviewees from the University of Hong Kong (HKU) reveal that one postgraduate student at HKU has reported at least two faculty members on government tip line. A closed-door session with academic staff to address national security concerns at HKU was held but the takeaway, according to one attendee, is that “help is not on the way.” Source .
Monday, June 7
Electoral system overhaul
Former Secretary for Transport and Housing Anthony Cheung Bing-leung says pro-democracy candidates will still have room to survive under the reformed electoral system, because the government will still have to solicit public views from about 60% of Hong Kong people who support the pro-democracy camp. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
The Court of Appeal will examine the use of the “joint enterprise” legal principle in relation to rioting and unlawful assembly cases stemming from the Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill (Anti-ELAB) protests in 2019. Under the “joint enterprise” principle, all participants can be held liable as long as they share common purpose, regardless of whether they are physically present. Source .
Independence of judiciary
Pro-establishment lawmakers suggest reforming the recruitment of judges, including not appointing judges who are critical of Hong Kong governance but instead appointing them from common law jurisdictions such as Singapore and Malaysia to reduce reliance on Western jurists who face pressure in their home countries to leave or avoid serving in Hong Kong. Source .
National security prosecutions
29-year-old legal assistant Chan Tsz Wah is charged and remanded in custody for conspiring with Jimmy Lai in collusion with foreign powers under the National Security Law. Source .
Restrictions on Anti-ELAB anniversary
On the eve of the 2nd anniversary of Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill movement, new youth organization “Local Youth Will” vows to continue with commemorations such as setting up street booths, despite the group being attacked by the pro-establishment camp and Beijing-controlled newspapers. Source .
Restrictions on the media
Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) pulled the English-language current affairs radio programme “Letter to Hong Kong,” which features interviews with both pro- establishment and pro-democracy public figures. Source .
The Communications Authority rules that the 210 complaints received against one episode of English-language television program "The Pulse" lack sufficient grounds. The episode featured an interview with a World Health Organization advisor on a question about Taiwan’s membership. Source .
RTHK Programme Staff Union and Hong Kong Journalists Association challenge a decision by the Communications Authority in High Court on its ruling that an episode of satirical television show “Headliner” had violated the TV Programme Code. Johannes Chan Man-mun, honorary senior counsel and law professor at the University of Hong Kong, representing the Union and Association, argues that the Communications Authority had misinterpreted and misapplied the code and said: “this is an important case which will define the scope and limits of freedom of expression of civil society in Hong Kong.” Source .
Tuesday, June 8
National security prosecutions
45-year-old school clerk Chloe Cho and 17-year-old student Wong Chun-wai are charged under Crimes Ordinance for conspiring to create leaflets advocating Hong Kong independence. The two have been remanded in custody after a magistrate adjourned the hearing to be heard by Victor So Wai-tak, designated magistrate for national security cases. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Construction worker Sze Ying-ho and clerk Man Tsz-keung plead guilty to rioting for participating in a demonstration which paralyzed a major thoroughfare near Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Source .
Academic freedom
Chief Executive Carrie Lam says in a press conference that universities in Hong Kong have been “penetrated by foreign forces” with “ulterior motives” to brainwash students with anti-China narrative. Her remarks follow criticism by the state-run China Daily, citing media reports, that a group of U.S. researchers paid university students to estimate the turnout in a July 1 march in 2017. Source .
Wednesday, June 9
International relations
Chief Executive Carrie Lam says at a press briefing that the Hong Kong government welcomes and supports “China [in] setting up a law to counter foreign sanctions, which provides legal basis for tit-for-tat sanctions in the future.” Source .
Restrictions on Anti-ELAB anniversary
Netizens call for gathering in Causeway Bay on June 12 to mark the 2nd anniversary of Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill movement. The police force is deploying more than 2,000 officers in different districts on stand by. Source . Source .
Despite restrictions, activists set up “Free HK” and “Faith” LED signs at the top of Lion Rock at night to mark the 2nd anniversary of Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill movement. Source .
Academic freedom
After The Atlantic revealed that one postgraduate student at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) has reported at least two faculty members for breaching the National Security Law, HKU Associate Professor Fu King-wa says the faculty and staff are worried about the law and uncertain about the risks to their teaching and research. He urges the university to announce protective measures. Source .
Thursday, June 10
Restrictions on Anti-ELAB anniversary
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department accuses a student group, “Local Youth Will,” of breaching the Places of Public Entertainment Ordinance in organizing an unlicensed charity event to mark the 2nd anniversary of Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill movement. Source .
Restrictions on the media
An online survey conducted by Hong Kong Professional Teachers’ Union (HKPTU) shows that among 586 primary and secondary teachers polled, 91.6% said the removal of Radio Television Hong Kong programs over a year old from the internet the previous month has caused them difficulty in preparing teaching materials. According to the HKPTU, “the study finds that teachers in general think RTHK programmes are of high quality and can delve into various social issues from multiple angles. . . . [;] they are very rare Cantonese teaching materials.” Source .
Restrictions on the media
The High Court bars Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai from challenging the legality of the search warrants used in a series of raids of the paper and Next Digital headquarters by the police in 2020. Source .
National education
Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung Yun-hung says Putonghua education is part of the curriculum and the Education Bureau will keep pushing for it. He also says that, given the rapid development in Greater Bay area, mastering Putonghua and simplified Chinese will do more good than harm for Hong Kong students. Source .
International relations
The European Union criticizes Beijing for overhauling Hong Kong's political system and says it is considering sending high-level officials on a visit to Hong Kong. Source .
The Hong Kong government has hit back at the European Union for their “unfounded” accusations that Beijing has breached the Sino-British Joint Declaration in overhauling the electoral system. Source .
National security prosecutions
In its compilation of more than 1,200 concluded anti-extradition protest cases, Stand News, an independent media outlet in Hong Kong, finds that as of April 2021, judges have called into question the statements of at least 88 police officers and cleared the defendants of guilt. Among the 88, eight are inspectors, and seven made their statements anonymously. Source .
Friday, June 11
June 4 vigil prosecutions
Six members of Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China and two pro-democracy figures plead not guilty to unauthorized assembly charges in relation to the banned annual June Fourth candlelight vigil in 2020. Source .
Restrictions on Anti-ELAB anniversary
Wong Yat-chin and Wong Yuen-lam of Student Politicism are arrested on suspicion of promoting and inciting others to participate in unauthorized gatherings to mark the 2nd anniversary of Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill movement. Source .
The student group “Local Youth Will” vows to continue with the 2nd anniversary of Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill movement charity sale, despite probe by authorities accusing it of organizing an unlicensed event. The group’s convenor, Lo Tsz-Wai, says: “we may be forced to close if they make us shut down or come again with the police, but we will not give in so soon.” Source .
International relations
The UK six-monthly report covering July to December 2020 criticizes Beijing for using the National Security Law to "drastically curtail freedoms" in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong government objects to the “inaccurate remarks” in the report. Source . Source . Source .
Restrictions on the arts
New government guidelines empower a team of 40 film inspectors, all civil servants, at the Film Censorship Authority to censor films on national security grounds under the newly amended Film Censorship Ordinance. The Film Censorship Authority should stay “vigilant to the portrayal, depiction or treatment of any act or activity which may amount to an offence endangering national security,” according to a government statement. Source . Source . Source .
An unnamed group cancels the scheduled screening of a documentary film, “Remembering and Forgetting,” to mark the 2nd anniversary of anti-extradition protests after receiving multiple warnings from government departments, including the Film Censorship Authority, that screening an uninspected film is a violation of the law. In a similar step, Fresh Wave Film Festival cancels the screening of one of the 19 films, "Far From Home," which explores political division in Hong Kong during the anti-extradition protests in 2019, for lack of approval documents from the authority. Source . Source .
Saturday, June 12
Restrictions on Anti-ELAB anniversary
At least four people have been arrested in relation to the 2nd anniversary of the Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill (Anti-ELAB) protests and ten others are issued summonses for breaching a COVID-19 ban restricting public gatherings of no more than four people. Source .
The Hong Kong Federation of Students which set up a street booth for the 2nd anniversary of the Anti-ELAB protests is warned by the police on suspicion of incitement. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Prominent 24-year-old democracy activist Agnes Chow is released from jail after serving more than six months for participating in an unauthorized assembly during the 2019 protests. Source .
Sunday, June 13
International relations
The G7 urges China to “respect human rights and fundamental freedoms” in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, and for new investigation into COVID-19 origins. Source .
Restrictions on Anti-ELAB anniversary
Wong Yat-chin and Wong Yuen-lam of Student Politicism are granted bail their arrests on suspicion of promoting and inciting others to participate in unauthorized Anti-ELAB protest anniversary gatherings. They have been asked to report back to the police in late July 2021. Source .
Monday, June 14
Restrictions on the media
Jimmy Lai, currently in prison, is awarded the highest honor from the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation for his commitment to democracy and freedom in Hong Kong. Source . Source .
Tuesday, June 15
National security prosecutions
Jimmy Lai, who is serving 20 months in prison for offences related to three unauthorized protests in 2019, appears in court for national security charges. Designated Chief Magistrate Victor So approves prosecution’s request to transfer the trial to the High Court, where Lai potentially faces life imprisonment. Source .
National security prosecutions
School clerk Chloe Cho and student Wong Chun-wai are denied bail on their charges on conspiring to create and distribute leaflets advocating Hong Kong independence. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Product engineer Lui Sheuk-hang, 31, is convicted of rioting as well as possession of instruments fit for unlawful purposes during the siege of Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2019, becoming the first person found guilty over the incident. Source .
Restrictions on Anti-ELAB anniversary
Amid police warning against breach of COVID-19 social distancing ban, residents line up to leave flowers at the site outside Pacific Place where “raincoat man” Marco Leung Ling-kit fell to his death from scaffolding during the 2019 protests.. Source .
Restrictions on the media
Eight journalists’ associations launch a joint petition to demand the lifting of Companies Registry data restrictions, criticizing the government of turning “a deaf ear” to demands from media to be included in the list of “specified persons” to be granted access to company data. Source . Source .
Wednesday, June 16
National security prosecutions
In the pretrial review of the first case prosecuted under the National Security Law, judges question the propriety of having two separate legal teams for the defendant Tong Ying-kit, forcing volunteer lawyers to withdraw. The prosecution also challenges the qualification of two expert witnesses—Professor Francis Lee Lap-fung, director of the School of Journalism and Communication at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Professor Eliza Lee wing-yee of the Department of Politics and Public Administration at the University of Hong Kong. Source .
Legal Aid
Pro-establishment lawmakers criticize what they call “abuse” of the publicly-funded Legal Aid Department by anti-government protesters. Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung Kin-chung reveals that reform measures, as part of an ongoing review expected to be completed within this year, may include tightened limits on how many cases an individual lawyer may take on. Source .
Restrictions on Anti-ELAB anniversary
Wong Yat-chin and Wong Yuen-lam of Student Politicism set up street booth three days after they were released from custody over alleged promotion of unauthorized June 12th anniversary gatherings. They urge continued resistance among Hong Kongers. Source .
Loyalty oath
Pro-establishment Sing Tao Daily reveals that 170 district councillors may face disqualification when the oath-taking Public Offices Amendment Bill takes effect in July 2021. =Yuen Long District Councillor Lam Chun, who participated in the 2020 Legislative Council primary election, has dismissed the entire staff from his office. Source . Source .
Thursday, June 17
Restrictions on the media
National security law
In a raid with more than 200 officers on the headquarters of Next Digital, the parent company of Apple Daily, police arrest five top editors and executives—Ryan Law Wai-kwong, editor-in-chief; Cheung Kim-hung, chief executive officer; Chow Tat-kuen, chief operating officer; Chan Pui-man, associate publisher; and Cheung Chi-wai, director of Apple Daily Digital—on suspicion of collusion with foreign powers under the National Security Law, on the basis of more than 30 articles published in the paper. In the five-hour search of its newsroom and offices, police confiscate dozens of computers and ask the newspaper to remove from its website nearly 100 articles under suspicion of urging foreign sanctions on Chinese or Hong Kong government officials. The authorities freeze HK$18 million worth of assets of three related companies: Apple Daily Limited, Apple Daily Printing Limited and AD Internet Limited. Next Digital announces the suspension of trading of its shares on stock markets.
Secretary for Security John Lee Ka-chiu accuses the five executives of using “journalistic work as a tool to endanger national security” and warns that “ordinary journalists are different and should not get involved with them.” Source . Source . Source . Source . Source .
In a joint statement, eight journalists unions voice serious concerns over the weaponization of the National Security Law that has gravely threatened press freedom. Calling the attack “brazen,” Amnesty International’s Asia-Pacific Regional Director Yamini Mishra says, “international human rights standards clearly state that ‘national security’ can only be invoked to justify the restriction of rights and freedoms when there are specific, genuine, demonstrable, imminent and clear threats of violence or the use of force.” Source . Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
The first two defendants who admitted to rioting in connection with the siege of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2019— Sze Ying-ho, 24, and Man Tsz-keung, 21—are each sentenced to 32 months in prison. Source .
A 30-year-old female publishing company manager is sentenced to 32 months in jail for rioting during the September 29, 2019 anti-totalitarianism march. Source .
Friday, June 18
Restrictions on the media
National security prosecutions
Two of the five Apple Daily top officials arrested on June 17, 2021—Ryan Law Wai-kwong, editor-in-chief, and Cheung Kim-hung, chief executive officer—are formally charged with colluding with foreign forces under the National Security Law and are due in court on June 19, 2021. Source .
A day following the police raid, Apple Daily increases its print-run six fold to 500,000 copies. In a letter to readers, Apple Daily staff vows to "fight till the end" in this "worst of times in Hong Kong." Hong Kong people in different districts queue up to buy the paper. Source . Source . Source .
Disciplining of educators
A primary school teacher in Tin Shui Wai is accused of "bad intent" and suspended from classes for buying copies of Apply Daily for colleagues. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Chan Chi-wah is sentenced to six months in jail for obstructing police by exposing on the messaging app Telegram a reconnaissance operation at the Hong Kong Museum of History during the siege of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2019. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Five of the white-clad attackers in the Yuen long mob attack on residents on July 21, 2019—Wong Ying-kit, Tang Wai-sum, Ng Wai-nam, Tang Ying-Bun, and Choi Lap-ki—are convicted of rioting and are remanded in custody. Source .
Restrictions on the media
Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) radio show host Tsang Chi-ho, a popular pro-democracy critic of the government and the former host of the canceled RTHK satire show Headliner, is suspended and asked to leave. Source . Source .
Saturday, June 19
National security prosecutions
Chief Magistrate Victor So of the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts denies bail to Apple Daily editor-in-chief Ryan Law Wai-kwong and chief executive officer Cheung Kim-hung, who are accused of allegedly colluding with a foreign country or external forces under the National Security Law. They are remanded in custody. Source .
Restrictions on freedom of information
The website of “2021 Hong Kong Charter,” created by ex-lawmakers Nathan Law Kwun-chung, Ted Hui Chi-fung, and other activists in self-imposed exile, is accessible from Hong Kong only through virtual private networks (VPNs). Official blocking of the site is suspected. Source .
Exodus from Legco, district councils, political parties
The pro-democracy Civic Party loses two-thirds of its district councillors with only five remaining, after a series of resignations ahead of a reported mass oath-taking ceremony planned for July. Oath-taking is required by Public Offices Amendment Bill which took effect on May 12 this year. Source .
Monday, June 21
Restrictions on the media
Apple Daily may stop publishing after June 26, 2021. The newspaper’s parent company Next Digital is requesting government authorities to unfreeze its assets. Thousands of people watch the last online broadcast of Apple Daily. Source . Source .
Restrictions on freedom of peaceful assembly
Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), organizer of the annual July 1 democracy march since 2002, says it will not organize the event this year, citing administrative difficulties and the current political environment. Source .
Electoral system overhaul
Under new rules, fewer than 30,000 voters will be eligible to cast ballots on September 19, 2021 to elect members of the Election Committee, a drastic decrease—and vastly diminished representation—from the 246,000 registered voters in the 2016 election. The 1,500-member Election Committee is empowered to elect 40 of the 90 members of the Legislative Council (in December 2021) and choose the next Chief Executive (in March 2022). Source .
Tuesday, June 22
Restrictions on the media
As it faces closure, Apple Daily has been hit by a wave of resignations. One reporter says, “I believe the risk of being arrested is real. . . . I do not want to witness anyone else being rounded up anymore.” Source .
Article 23 legislation
Secretary for Security John Lee Ka-chiu says in a media interview that Article 23 of the Basic Law, which requires the Hong Kong government to “enact laws on its own to prohibit any act of treason, secession, sedition, subversion against the Central People’s Government, or theft of state secrets,” must be implemented as soon as possible to plug “loopholes” or even strengthen the existing National Security Law. Source .
National security prosecutions
The Court of Appeal rules that Tong Ying-kit, the first person charged under the National Security Law, is to be tried without jury. Source .
National security prosecutions
Owen Chow Ka-shing, one of the 47 pro-democracy figures charged under the National Security Law and detained since February 28, 2021, is granted HK$50,000 cash bail. Bail conditions include surrendering all travel documents, observing a 12 a.m. to 7 a.m. daily curfew, reporting in person to the police between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. every day, and no contact with any prosecution witnesses. Source .
National security law
A 40-year-old man is arrested for alleged sedition under the National Security Law after a pedestrian reported to the police that a banner with the slogan “liberate Hong Kong; revolution of our times” is hanging on a drying rack outside a flat in Mong Kok. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Bank of America Securities counsel Samuel Phillip Bickett, an American, is convicted of assaulting off-duty Senior Constable Yu Shu-sang at a railway station after accusing the officer of threatening commuters with a baton in 2019. Bickett is remanded in custody to await sentencing. Source .
Hong Kong 12 case
One of the 12 Hong Kongers captured at sea while fleeing to Taiwan in August 2020, Liu Tsz-man, pleads guilty to possession of raw materials to make molotov cocktails, and is remanded in custody. He is scheduled to have his hearing on May 16, 2022, more than 16 months after his return to Hong Kong from mainland Chinese custody and completing quarantine on January 14, 2020. Source .
Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC)
The Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC) finds that, out of the 484 anti-ELAB protest-related complaints against the force received by the police, only ten of them are valid or partially valid. The new chair of the IPCC, Priscilla Wong Pui-sze, vows protecting officers “without bias.” Source . Source . Source .
Disciplining of educators
At least 15 teachers—nearly 20% of the teaching staff—are reported to be leaving Ying Wa College, where many students supported the 2019 protests. One current teacher tells a reporter that worries about students being arrested during the protests, fear of being purged, and dampened morale are the key reasons for their departures. Source .
National security law and international human rights
In her statement at the 47th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet says she and her office have been closely monitoring the implementation of the National Security Law and “the chilling impact it has had on the civic and democratic space, as well as independent media.” She states that the upcoming first national security trial will be “an important test of independence for Hong Kong’s judiciary in its willingness to uphold Hong Kong’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, in accordance with the Basic Law.” Source . Source .
International relations
the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) urges the UK government and the European Union to “impose targeted sanctions on those ordering the raids” of Apple Daily. Source . Source .
Wednesday, June 23
Restrictions on the media
Apple Daily stops all online publications at midnight and will print 1 million copies of its final edition on June 24, 2021. The management’s decision comes after an editorial writer who publishes under the name Li Ping is arrested for suspicion of conspiring to collude with foreign countries or foreign forces to endanger national security under the National Security Law. Next Magazine of Next Media, Apple Daily’s parent company, will also cease operations, and its website will stop updating on June 24, 2021. Government statutory body Hong Kong Science Park Limited takes action against Apple Daily for breach of leasing rules. Source . Source . Source . Source .
Hong Kong netizens on Reddit create a campaign to back up contents of the Apple Daily website and its YouTube channel. Source .
Britain blasts China for using the National Security Law to stifle free speech in Hong Kong. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab says in a statement, “the forced closure of Apple Daily by the Hong Kong authorities is a chilling blow to freedom of expression in Hong Kong.” Source .
Restrictions on the media
Stand News, a prominent pro-democracy online media outlet, has prepared for potential police raids of its office. Its deputy assignment editor, Ronson Chan Long-sing, who is also the newly- elected chairman of the Hong Kong Journalists Association, says that the outlet “ will stick to our existing editorial stance and reporting style.” Source .
The former chairwoman of the Radio Television Hong Kong staff union, Gladys Chiu Sin-yan, resigns her program officer position in the culture and education unit, citing an increase in “the number of politically-related requests at work” and “different beliefs.” Source .
National security prosecutions
Day one of the first trial under the National Security Law, of Tong Ying-kit, 24, who allegedly drove a motorcycle displaying a flag with the slogan, “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our time” into three police officers on July 1, 2020. The prosecution opens the trial quoting professor Lau Chi-pang of Lingnan University that the slogan was used with an intention to separate Hong Kong from China. Tong pleads not guilty to all three charges. He faces life imprisonment if he is convicted. Source .
Independence of judiciary
Judge Maria Yuen Ka-ning, wife of former Chief Justice Geoffrey Ma Tao-Ii, is due to be named the next permanent judge at the Court of Appeals but withdraws her candidacy after pro-Beijing lawmakers raised concerns about the appointment. Johannes Chan, of the University of Hong Kong law faculty, says the intervention is “a very bad and worrying development for the independence of the judiciary . . . . It provides a channel for political influence in the appointment of key judicial personnel by a [legislature] which is dominated by pro-Beijing politicians.” Source .
Thursday, June 24
Restrictions on the media
As readers stand in long lines in different parts of the city to buy copies of the last edition of Apple Daily, netizens scramble to back up more than 4,000 newspaper articles uploaded onto blockchain platforms. Source . Source . Source .
The Taiwanese edition of the Apple Daily says it will continue operations. A notice to readers states: “All subsidiaries under Next Digital are financially independent. The operation of Taiwan's Apple Daily website is unaffected.” Source .
As many governments around the world, including the UK, U.S., and European Union, condemn the forced closure of Apple Daily, the Chinese government warns against interference in China’s domestic affairs, saying that press freedom is not a free pass. Source .
Academic freedom
Ivan Choy Chi-keung, senior lecturer in politics at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, ends his column in Ming Pao after 15 years, citing “poor political climate” and that the government no longer listens to public opinion. Source . Source .
Electoral system overhaul
The Registration and Electoral Office sends letters to notify more than 20,000 functional constituency electors that they may be disqualified under the new election system. Source .
Friday, June 25
Restrictions on the media
U.S. president Joe Biden speaks out against the forced closure of Apple Daily and calls for the release of detained journalists and executives. He says: “Beijing has insisted on wielding its power to suppress independent media and silence dissenting views. . . . It is a sad day for media freedom in Hong Kong and around the world.” Source .
National security law
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department investigates Shek Tong Tsui Public Library, which displays at least ten books by Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai Chee-ying as “the librarian’s choice.” Source .
June 4 vigil prosecutions
Prominent activists Lester Shum Ngo-fai and Tiffany Yuen Ka-wai are denied bail, pending an appeal of their jail sentences over their roles in the banned June Fourth candlelight vigil in Victoria Park in 2020. The two lost their district councilor seats after they were sentenced. They are also among the 47 pro-democracy figures charged under the National Security Law for participating in the unofficial Legislative Council primary election in July 2020. Source .
Restrictions on freedom of peaceful assembly
Three groups—Save Lantau Alliance, Tin Shui Wai Connection and League of Social Democrats—apply for police approval to organize the annual July 1 democracy march after Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF) announced they will not organize the event this year. Source .
Restrictions on the arts
Organizer cancels screening of a gay marriage documentary film, "Taiwan Equals Love," after the Film Censorship Authority requests deletion of politically sensitive parts. Source .
Saturday, June 26
Restrictions on freedom of information
New Commissioner of Police Raymond Siu Chak-yee calls for a “fake news” law to deal with “hostility against the police.” Source .
Sunday, June 27
Restrictions on the media
National security prosecutions
Apple Daily senior editorial writer Fung Wai-kong is arrested at the airport while trying to leave Hong Kong for Britain, for alleged collusion with foreign forces under the National Security Law. Source .
Monday, June 28
Restrictions on the media
Online news media Stand News removes opinion articles and columns and stops accepting donations. It also terminates the employment contracts of staff who have been employed for more than six months and re-employs them under new contracts. Six of its company directors including pro-democracy barrister Margaret Ng Ngoi-yee and celebrity Denise Ho Wan-see have stepped down on company advice. Source . Source .
Restrictions on the media
Radio Television Hong Kong fires radio call-in program host Allan Au Ka-lun, veteran journalist and professional consultant at the School of Journalism and Communication of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Au says “it is a 100% political decision.” Source . Source .
National security prosecutions
A 37-year old man has been arrested under the National Security Law for alleged incitement over a sticker on the metal gate of a residential building. Source .
Civil society group disbands
With some members having already resigned, pro-democracy political party Neo Democrats disbands, citing the National Security Law and a political environment that is “much worse than before.” Source .
Restrictions on July 1 march
Police issue a letter of objection to the League of Social Democrats, the Tin Shui Wai Connection, and the Save Lantau Alliance on organizing an annual July 1 pro-democracy demonstration, banning the event for a second consecutive year, citing the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing measures. Source . Source .
Tuesday, June 29
Restrictions on July 1 march
The police plan to deploy some 10,000 police on July 1 across Hong Kong with contingency plans to seal off Victoria Park to prevent any unauthorized gatherings. Source .
Restrictions on the media
Winandmac, an online media site, announces departure from Hong Kong; “Post 852,” a news and commentary site, removes all its videos. In a statement in response to the moves, Hong Kong Journalists Association says, “White terror has enveloped Hong Kong media.” Source .
Restrictions on the media
Radio Television Hong Kong drops English-language current affairs program, “The Pulse,” citing a review and update process. Source .
Activists in exile
Pro-democracy ex-lawmaker Ted Hui Chi-fung asks HSBC to account for freezing his bank accounts for more than half a year. According to Hui, any letter of no consent issued to the bank by the police for freezing a bank account should not be valid for more than six months under the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance. Source .
Disciplining of civil servants
The chairman of the Hong Kong Senior Government Officers Association, Lee Fong-chung, says the annual declaration made by retired civil servants in order to continue to receive their pensions should be linked to the National Security Law. Source .
National education
The Hong Kong Correctional Services introduces mandatory “national education” for juvenile offenders. Scholar Chung Kim-wah fears replication of the Xinjiang “re-education camps” in Hong Kong. Source .
National security law
Sources say the police have a watch list of more than 50 residents under investigation for allegedly violating the National Security Law, who will be intercepted and arrested if they try to leave Hong Kong. Source .
Wednesday, June 30
National security law
At least 117 people have been arrested under the National Security Law in the year since it came into effect on June 30, 2020. Among them, more than 60 have been formally charged, including pro-democracy political figures, activists, journalists, and students. Source .
Amnesty International releases report, “Hong Kong: In the name of national security,” focused on human rights violations under the National Security Law, and says the law has created a human rights emergency in Hong Kong. Source . Source .
June 4 vigil prosecutions
Chow Hang-tung, barrister and vice-chairwoman of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements in China, is re-arrested after police revoke her bail on the eve of the July 1 anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong’s sovereignty and the CPC centennial celebration. Source .
Restrictions on July 1 march
Sources say the police are deploying over 10,000 officers to patrol the streets of Hong Kong on July 1 with the Counter Terrorism Response Unit on standby. The force may also seal off parts of Victoria Park again. The Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions and several other trade unions still plan to set up street booths on July 1. Source .
While banning the annual July 1 march due to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing rules, authorities approve the application for exemption for the official flag-raising ceremony and reception in celebration of the anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong sovereignty. Source . Source . Source .
July
Thursday, July 1
Restrictions on July 1 march
Police seal off Victoria Park, stop and search journalists and pedestrians, and cordon off the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions street booth, alleging that the slogan, “livelihood is politics,” is incitement. Source . Source . Source .
By day’s end, at least 19 people have been arrested over July 1-related activities. Among the arrested, 11 are suspected of distributing “seditious publications,” including Student Politicism convenor Wong Yat-chin, and Secretary General Chan Chi-sum. Source . Source . Source .
Outside the Sogo mall in Causeway Bay, a man stabs himself in the chest and dies after stabbing a policeman in the left shoulder blade. Source .
Restrictions on the media
The parent company of Apple Daily, Next Digital, ceases operation. The four largest Nordic newspapers—Aftenposten (Norway), Dagens Nyheter (Sweden), Helsingin Sanomat (Finland), and Politiken (Denmark)—publish a joint front-page editorial denouncing the Chinese government’s attacks on Hong Kong’s press freedom. The editorial says: “enough is enough. . . . . The world can no longer stand idly by as China gradually sucks the air ]out of freedom of the press in Hong Kong.” The European Parliament considers a new resolution on Hong Kong in response to the regime’s crackdown on Apple Daily. Source . Source . Source .
National security law
The librarian at Shek Tong Tsui Public Library is suspended for displaying Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai Chee-ying’s books as “Librarian’s Choice for Borrowing.” The action comes after the Leisure and Cultural Services Department launched an investigation upon receiving a complaint from Yeung Hok-ming, a member of the pro-Beijing Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB). Source .
Immigration pathways
A group of U.S. bipartisan lawmakers reintroduce a bill—the Hong Kong People’s Freedom and Choice Act of 2021—to grant special refugee status and visas to Hong Kongers fleeing “political persecution,” including protest organizers, first-aid responders, journalists, or legal service providers during the 2019 anti-extradition protests. Source .
Friday, July 2
National security law and international human rights
United Nations Special Rapporteur on rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association Clément Voule calls on Beijing to allow fact-finding visit to Hong Kong to investigate whether the National Security Law has undermined the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents. Source .
Nathan Law Kwun-chung and Glacier Kwong Chung-ching, Hong Kong activists in self-imposed exile, and Victoria Tin-bor Hui, political scientist at the University of Notre Dame, make video statements at the UN Human Rights Council Hui says, “if Beijing could completely dismantle Hong Kong’s liberal order, what could it do to the world order?” Jiang Yingfeng, Councillor of the Chinese permanent mission at Geneva, says “any attempt to use Hong Kong to interfere with China’s internal affairs will not be tolerated.” Source .
June 4 vigil prosecutions
Chow Hang-tung, barrister and vice-chairwoman of the Hong Kong Alliance, is denied bail on charges of inciting others to participate in an unauthorized assembly, in connection with her social media post on a banned vigil to commemorate the victims of June Fourth on the 32nd anniversary of the Tiananmen Massacre. Chow also claims she was sexually assaulted when being searched by the police in detention. Source . Source .
National security prosecutions
In the trial of Tong Ying-kit, the first person charged under the National Security Law, pro-government Lingnan University vice-president and history professor Lau Chi-pang testifies that “liberate Hong Kong: revolution of our times” is not politically neutral and is a slogan that aims to overthrow an administration “currently under the enemy’s control.” Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
A 31-year old clerk is sentenced to 30 months in jail for throwing bricks during the 2019 "lunch with you" protest in Central. He was convicted of rioting, using facial covering to prevent identification, and possessing an object with intent to destroy property. Source .
Restrictions on the arts
The Arts Development Council has pulled funding of more than HK$700,000 for Ying E Chi Cinema, distributor of a documentary on the police siege of the Polytechnic University of Hong Kong during the 2019 protests. Council chairman Wilfred Wong Ying-wai accuses the film of “beautifying riots.” Source .
Sunday, July 4
Restrictions on the media
Next Media’s trade union announces its disbandment after the forced closure of Apple Daily. Source .
Monday, July 5
Restrictions on the arts
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung warns that campaigners for Hong Kong independence have turned to the arts and media after the enactment of the National Security Law, posing new threats to Hong Kong’s stability. Source .
Restrictions on the media
Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah says journalists should “act in good faith . . . for them to be protected under the freedoms of expression and the press.” Source .
Restrictions on freedom of peaceful assembly
Police say mourning the assailant who stabbed himself to death after attacking an officer on the night of July 1, 2021 is “no different to supporting terrorism.” A 20-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man are arrested for allegedly inciting others to murder police officers and committing arson on police premises by posting social media messages a day after the stabbing-suicide incident. Source . Source .
Vitasoy, the beverage company where the assailant was employed, faces boycott from Chinese consumers after it issued an internal memo expressing “deepest condolences” to the family of the deceased employee. On July 2, 2021, the company issued a new statement saying it “fully supports” the national security police’s investigation into the attack, and also Hong Kong’s “stability, prosperity, and development.” Source .
National security prosecutions
Counsel for Tong Ying-kit in his national security trial challenges the interpretation of the 2019 protest slogan “Liberate Hong Kong; revolution of our times” by Lingnan University vice-president and history professor Lau Chi-pang. Source .
Restrictions on the media
Veteran journalist Steve Vines, host of the canceled RTHK English language current affairs program, “The Pulse,” says his team was not allowed to tell audience on Friday, July 2, that it was the last show, and that his sign-off—“In these uncertain times, who knows what the future will be. Goodbye and good luck.”—was also edited out. Source .
Tuesday, July 6
National security prosecutions
Nine members of the pro-independence political group, “Returning Valiant,” are arrested under the National Security Law for allegedly conspiring to organize terrorist activities with bombs. One of them is on the management staff of a local university and six are secondary students. Source .
PLA garrison in Hong Kong
Newly promoted Chief Secretary John Lee Ka-chiu becomes the head of a new committee for reviewing the eligibility of candidates for the Election Committee, the LegCo, or the Chief Executive’s position. Source .
Restrictions on freedom of information
The Asia Internet Coalition, an industry group representing Apple, Amazon, Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other international tech companies, warned in a letter on June 25, 2021 that Hong Kong’s new anti-doxxing rules would “result in grave impact on due process and risks for freedom of expression and communication.” The tech companies are particularly concerned that the police can impose fines and arrest local employees if they are not responsive to the new rules. Chief Executive Carries Lam dismisses these concerns and tells reporters: "We are targeting illegal doxxing and empowering the privacy commissioners to investigate and carry out operations, that's it." Source . Source .
National security law
Four pro-democracy figures—Figo Chan Ho-wun, Eddie Chu Hoi-dick, Leung Kwok-hung and Wu Chi-wai—plead guilty to organizing, participating, or inciting others to participate in the unauthorized anti-National Security Law protest on July 1, 2020, the day after the law took effect. >Source .
Civil society group disbands
In the past two weeks, at least 8 pro-democracy groups have disbanded due to an adverse political environment under the National Security Law. They include the Progressive Teachers’ Alliance, Progressive Lawyers Group, Médecins Inspirés, and Frontline Doctors’ Union. Source .
Restrictions on the media
In a new report, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) lists Chief Executive Carrie Lam among 37 “2021 press freedom predators,” accusing her of trampling on Hong Kong’s press freedom. Source . Source .
Wednesday, July 7
National security prosecutions
Hong Kong 12 case
Activist Andy Li Yu-hin, one of the 12 Hong Kongers trying to flee to Taiwan who is charged with colluding with foreign forces under the National Security Law, faces up to life imprisonment after his case is transferred to the High Court. His case is combined with that of paralegal Chan Tsz-wah. Both are accused of conspiring with media tycoon Jimmy Lai and others to seek foreign sanctions on Hong Kong or China. Source .
National security prosecutions
Three of the nine “Returning Valiant” members arrested under the National Security Law for allegedly conspiring to organize terrorist activities with bombs—Ho Yu-wang, 17, Alexander Au, 19, and an unidentified student, 15—are officially charged. The other six are granted bail or will be released on bail later. Source .
Loyalty Oath
Sources tell two media outlets that 230 district councilors will be disqualified and asked to repay up to HK$1 million allowances when mass oath-taking takes place this month. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Of the four university students charged with rioting over the siege of the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2019, two are convicted and three found guilty of breaching the anti-mask law. Source .
June 4 vigil prosecutions
Chow Hang-tung, barrister and vice chair of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements in China, seeks an injunction against the use of information that is protected under legal professional confidentiality obtained from her phone by the police. Source .
Independence of judiciary
The Department of Justice plans to allow government legal officers (solicitors) to qualify as “senior counsel.” In a position paper dated July 5, the Hong Kong Bar Association registered its “overwhelming opposition” to the plan, stating: “The proposal would involve creating a category of senior counsel for legal officers who are neither barristers, nor members of the Hong Kong Bar and are not subject to the Bar’s code of conduct, and which is conditional on remaining in government service. The Hong Kong Bar Association does not consider that this is in the public interest. Source . Source .
Restrictions on the arts
Two Form Five students at ELCHK Yuen Long Lutheran Secondary School get demerits for singing Dear Jane’s Cantopop song with the words "resist” and "troubled times" in the lyrics in a singing contest. The Education Bureau contacts the school and reminds all students to abide by the National Security Law. Source . Source .
Thursday, July 8
International relations
U.S. President Joe Biden extends a national emergency designation for Hong Kong in response to the National Security Law, calling Beijing’s actions in Hong Kong “an unusual and extraordinary threat” to U.S. security and economic interests. The Office of the Commissioner of the PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong slams the move as “unscrupulous gangster logic” that has “grossly trampled on international law and the basic norms governing international relations.” Source . Source .
Loyalty Oath
Exodus from Legco, district councils, political parties
A day after sources told the media about the impending disqualification of some 230 district councillors, at least 158 pro-democracy district councillors resign in 50 hours. Source .
Religious Freedom
Pro-Beijing lawmakers call on the government to outlaw the Chinese spiritual and religious group Falun Gong. Lawmaker Elizabeth Quat Pui-fan of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) says the group has been “spreading subversive opinions” and disseminating “anti-government ideology.” Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung says in the past eight years, the Hong Kong police have taken 3,545 actions against the group. Source .
Political pressure on campus activities
Arthur Li Kwok-cheung, chairman of the Council of the University of Hong Kong, says he would welcome a national security investigation into the HKU Students’ Union Council for passing a resolution mourning the man who died after stabbing a police officer and himself on July 1, 2021. Li says the university management will also look at members of the Students’ Union Council to seek accountability with the possibility of expulsion. Source .
Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung Yun-hung sends letters to primary and secondary schools slamming the "tributes" to the suspect who stabbed police and urging the education sector to prevent students from violating the law. Source .
Civil society groups disband
Independent media outlet Stand News says that, by its count, 13 civil society groups have disbanded in the last two weeks. The groups include the human rights organization Civil Rights Observer, which ceased operation on July 5. Source .
Friday, July 9
International relations
Restrictions on the media
Three executives resign from Apple Daily’s parent company Next Digital: Chief Executive Officer Cheung Kim-hung, Chief Operation Officer Royston Chow Tat-kuen, and Chief Financial Officer Dennis Hung Chi-keung. Source .
The European Parliament passes a non-binding 28-point resolution on Hong Kong to “condemn in the strongest terms the recent forced closure of the Apple Daily newspaper in Hong Kong, the continued freezing of its assets and the arrests of its journalists.” The Office of the Commissioner of the PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in Hong Kong says the resolution “smeared the independent performance of duties by HKSAR law enforcement and judicial authorities and slandered the Chinese Central Government’s policy towards Hong Kong.” Source .
Restrictions on freedom of peaceful assembly
Police continue to stop and search people near the Sogo mall in Causeway Bay and warn people of any attempt to mourn the man who died after stabbing a police officer and himself. In the fourth case in a week related to the stabbing incident, a 36-year-old man is arrested for inciting violence and inciting others to assault with intent over a post in an online discussion. Source . Source .
Political pressure on campus activities
Members of the University of Hong Kong Student Union’s Executive Committee step down and apologize for passing a resolution that “appreciated the sacrifice” of the man who killed himself after stabbing a police officer on July 1, 2021.
Following the apology, the heads of all eight publicly-funded Hong Kong universities issue a rare joint statement to condemn acts of terror and violence. Source .
June 4 vigil prosecutions
Following her re-arrest on June 30, 2021, Chow Hang-tung, barrister and vice-chairwoman of Hong Kong Alliance, is denied bail and remains in custody over allegedly inciting others, through on her social media account, to participate in an unauthorized assembly on the 32nd anniversary of June Fourth . Source .
National security prosecutions
Eliza Lee Wing-yee, professor of politics and public administration at the University of Hong Kong, testifies in Tong Ying-kit’s trial that the protest slogan “Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of Our Times” has been misunderstood by prosecutors. Lee says that the slogan was coined by Hong Kong activist Edward Leung Tin-kei in 2016 to convey his political vision: “recover an old order that was lost, and unite freedom-loving people of all ages to bring about historical change.” Source . Source .
National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case
Hearings of 47 Hong Kong pro-democracy activists charged under National Security Law are adjourned to September 23, 2021. Only 12 of them have been granted bail. Source .
Loyalty Oath
Exodus from Legco, district councils, political parties
As oath-taking approaches, over 160 pro-democracy district councillors, who fear disqualification and repayment of up to HK$1 million of allowances, have resigned in four days. In an open letter, Democratic Party chairman Lo Kin-hei urges Chief Executive Carrie Lam to clarify the process for disqualifying district councillors, and whether unseated councillors will need to repay all salaries and allowances. Source . Source .
Corruption
Three top government officials—Undersecretary for Security Sonny Au Chi-kwong, Immigration Director Au Ka-wang, and Commissioner for Customs and Excise Hermes Tang Yi-hoi—violate gathering ban by attending a “lavish” dinner with a business man charged with attempted rape. The Security Bureau says the trio apologize and deny any connection with the criminal case. Source . Source .
Academic freedom
Johannes Chan Man-mun, the outspoken chair professor of public law at the University of Hong Kong, leaves his post after more than three decades with the institution. He will retain the title of adjunct professor in the law faculty at the end of his employment contract with the university. Source .
Saturday, July 10
National education
Chief Executive Carrie Lam vows to “boldly push ahead” with patriotic education, which she called an important policy the city has failed to implement, leading to serious consequences such as a lack of national identity among the younger generation. Source .
Sunday, July 11
Exodus from Legco, district councils, political parties
Chairman of the Democratic Party Lo Kin-hei resigns from Southern District Council. At least 220 pro-democracy district councilors have stepped down so far. Source .
The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, known for organizing the annual June Fourth vigil at Victoria Park, dismisses all its paid full-time staff. Seven out of 14 members of its steering committee step down in the face of “growing political and legal risks.” Source .
Monday, July 12
National security prosecutions
Five more members from “Returning Valiant,” aged 15-37, are arrested for allegedly “conspiring to organize terrorist activities” under the National Security Law. Source .
Political pressure on campus activities
The University of Hong Kong removes all protest-related and pro-democracy posters and materials from the “Democracy Wall” and student council premises, days after the resignation of student union leaders. Source .
Tuesday, July 13
Electoral system overhaul
The Election Committee’s 1,500 members, who are empowered to elect the next Chief Executive and a large proportion of legislative councilors, must declare if they or their spouses possess foreign passports, including the British National (Overseas) passport. Source .
Loyalty Oath
Exodus from Legco, district councils, political parties
Chief Executive Carrie Lam maintains that the mass exodus of pro-democracy district councilors—with at least 206 of them having resigned between July 7 and 13, 2021— will not affect the implementation of the oath-taking requirement of district councilors. Source . Source .`
Chairman of the Democratic Party Lo Kin-hei says the Party will not disband and will continue to fund resigned council members' work in different districts. Source .
International relations
U.S. President Joe Biden warns companies of increasing risks of doing business in Hong Kong, including the Chinese government’s ability to gain access to data that companies store in Hong Kong. The PRC Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian hits back, slamming the warning as "typical political manipulation and double standards." Source .
National security prosecutions
Of the 14 “Returning Valiant” members arrested over an alleged terrorist plot, three more are officially charged under the National Security Law, bringing the total number charged in the case to six. Source .
National security prosecutions
In the first national security case, Francis Lee Lap-fung, director of School of Journalism and Communication at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, testifies that the meaning of “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our time” depends on “each individual’s perspective.” Source .
Political pressure on campus activities
Chief Executive Carrie Lam urges the University of Hong Kong (HKU) to purge its student union in connection with a declaration commemorating a man who killed himself after stabbing a police officer on July 1. Lam adds that law enforcement may also investigate the matter.
Hours after Lam’s call, HKU issues a statement announcing it has stopped recognizing its student union as a registered student body and will “seriously investigate” the incident. Source . Source .
National education
Education Bureau distributes “National Security Law Reader” to all kindergartens as reference for teachers, in a move to help children learn about Chinese culture and their Chinese identity. Source .
Wednesday, July 14
International relations
U.S. Department of State says the National Security Law continues to damage the rule of law in Hong Kong and that the U.S. will continue “to hold the PRC the Hong Kong authorities accountable.” Source . Source .
National security prosecutions
A magistrate court rejects the bail applications by three “Returning Valiant” members charged under the National Security Law over an alleged terrorist plot, including a 15-year-old. Source .
Restrictions on freedom of information
Government authorities lower the threshold for prosecution under the new anti-doxxing law as urged by pro-establishment lawmakers: prosecutors do not need to prove victims were psychologically harmed, only that suspects intended to threaten or harass. Source . Source .
Restrictions on freedom of information
National security law
Self-censorship takes hold in the first Hong Kong Book Fair after the implementation of National Security Law as independent booksellers avoid offering politically sensitive books. Prominently displayed at tables of pro-Beijing publishers are books by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Source . Source . Source .
Political pressure on campus activities
The University of Hong Kong student publication Undergrad reveals that the university has demanded that the student union move out of university premises within 7 days. Source .
Thursday, July 15
Restrictions on freedom of information
The proposed anti-doxxing law, Personal Data (Privacy) (Amendment) Bill 2021, grants the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) the power to make arrests without a warrant and to request for content removal from websites hosted outside Hong Kong. Source .
Restrictions on the media
The Hong Kong Journalists Association releases 2021 Annual Report: Freedom in Tatters. Chairman Chan Ron-sing calls this year “the worst year of press freedom.” The association urges the government to rethink the National Security Law, and reconsider the “fake news” law as it is, in Chan’s words, “one more sword hanging over the industry.” Source . Source . Source . Source .
Political pressure on campus activities
Lingnan University issues a statement announcing it will stop collecting membership fees for its student union, becoming the fifth university to do so after the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Source . Source .
Restrictions on the arts
The Cannes Film Festival makes a last-minute decision to screen “Revolution of Our Times,” a documentary film about the 2019 pro-democracy protests by Hong Kong filmmaker Kiwi Chow Kwun-wai. Source . Source .
Friday, July 16
National security law
Political pressure on campus activities
National security police raid the premises of the University of Hong Kong’s student union, its Campus TV, and publication, Undergrad. Sources say they are searching for evidence of incitement of terrorist activities and violence, but this information has not been verified. Source .
International relations
The United States imposes sanctions on seven Chinese officials: Chen Dong, He Jing, Lu Xinning, Qiu Hong, Tan Tienui, Yang Jianping, and Yin Zonghua—all deputy directors of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong. In a statement, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the officials have "systematically undermined" Hong Kong’s democratic institutions over the past year.
The U.S. government also warns American companies of risks operating in Hong Kong and that they are subject to laws of Hong Kong including the National Security Law. Source . Source . Source .
Restrictions on freedom of information
National security law
Hillway Culture and Kind Of Culture, two book publishers at the Hong Kong Book Fair, receive a complaint from the fair organizer alleging that some of the titles they are selling may violate the National Security Law. The publishers say they will not remove the books as there is no violation. Source . Source . Source .
Monday, July 19
Electoral system overhaul
Under the election overhaul introduced in March to ensure only “patriots” run Hong Kong, the number of registered voters who will vote for members of the Election Committee stands at 7,891, down from 246,440 in 2016, a drop of almost 97%. The 1,500 members of the Election Committee are empowered to choose the next Chief Executive, select 40 of the 90 members of an expanded Legislative Council, and nominate all Legco candidates. Source .
The Hong Kong government is budgeting almost HK$38 million to encourage voter turnout in the upcoming Legislative Council (LegCo) election in December, in a campaign that stresses “patriots ruling Hong Kong.” Source . Source .
Immigration pathways
Thousands of Hong Kong residents holding British National (Overseas) (BNO) passports rush to leave for the UK before the expiration of the “LOTR” (“leave outside the rules”) policy, which allows BNO passport holders to live and work in the UK for up to six months while waiting for BNO visas. Source .
Restrictions on freedom of information
Tara Joseph, president of the American Chamber of Commerce, raises concerns over increased Internet censorship faced by the business community in light of the proposed anti-doxxing law, the Personal Data (Privacy) (Amendment) Bill 2021 that will expose tech companies and their employees to criminal liability for contents posted by users that are deemed unlawful. Source .
Political pressure on campus activities
Commissioner of Police Raymond Siu Chak-yee says the student union of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) may have breached the National Security Law in thanking the man who killed himself after stabbing a police officer on July 1, 2021. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Product engineer Lui Sheuk-hang, 31, the first person found guilty of rioting during the siege of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2019, is sentenced to 3 years and 9 months in prison. Source . Source .
Disciplining of educators
According to its updated guidelines, the Education Bureau will check criminal records of teachers every three years and requires new applicants to pledge to uphold professional ethics of teachers and pay attention to their own comments on social media. Source .
Restrictions on the media
Annie Cheng Lai-king, vice president of Now News, an online news outlet, resigns. A staff member believes that Cheng has had a difficult time working with the pro-Beijing head of news, Chan Tit-piu. Cheng writes in a message to the newsroom: “even throughout the most turbulent times for the press in 2021, we still stood firm at our posts. . . . This is something that should make everyone proud.” Source .
Tuesday, July 20
Loyalty Oath
Exodus from Legco, district councils, political parties
Chief Executive Carrie Lam confirms there will be no district council by-elections following the resignations of more than 200 pro-democracy district councillors. Lam says government-appointed pro-establishment area committees “are now taking on a more active role in providing advice to the government, and to sort of talk to us about problems in their respective districts.” Source .
Electoral system overhaul
Obscure community groups, “Enjoy Family Together,” “Happy People,” and “Modern Mammy Group,” each with fewer than 200 Facebook followers and all sharing the same registered address, are among the registered voters eligible to elect the members of the revamped Election Committee in its upcoming election. Source .
Corruption
Citing national security concerns, Chief Executive Carrie Lam continues to defend her reneging on her 2017 pledge to seek extension of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance to cover her position. Source .
National security prosecutions
The prosecution requests the District Court to transfer the sedition case of Wan Yiu-sing, online radio D100 channel host as known as “Giggs,” to a designated national security judge. Source .
Restrictions on the media
Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) orders staff not to refer to Taiwan as a sovereign state nor an independent country, but as a part of China, after pro-Beijing lawmaker Luk Chung-hang claimed that the public broadcaster may be violating the one-China policy. Staff are required to replace “Taiwan government” with “Taiwan authorities,” and “Taiwan president” with “Taiwan leader” or “the most senior leader of Taiwan.” Source .
RTHK staff say censorship in the news department has also intensified. Wong Kam-fung, head of the news department, has accused staff of insufficient loyalty to the government. Source .
June 4 vigil prosecutions
Former pro-democracy Kwun Tong District Councillor, Janelle Leung Hoi-ching, is released from jail after finishing a 4-month jail sentence over an unauthorized June Fourth vigil in 2020. Source .
Immigration pathways
In response to the recent exodus of Hong Kong residents headed for the UK, Chief Executive Carrie Lam says this is the “best time” to be in Hong Kong, given the support of Beijing and help of the National Security Law. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
On the second anniversary of the July 21, 2019 mob attack in Yuen Long, Stand News releases a follow-up investigative video report, “Probing the Source of 7.21.” The report is produced by Bao Choy Yuk-ling and Cheng Sze Sze, former producers of the award-winning “7.21 Who Owns the Truth?” episode of RTHK’s documentary series “Hong Kong Connection.” The team used big data to source purported pro-democracy materials to pro-Beijing circles, and found CCTV footage which showed gatherings of the white-clad mobs before the incident. Source .
Wednesday, July 21
Restrictions on the media
National security prosecutions
National security police revoke bail for Apple Daily ex-associate publisher Chan Pui-man and ex-English news editor-in-chief Fung Wai-kong, and arrest and search the home of former executive editor-in-chief Lam Man-chung under the National Security Law for allegedly conspiring to collude with foreign powers. Source . Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Two students—20 year-old vocational school student Cheung Chun-ho and 25-year-old Chinese University of Hong Kong undergraduate Tang Hei-man—are sentenced to 54 and 45 months in prison, respectively, after being convicted of rioting and violating the anti-mask law during the siege of the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2019. Source . Source .
Restrictions on freedom of information
The Internet Society Hong Kong raises concern that the proposed anti-doxxing law, the Personal Data (Privacy) (Amendment) Bill 2021, grants overly-broad powers to the Privacy Commissioner that may potentially lead to “revenge-style prosecutions.” Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang Kwok-wai defends the bill, saying it is not intended to target service providers. Source .
Political pressure on campus activities
The student union of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) moves out of Composite Building with no forwarding address. Source.
Thursday, July 22
National security prosecutions
Restrictions on freedom of information
Five members of the General Union of Hong Kong Speech Therapists, aged between 25 and 28, are arrested by national security police, under the Crimes Ordinance, for allegedly conspiring to publish, distribute, exhibit, or copy seditious publications. Union funds amounting to HK$160,000 have also been frozen.
The arrest is made in connection with the union’s publication of a series of children’s books titled Guardians of Sheep Village, Janitors of Sheep Village, and The 12 Braves of Sheep Village, to illustrate, respectively. the 2019 protests, the strike of Hong Kong medical workers, and 12 Hong Kongers captured at sea while trying to flee to Taiwan. Senior Superintendent Steve Li Kwai-Wah justifies the arrest and claims the books attempted to “beautify illegal behaviour.” Source . Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Seven men who were part of the July 21, 2019 Yuen Long mob attack—which left 45 residents wounded—are sentenced up to seven years in prison for rioting. Source .
Restrictions on the media
National security prosecutions
The court denies bail to four Apple Daily former senior journalists charged under the National Security Law—associate publisher Chan Pui-man, executive editor-in-chief Lam Man-chung, English news editor-in-chief Fung Wai-kong, and editorial writer Yeung Ching-kee. Source .
National security law
Dennis Kwok Wing-hang, ex-lawmaker-in-self-imposed-exile and current Harvard Kennedy School Asia Fellow, co-authors an essay titled, “The Risks for International Business under the Hong Kong National Security Law.” The essay concludes that, under Hong Kong’s National Security Law, the “future trend is likely to move Hong Kong even further away from its past liberal traditions. It is imperative that the international community understands this paradigm shift and takes these new risks into account in their future operations and dealings in Hong Kong and the PRC.” Source . Source .
International relations
In its “2021 Investment Climate Statements: Hong Kong,” the U.S. Department of State cautions: “The PRC’s imposition of the National Security Law (NSL) on June 30, 2020 undermined Hong Kong’s autonomy and introduced heightened uncertainty for foreign and local firms operating in Hong Kong.” The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong calls it a “baseless smear.” Source . Source . Source.
Friday, July 23
Electoral system overhaul
The opening hours of the polling stations for the Election Committee election are drastically reduced, accompanied by more than 60 changes to the election guidelines. Source .
Loyalty Oath
Sources reveal that at least 60 pro-democracy district councillors will be disqualified before they take loyalty oath next month, for violations of the Public Offices Ordinance. Source .
National security prosecutions
Two of the five members of the General Union of Hong Kong Speech Therapists arrested by national security police—Lai Man-ling, 25, and Melody Yeung Yat-yee, 27—are denied bail. They remain in custody for conspiring to publish, distribute, exhibit or copy seditious children’s books. Source .
June 4 vigil prosecutions
The prosecution says 12 people are planning to plead guilty and 8 to plead not guilty over an unauthorized June Fourth vigil in 2020. Source .
Chow Hang-tung, barrister and vice-chair of the Hong Kong Alliance, is denied bail for the second time, for allegedly inciting others to participate in an unauthorized June Fourth gathering in 2021 on her social media account. Source .
Article 23 legislation
Chief Secretary John Lee Ka-chiu says the Article 23 legislation that the government is preparing will be harsher than the 2003 draft version in order to deal with the "most extreme behavior." Source .
Academic freedom
According to a report by the Headline Daily, two academics—Lee Ching-kwan and Dixon Sing Ming—have resigned from the social science department at the University of Science and Technology. Lee was attacked by pro-establishment media and lawmakers for supporting pro-democracy protestors in 2019. Source .
National education
A teacher says that sample questions of the Citizenship and Social Development subject (the new name of the revamped Liberal Studies subject) show that the curriculum is limited to reciting and copying, and that it will be difficult to nurture the higher-level thinking of students. Source . Source .
Immigration pathways
London mayor Sadiq Khan says his office will spend £900,000 to assist Hong Kong people arriving in London with help on housing, education, and finding jobs, and that London welcomes them with open arms. Source .
Saturday, July 24
National security prosecutions
Three members of the General Union of Hong Kong Speech Therapists are granted bail after being arrested under the National Security Law for conspiring to publish, distribute, exhibit, or copy allegedly seditious children’s books. Source .
Restrictions on freedom of information
Public libraries remove children's book about law a day after a pro-Beijing newspaper, Wen Wei Po, criticized it for “damaging young people’s law-abiding awareness.” Source .
Monday, July 26
Restrictions on June 4 vigil
The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China says it will plead guilty to operating its June 4 Museum without a license. The group received a summons from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department after a complaint about the museum, which is now closed. Source .
Restrictions on the right to participate
Benny Tai Yiu-ting, former law professor at the University of Hong Kong, along with Ip Kim-ching and Sek Sau-ching, are charged by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) with illegal election spending in connection with buying newspaper ads to promote a tactical voting plan in the lead-up to the 2016 Legislative Council elections. None of them were election candidates or agents. Source . Source .
Hong Kong 12 case
Hoang Lam-phuc, 17, the first of the 12 Hong Kong activists captured in mainland Chinese waters to plead guilty, is sentenced to serve time in a training center for hurling a petrol bomb at a police station and for attempting to flee to Taiwan. Source .
National security law
Designated national security judge Chen Guangchi adjourns the trial of ex-lawmaker Tam Tak-chi until July 29, 2021, as the prosecution seeks to amend the charges against Tam after the ruling on Tong Ying-kit, defendant in the first national security case. Tam’s defense lawyer does not object to the arrangement, and states that the Tong Ying-kit ruling will affect the arrangement of expert witnesses. Source .
National security education
Three publicly funded Hong Kong universities—Baptist University, Polytechnic University and Lingnan University—make national security education compulsory and a graduation requirement. Source . Source .
Political pressure on campus activities
Baptist University stops collecting membership fees for its student union, becoming the of sixth Hong Kong universities to do so. Baptist University’s move is forcing the student union to consider letting go of its staff or shuttering its cooperative on campus. Source .
Tuesday, July 27
National security prosecutions
Tong Ying-kit, 24, the first person charged under the National Security Law, is found guilty of terrorism and inciting secession for ramming his motorcycle into a group of police officers while displaying a flag with the 2019 protest slogan, “Liberate Hong Kong,” on July 1, 2020, one day after the law came into effect. The court rules that the prosecution has provided sufficient r proof that the slogan could incite others to commit secession. Source . Source . Source .
Amnesty International’s Asia-Pacific Regional Director Yamini Mishra criticizes the conviction of Tong, calling it the “beginning of the end” for freedom of expression in Hong Kong. She urges Hong Kong authorities to “ensure that any legal provisions aimed at protecting national security, or created in the name of counterterrorism, are clearly and narrowly defined and that their use conforms to international human rights law and standards.” Source .
Restrictions on June 4 vigil
The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China is fined HK$8,000 after it pleaded guilty to operating the now-closed June 4 Museum without a license. Source .
Article 23 legislation
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung says speeding up Article 23 legislation is a must to eliminate any risk endangering national security. Source .
Anti-sanctions law
State media says the National People's Congress Standing Committee will, in its meeting next month, discuss adding more national legislation to Hong Kong’s constitution, the Basic Law, including the anti-sanctions law passed in June. Source . Source .
Wednesday, July 28
Restrictions on the media
National security prosecution
Two former Apple Daily senior journalists charged under the National Security Law—Lam Man-chung, executive editor-in-chief, and Fung Wai-kong, English news editor-in-chief—withdraw their bail review applications. Fung also gives up his right to submit further bail reviews. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Pro-democracy former lawmaker Au Lok-hin is denied bail while appealing his sentence for organizing and participating in an unlawful assembly in August 2019. Au is is also among the 47 pro-democracy figures charged under the National Security Law in connection with the 2020 unofficial primaries. Source .
National security prosecutions
The founder and former chairwoman of the Hospital Authority Employees Alliance, Winnie Yu Wai-ming, who is among the 47 pro-democracy figures charged under the National Security Law over the 2020 unofficial primaries, is granted HK$100,000 cash bail with other conditions, including handing over all travel documents and reporting to the Sha Tin Police Station four times a week. Source .
Thursday, July 29
National security prosecutions
Defense lawyer of Tong Ying-kit, the first person charged and convicted under the National Security Law, asks the court for no more than 10 years in prison for Tong, who is facing possible life imprisonment under the law. Source .
The prosecution’s suggestion that Tong’s sentence be based on legal principles from mainland China is rejected by the High Court. Source .
National security prosecutions
In pro-democracy former lawmaker Tam Tak-chi's sedition case, the prosecution says Tam shouted the "Liberate Hong Kong" slogan 171 times during various public gatherings. A District Court judge says the ruling regarding the slogan in Tong Ying-kit’s case, the first trial under the National Security Law, is not binding on Tam’s case. Source . Source .
Restrictions on freedom of expression
Two men, aged 18 and 26, are arrested on suspicion of a range of offences, including conspiracy to commit criminal intimidation, inciting unlawful assembly, inciting wounding with intent, and inciting others to inflict grievous bodily harm, in connection with a group on Facebook that called for leaving critical comments or comments threatening boycotts on the social media pages of pro-Beijing broadcaster Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB). Source .
Restrictions on the media
Lam Hang-chi ends his column after 48 years in the Hong Kong Economic Journal, which he founded. In his last column, he describes his departure as “a free decision made when such decisions are still possible.” Source .
Exodus from Legco, district councils, political parties
The pro-democracy Hong Kong Professional Teachers' Union (HKPTU), the city largest teachers’ union, quits the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, organizers of the annual June Fourth vigil. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
District Judge Kwok Wai-kin, who has been barred from handling any 2019 protests-related cases after his controversial comments when sentencing tour guide Tony Hung Chun, is now permitted to resume handling related cases. Hung had attacked a journalist and two others with a kitchen knife in front of a “Lennon Wall” in 2019. Judge Kwok called Hung “an involuntary sacrifice and a bloodstained victim hanging by his last breath.” Source .
Immigration pathways
The British government launches an online application portal for "extremely poor" British National (Overseas) passport holders to apply for government subsidies, including social housing. Source .
Friday, July 30
National security prosecutions
Tong Ying-kit, the first person convicted of terrorism and inciting secession under the National Security Law, is sentenced to 9 years in prison for ramming a motorcycle into a group of police officers with a flag displaying the slogan, “Liberate Hong Kong.” Source .
The Hong Kong Police Force deploys 100 officers to stop and search residents showing support for Tong in the court’s vicinity in Admiralty. After the sentence was announced, Tong's lawyer quotes him: “I won’t give up, just like Hong Kong athletes.” Source . Source .
National security prosecutions
Th trial of Tam Tak-chi, pro-democracy former lawmaker and radio host facing 14 counts of charges including sedition for shouting the protest slogan, “Liberate Hong Kong,” is adjourned until October 18, 2021. Tam will have been in custody for 13 months by the time the hearing resumes. Source .
National anthem law
A 40-year-old reporter of the online news platform Freeman Express is arrested for allegedly breaching the national anthem law by booing the Chinese national anthem during a mall screening of the Hong Kong Olympic fencer Edgar Cheung Ka-long receiving his gold medal. Source . Source .
Restrictions on the right to participate
Benny Tai Yiu-ting, former University of Hong Kong law professor, Ip Kim-ching, and Sek Sau-ching are granted bail on charges of illegal election spending. However, Tai will remain in custody as he is awaiting trial on another national security case. The prosecution moves the case to the District Court, where the defendants face potentially longer jail terms of up to seven years. Source .
June 4 vigil prosecutions
Chow Hang-tung, barrister and vice chairwoman of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, pleads not guilty to inciting others to participate in an unauthorized June Fourth gathering in 2021. Her hearing is adjourned until October 5, 2021. Source .
Immigration pathways
The British government budgets up to £800 for each British National (Overseas) passport holder to learn English. This measure is part of the “Hong Kong UK welcome programme.” Source .
August
Sunday, August 1
Anti-sanctions law
Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po welcomes the anti-sanctions law as a “necessary and reasonable” response to punitive actions from the United States. Chan says “there may be different ways how the law will apply to Hong Kong,” such as through insertion of national legislation into Annex III of the Basic Law, as with the National Security Law, or following local legislative and consultation processes, as with the national flag and emblem laws. Source .
International relations
National security prosecutions
The Hong Kong government slams U.S. and EU criticism of the sentencing of Leon Tong Ying-kit, the first person convicted under the National Security Law, as “politically motivated interference” and accuses the two governments of “blatantly trampling on Hong Kong’s judicial strengths.” Source .
Restrictions on the media
Next Media Trade Union officially disbands and donates all its surplus funds to the Hong Kong Journalists Association. Source .
Disciplining of educators
The Education Bureau (EDB) cuts ties with thep 95,000-member Hong Kong Professional Teachers’ Union (HKPTU)—the city’s largest union for a single profession, representing 90% of teachers—accusing it of “spreading political propaganda” and being unprofessional. The decision comes within hours of articles appearing in the Chinese state-run newspaper People’s Daily and news agency Xinhua slamming HKPTU as a “malignant tumour” that needs to be “eradicated.” Source . Source .
Monday, August 2
Independence of judiciary
A new nine-member committee comprising five senior judges and four non-judges—a lawyer, a property tycoon, a former ombudsman, and an academic—will begin advising the judiciary on handling complaints against judges. Source .
Tuesday, August 3
Disciplining of educators
Chief Executive Carrie Lam denies the recent decision of the Education Bureau (EDB) to cut ties with the Hong Kong Professional Teachers’ Union (HKPTU) was a result of pressure from Beijing. Lam also accuses the group of politicizing education during the 2019 anti-extradition protests. Source .
In an email to HKPTU members, the head of the union announces that, going forward, it will focus on the teaching profession and advocating for teachers' rights. Source . Source .
Restrictions on the media
Initium Media, an award-winning online news outlet founded in Hong Kong in 2015, relocates its headquarters to Singapore, becoming the first Hong Kong media organization to move overseas since the promulgation of the National Security Law. Executive editor Susie Wu says: “the relocation of our headquarters does not mean that we are no longer reporting on Hong Kong, and our mission remains unchanged.” Source . Source .
Restrictions on the media
Steve Vines, the veteran former host of the television program, “The Pulse,” that was dropped by Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), leaves Hong Kong for the UK. In an email to friends and colleagues, he writes: “[t]he white terror sweeping through Hong Kong is far from over and the near-term prospects of things getting better are simply non-existent.” Source .
Restrictions on the arts
Kacey Wong Kwok-choi, an award-winning political artist and former assistant professor at the School of Design of Hong Kong Polytechnic University, leaves Hong Kong for Taiwan, citing the crackdown and shrinking space for artistic expression. He says: “the critical moment for the decision to leave was the [arrest of the] 47. . . . For me, that is a signifier for the destruction of Hong Kong’s law system as we know it.” Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
In a follow-up investigative report on the July 21, 2019 Yuen Long mob attack, an analysis of 14 hours of video footage shows at least 235 white-clad men engaged in violent attacks or holding weapons, but only 48 were arrested and eight prosecuted over the past two years. Source . Source .
Restrictions on freedom of expression
Pro-democracy former lawmaker Tsang Kin-shing is fined HK$2,500 under the Air Navigation (Hong Kong) Order 1995 after pleading guilty to flying a balloon exceeding two metres long in the controlled airspace outside the Legislative Council on January 1, 2021. The balloon was tied with a banner calling for authorities to “release political prisoners.” Source .
Wednesday, August 4
Political pressure on campus activities
Students at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) involved in the student council that passed a sympathy motion for the man who killed himself after stabbing a police officer are barred from entering the campus. The HKU Council says: “[t]he continued presence of the group of HKUSU concerned on campus would pose serious legal and reputational risks to the University and have negative impact on its other members.” Source .
Disciplining of educators
The Hong Kong Professional Teachers’ Union (HKPTU) quits the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU). It also sets up a Chinese history and culture work group to motivate teachers and students to learn about China in order to nurture their affection for the country. Source . Source .
National security prosecutions
A national security-designated judge, Victor So Wai-tak, denies bail to a 45-year-old clerk and a 17-year-old student arrested by national security police for distributing Hong Kong independence leaflets in 2020. Source .
Restrictions on the media
Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) deletes all tweets from its Twitter account and disables the comments function. A tweet announcing the decision reads: “resource constraints prevent us from properly engaging with our subscribers or refute in a timely manner any misinformation that might be contained within comments.” Source .
Restrictions on June 4 vigil
Two months after the forced closure of the physical June Fourth museum in Hong Kong, the virtual “8964 Museum,” crowdfunded by the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, goes online. Its exhibit includes a detailed history of the 1989 Democracy Movement and visuals of rare artefacts. The online has museum received donations totaling HK$1.6 million from 1,186 donors and is run by an independent team. The Alliance says: “we not only have to rescue memories and continue the promise, but also have to rebuild the discourse, and connect the history of China’s democracy movement with Hong Kong and the world’s history of resistance.” Source . Source . Source .
Thursday, August 5
Disciplining of educators
The Hong Kong Professional Teachers’ Union (HKPTU) quits Education International, a Brussels-based global federation of teachers' trade unions that had once urged the Hong Kong government to respond to the five demands of protesters during the 2019 anti-extradition protests. Source .
Political pressure on campus activities
Eric Cheung Tat-ming, principal lecturer at the Faculty of Law of the University of Hong Kong (HKU), steps down from the HKU Council after students were denied access to the campus for “sympathizing” with the man who killed himself after stabbing a police officer on July 1, 2021. Cheung is quoted as saying: “I am very sad. . . . . [W]hy, as a university, are we not helping students to correct themselves after making a mistake?” Source .
June 4 vigil prosecutions
Chow Hang-tung, barrister and vice-chairwoman of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, is finally granted HK$50,000 cash bail after the court had denied her previous three bail applications. Chow is accused of inciting others to participate in an unauthorized June Fourth gathering in 2021 through her social media account. Source .
Immigration (Amendments) Bill
Canada warns its citizens through its travel advisory Twitter account that the Immigration (Amendment) Ordinance 2021 promulgated on August 1 will allow the authorities to prevent people, including foreigners, from leaving the territory. Source .
Immigration pathways
U.S. President Joe Biden signs a memorandum granting a temporary “safe haven” allowing Hong Kongers currently in the United States to live and work in the country for 18 months, as a response to Beijing’s crackdown on Hong Kong’s democracy. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says: “despite widespread demonstrations, which brought millions together to call for greater freedom, Hong Kong’s promise of democracy has dimmed.” Source .
Friday, August 6
Immigration pathways
International relations
China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry office in Hong Kong strongly condemns the U.S. for offering a “safe haven” to Hong Kongers through its 18-month temporary residency. The office’s spokesperson says: “by offering so-called safe haven, [the U.S. government] is trying to bad-mouth Hong Kong, smear China and engage in actions to destroy the city’s prosperity and stability.” Source .
Electoral system overhaul
The one-week nomination period for the 1,500-member Election Committee under the revamped election system begins. Many seats are expected to go uncontested to the pro-Beijing camp. The polls for the Election Committee are scheduled for September 19. Source . Source . Source .
Disciplining of educators
After the Education Bureau (EDB) cut ties with the HKPTU, Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung Yun-hung urges teachers to reassess their membership in the union and writes in an open letter: “we ask you all to consider carefully the Hong Kong Professional Teachers’ Union’s actions and words in recent years, and ponder over whether they truly represent yourselves.” Source .
The HKPTU removes all educational materials from its website, including contents about the development of Hong Kong’s political system, the 1989 Democracy Movement, and Liu Xiaobo. Its outsourced bookstore has also ceased operations since June. Source .
Political pressure on campus activities
Seven members of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) Council urge the council to reverse its decision to ban some students from the campus. In an open letter, the members write: “we believe this decision is improper according to legal principles. By not hearing from the students themselves, it runs contrary to the principles of due process and natural justice.” Source .
Article 23 legislation
Chief Secretary John Lee Ka-chiu says that Article 23 legislation will focus on combating foreign espionage and provide for heavy punishment for violations. Source .
Restrictions on freedom of information
The government-proposed anti-doxxing law, the Personal Data (Privacy) (Amendment) Bill 2021, will permit the Privacy Commissioner to seize and search electronic devices without a warrant from the court. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
American lawyer Samuel Phillip Bickett is granted bail while pending appeal against his conviction and sentence for attacking an off-duty police officer inside the Causeway Bay MTR station during the 2019 protests. Bickett is required to hand over his passport, not leave his residential address or the city, and report to the police station three times a week. Source .
Saturday, August 7
Electoral system overhaul
Chief Secretary John Lee Ka-chiu, who also heads the new seven-person committee that vets nominees for the Election Committee, says his committee will look into the nominees’ past words, deeds, and media interviews and articles, to ensure they “sincerely support” the Basic Law and swear allegiance to the government. Source .
Exodus from Legco, district councils, political parties
Hong Kong Democratic Party vice-chairman Lee Wing-tat leaves Hong Kong for London for unspecified reasons. Sources say Lee will not return “within short period of time.” Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Barrister and convenor of the Progressive Lawyers Group Chris Ng Chung-luen and several academics and a group of young lawyers, create the “Compendium Project,” a database of hundreds of 2019 protests-related Magistrates' Court cases. The project is created with the assistance of barrister and former pro-democracy lawmaker Margaret Ng Ngoi-yee, among others. Source . Source .
Sunday, August 8
Anti-sanctions law
Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah says the PRC’s anti-sanctions law can be introduced in the “most natural and appropriate way” by being inserted into Annex III of the Basic Law, Hong Kong’s constitution. Source .
Immigration pathways
Julian Chan, director of “Hongkongers in Britain,” says many Hong Kong people with British National (Overseas) (BNO) passports arriving in the UK are being denied equal access to housing, education, and jobs, and urges the British government to do more to support them. Reportedly, the new arrivals with correct paperwork often face hurdles in finding work, as employers are unfamiliar with the BNO visa. Source . Source .
Monday, August 9
Electoral system overhaul
Thirteen members of the newly-formed Education Professional Alliance sign up as candidates for seats on the Election Committee. The Alliance, with members drawn from organizations such as the pro-establishment Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers (HKFEW) and others, is said to aim to “break the monopolisation” of the Hong Kong Professional Teachers’ Union (HKPTU) in the education field. On July 31, the Education Bureau announced that it will cease working with the HKPTU. Source .
Restrictions on freedom of expression
Property manager Kim Chiang Chung-sang is denied bail for displaying allegedly seditious posters that insulted and threatened the three judges—Esther Toh, Anthea Pang and Wilson Chan—who preside over Hong Kong’s first national security trial of Tong Ying-kit. Chiang is charged under the colonial-era sedition law. Source .
Restrictions on the media
Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) is partnering with state-owned China Media Group and will be broadcasting more China Central Television (CCTV) programs, including dramas and documentaries. Chief Executive Carrie Lam says the move is to “nurture a stronger sense of patriotism.” Source .
Restrictions on the arts
Four members of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council—artist Chris Chan Kam-shing, songwriter Adrian Chow Pok-yin, theatre director Indy Lee Chun-leung, and government appointee Vigo Yau Ah-kwai—have resigned from the government-funded body. Their departure came after state-owned newspapers Ta Kung Pao and Wen Wei Po accused three of them of being “troublemakers” and the council itself of potentially violating the National Security Law. Source . Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Four defendants, aged 15-20, are sentenced to four to ten months in jail for participating in an unauthorized assembly and violating the anti-mask law during the 2019 protests in Ngau Tau Kok. Source .
Tuesday, August 10
Civil society group disbands
Disciplining of educators
The 95,000-member Hong Kong Professional Teachers’ Union (HKPTU), Hong Kong’s largest teachers’ union with a 48-year history, announces its disbandment, a week after the Education Bureau cut ties with the group. HKPTU president Fung Wai-wah says the union saw no future: “we have felt enormous pressure. . . . I can only say that the social and political situation changed too fast and too quickly, and our decision was made in response to these changes.” Source . Source .
The Education Bureau has “no comment” on the HKPTU’s disbandment but says it will work with “real” education professional groups instead. Joshua Rosenzweig, head of Amnesty International’s China team, responds to the disbandment, saying: “the rapid demise of Hong Kong’s biggest teachers’ union in the face of increasing hostility from the Hong Kong and central Chinese governments illustrates the level of fear permeating the city’s education sector and wider civil society amid a relentless crackdown on dissent.” Source . Source .
Wednesday, August 11
Civil society group disbands
Sources say the Civil Human Rights Front, an umbrella group made up of over 50 NGOs and the organizer of many of Hong Kong’s largest protests since 2002, is expected to announce its disbandment on Friday, as it faces police investigation into its activities. Source . Source .
Restrictions on the media
Ronson Chan Long-sing, chairperson of the Hong Kong Journalists Association, warns that the Hong Kong administration is trying to transform the public broadcaster Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) into a mainland propaganda mouthpiece “as soon as possible.” Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Tang Wai-sum, 62, who was sentenced to seven years in prison for rioting and wounding in connection with the 2019 Yuen Long mob attack, appeals against his sentence, as his family and supporters accuse the presiding judge of “abusing [his] power.” Source .
National Flag and National Emblem (Amendment) Bill 2021
The government plans to amend the National Flag and National Emblem Ordinance (NFNEO), aimed at clarifying requirements such as the etiquette of the flag-raising ceremony and the promotion and education of the national flag and national emblem. The proposed bill, if passed, will outlaw desecration of the national flag and national emblem, including “publishing an image of a defiled national flag on Facebook,” and extends the period allowable for prosecution to up to two years. Source . Source .
Thursday, August 12
National security prosecutions
A designated national security judge, Esther Toh Lye-ping, grants bail to Owen Chow Ka-shing, one of the 47 pro-democracy figures charged under the National Security Law, because Chow “did not directly advocate for international sanctions against the PRC government or the HKSAR government.” Source . Source .
Electoral system overhaul
More than 75% of the seats of the 1,500-member Election Committee are uncontested. Authorities received 1,056 nominations competing for more than 980 seats. Source .
Immigration pathways
Hong Kong’s population declined by 1.2% in the last year, as nearly 90,000 residents departed Hong Kong, more than four times higher than the outflow recorded in the same period in the prior year. Early withdrawals from Hong Kong’s mandatory pension fund, which can only be made when an individual departs Hong Kong permanently, amounted to HK$6.6 billion in total, the highest since 2014. Source . Source .
Friday, August 13
Restrictions on the media
An article in the state-controlled newspaper Wen Wei Po calls the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) an “anti-government political organization” which defends “fake news.” The article also says: “HKJA shields violence and indulges in rumours, [its] loss of morals should be regulated.” Source .
Independence of judiciary
The Department of Justice (DoJ) appoints Maggie Yang Mei-kei, former principal government counsel and senior prosecutor leading the case against 47 pro-democracy figures charged under the National Security Law, as the Director of Public Prosecutions. Source . Source .
National security prosecutions
Chief Magistrate Victor So denies bail to Ryan Law Wai-kwong, former editor-in-chief of the defunct Apple Daily, who is charged under the National Security Law for allegedly colluding with foreign forces. Law remains in custody until his next hearing on September 30. Source .
Exodus from Legco, district councils, political parties
Many former pro-democracy district councilors continue to serve their communities, with some turning their former councilor offices into shops. Source .
Immigration pathways
Fan Hung-ling, Chairman of the Hospital Authority, says that the attrition rate of full-time doctors and nurses has increased, reaching 4.6% to 6.5% in the past year, partly because of emigration. The Authority expects the situation to further worsen. Source .
Immigration pathways
Stephen Kinnock, Britain’s shadow minister for Asia, criticizes the UK government’s roll-out of a visa scheme for Hongkongers with British National (Overseas) passports as “slow” and “inefficient,” in the six months after the application process officially began. Only 20% of applications had been processed in the first quarter. Source .
Friday, August 13
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
A 63-year-old “white-clad man” is charged with rioting and conspiring to wound with intent in connection with the 2019 Yuen Long mob attack. Source .
Sunday, August 15
Civil society group disbands
The Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), a coalition with over 50 NGOs and pan-democratic political parties and, since 2002, the organizer of the largest pro-democracy demonstrations, announces its disbandment. The group’s statement reads: “in the course of over a year, the government continuously used the pandemic as a reason to reject the demonstration applications of CHRF and other groups – each member group was oppressed, and civil society was facing unprecedented challenges.” The group plans to donate its remaining assets of HK$1.6 million to “suitable organizations.” Source . Source .
Hours after CHRF’s disbandment announcement, the police say they are looking into CHRF’s alleged breach of the Societies Ordinance. Joshua Rosenzweig, head of Amnesty International’s China team, says: “the Hong Kong authorities’ assault on human rights has ramped up with these attacks. Along with political parties, media outlets and unions, we sadly now must add NGOs to the list of those targeted simply for doing their legitimate work. . . . The pattern of self-censorship seen this week also signals a concerning domino effect, as Hong Kong’s draconian national security law has triggered an accelerating disappearance of independent civil society groups from the city.” Source . Source . Source .
Political pressure on campus activities
On its freshmen registration day, the University of Hong Kong (HKU) bans the promotion of the students’ union, with some student groups hiding the letters “SU” (students’ union) on their banners. Source .
Monday, August 16
Independence of judiciary
After People’s Daily, the official newspaper of the Communist Party of China, called the Hong Kong Bar Association a “street rat” and warned the Law Society of Hong Kong not to follow its example and become a “politicised group,” Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah writes in her blog: “[r]ecently, I am aware of views that legal bodies are neither political parties nor political organisations and should therefore strive to maintain their professionalism rather than politicisation. I fully agree.” Source .
National education
The Education Bureau funds kindergartens to purchase national flags and flagpoles in order to raise national consciousness and nurture national identity among children. Source .
Civil society group disbands
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung warns the Hong Kong Professional Teachers’ Union (HKPTU) and Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF) that their disbandment would not shield them from legal liabilities. Source .
Tuesday, August 17
Independence of judiciary
Chief Executive Carrie Lam attacks the Law Society of Hong Kong and warns: “if the Law Society allows politics to hijack their legal profession, the government will . . . consider severing its relationship with it.” Source . Source .
Civil society group disbands
The General Union of Hong Kong Speech Therapists receives notice of registration cancellation from the Labour Department, which accuses the union of breaching the Trade Unions Ordinance. Five members of the union have been charged for conspiring to publish, distribute, exhibit or copy seditious children’s books. Source .
National security prosecutions
Tong Ying-kit, the first person convicted of terrorism and inciting secession and sentenced under the National Security Law, appeals his conviction and the 9-year prison term. Source .
Activists in exile
Sunny Cheung Kwan-yang, former spokesperson for the Hong Kong Higher Institutions International Affairs Delegation who is in self-imposed exile, applies for political asylum in the United States to pursue his graduate studies at Johns Hopkins University. Source .
Immigration pathways
The Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority says the total amount of withdrawals from the Provident Fund—Hong Kong’s mandatory pension fund—by Hong Kongers permanently leaving Hong Kong has increased by more than 27% over the past year. Source .
Wednesday, August 18
Political pressure on campus activities
National security prosecutions
Four students of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) Students’ Union Council are arrested under the National Security Law for advocating terrorism over passing a resolution mourning the man who died after stabbing a police officer and himself on July 1, 2021. Source .
Political pressure on campus activities
More than ten members of the Provisional Executive Committee of the Chinese University students' union and its newspaper resign amid withdrawal of the university’s administrative support. Source .
Civil society group disbands
The 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund, set up in June 2019 by prominent pro-democracy figures to provide financial assistance to protesters arrested during the 2019 anti-extradition protests, will halt operations by October 31, 2021. Trustees of the fund include Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, scholar Hui Po-Keung, pop singer Denise Ho Wan-see, and former lawmaker and barrister Margaret Ng Ngoi-yee. Ng says: “that the fund has to cease operations before it has fulfilled its mission is a matter of deep regret . . . but it is already a remarkable achievement for Hong Kong civil society that we have come this far.” As of July 2021, the fund has assisted over 2,221 legal cases, of which 1,274 are still pending, and provided direct financial support to almost 23,000 individuals and services. Source .
National security education
The Education Bureau sets up new positions for monitoring and promoting national security education at schools. It also announces that heads of Citizenship and Social Development (the revamped Liberal Studies subject) are responsible for overseeing teaching materials. Source .
Independence of judiciary
Kenneth Lam, a member of the Law Society council, calls Chief Executive Carrie Lam’s August 17 warning that the government would cut ties with the Law Society if it put politics above professionalism a “very serious threat” without any factual basis. Source . Source .
Thursday, August 19
National security prosecutions
Activist Andy Li Yu-hin and paralegal Chan Tsz-wah, charged under the National Security Law, plead guilty to conspiring with media tycoon Jimmy Lai, Mark Simon, and self-exiled activist Finn Lau, to collude with foreign forces to impose sanctions on Hong Kong or China. When the prosecution read out the summary of facts, Li says: “I agree to the facts and I would like to say sorry.” The duo faces up to life imprisonment under the law and the case has been adjourned until January 3, 2022. Source .
Political pressure on campus activities
National security prosecutions
The court denies bail to three of the four students of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) Students’ Union Council arrested under the National Security Law for advocating terrorism over passing a resolution mourning the man who died after stabbing a police officer and himself: Kinson Cheung King-sang, Charles Kwok Wing-ho, and Chris Todorovski. The prosecution immediately appeals the bail granted to the fourth student, Anthony Yung Chung-hei. All four students remain in custody. Source . Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Seven prominent pro-democracy figures—Figo Chan Ho-wun, Albert Ho Chun-yan, Cyd Ho Sau-lan, Leung Kwok-hung, Avery Ng Man-yuen, Yeung Sum, and Raphael Wong Ho-ming—plead guilty to organizing and inciting others to participate in an unauthorized protest on October 20, 2019. Wong tells the court: “Your Honour, I have nothing to be ashamed of and no remorse for what I did on that day. . . . The march in Kowloon on October 20 was certainly an opportunity to reflect public opinion. Now, by imposing heavy penalties on us, the court is only punishing public opinion . . . [and] suffocating the freedom of expression.” Source . Source . Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
An 87-year-old man, surnamed Wong, is arrested for alleged rioting and conspiring to wound with intent over the 2019 Yuen Long mob attack, after showing up at a street booth proclaiming he was one of the attackers. Source .
Restrictions on the media
Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) is strongly advised by the Communications Authority not to refer to Taiwan as a “nation” in an election story, following a regulatory complaint. RTHK spokesperson says RTHK agrees to the ruling. Source . Source .
Friday, August 20
Anti-sanctions law
The National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee unexpectedly postpones a vote on a resolution to introduce the anti-sanctions law into the Basic Law of Hong Kong, despite earlier prediction by Hong Kong’s sole delegate Tam Yiu-chung that the “urgent and necessary” resolution was very likely to be approved. Tian Feilong, director of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, says Beijing needs to assess U.S.-Hong Kong decoupling risks before introducing the law. Source . Source . Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
A 15-year-old boy is sentenced to three years at a correctional training center for carrying two firebombs and participating in an unauthorized gathering during the 2019 protests. Source .
National security prosecutions
The High Court grants bail to 17-year-old student Wong Chun-wai, but denies bail to 45-year-old school clerk Chloe Cho. Both were involved in distributing leaflets advocating Hong Kong independence from May to December 2020. Source .
Restrictions on the media
Max Wong Wai-lun, Assistant Professor at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), has become the latest commentator to resign from the Now News current affairs program after pro-Beijing news head Chan Tit Piu took office. Source .
Benson Wong Wai-Kwok, former Assistant Professor in political science and former chairman of faculty and staff union at Hong Kong Baptist University, who was attacked by state-controlled newspaper, leaves Hong Kong for Britain citing changes in political environment. Source .
Digital surveillance
Kowloon Tong railway station installs CCTVs made by Dahua, China’s second largest surveillance technology company known for facial recognition technology for surveilling Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang. The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) says the CCTVs have no facial recognition function. Source .
Saturday, August 21
Civil society group disbands
The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, organizer of the annual June Fourth vigil in Hong Kong since 1989, will discuss whether to disband following the dissolution of the Civil Human Rights Front and Hong Kong Professional Teachers’ Union (HKPTU). Source .
Independence of judiciary
Jonathan Ross, council member of the Law Society of Hong Kong, withdraws his candidacy from the upcoming election, citing safety fears. Ross says: “it is a shameful and sad day for Hong Kong that an election for Council of our honourable institution has sunk to this level.” The society has filed a report with the police over the “threatening messages” received by Ross. Source . Source .
Monday, August 23
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Yeung Kwong-chi, 26, a community outreach worker and first aid volunteer, has been cleared of rioting charges after District Judge Edmond Lee ruled that providing first aid to injured protesters is a reasonable ground for Yeung’s presence at the 2019 protest scene. University student Alice Tong Ka-yan, 22, has also been acquitted in relation to the same incident on August 31, 2019. The prosecution pursued conviction of both of them on the basis of their black attire and proximity to the riot. Source .
National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case
The High Court denies bail to former Tsuen Wan District Councilor Roy Tam Hoi-pong, one of the 47 pro-democracy figures charged under the National Security Law. Tam has been kept in custody for more than five months. Source .
Tuesday, August 24
Restrictions on the arts
The government proposes amendments to the Film Censorship Ordinance to require censors to decide whether a film endangers national security. Under the Ordinance, screening banned films could result in a maximum of three years in prison and a fine of HK$1million.
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Edward Yau Tang-wah says: “we need this provision to cater for circumstances where a film which was created or approved before—
Amid rumours of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China’s disbandment, the national security police send letters to 12 members of the group requiring them to provide information for investigation, under paragraph 5 of Article 43 of the National Security Law. In the letter, the group is accused of being a “foreign agent” colluding with foreign forces. The information requested by the national security police includes personal details of the group’s members and full-time staff, information dating back to 2014, details on financial dealings in connection with the New School for Democracy, Asia Democracy Network, China Human Rights Lawyers Concern Group, and the U.S.-based National Endowment for Democracy (NED). Source . Source . Source .
Independence of judiciary
Five pro-establishment candidates representing the “professionalism” camp —Jimmy Chan Kwok-Ho, Fu Ka-min, Ronald Sum Kwan, Wong Hau-yan and Yuen Hoi-ying—are elected to the Law Society of Hong Kong’s council. Out of a total of 20 seats on the council, 14 are occupied by pro-establishment members. Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng says she is happy to see the Law Society respecting professionalism and looking forward to working with the body. Source . Source .
Civil society group disbands
Seven trade unions disbanded over the last three years. Secretary for Labour and Welfare Law Chi-kwong says the authorities will continue to look into any trade unions’ violations of the Trade Unions Ordinance and the unions’ constitutions. Source .
Restrictions on June 4 vigil
22-year-old student Tsang King-lun is sentenced to more than two years in prison after pleading guilty to rioting in Mong Kok during the banned June Fourth vigil in 2020. Source .
Thursday, August 26
Electoral system overhaul
Cheng Chung-tai, the last opposition lawmaker in the Legislative Council (LegCo), is unseated after the new candidate eligibility review committee led by Chief Secretary John Lee Ka-chiu finds Cheng to be “unpatriotic.” The committee’s decision, based on Cheng’s “negative list” of conduct, including his previous public statements, articles, and publications, also bars Cheng from running in the LegCo election in December. Source .
Independence of the judiciary
The High Court rejects the application for review of the constitutionality of the Hong Kong SAR government’s postponement of the Legislative Council (LegCo) election from September 2020 to December 2021, citing COVID-19 pandemic concerns. The postponement was back by a decision by the National People's Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC) to extend the term of the incumbent Legislative Council. The court says it lacks authority to challenge the NPCSC decision. Source .
Independence of judiciary
In a speech at the Law Society of Hong Kong, former Chief Justice Geoffrey Ma Tao-li urges lawyers to uphold the rule of law. He says: “The rule of law is not a political concept. It is a concept that has as its foundation the law itself and its spirit.” Source . Source .
Independence of judiciary
The Legislative Council passes the Legal Practitioners (Amendment) Bill 2021, allowing government lawyers to become senior counsel without first becoming a barrister as mandated by the current Legal Practitioners Ordinance. The Hong Kong Bar Association has criticized the change as a threat to judicial independence. Source .
National education
In an article posted on the Education Bureau’s website, Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung vows to strengthen national education in order to enhance students’ concepts of national identity and foster among them a “correct understanding of ‘one country, two systems.’” Source .
The Education Bureau issues a circular instructing all primary and secondary schools to raise the national flag every day following the passage of the National Flag and National Emblem (Amendment) Bill, which is currently being considered in the legislature. Source .
Immigration pathways
Nearly 65,000 Hong Kong residents have applied for the British National (Overseas) visa scheme. Official figures show that 47,300 applications have been approved so far. Source .
Friday, August 27
Civil society group disbands
Just days after the disbandment announcement by the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund, which was set up to provide financial assistance for protesters arrested during the 2019 pro-democracy demonstrations, Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung accuses the fund of profiteering. Source .
Independence of judiciary
Lord Reed of Allermuir, President of UK’s Supreme Court, says judicial independence and rule of law still exist in Hong Kong’s judiciary, after assessing developments in Hong Kong together with the British Foreign Secretary and the Lord Chancellor. Lord Reed will stay on as a non-permanent judge in Hong Kong’s Court of Final Appeal together with Lord Hodge. Source .
Political pressure on campus activities
National security prosecutions
Anthony Yung Chung-hei, 19, one of the four students of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) Students’ Union Council arrested under the National Security Law accused of advocating terrorism for passing a resolution mourning the man who died after stabbing a police officer and himself, is granted bail after the High Court rejects the prosecution’s bid to revoke his bail. Source .
September
Saturday, September 4
Civil society group disbands
Hong Kong Pastors Network, a Christian group that objected to the anti-extradition amendment bill in 2019, announces disbandment, citing the current political environment. In its announcement, the group urges Hong Kong people to “guard the truth, reject lies, and never give up.” Source .
Sunday, September 5
Restrictions on the media
Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) suspends a 41-year-old public debate program “City Forum” indefinitely, citing an internal editorial decision. Source .
Monday, September 6
Restrictions on the media
Next Digital, parent company of the defunct pro-democracy Apple Daily newspaper, has filed for liquidation, with its board of directors resigning to help facilitate the process. Source .
National security law
The 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund says it will stop accepting both one-off and monthly donations immediately, following police announcements that the fund may have breached the national security law. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Hong Kong 12 case
Ten persons, including three of the 12 Hong Kong activists captured in mainland Chinese waters while fleeing to Taiwan—Cheung Chun-fu, Cheung Ming-yu, and Yim Man-him—are charged under the United Nations (Anti-Terrorism Measures) Ordinance for possessing firearms during the 2019 protests. The Ordinance is used for the first time since its enactment in 2002 in Hong Kong. Offenders could face up to life imprisonment. Source .
International relations
National security law
Britain updates foreign travel advice for Hong Kong, warning that the National Security Law is applicable to activities conducted in the UK and suspects could be tried in China. The new advice states: “China’s mainland authorities could under certain circumstances detain and try individuals who commit an offence, or are accused of committing an offence, under the terms of this law. . . . There is therefore a risk for those who commit an offence under the law of being detained and removed to mainland China.” Source . Source .
Tuesday, September 7
National security law
Attacks on civil society: Hong Kong Alliance
The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China has refused to comply with a national security police request to hand over information and sends a rebuttal letter to the police rejecting their accusations that the group is a “foreign agent.” A director of the Alliance files an application for leave to apply for judicial review of the “foreign agent” claim.
Chow Hang-tung, barrister and vice-chairwoman of the Alliance, says: “do not succumb to unreasonable power, do not succumb to life where you have to lie and bow down every day . . . . [L]ive in your own space whenever possible, live to follow your own conscience.” Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung says the authorities will take “swift and efficient” action in response to the Alliance’s refusal to cooperate in the national security investigation. Source . Source .
Loyalty oath
Chief Executive Carrie Lam says the Home Affairs Bureau will send invitations to all remaining district councillors to take their oaths during an oath-taking ceremony under the Oaths and Declaration Ordinance, and any absent district councillor will be unseated. Source .
National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case
Former lawmaker Gary Fan Kwok-wai, one of the 47 pro-democracy figures charged under the National Security Law and detained for more than six months, is denied bail again. Source .
Rights of persons in custody
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung claims that chocolate and hair clips are privileges that may be used to incite hatred of the government among inmates that threatens national security. Tang’s comments come after an alleged protest by female detainees involving former pro-democracy district councillor Tiffany Yuen Ka-wai, at the Lo Wu Detention Centre. Source . Source .
Wednesday, September 8
National security law
Attacks on civil society: Hong Kong Alliance
Four members of the standing committee of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China—vice-chair Chow Hang-tung, Simon Leung Kam-wai, Sean Tang Ngok-kwan and Chan To-wai—are arrested for failing to comply with the implementation rules of Article 43 of the National Security Law following the group’s refusal to provide information demanded by the police. Source .
National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case
Former Stand News journalist Gwyneth Ho Kwai-lam, one of the 47 pro-democracy figures charged under the National Security Law and detained for more than six months, withdraws bail application after the court refuses to lift rules on news reporting, which rules prohibit the publication of bail hearings in court. Source .
Civil society group disbands
Community March, a group established in 2017 which focuses on community affairs and labor issues, announces disbandment. Sources say the group’s former convenor Ben Lam Siu-Pan has been arrested by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). Source .
Anti-ELAB movement
As of the end of July 2021, 10,265 people have been arrested in connection with the social unrest in 2019. Among them, 2,684 have been prosecuted. Of the 1,527 whose judicial proceedings have been completed, 1,197 have to face legal consequences. Source .
Thursday, September 9
June 4 vigil prosecutions
Six prominent pro-democracy figures and members of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China—vice-chairman Albert Ho Chun-yan, and former standing committee members Andrew Wan Siu-kin, Cheung Man Kwong, Mak Hoi-wah, Leung Kwok-wah and Chiu Yan-loy—are convicted after pleading guilty to participating or inciting others to participate in the banned June Fourth candlelight vigil in Victoria Park in 2020. Source .
In his submission to the court, Ho states: “we were driven by our consciences and moral commitment to make our best endeavours to maintain this historic tradition of commemorating June 4, remembering the lesson of history and speaking truth to power.” Source .
National security law
Attacks on civil society: Hong Kong Alliance
The June Fourth museum, organized by the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China and shut down by the authorities in June, is raided by national security police, who take away exhibits and boxes of materials. The raid takes place a day after four key members of the Alliance were arrested. Source .
Sources say a fifth member of the standing committee of the Alliance, Tsui Hon-kwong, is arrested, for violating implementation rules of the National Security Law after failing to provide information requested by the police. Source .
International relations
National security law
The Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong accuses UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab of interfering in Hong Kong’s internal affairs, over a Twitter post by Raab calling the arrests of members of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China “another chilling demonstration of how the National Security Law is being used by Beijing to dismantle civil society and stifle political dissent in Hong Kong.” Source . Source .
National security law
Under the pressure of a national security law probe and pro-establishment lawmakers’ clamor for government regulation on online crowdfunding, the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund stops accepting donations and will return the HK$317,000 received in donations from September 3 to September 7, 2021. Source . Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Former district councillor Lester Shum Ngo-fai, one of the 47 pro-democracy figures arrested for subversion, finishes his 6-month jail term in connection with the banned June Fourth vigil in 2021. But he faces a new contempt-of-court charge over a social media post about the death of Alex Chow Tsz-lok, a student at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology who died from falling off a parking lot during the 2019 protests. Source .
National security law
At the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, witnesses testify that the Hong Kong government has reneged on its pledge to the United Nations to not apply the National Security Law retrospectively. Examples include the disqualification of lawmakers and the forced closure of Apple Daily. Source .
Friday, September 10
National security prosecutions
Attacks on civil society: Hong Kong Alliance
The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China and its three key members—chairman Lee Cheuk-yan, and vice-chair Chow Hang-tung and Albert Ho Chun-yan —are charged with inciting subversion under the National Security Law. The court denies bail to Chow. Lee and Ho are serving other protest-related jail sentences and did not submit bail applications. Source .
In a separate hearing, five leading members of the Alliance—vice-chair Chow Hang-tung and standing committee members Simon Leung Kam-wai, Sean Tang Ngok-kwan, Chan To-wai, and Tsui Hon-kwong—appear at West Kowloon Magistrates’ Court and plead not guilty to failing to comply with the implementation rules of Article 43 of the National Security Law for refusing to provide information demanded by the police. The prosecution’s application for adjournment of the case, in order to let the police locate other individuals for more information, is rejected by the judge for being based on “too many assumptions.” Source .
Loyalty oath
25 district councillors on Hong Kong Island take their oaths in the first oath-taking ceremony. Eastern District Councillor Peter Choi Chi-keung loses his seat immediately after declining to attend the ceremony. Seven other pro-democracy district councillors are being asked to provide additional information as the Home Affairs Bureau questions the validity of their oaths. Source . Source . Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Yeung Pok-ma, a 29-year-old teacher, is sent to jail to serve his 9 week sentence after losing an appeal against his conviction of assaulting a police officer in the 2019 protests. Yeung is the first teacher convicted in connection with the protests and has been placed in Siu Lam Psychiatric Centre while awaiting sentencing. Source .
Restrictions on the arts
The Hong Kong Arts Centre refuses to compensate Denise Ho Wan-sze, prominent Canto-pop singer and pro-democracy activist, for terminating the lease agreement for her concert. Instead, the centre accuses Ho of breaching a clause of the contract concerning public order and safety. Source . Source .
Restrictions on the arts
Ng Ka-leung, director of “Ten years” —a 2015 fictional film that depicts a dystopian Hong Kong in the year 2025— who once doubted national security law would suppress freedom, leaves Hong Kong for the UK. Another director of the film, Jevons Au, emigrated to Canada in June last year. Source .
Religious Freedom
Rights of persons in custody
Ta Kung Pao, a pro-Beijing newspaper, slams clergymen for “inciting detainees to resist” during their visits to prison, claiming that detainees have become more cynical and radical. Source .
Saturday, September 11
Civil society group disbands
In a vote among the attendees of a special meeting, the Hong Kong Professional Teachers' Union (HKPTU) passes a motion to formally disband, ending the group’s 47-year history. Source .
Rights of persons in custody
In a press interview, Commissioner of Correctional Services Woo Ying-ming accuses inmates held for national security and 2019 protests-related offenses of exercising “unprecedented influence” to create a new rebellion behind bars and spreading hatred of the central and Hong Kong governments. Source .
Digital surveillance
In reversal of its stated policy, Google confirms it has complied with three direct requests for user data from Hong Kong authorities made between July and December 2020, following the enactment of the National Security Law. In August 2020, the company had pledged that it would stop responding to such requests, unless they are made via the U.S. Justice Department. Google says one of the requests involved a "credible threat to life" and the other two involved human trafficking but unrelated to national security. Source . Source .
Sunday, September 12
Civil society group disbands
A day after the Hong Kong Professional Teachers' Union (HKPTU) voted to disband officially, a pro-establishment Hong Kong Education Workers Union announces its formation. The group is a member of the pro-Beijing Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers (HKFEW). HKFEW chairman Wong Kam-leung says, “teachers’ unions should not harbor lawbreakers striving for so-called rights.” Source .
Monday, September 13
Attacks on civil society
Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui Ching-yu announces a new amendment to the tax guide for charitable institutions and public trusts with immediate effect to end tax exemptions benefits for groups that endanger national security. Source .
Attacks on civil society
Prominent pro-democracy ex-lawmaker Albert Ho Chun-yan, who is currently in prison for various unauthorized assembly charges related to the 2019 protests and facing a new subversion charge for organizing the 2020 June Fourth vigil, resigns from his leadership positions in three civil society groups: the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, the China Human Rights Lawyers Concern Group, and the New School for Democracy. Source .
Tuesday, September 14
National security law
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung says the government is working on new local legislation to target national security offenses not covered in the National Security Law, including treason, sedition, and espionage. The new law will also provide measures to stop operation of “foreign political organisations” in Hong Kong and prevent Hong Kongers from contacting them. Source .
Restrictions on the media
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung accuses the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) of “infiltrating” schools to recruit student reporters and spreading hatred against the authorities among youth, in acts that go against professional ethics. HKJA hits back by saying Tang’s claims are “strange” and “factually wrong.” Source . Source .
Restrictions on the media
The Apple Daily Charitable Foundation, a charity set up in 1995 linked to the defunct Apple Daily newspaper, is removed from the Inland Revenue Department’s list of tax exemption charities. Source .
Civil society group disbands
Rights of persons in custody
Wall-fare, a non-profit prisoners’ rights group founded by former pro-democracy lawmaker and social worker Shiu Ka-chun, announces disbandment. The group supported pro-democracy inmates by providing daily necessities and coordinating a letter-writing scheme. Source . Source .
Restrictions on the arts
Denise Ho Wan-sze, prominent Canto-pop singer and pro-democracy activist, holds an online concert after the Hong Kong Arts Centre cancelled her venue booking eight days before the show date. In the online concert, she tells the audience: “the only thing I can do is to continue singing.” Source .
Wednesday, September 15
June 4 vigil prosecutions
Twelve prominent pro-democracy figures—including Albert Ho Chun-yan, former vice-chairman of the Hong Kong Alliance, Figo Chan Ho-wun, former convenor of the Civil Human Rights Front, and former lawmakers Andrew Wan Siu-kin, Cyd Ho Sau-lan, Leung Kwok-hung, Eddie Chu Hoi-dick and Yeung Sum—are sentenced to up to 10 months in jail over participating or inciting others to participate in the unauthorized June Fourth vigil in 2020. A total of 24 people have been charged in connection with the event. Among the other 12, four of them, including Joshua Wong Chi-fung, were sentenced in May 2021, and the remaining eight will face trial starting from November 1, 2021. Source .
National security prosecutions
The court again denies bail to Hong Kong Alliance vice-chair Chow Hang-tung, who is charged with subversion and failure to provide information requested by the police in compliance with the implementation rules of Article 43 of the National Security Law. The judge also refuses to lift the restrictions on media reporting on the details of Chow’s bail application process. Source .
Loyalty oath
Seven pro-democracy district councillors on Hong Kong Island—Clarisse Yeung Suet-ying and Leung Pak-kin of Wan Chai district, Michael Pang Cheuk-kei of Southern district, and Wei Siu-lik, So Yat-hang, Lancelot Chan Wing-tai and Anna Lai Tsz-yan of Eastern district—are unseated two days after they submitted additional information to the Home Affairs Bureau for determining the validity of their oaths. Source .
Restrictions on the media
Jimmy Lai files suit to exercise his voting right to liquidate Next Digital, parent company of the defunct Apple Daily newspaper, whose assets have been frozen by government authorities. Source .
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung issues an order to freeze assets and operations of Apple Daily's publishing company under the implementation rules of the National Security Law. Source . Source .
Attacks on civil society
The Hospital Authority Employees Alliance (HAEA), a pro-democracy labor union founded in the 2019 protests representing government-employed medical staffs, was asked earlier this month by the Registry of Trade Unions of the Labour Department to provide information due this Friday on eights issues, including past comments about the Chinese-made Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine. Source .
Thursday, September 16
Restrictions on freedom of information
The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China removes its website, Facebook page, Instagram page, Twitter account, and YouTube channel, as well as 11 years of Victoria Park vigils footage online, after it received letters from the police ordering them to remove all “online platform information” based on Article 43 of the National Security Law. Source . Source .
District councils reform
Following the disqualification of seven pro-democracy district councillors on Hong Kong Island, Secretary for Home Affairs Caspar Tsui Ying-wai says the role of district councils should be reviewed after oath-taking for all municipal-level politicians is completed. Source .
Loyalty oath
Democratic Party chairman Lo Kin-hei says the government is obliged to provide reasons for invalidating oaths taken by seven pro-democracy district councillors on Hong Kong Island. Source .
National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case
Former lawmaker Raymond Chan Chi-chuen, one of the 47 pro-democracy figures charged with subversion, is granted HK$100,000 cash bail after being detained for over half a year. Chan’s bail conditions include a travel ban, daily curfew, and reporting to the police four times a week. Source . Source .
National security education
Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) makes national security education compulsory starting this school year. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Ventus Lau Wing-hong plans to plead guilty, while Owen Chow Ka-shing plans to plead not guilty, to rioting over the storming of Legislative Council Complex on July 1, 2019. Both are among the 47 pro-democracy figures charged with subversion under the National Security Law and their cases are adjourned until May 29, 2023. Source .
Friday, September 17
Restrictions on the media
The High Court rules against Jimmy Lai in his bid to exercise his voting right to liquidate Next Digital, parent company of the defunct Apple Daily newspaper. The Court says Lai should apply to the Security Bureau first. Lai is currently serving two prison sentences on unlawful assembly charges. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Figo Chan Ho-wun, former convenor of the Civil Human Rights Front, who is currently serving 18 months in prison in connection with three unauthorized assemblies in the 2019 protests, will plead guilty to a fourth one on September 15, 2019. Source .
Civil society group disbands
The Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU), a pro-democracy trade union coalition founded in 1990 that consists of 93 affiliated groups and represents more than 145,000 members, is in the process of disbanding as confirmed by its vice-chairman Leo Tang Kin-wah. The development comes after pro-Beijing magazine Eastweek reported last month that the coalition could be the next national security investigation target. Source .
Attacks on civil society
The Hospital Authority Employees Alliance (HAEA) summits a written response providing information on eight events as requested by the Registry of Trade Unions, but denying the accusations that they have violated the Trade Unions Ordinance or used its funds for political purposes. Source .
Saturday, September 18
Exodus from Legco, district councils, political parties
Mung Siu-tat, chief executive of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU), announces on social media that he has stepped down from his position and left Hong Kong, citing security concerns and imminent political risks. Source .
Digital surveillance
Hong Kong Baptist University introduces “smart classrooms” with cameras facing students. The installation of these cameras without consultation raises concerns. Source .
Sunday, September 19
Legco election Dec 2021
Pierre Chan Pui-yin, public hospital doctor and the sole remaining independent non-pro-establishment lawmaker representing the medical functional constituency, decides not to run in the coming Legislative Council elections. Source .
Monday, September 20
Electoral system overhaul
Tik Chi-yuen wins a seat on the Election Committee, becoming the only non-pro-establishment member in the powerful 1,500-member body. Source .
Civil society group disbands
The Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU), the pro-democracy trade union coalition founded in 1990 that consists of 93 affiliated groups and represents more than 145,000 members, announces disbandment, citing threats to members’ physical safety. Its chairman, Joe Wong Nai-yuen, denies claims by pro-Beijing media that HKCTU is a foreign agent. Source .
Civil society group disbands
In signed letters from prison, two leaders of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China charged with subversion—Lee Cheuk-yan, chairman, and Albert Ho Chun-yan, former vice-chairman—urge members to vote to disband the Alliance. Source . Source .
National security prosecutions
Three members of pro-democracy student group Student Politicism, convenor Wong Yat-chin, 20, secretary general Chan Chi-sum, 19, and ex-spokesperson Chu Wai-ying, 18, are arrested for alleged conspiracy to “incite subversion of state power” under the National Security Law. Source . Source . Source .
National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case
The High Court denies bail to Roy Tam Hoi-pong, one of the 47 pro-democracy figures charged with subversion, after prosecutors cited his “persistently reiterated” stance against the government, the police, and the National Security Law. Source . Source .
National security education
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) makes national security education compulsory in a leadership course for freshmen to learn about the National Security Law and the history of China’s “humiliation.” The teaching materials include Tong Ying-kit's national security case. Source . Source .
Restrictions on the arts
Justin Wong Chiu-tat, comic artist and assistant professor of visual arts at Hong Kong Baptist University, apologizes to the police for a satirical comic strip linking the Junior Police Call (JPC) to fake news after he received a complaint letter from the force accusing him of “slandering” the JPC. Source .
Independence of judiciary
In an anonymous interview with U.S. media outlet VICE World News, a Hong Kong judge slams the sentence of Tong Ying-kit, defendant in the first national security case, as "severe" and an “alarming outcome.” The judge adds: “privately, I felt this case was unfair. This is not how the law should work.” Source .
Tuesday, September 21
Civil society group disbands
The China Human Rights Lawyers Concern Group, a non-profit organization set up in 2007 to advocate for the protection of human rights lawyers in China, announces disbandment following a police request to provide information under the National Security Law. Source . Source .
National security prosecutions
Three members of Student Politicism charged with conspiring to “incite subversion of state power” under the National Security Law—convenor Wong Yat-chin , secretary general Chan Chi-sum, and ex-spokesperson Chu Wai-ying—are denied bail. Source .
Restrictions on the media
Hugh Chiverton, host of the Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) English-language current affairs radio program “Backchat,” has gone off the air, and the last episode he hosted, on “civil society,” is missing from the online archive. Chiverton says he is still at RTHK but is unable to comment; RTHK spokesperson declines to comment on the arrangement of individual programs.” Source .
Wednesday, September 22
National security prosecutions
Wong Yuen-lam, 19, from pro-democracy student group Student Politicism, becomes the fourth member to be arrested after she turns herself in Mong Kok for alleged conspiracy to “incite subversion of state power” under the National Security Law. Source .
Civil society group disbands
In the lead up to the oath-taking ceremony for Kowloon district councillors on Friday, September 24, community groups Tsz Wan Shan Constructive Power disbands and Cheung Sha Wan Community Establishment Power ceases operation. Both groups were founded in 2014 after the Umbrella Movement. Source . Source .
Thursday, September 23
Article 23 legislation
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung says the time is “ripe” to implement Article 23 under the Basic Law, and that authorities expect to see less backlash now than in 2003. Source .
National security prosecutions
Wong Yuen-lam, the fourth member of Student Politicism charged with conspiracy to “incite subversion of state power” under the National Security Law, is denied bail. The hearing for all Student Politicism members facing the same charge has been adjourned until November 3, 2021. Source .
National security law
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung says anyone who celebrates the National Day of Republic of China (Taiwan) on October 10, widely known as “Double Tenth” day, may be charged with secession under the National Security Law. Source .
Civil society group disbands
Chow Hang-tung, vice-chairwoman of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China who has been charged with subversion, urges members to vote against the group’s disbandment. In a message from prison, Chow says disbandment “will make the Alliance immediately and irrevocably lose [its] voice and right to speak, severing any possibility of continuing to resist in the name of the Alliance.” Source . Source .
Restrictions on the media
Former Deputy Director of Marine Raymond Sy Kim-cheung, with no prior media experience, is made Deputy Director of Broadcasting at Radio Television Hong Kong. Source . Source .
Rights of persons in custody
Chung Suet-ying, former member of the localist group Hong Kong Indigenous who is in detention awaiting trial related to the 2019 protests, is put in solitary confinement for providing massage to elderly cellmate. In August, Chung applied for judicial review of a policy in correctional facilities that require female detainees to wear long trousers in summer. Source .
Friday, September 24
Loyalty oath
The oaths of ten district councillors are being questioned, including those of Democratic Party vice-chairwoman Edith Leung Yik-ting, former Democratic Party lawmaker James To Kun-sun, and Lawrence Lau Wai-chung, who is one of the 47 charged with subversion. They are among the 56 district councillors invited to attend the oath-taking ceremony today to swear allegiance to Hong Kong. Sham Shui Po district councillor Lee Man-ho is unseated after skipping the ceremony. Source . Source . Source .
National security prosecutions
Chow Hang-tung, vice-chairwoman of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China charged with “inciting subversion of state power,” is denied bail again. Chow’s application on lifting restrictions on media reporting is also rejected by the Court. Source .
National security prosecutions
The cases of the five members of the General Union of Hong Kong Speech Therapists arrested by national security police and charged with conspiring to publish, distribute, exhibit, or copy seditious children’s books, are adjourned until November 12, 2021 and transferred to the District Court. The five defendants are: Lorie Lai Man-ling, chairwoman, Melody Yeung Yat-yee, vice-chairwoman, Sidney Ng Hau-yee, secretary, Samuel Chan Yuen-sum, treasurer, and Marco Fong Tsz-ho, committee member. Source .
International relations
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China releases a “fact sheet” listing the United States’ alleged attempts to interfere with Hong Kong’s internal affairs and support for anti-China sentiment. Source . Source .
Immigration pathways
Hong Kong Democracy Council’s Nathan Law Kwun-chung and Brian Leung Kai-ping meet with U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to lobby the Hong Kong Safe Harbor Act, which aims to provide a safe haven for Hong Kong protestors. Source .
Saturday, September 25
Civil society group disbands
Student Politicism announces disbandment citing no room for operation, after four key members have been charged with “conspiracy to incite subversion of state power” under the National Security Law. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Four persons, aged between 25 and 35, are sentenced to prison for rioting in the siege of Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2019, their sentences ranging from 8 months to nearly 6 years. Source .
Sunday, September 26
Civil society group disbands
The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, organizer of the annual June Fourth vigil in Hong Kong since 1989, officially disbands. Source . Source .
Civil society group disbands
From January to September 2021, at least 49 civil society groups have disbanded or ceased operations as a result of the National Security Law. Source .
Electoral system overhaul
In a special members’ meeting, the Democratic Party does not reach a decision on whether to run candidates in the upcoming Legislative Council (LegCo) election in December under an overhauled system aimed at ensuring that only “patriots” govern Hong Kong. The Party says that its central committee will set up a procedure for potential candidates to inform it of their intended candidacies. Source .
Monday, September 27
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Tung Pak-fai, 31, is sentenced to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to “wounding with intent” for stabbing pro-establishment lawmaker Junius Ho Kwan-yiu at a street booth when Ho was campaigning for re-election during the 2019 protests. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Former immigration clerical assistant Hung Wing-sum is sentenced to 45 months in prison after pleading guilty to “misconduct in public office” for sharing information, in a Telegram channel during the 2019 protests, on government officers, judges, celebrities, and their family members. Source . Source .
International relations
Chief Executive Carrie Lam hails the fact sheet published by the People's Republic of China Ministry of Foreign Affairs on alleged U.S. interference in Hong Kong and Chinese internal affairs since February 2019, calling the list “indisputable.” Source . Source .
International relations
Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po releases “Report on Hong Kong’s Business Environment” which condemns “black-clad violence” during the 2019 anti-extradition protests and accuses the protests of plunging the city’s economy into a deep recession. The report also accuses the U.S. of fomenting the protests, using protestors as “saboteurs” and “proxies” for foreign powers. Source . Source .
Tuesday, September 28
National security prosecutions
The second national security trial commences. Defendant Ma Chun-man, 30, also known as “Captain America 2.0” during the 2019 protests, pleads not guilty to charges of inciting secession for shouting pro-independence slogans, including “liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times,” “everybody be armed, uprising by force,” and “be empowered as a people, independence to Hong Kong,” on 20 occasions between August 15 and November 22, 2020. Ma has been detained for 10 months. Source .
Restrictions on the media
The Court grants a search warrant to Special Inspector Clement Chan Kam-wing who was appointed by the government to raid the headquarters of Next Digital Limited, parent company of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, to seize financial documents for the investigation of fraud allegations against the company. Source .
Disciplining of educators
The 803 Fund, a company founded by former Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying in 2019, loses its bid in the High Court to compel the Education Bureau to disclose information of teachers found guilty of professional misconduct over the 2019 protests. Source .
Restrictions on the arts
Justin Wong Chiu-tat, comic artist and assistant professor of visual arts at Hong Kong Baptist University, renames his column after the police called his satirical political comics “smears” and sent him a complaint letter. Source .
Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC)
The Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC) validates fewer than 1% of 1,948 complaints against the police in connection with the 2019 protests, with off-the-record verbal warnings as the only penalties” for all offending police officers. Source .
Wednesday, September 29
National Flag and National Emblem (Amendment) Bill 2021
The Legislative Council (LegCo) passes amendments to the National Flag and National Emblem Ordinance (NFNEO) to outlaw desecration of the national flag and national emblem on the Internet and social media with a maximum fine of HK$50,000 and three years in prison. The Amendments also stipulate additional requirements for primary and secondary education. Source .
Loyalty oath
Ten pro-democracy district councillors from Kowloon have been unseated after having their their oaths taken last week called into question. The ten include five Democratic Party members James To Kun-sun and Douglas Tsang Tsz-ming of Yau Tsim Mong district, Tony Kwok Tin-lap and Pius Yum Kwok-tung of Kowloon City district, and Edith Leung Yik-ting of Kwun Tong district. The Others are Ken Tsang Kin-chiu of Kowloon City district, Sean Mock Ho-chit, Suzanne Wu Sui-shan and Chu Kong-wai of Yau Tsim Mong district, and Lau Wai-chung of Sham Shui Po district. Lau is one of the 47 pro-democracy figures charged with subversion under the National Security Law. Source .
National security prosecutions
Attacks on civil society: Hong Kong Alliance
The national security police freeze all assets of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China four days after the group voted to disband. Source .
Two of the five leading members of the Alliance arrested for refusing to provide information demanded by the national security police—Simon Leung Kam-wai and Chan To-wai—are denied bail again for failing to comply with the implementation rules of Article 43 of the National Security Law. Source .
Restrictions on freedom of information
The online “8964 Museum,” launched two months earlier by the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China after the forced closure of the physical June Fourth museum, is inaccessible via major Internet service providers in Hong Kong, but remains accessible overseas and via VPN services. Source .
Restrictions on the media
Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) issues new guidelines requiring staff to uphold “the constitutional order” of Hong Kong and the sovereignty of China, and reminds them to “implement” the government’s directives in safeguarding national security. Source .
Restrictions on the media
Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po asks the court to wind up Next Digital Limited, parent company of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, under section 879 (1) of the Companies Ordinance citing “public interest.” Source .
National security prosecutions
The national security police officially charge seven members of "Returning Valiant," aged between 15 and 25, with conspiracy to incite subversion of state power under the National Security Law. All seven are denied bail and remanded in custody until their November court date. Source . Source . Source .
National security prosecutions
Two Student Politicism members, Wong Yat-chin and Chan Chi-sum, charged with conspiracy to incite subversion of state power under the National Security Law, are denied bail again with case adjourned until November 3, 2021. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Three persons aged between 17 and 19 are sentenced to 34 months and 27 months in prison, and correctional services, after pleading guilty to rioting outside Mong Kok police station in the 2019 protests. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Three individuals aged between 23 and 24 are sentenced to 12 to 16 months in prison over an unauthorized gathering in the 2019 protests. Source .
Thursday, September 30
Restrictions on freedom of information
The Legislative Council (LegCo) passes the anti-doxxing law, Personal Data (Privacy) (Amendment) Bill 2021, to criminalize "doxxing." Offenders face up a fine of up to HK$1 million and five years in prison. Under the law, the privacy commissioner is empowered to request local and overseas Internet service providers to remove online content amounting to “doxxing.” Source . Source .
National security prosecutions
Ma Chun-man, 30, the second national security trial defendant charged with inciting secession for shouting pro-independence slogans, chooses not to give evidence nor call witnesses, while prosecutors submit five black t-shirts printed with the words “I’d rather die speaking than live in silence” as evidence. Source . Source .
National security prosecutions
Six former Apple Daily executives charged under the National Security Law—editor-in-chief Ryan Law Wai-kwong, chief executive officer Cheung Kim-hung, editor-in-chief Lam Man-chung, associate publisher Chan Pui-man, English news editor-in-chief Fung Wai-kong, and editorial writer Yeung Ching-kee—face possible life imprisonment, as prosecutors apply to move the case to the High Court. Source . Source .
National security prosecutions
Chow Hang-tung, former vice-chair of the disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, who faces subversion charges, is denied bail for the fourth time and has been forbidden to wear a T-shirt with protest slogans during court hearings. Source .
Disciplining of academics
Lingnan University ends its contracts with two adjunct associate professors at the Department of Cultural Studies—Lo Wing-sang and Hui Po-keung—citing "risk management." Hui is a trustee of the disbanded 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund and Lo writes political commentaries critical of the government in local newspapers. Source . Source .
Exodus from Legco, district councils, political parties
Two Tuen Mun district councillors, Gary Poon Chi-Kin and Wong Tak-yuen, quit the Tuen Mun Community Network before oath-taking. Source .
Immigrantion pathways
Amid the wave of emigration, at least 81 Primary One classes, numbering an estimated 2,000 slots, have been cut at public schools this school year. Source .
Restrictions on the media
The Hong Kong Journalists' Association (HKJA) criticizes Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK)’s newly issued editorial guidelines as “one-way, top-down instructions” that affect the quality of its programs. Source .
October
Friday, October 1
Restrictions on the media
Two Hong Kong digital news outlets Stand News and Citizens News are denied access to a National Day reception organized by the local media sector. At the reception, Chief Executive Carrie Lam attacks some unnamed news organizations for allegedly reporting “distorted and vilified government messages, undertaking biased reporting, or even fabricating fake news.” Source . Source .
Restrictions on freedom of peaceful assembly
Four members of the League of Social Democrats—including chairwoman Chan Po-ying, deputy chair Dickson Chau Fa-faat and member Tsang Kin-shing—hold an annual National Day protest, despite imprisonment of several of the League’s key members. The protestors are surrounded and searched by a few dozen police officers. The group calls for democracy in China and the release of political prisoners, including the 47 pro-democracy figures charged with subversion. Source .
Loyalty oath
Shatin district councillor Chandler Chan Nok-hang resigns before oath-taking, citing health reasons. Source .
Sunday, October 3
Civil society group disbands
The Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU), a pro-democracy trade union coalition founded in 1990 that consists of 93 affiliated groups and represents more than 145,000 members, votes in favour of disbanding. Source .
Loyalty oath
Shatin district councillor Mike Chan Pui-ming resigns before oath-taking, leaving the Civic Party with zero representation in the district councils. Source .
Monday, October 4
Attacks on civil society: HKCTU
The Security Bureau warns any disbanded group and its members that they “shall remain criminally liable for the offences they have committed,” in response to the disbandment decision of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU). Source .
Civil society group disbands
The Union of Hong Kong Occupational Therapists passes disbandment resolution and will cease operations in two weeks. Source .
Activists in exile
Prominent pro-democracy figures in self-imposed exile—Nathan Law Kwun-chung in the UK, Sixtus Baggio Leung Chung-hang in the U.S., and Ted Hui Chi-fung in Australia—and overseas activist groups organize demonstrations and rallies in Taiwan, the UK, the U.S., and Australia on China’s National Day, October 1, 2021, to condemn the Chinese government for violating human rights of people in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. Source .
Loyalty oath
Among the 52 district councillors from New Territories East invited to pledge allegiance in an oath-taking ceremony, 16 pro-democracy councillors have their oaths called into question. Absent are Herman Yiu Kwan-ho of Tai Po district, who is in jail, and Wong Hoi-ying of North district, who could not attend for personals reasons. Wong’s request to reschedule her oath-taking is being considered by the Home Affairs Bureau. Source . Source .
Sai Kung district councillor Yu Tsun-ning resigns before oath-taking. Source .
Article 23 legislation
Tam Yiu-chung, the sole Hong Kong member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, urges the Hong Kong SAR government to speed up Article 23 legislation to safeguard national security. Source . Source .
Tuesday, October 5
Loyalty oath
Another 16 pro-democracy district councillors from New Territories East are disqualified over invalid oaths. Among them, Ricky Or Yiu-lam of Sai Kung district is one of the 47 pro-democracy figures charged with subversion under the National Security Law. Source .
Tuen Mun district councillors Gary Poon Chi-kin and Wong Tak-yuen announce they will not attend the oath-taking ceremony on Friday. Source .
Electoral system overhaul
Han Dongfang, Democratic Party member and labor rights leader in the 1989 Democracy Movement who has been residing in Hong Kong since 1993, plans to run in the Legislative Council (LegCo) election in December. He says, “the rules of the game have changed, but the game is not over yet.” Source .
National security prosecutions
Lawyer for Ma Chun-man, the second national security trial defendant charged with inciting secession for shouting pro-independence slogans, argues that Ma’s intent to chant the slogans repeatedly was not to incite session, but to prove the National Security Law would protect freedom of speech. Source .
June 4 vigil prosecutions
Chow Hang-tung, former vice-chair of the disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, who is representing herself, pleads not guilty to inciting others to participate in an unauthorized June Fourth commemoration in 2021. Source .
Anti-sanctions law
Sources say the previously planned incorporation of the national Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law into Hong Kong’s Basic Law has been shelved. Chief Executive Carrie Lam says Beijing does not have a timetable for the legislation. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
The Court of Final Appeal will hand down verdict on the use of the “joint enterprise” legal principle in relation to rioting and unlawful assembly, which will directly impact on cases stemming from the Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill (Anti-ELAB) protests in 2019. Source .
Restrictions on the media
Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute (HKPORI) survey shows over half of the respondents think news media practice self-censorship, and the credibility of media has reached a new low since 1997. Source . Source .
Discipling of social workers
The Labour and Welfare Bureau will present in the Legislative Council (LegCo) next Monday a proposal to de-register social workers convicted of national security offences. Source .
Wednesday, October 6
National security law
In her annual policy address, Chief Executive Carrie Lam hails Hong Kong’s “new era” under the National Security Law, vowing to push forward and strengthen national security measures, including counter-terrorism, cybersecurity and data security, Article 23 legislation, a "fake news" law, and laws to criminalize hate speech and insults to public officers. Source . Source .
June 4 vigil prosecutions
Chow Hang-tung, former vice-chair of the disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, on trial for allegedly inciting others to participate in an unauthorized June Fourth commemoration in 2021, accuses the police of banning the commemoration event based on a predetermined decision instead of on public health advice. Source .
Restrictions on the media
Digital news media outlets Stand News, Citizen News, and inmedia.net are denied access to the government press conference on "Northern Metropolis," which is part of the highlight in the latest policy address. Source .
Thursday, October 7
Political pressure on campus activities
The student union of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUSU), founded in 1971, announces disbandment, citing increased difficulties after the university cut ties with it and the university’s new requirement to register the union with government agencies. Source .
Following the disbandment of the student union, the “Democracy Wall” at the Chinese University of Hong Kong is shut down, a move that students call a “strangling” of freedom of speech. Source .
Civil society group disbands
Tuen Mun Community Network announces disbandment, citing the difficult political situation. Source .
National security law
Restrictions on freedom of assembly
Seven pro-democracy figures—Figo Chan Ho-wun, Andy Chui Chi-kin, Tsang Kin-shing, Eddie Chu Hoi-dick, Leung Kwok-hung, Tang Sai-lai and Wu Chi-wai—plead guilty to organizing, participating, or inciting others to participate in the unauthorized anti-National Security Law protest on July 1, 2020, the day after the law took effect. Lancelot Chan Wing Tai, another defendant in the same case, pleaded not guilty to the incitement charge. His case has been adjourned until June 27, 2022. Source . Source .
Law to ban insults against civil servants
Chief Executive Carrie Lam reveals a plan to further study the legislation of banning insults against civil servants urged by the police force and pro-establishment lawmakers. Source .
Friday, October 8
Loyalty oath
Among the 68 district councillors from New Territories West and Outlying Islands invited to pledge allegiance in an oath-taking ceremony, 17 pro-democracy councillors have their oaths questioned by the authorities. Four district councillors—Gary Poon Chi-kin and Wong Tak-yuen of Tuen Mun, Chris Li Chung-chi of Yuen Long and Daniel Kwok Tsz-kin of Kwai Tsing—are ousted immediately for being absent from the oath-taking ceremony. A total of 39 district councillors have been disqualified since the oath-taking ceremonies began.
Kwai Tsing district councillor Leung Kam-wai, former standing committee member of the disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China who has been in detention for refusing to provide information demanded by the national security police, is unable to take his oath. The authorities say they would consider special arrangements for Kwai. Source . Source .
Political pressure on campus activities
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) orders the disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China to remove the “Pillar of Shame,” a eight-metre high copper statue created by Danish sculptor Jens Galschiot that pays tribute to the victims of the 1989 June Fourth crackdown. Source . Source .
Restrictions on the media
Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) removes a news article about the newly-proposed law to ban insults against public officers, headlined “Hong Kong could make insulting anyone a crime.” RTHK responds by saying it “will not comment on the internal editorial matters of individual productions.” Source .
Independence of judiciary
Judge Sham Siu-man, who was once attacked by pro-Beijing newspaper for giving “light” sentences to 2019 protestors, retires early and emigrates to the UK with his family, becoming the first judge leaving Hong Kong for good since the enactment of National Security Law. Source .
Monday, October 11
National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case
A judge denies bail to Henry Wong Pak-yu, one of the 47 pro-democracy figures arrested under the National Security Law, saying she does not believe Wong would not harm national security while out on bail. Source .
Tuesday, October 12
Electoral system overhaul
With no candidate succeeding in obtaining the necessary number of nominations, the Democratic Party will not participate in the Legislative Council (LegCo) election in December, making this the first time since 1997 that the city’s major opposition party will skip the election. Source .
Discipling of social workers
Lawmakers in a now pre-dominantly pro-establishment legislature voice support for a government-proposed amendment to the Social Workers Registration Ordinance that would deregister social workers convicted of a national security offences. Source .
National security prosecutions
Three members of the General Union of Hong Kong Speech Therapists arrested in connection with allegedly “seditious” children’s books—chairwoman Lorie Lai Man-ling, treasurer Samuel Chan Yuen-sum and committee member Marco Fong Tsz-ho—are denied bail again. Source .
UN experts on Hong Kong
United Nations human rights experts express concern over the arrest of Chow Hang-tung, former vice-chair of the disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, and urge a review of the National Security Law to insure compliance with international standards. In a statement, the Department of Justice (DoJ) says: “the enactment of the NSL is in line with the international practice of safeguarding national security and the sovereign rights of each state.” Source . Source . Source . Source .
The UN makes public a joint communication to the Chinese authorities in August 2021 from three UN independent experts raising concerns about the erosion of the right to freedom of speech and the right to education and academic freedom since the enactment of the National Security Law. Source . Source .
National security law
The civil service recruitment exam will include content on the National Security Law beginning in 2022. Source . Source .
Wednesday, October 13
Restrictions on the arts
Political pressure on campus activities
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and U.S. law firm Mayer Brown representing HKU insist on the removal of the “Pillar of Shame” sculpture by the deadline despite Typhoon T8, or it will be “deemed abandoned.” Richard Tsoi Yiu-cheong of the disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China told the law firm that the university should contact Jens Galschiot, Danish creator and owner of the statue. Galschiot is seeking diplomatic assistance to relocate the sculpture while his lawyer also requests HKU to arrange a hearing to review the decision. Source . Source .
Thursday, October 14
Restrictions on the arts
Political pressure on campus activities
Jens Galschiot, Danish sculptor and owner of the “Pillar of Shame” sculpture at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), plans to move the artwork to Europe or U.S., calling HKU’s demand for its removal "shameful." Source .
Friday, October 15
Electoral system overhaul
The Hong Kong Association for Democracy and People’s Livelihood, a pro-democracy grassroots political party, allows its members to run in the Legislative Council (LegCo) election in December. Yeung Yuk, acting chairman of the group, says: “we don’t want the Legislative Council to have one type of voice only.” Source .
Article 23 legislation
Restrictions on the media
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung accuses digital news media Citizen News of “demonising” and “maliciously smearing” Article 23 legislation. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Dr. Yau Wang-tat, who holds a PhD in applied physics at Polytechnic University, is sentenced to one year in prison for participating in an unauthorized assembly in the 2019 protests. He was arrested while trying to aid Tsang Chi-kin, a secondary student who was shot by the police in the same incident. Source .
National security prosecutions
Chu Wai-ying, ex-spokesperson of the now disbanded pro-democracy student group Student Politicism charged with conspiring to incite subversion under the National Security Law, is granted bail. Three other members of the group facing the same charge—Wong Yat-chin, Chan Chi-sum and Wong Yuen-lam—are denied bail. Source . Source .
National security prosecutions
Four students of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) charged with "promoting terrorism" are granted bail. They are Kinson Cheung King-sang, Charles Kwok Wing-ho, Chris Todorovski and Anthony Yung Chung-hei. Their case has been transferred to the District Court. Source .
National Flag and National Emblem Ordinance
A 49-year-old man is arrested for setting national flags on fire on National Day. The police are pursuing another person they have tracked down from CCTV footage. Source . Source .
National security prosecutions
Restrictions on the media
The High Court permits the liquidation of Next Digital Limited, parent company of the defunct Apple Daily newspaper, for the sake of public interest. Source .
Restrictions on freedom of peaceful assembly
Three former district councillors—Katrina Chan Kim-kam, Ronald Tse Man-chak and Leung Kwok-ho—are found not guilty of violating gathering ban for supporting the now disbanded pro-democracy student group Student Politicism at street booths, as the judge doubts the veracity of the evidence and recollections provided by the police. Source .
National security law
Public school teachers will be required to pass a Basic Law test which covers the National Security Law the next academic year. The government also considers extending this requirement to subsidized schools and kindergartens in the future. Source . Source .
Friday, October 15
Restrictions on the arts
Political pressure on campus activities
U.S. law firm Mayer Brown announces it will no longer represent the University of Hong Kong (HKU) on the matter of removing the “Pillar of Shame” sculpture. Source .
Restrictions on freedom of information
After announcing its closure in August, Bleak House Book, an independent English-language bookstore, is open for the last day before shuttering. Source .
Sunday, October 17
Restrictions on freedom of information
Taiwan-owned bookstore chain Eslite removes a book which argues that the eight-nation invasion of China in 1900 was justified, after the book was attacked by pro-Beijing media and lawmakers of violating the National Security Law. Source . Source . Source .
Monday, October 18
Restrictions on freedom of peaceful assembly
National security law
Seven pro-democracy figures—Figo Chan Ho-wun, Tsang Kin-shing, Chui Chi-kin, Wu Chi-wai, Eddie Chu Hoi-dick, Leung Kwok-hung, Tang Sai-lai—are sentenced to six months to a year in prison for organizing, participating, or inciting others to participate in an unauthorized protest against the National Security Law on July 1, 2020, the day after the law took effect. Source .
National security prosecutions
During the trial of former pro-democracy lawmaker Tam Tak-chi on sedition charges, defense expert witness, Janny Leung Hiu-chi, linguistics professor at the University of Hong Kong, states that the protest slogan “Liberate Hong Kong; revolution of our times” means making Hong Kong more ideal after the handover. The prosecution’s expert witness, Lau Chi-pang, history professor at Lingnan University, testifies that the slogan and slogans like “Hongkongers, add oil” are capable of inciting others to break the law. Source . Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Tom Wong Ho-man, a 20-year-old apprentice electrician, is sentenced to four months in jail for participating in an unauthorized assembly in the 2019 protests. Wong was caught carrying a stick and protective gear, including gloves and knee caps. Source .
Rights of persons in custody
A pro-Beijing newspaper slams prison letter-writing projects and proposes tightening censorship of all such letters. Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung says the authorities “will take all measures” to prevent these activities. Source .
Political pressure on campus activities
The Chinese University of Hong Kong United College student union disbands, and all committee members resign after the university requests the union to register independently. Source .
National education
Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung Yun-hung sends letters to universities instructing them to hold national flag-raising ceremony at least once a week. Source .
Tuesday, October 19
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Five former Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) students—Foo Hoi-ching, Lau Chun-yuk, Ko Chi-pan, Chan Lik-sik and Hui Yi-Chuen —are each sentenced to nearly five years in prison for rioting in connection with the siege of CUHK during the 2019 protests. In her plea in mitigation, Foo says: "law in a totalitarian state is merely a means to confine people without shedding blood." Source . Source .
Electoral system overhaul
Lawmakers in a predominantly pro-establishment Legislative Council (LegCo) urge the government to allow Hong Kong citizens residing in mainland China to vote in the upcoming LegCo election in December. Source .
Wednesday, October 20
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Wong Cheuk-lai, a 24-year-old solar panel technician, is sentenced to four years and seven months in prison for desecrating the national flag and burning water-filled barriers in the 2019 protests. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Tse Shun-shing, a 31-year-old construction worker, is sentenced to seven years in prison for attempting to assault a police officer and snatch the officer’s gun in the 2019 protests. Source . Source .
Attacks on civil society: Hong Kong Alliance
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung suggests that the Chief Executive and Executive Council consider removing the disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China from the Companies Registry. Source .
Attacks on civil society
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung says the Societies Ordinance will be reviewed together with Article 23 legislation. Source .
National security law
The government reveals that the HK$8 billion national security special fund has had its financial statement vetted by independent auditors. No other details of the budget are disclosed. Source .
Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC)
Restrictions on the media
Of the 27 complaints the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) submitted to the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC) about police causing bodily harm to reporters in the 2019 protests, 26 are categorised by the Complaints Against Police Office (CAPO) as “not pursuable.” Source .
Loyalty oath
The Home Affairs Bureau cancels oath-taking arrangements for two pro-democracy district councillors held in remand, Herman Yiu Kwan-ho and Leung Kam-wai, at the last minute. Source .
National security law
A Georgetown University law analysis, “The Tong Ying Kit NSL Verdict: An International and Comparative Law Analysis: A GCAL Briefing Paper ,” concludes that human rights considerations are missing in Hong Kong’s national security verdict. Source . Source .
Thursday, October 21
Immigration pathways
The U.S. government releases details of a temporary “safe haven” program for holders of both Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and British National (Overseas) passports. Source .
Loyalty oath
16 pro-democracy district councillors from New Territories and Islands District are unseated after having their oaths called into question. One of them is Roy Kwong Chun-yu, a prominent pro-democracy figure in the 2019 protests. Another district councillor, May Chan Mei-lin, chose to resign after hers was questioned. Source .
Following this last wave of disqualifications, the pro-establishment camp takes back control of seven district councils, leaving only 63 pro-democracy seats out of 462 seats in total. Source .
National security prosecutions
A judge rejects the prosecution's request to adjourn the cases of Chow Hang-tung and other committee members of the disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China on trial for failing to hand over information requested by national security police. Source .
Article 23 legislation
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung says the government is examining whether trials under Article 23 legislation will have a jury and whether media will be exempt from espionage charges. Source .
Restrictions on the media
The Complaints Against Police Office (CAPO) rebuts, in a statement, the accusations by the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) that it failed to conduct proper investigations into 26 of the 27 complaints submitted about police violence against reporters in the 2019 protests, which it called “not pursuable.” Source .
Restrictions on freedom of expression
Organisers of the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon warns runners not to make any political statements during the race on Sunday, October 24. Source .
Friday, October 22
National security prosecutions
Five key members of the disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China charged in connection with failing to provide information demanded by national security police —vice-chair Chow Hang-tung and standing committee members Simon Leung Kam-wai, Sean Tang Ngok-kwan, Chan To-wai, and Tsui Hon-kwong—are granted bail. Chow and Leung reject the bail, citing the fact that the bail conditions restrict their freedom of speech. Chow also remains in custody for another case. Source . Source .
International relations
Loyalty oath
The United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union issue statements in response to the disqualifications of 55 pro-democracy district councillors over invalid oaths, accusing the Hong Kong SAR government of stripping the democratic rights of Hong Kong’s people. Source .
Attacks on civil society
The government cancels the trade union registration of the General Union of Hong Kong Speech Therapists under the Trade Unions Ordinance. Source .
Legal aid reform
The government proposes amendments to the legal aid system that would take away the ability of those seeking legal aid to pick their lawyers and limit the number of judicial challenges attorneys can take on. A spokesman of the Hong Kong Bar Association says any reform affecting legal representation in criminal cases should take into account Article 35 of the Basic Law, which guarantees “choice of lawyers.” Source . Source .
Saturday, October 23
Electoral system overhaul
As the Hong Kong Association for Democracy and People's Livelihood sends no candidates, there will be no one from the pro-democracy camp running in the upcoming Legislative Council (LegCo) election in December. Source .
Political pressure on campus activities
All committee members of the student union of the Chinese University of Hong Kong S.H. Ho College resign, citing suppression from the university. Source .
Sunday, October 24
National security law
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) publishes new guidelines mandating banks in Hong Kong to disclose property held by any client who is arrested or charged under the National Security Law. Source .
Restrictions on freedom of expression
The slogan, "Hong Kong, add oil," is banned in the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, the first mass sporting event since the enactment of the National Security Law and the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Some of the 15,000 runners are ordered by the police to cover up “political slogan tattoos” or change clothes that are deemed to display political messages. Source . Source .
Monday, October 25
National security prosecutions
Ma Chun-man, the defendant in Hong Kong’s second national security trial, is convicted of inciting secession for chanting pro-independence slogans at a number of protests after the enactment of the National Security Law in 2020. Source . Source .
June 4 vigil prosecutions
Chow Hang-tung, barrister and former vice-chair of the disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China who is charged with inciting others to participate in an unauthorized June Fourth gathering in 2021, testifies during trial: “the Hong Kong people ‘incited’ me to act according to my conscience.” She also says: “just like the 'tank man' in 1989—he did not go and try to stop the long row of tanks because he saw millions of people following him. He must do that even when he was on his own because it was the right thing to do.” Source . Source .
Activists in exile
Ted Hui Chi-fung, former pro-democracy lawmaker in self-imposed exile, is charged with another four counts of contempt of court, in addition to nine criminal charges stemming from his involvement in the 2019 protests. Hui responds by slamming the justice system as “contemptible.” Source .
National security law
Yeung Ying-hei, a 36-year-old advertising copywriter, pleads not guilty to four charges: attempted wounding with intent; dropping an object from a building; theft; and criminal damage. Yeung had stolen a metal post from a retractable belt barrier at a cake shop and dropped it from the third to second floor in Times Square on July 1, 2020, the day after the National Security Law took effect. Source .
Civil society groups retreat from Hong Kong
Citing the National Security Law, Amnesty International announces it will close its two offices in Hong Kong by the end of 2021 and its local chapter will cease operation on October 31. Source .
The Security Bureau says any claim of the National Security Law eroding fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong are inconsistent with facts, claiming the National Security Law respects and protects human rights. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
A 19-year-old student at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University is sentenced to four months in jail on conviction of criminal damage in connection with dismantling iron railings in the 2019 protests. Source .
Restrictions on the media
Restrictions on freedom of information
The Companies Registry and the Land Registry announce new rules on company and land record searches starting in November, including requiring researchers to register using their real names and signing a Personal Information Collection Statement that allows the transfer of the personal data collected to law enforcement agencies. The Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) slams the new measures as “extremely disappointing,” raising concerns about undue legal risks to journalists. Source . Source .
Tuesday, October 26
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Figo Chan Ho-wun, former convenor of the disbanded Civil Human Rights Front who is currently serving 21 months in prison in connection with four unauthorized assemblies in the 2019 protests, is sentenced to another three months in jail with two of them to be served concurrently after pleading guilty to taking part in a fifth one held on September 15, 2019. Chan will be spending a total of 22 months in prison. Source .
Attacks on civil society: Hong Kong Alliance
National security law
The disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China questions an executive order from Chief Executive Carrie Lam to strike the Alliance from the Companies Registry. The government and Chief Secretary John Lee Ka-chiu say the "end one-party dictatorship" dictum of the group is equivalent to subversion of state power. Source . Source .
National security prosecutions
Two underaged defendants of the pro-independence political group, “Returning Valiant,” accused of conspiring to incite subversion, are denied bail. Source .
Civil society groups retreat from Hong Kong
In response to the announced exit of Amnesty International from Hong Kong, Chief Executive Carrie Lam says law-abiding organizations should not be worried about the National Security Law. Source .
National security education
A survey by the pro-establishment Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers (HKFEW) shows that 60% of the 315 educators surveyed dealt with national security-related classes on their own, while 64% across all grade levels were “not confident” teaching the subject. Nearly 80% of the respondents expect the Education Bureau to provide “interactive teaching materials.” Source .
Legal Aid
The Hong Kong Bar Association chair Paul Harris says he supports government-proposed legal aid amendment suggestions in principle. Source .
Restrictions on freedom of expression
British bank Standard Chartered says it has “no comment” when asked whether it supports free speech in Hong Kong, after several runners in the recent Standard Chartered Marathon were ordered to cover tattoos or change clothes deemed to carry political slogans. Source .
Hong Kong 12 case
Eight of the 12 Hong Kong activists captured in mainland Chinese waters while fleeing to Taiwan—Liu Tsz-man, Cheng Tsz-ho, Cheung Chun-fu, Cheung Ming-yu, Yim Man-him, Wong Wai-yin, Li Tsz-yin, and Kok Tsz-lun—face additional charge of perverting the course of justice. The case is adjourned until December 21, 2021. Source .
Wednesday, October 27
Restrictions on the arts
The Legislative Council (LegCo) passes amendments to the Film Censorship Ordinance, allowing the government to censor and ban films “contrary” to the interests of national security. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Ip Ka-ming, a 25-year-old construction worker, is acquitted of rioting after the judge rules the defendant’s black clothing alone could not prove his involvement. Ip is also cleared of another charge, of breaching the anti-mask law. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
A 40-year-old construction worker is sentenced to seven months in jail on conviction of obstructing police’s pursuit of a suspect in the 2019 protests. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
After one-and-a-half years of house arrest, Ng Chun-wai (phonetic), a 22-year-old accounting student at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, is sentenced to 13 months in prison for possessing offensive weapons in the 2019 protests. Source .
International relations
In letters to their respective foreign ministers, UK lawmaker Lord David Alton and Canadian lawmaker Leo Housakos urge audits of assets held by Hong Kong government officials, including Chief Executive Carrie Lam and Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah. Source .
Thursday, October 28
Attacks on civil society: Hong Kong Alliance
Acting chief magistrate Peter Law Tak-chuen questions the legality of continued prosecution of the disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China charged under the National Security Law, saying it is like prosecuting a dead person. The group has also been ordered to be struck off the Companies Registry two days earlier. Source .
Attacks on civil society: Civil Human Rights Front
Police carry out raids on four premises in connection with the disbanded Civil Human Rights Front after the group failed to hand over information, including financial records, as requested by the police in April. Source .
National security prosecutions
Lui Sai-yu, a 23-year-old student at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, plans to plead guilty to inciting secession over possession of weapons. Lui is remanded in custody with the case adjourned until February 25, 2022. Source .
Political pressure on campus activities
National security prosecutions
Four students of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) Students’ Union Council charged with promoting terrorism—Kinson Cheung King-sang, Charles Kwok Wing-ho, Anthony Yung Chung-hei, and Chris Todorovski—apply for legal aid. The four are granted bail with the case adjourned until January 20, 2022. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Tse Cheuk-wa, 23, is sentenced to two years and three months in prison after pleading guilty to rioting outside Ngau Tau Kok police station in the 2019 protests. Source . Source .
Restrictions on the media
Ming Pao newspaper drops Alan Leong Kah-kit, barrister, former pro-democracy lawmaker and current Civic Party chairman, as legal columnist after 18 years. Leong writes in his last article: “remember that in turbulent times, there is no need to be ecstatic in the face of good things, or feel defeated in the face of adversity.” Source .
Civil society groups retreat from Hong Kong
Following Amnesty International’s announcement to stop its operations in Hong Kong, a source says the Inland Revenue Department is investigating international NGOs in Hong Kong. Source .
Friday, October 29
Restrictions on the media
Prosecution appeals a 2020 court decision that cleared Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, of intimidating a reporter of Oriental Daily, a pro-Beijing rival newspaper, in 2017. Source . Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
A 21-year-old journalism student at Hong Kong Shue Yan University is sentenced to four years and nine months in prison for committing arson in the 2019 protests. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
A 23-year-old man is sentenced to eight weeks in jail for covering his face and throwing bricks in the 2019 protests. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
A 19-year-old student is sentenced to the correctional centre for acting as a lookout for saboteurs in the 2019 protests. Source .
Independence of judiciary
The newly-formed nine-member Advisory Committee on Complaints against Judicial Conduct led by Chief Justice Andrew Cheung Kui-nung rejects complaints against two judges who presided over 2019 protests related cases: Magistrate Stanley Ho Chun-yiu (accused of ruling in favor of protestors) and Principal Magistrate Don So Man-lung (accused of bias toward the police). Source . Source .
Activists in exile
Nathan Law Kwun-chung, activist in self-imposed exile, stages a protest with EU parliamentarians outside the Chinese Embassy in Rome against the University of Hong Kong’s plan to remove the “Pillar of Shame” sculpture from the campus. Source .
Immigration pathways
Australia releases details of a safe haven scheme that permits Hong Kong residents with temporary study or work visas who have stayed in Australia for over four years to apply for permanent residency through the “Hong Kong Stream.” Source .
Saturday, October 30
Electoral system overhaul
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) vows to crack down on people who urge others to cast blank ballots and will request social media platforms or websites to remove related content. Source .
Sunday, October 31
Hong Kong 12 case
The Chinese authorities revoke the practicing certificate of Lin Qilei, a Beijing-based human rights lawyer who represents the defendants’ families in the Hong Kong 12 case. Source .
November
Monday, November 1
June 4 vigil prosecutions
The trial of eight prominent pro-democracy figures charged with participating or inciting others to participate in the unauthorized June Fourth vigil in 2020 begins. Five, including Lee Cheuk-yan, former chair of the disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, have pleaded guilty. The remaining three—Jimmy Lai, founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, Gwyneth Ho Kwai-lam, former Stand News journalist, and Chow Hang-tung, former vice-chair of the Hong Kong Alliance—plead not guilty. Source . Source .
Attacks on civil society: Civil Human Rights Front
Figo Chan Ho-wun, former convenor of the disbanded Civil Human Rights Front, is fined HK$8,000 for failing to hand over information on the group to the police. Chan is currently in prison for various 2019 protests-related sentences. Source .
Activists in exile
Ted Hui Chi-fung, former pro-democracy lawmaker in self-imposed exile, stands by his appeal to Hong Kong people to cast protest votes in the upcoming Legislative Council (LegCo) election in December, despite a warning by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) that inciting others to cast blank ballots is illegal. Source .
Tuesday, November 2
National security prosecutions
Four seniors, three men and one woman aged between 61 and 85, are arrested on suspicion of “seditious intent” in connection with showing a banner demanding genuine universal suffrage in Mong Kok. Source .
Wednesday, November 3
National security prosecutions
Tony Chung Hon-lam, former convenor of the pro-independence student group Studentlocalism, pleads guilty to secession and money-laundering charges, but pleads not guilty to another count of money-laundering and conspiracy to publish seditious materials. When the court clerk reads out the secession charge, Chung says: “I plead guilty; I have no shame in my heart,” but is interrupted by the clerk and who tells him to “not make any political declaration.” Source .
National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case
Designated national security judge Esther Toh hands down a partially-redacted set of written reasons for granting bail to Raymond Chan Chi-chuen and denying bail to Gary Fan Kwok-wai. The two are among the 47 pro-democracy figures charged under the National Security Law and detained for over half a year. In rejecting bail to Fan, Judge Toh cites prosecutors as saying Fan called upon others to oppose the government “in a determined manner” months after the security law was passed. Toh granted bail to Chan as she considered his past performance as legislator had “almost 100% participation in matters of the Council.” Source .
Anti-ELAB movement
Sino Moral, a company chaired by solicitor Siu See-kong, sues the government for not prosecuting Chan Tong-kai, a confessed murderer, whose case of murdering his girlfriend Poon Hiu-wing in Taipei sparked the 2019 protests against the now-withdrawn extradition bill. Source .
Restrictions on the media
The Consumer Council, the Hong Kong Journalist Association (HKJA), and the Hong Kong Press Photographers Association have co-organized the annual Consumer Council Reporting Awards since 2001, but this year’s awards have been cancelled by the Consumer Council unilaterally. The HKJA expresses “regret and disappointment” at the decision. Source .
National security law
According to government statistics, the number of Hong Kong-based U.S. companies reduced by 10% in a year and is at an18-year low. Simon Lee Siu-po, senior lecturer at the Chinese University of Hong Kong Business School, says China-U.S. tensions and National Security Law may be two of the reasons. Source .
National security prosecutions
Only one of the eleven Student Politicism and Returning Valiant members charged with conspiracy to incite subversion—Jessica Chu Wai-ying—is granted bail. Source .
Thursday, November 4
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
The Court of Final Appeal rules the common law principle of “joint enterprise” cannot be applied to rioting and unlawful assembly cases for people who are not physically present on the scene. A five-judge panel led by Chief Justice Andrew Cheung says the element of “taking part” is centrally important to the offences. The judgment also says: “the inapplicability of the basic joint enterprise doctrine does not leave any gap since culpable conduct of absent defendants who engage in promoting or acting in furtherance of a criminal assembly is covered by secondary and inchoate liability offences.” Source . Source .
National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case
The High Court denies bail to Frankie Fung Tat-chun, one of the 47 pro-democracy figures charged under the National Security Law. Source .
Restrictions on the media
Award-winning online news media DB Channel dismisses all Hong Kong members and ceases operation in Hong Kong after "weighing the risks." Co-founder Nilk Wu left Hong Kong for Taiwan in May. Another co-founder, Frankie Fung Tat-chun, is one of the 47 pro-democracy figures charged under the National Security Law and remains in custody. Source . Source .
Friday, November 5
National security prosecutions
The High Court rejects bail to Cheung Kim-hung, ex-CEO of Next Digital, parent company of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper. Cheung has been detained for nearly five months while awaiting trial under the National Security Law. Source .
National Flag and National Emblem Ordinance
The police arrest another man, 33, for setting a national flag on fire on National Day. Source .
Restrictions on the media
Eighty-three of the 99 journalists surveyed by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club (FCC) say the media environment has “changed for the worse” since the enactment of the National Security Law. More than 90% of the respondents are also concerned about the “fake news” law. Source .
Sunday, November 7
Independence of judiciary
A recent survey by Youth IDEAS, a research centre under the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, shows nearly 70% of 529 residents aged from 15 to 34 interviewed have less confidence in the rule of law in Hong Kong than before the 2019 protests. Around 45% of them believe the government could exert influence on the courts. Source . Source .
Monday, November 8
June 4 vigil prosecutions
During the hearing of the cases of Jimmy Lai, Gwyneth Ho Kwai-lam, and Chow Hang-tung, who pleaded not guilty to participating or inciting others to participate in the unauthorized June Fourth vigil in 2020, Chow says she only succeeded in calling for “blooming everywhere,” not in holding the assembly; and Ho says the June Fourth vigil after the National Security Law is a form of resistance. Source . Source .
Restrictions on the media
Chung Pui-kuen resigns as Stand News editor-in-chief, citing “family reasons.” He is the husband of Chan Pui-man, former associate publisher of the now-defunct Apple Daily, who is in remand facing national security charges. Source .
Electoral system overhaul
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung accuses Ted Hui Chi-fung, former pro-democracy lawmaker in self-imposed exile, of incitement on social media where Hui has urged his followers to boycott the upcoming Legislative Council (LegCo) election. Tang says Hui may have breached the Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Conduct) Ordinance as well as the National Security Law and warns people not to re-share the “unlawful appeals.” Source . Source .
Tuesday, November 9
Electoral system overhaul
Hong Kong and Chinese authorities are discussing setting up polling stations at the Shenzhen Bay and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge border control checkpoints to allow Hong Kong citizens residing in mainland China to vote in the upcoming Legislative Council (LegCo) election in December. Source .
Electoral system overhaul
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) arrests three people, two men and one woman, aged 29 to 65, for allegedly “inciting another person not to vote, or to cast invalid vote, by activity in public during [an] election period.” Source .
Restrictions on the media
Online news outlet Stand News is nominated for the Reporters Without Borders (RSF)’s 2021 Press Freedom Prize for Independence. Source .
Academic freedom
Shyy Wei resigns as president of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). Wei demanded an independent investigation into student Alex Chow Tsz-lok's death in the 2019 protests and did not sign the joint statement to support the National Security Law. Source . Source .
Wednesday, November 10
National security prosecutions
The High Court hands down a decision denying bail to Cheung Kim-hung, ex-CEO of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper. Prosecution says Cheung can threaten national security through the Taiwan edition of Apple Daily. Judge Susana D’Almada Remedios cites prosecutors’ argument that comments made by UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab that Apple Daily’s closure was a “tool to curtail freedoms and punish dissent – rather than keep public order,” and the U.S. State Department’s statement calling the use of the National Security Law to suppress journalism a “serious and negative step,” constituted evidence of a “close association” with foreign political groups. Source . Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
A 22-year-old student of the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts (HKAPA) is sentenced to 40 months in prison for rioting during the storming of Prince Edward metro station in the 2019 protests, in the first rioting conviction related to the incident. Source .
Hong Kong 12 case
Tang Kai-yin, one of the 12 Hong Kong activists captured in mainland Chinese waters while fleeing to Taiwan and who is serving a three-year sentence in a prison in mainland China for "organizing others to cross a border illegally," has been assigned to "labor reform" and "reform through education," according to a letter Tang sent to his family. Source .
Thursday, November 11
National security prosecutions
Adam Ma Chun-man is sentenced to five years and nine months in prison for inciting secession by shouting pro-independence slogans and making pro-independence speeches on numerous occasions, becoming the second person jailed under the National Security Law. Ma’s conviction is based on acts involving only speech. Source . Source .
Digital surveillance
Report reveals hackers installed malware on Apple devices that visited Hong Kong-based media and pro-democracy websites in late August 2021. According to a report by Google's Threat Analysis Group (TAG), once the malware was installed, it could download files or exfiltrate data, conduct screen capturing and keylogging, initiate audio recording, and make a “fingerprint” of the device for identification. Shane Huntley, director of Google TAG, says that the team did not have enough technical evidence to specifically attribute the attack, but adds that “the activity and targeting is consistent with a government-backed actor.” Source .
Restrictions on the arts
Hong Kong new contemporary art museum, the M+, opens with exhibitions that include Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei’s work , but without the photo of him flipping a middle finger in Tiananmen Square. Henry Tang Ying-yen, chairman of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority Board, says: “the opening of M+ does not mean that artistic expression is above the law.” Source . Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Former Central and Western District councillor Sam Yip Kam-lung is acquitted of criminal damage and resisting arrest charges in the 2019 protests. The judge says that police did not show a warrant and had no right to use force. Source .
Academic freedom
Kuo Way, president of the City University of Hong Kong since 2008 who did not sign a joint statement to support the National Security Law, will not renew his contract when it ends in 2023. Source .
Friday, November 12
National security prosecutions
Two of five members of the General Union of Hong Kong Speech Therapists charged in connection with seditious children’s books—Lorie Lai Man-ling and Sidney Ng Hau-yee—are denied bail. Source .
Restrictions on the arts
In an open letter, Danish sculptor Jens Galschiot says he plans to move “Pillar of Shame” at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) in person in Hong Kong, but needs to make sure the government will not arrest him if he enters the city. Source .
Sedition law
Choi Chun-man, a 26-year-old former police officer, is charged under the colonial-era sedition law for publishing social media posts with “seditious intent” to “incite hatred” against the government and “raise discontent” among Hong Kong people, in connection with the death of a marine police officer in late September. Source .
Sunday, November 13
Restrictions on the media
Sue-lin Wong, an Australian correspondent from the Economist working in Hong Kong, is denied visa renewal by Hong Kong authorities. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Twenty people are found guilty of rioting in Sheung Wan in the 2019 protests and three are acquitted after the court ruled that the legal principle of “joint enterprise” is not applicable to those who are not present at the rioting scene. Source .
Monday, November 15
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
American lawyer Samuel Phillip Bickett, a former compliance director at Bank of America Securities, appeals his sentence for assaulting police in the 2019 protests, on the ground that he was acting in self-defence. Source . Source .
Restrictions on the arts
After being accused by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) of unlawfully occupying unleased land, the Tin Hau branch of the pro-democracy clothing store Chickeeduck removes the statue of Liu Xiaobo from its storefront. Source .
Tuesday, November 16
National security prosecutions
Chow Hang-tung, former vice-chair of the disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, who is facing subversion charges, is denied bail for the seventh time. Source .
Digital surveillance
Google reveals it has complied with more than half of the 18 requests from the Hong Kong authorities, including the police, involving 41 items between January and June this year. Source . Source .
Restrictions on the media
When asked about the denial of visa renewal to a journalist from the Economist, Chief Executive Carrie Lam maintains that the government will "continue to facilitate" the operations of foreign media outlets in Hong Kong, but that "everything has to be done in a legitimate manner." Source .
Wednesday, November 17
Restrictions on the media
Chief Secretary John Lee Ka-chiu reveals that government officials are reviewing how to tackle “fake news,” saying that “there are two ways of [combatting fake news]. The first is through regulation. The second is through criminalisation. . . . I personally think a regulatory approach should come first.” Source .
June 4 vigil prosecutions
The Hong Kong District Court hears mitigation pleas of five pro-democracy figures who pleaded guilty to participating or inciting others to participate in the unauthorized June Fourth vigil in 2020. Lee Cheuk-yan, former chairman of the disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, says: “Your Honour, the people of Hong Kong who took part needed no person or organisation to incite them. . . . If there was a provocateur, it is the regime that fired at its own people.” Source . Source .
National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case
Magistrate Peter Law Tak-chuen rejects the Department of Justice's request to further delay the case of the 47 pro-democracy figures charged under the National Security Law until February 7, 2021, and requests that the prosecution provide the status on the progress in document translation on the original hearing date, November 29. Source .
Restrictions on the right to participate
Benny Tai Yiu-ting, former law professor at the University of Hong Kong, is set to plead guilty to four illegal election spending charges in connection with buying newspaper ads to promote a tactical voting plan in the run-up to the 2016 Legislative Council (LegCo) elections. Source .
Thursday, November 18
Legislative Council election 2021
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) will deploy 800 officers to monitor activities on social media that encourage others to cast blank or spoiled ballots, and handle voters’ complaints and enquiries in the upcoming Legislative Council (LegCo) election in December. Source .
Restrictions on freedom of expression
The upcoming Cyclothon and the New World Harbour Race sporting events will ban political slogans such as “come on Hong Kong” or “Hong Kong add oil” and will involve the police if people fail to cooperate. Source .
International relations
National security law
The Hong Kong government denounces the 2021 United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) Report to Congress that says the National Security Law affects Hong Kong’s society, politics, and autonomy. Source . Source . Source .
National security prosecutions
Seven members of the pro-independence political group, “Returning Valiant,” accused of conspiring to incite subversion, have their case adjourned until late January 2022. The District Court also denies the anonymity order application of a 15-year-old defendant as she is turning 16 next week. Source .
Restrictions on the arts
The Pro-democracy clothing company Chickeeduck, which is known to display protest-related artwork and messages in stores, will leave the Hong Kong market in the second half of 2022, citing “disturbances from unknown evil forces.” Source .
Friday, November 19
Legislative Council election 2021
The Candidate Eligibility Review Committee approves 153 hopefuls and disqualifies one for the upcoming Legislative Council (LegCo) election. Lau Tsz-chun, a registered nurse competing in the medical and health services sector, is disqualified for being a part-time government employee. Source . Source .
Restrictions on the media
Jimmy Lai, founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy Apple Daily newspaper who is now in prison, is awarded the 2021 Gwen Ifill Press Freedom Award by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Lai's son Sebastien says in an acceptance speech on behalf of Lai that he is proud of his father. Source . Source .
Restrictions on the arts
Danish sculptor Jens Galschiøt releases the "Pillar of Shame" 3D blueprints, in the hope that the sculpture will “bloom everywhere” to preserve memories of the June Fourth massacre. Source . Source . Source .
Sunday, November 21
Loyalty oath
The 15 members of the Social Workers Registration Board that regulates 27,000 social workers will be required to pledge allegiance to the government to safeguard national security. Source .
Disciplining of educators
Francis Ting Kin-wah, pro-establishment Legislative Council election hopeful from the education sector, sets up Hong Kong Teachers' Trade Union to help with the appeals of teachers disqualified for “professional misconduct.” Source .
Restrictions on freedom of information
Over the past 12 years, Hong Kong public libraries have removed 29 of 149 titles about June Fourth from their shelves, totalling 263 individual copies. Source .
Monday, November 22
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Lai Chun-lok, a 29-year-old gravestone factory worker, is sentenced to two and a half years in prison for hurling a water bottle at a group of police officers at New Town Plaza shopping mall in the 2019 protests. Source .
Restrictions on the media
Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) takes down a news report about Peng Shuai. RTHK says it has “no comment on internal editorial matters.” Source .
Restrictions on the arts
Two films are pulled from the fourth Ground Up Student Film Festival for failing to obtain the Certificate of Approval from the Office for Film, Newspaper and Article Administration (OFNAA): “Piglet Piglet” is about the 2020 Taiwanese presidential election; “The Cage” discusses totalitarian rule, capitalism, freedom, and resistance. Source .
Tuesday, November 23
National security prosecutions
Tony Chung Hon-lam, 20, former convenor of the now-defunct pro-independence student group Studentlocalism, is sentenced to 43 months in prison after pleading guilty to secession and money-laundering charges, becoming the third person sentenced under the National Security Law. Source .
Legislative Council election 2021
The government will set up polling stations at border control checkpoints to allow Hong Kong citizens living in mainland China to vote in the upcoming Legislative Council (LegCo) election in December. Source .
Wednesday, November 24
Legislative Council election 2021
Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute (HKPORI) survey finds only 52% of Hong Kong people interviewed are inclined to vote in the upcoming Legislative Council (LegCo) election in December, hitting record low since 1991. When survey results are released, pro-Beijing newspaper Ta Kung Pao immediately accuses HKPORI of inciting citizens to not vote. Source . Source . Source .
Copyright Ordinance
The government is reviving the Copyright Ordinance bill, which was scrapped in 2016 by opposition lawmakers and concerned groups who were concerned about the restriction of free speech. Source . Source .
Thursday, November 25
Restrictions on the media
The High Court rules that the Communications Authority's decision against the portrayal of police in one episode of “Headliner,” a now-cancelled satirical television show of Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), is wrong in part. But the ruling also says that RTHK, a government department, does not have the right to freedom of expression. Source . Source .
National security prosecutions
A 45-year-old clerk and a 17-year-old student will plead guilty to designing and distributing Hong Kong independence leaflets in 2020. Source .
Friday, November 26
National security prosecutions
Tong Ying Kit, the first person sentenced under the National Security Law, will appeal his conviction and sentence in court in March next year. Source .
National security prosecutions
Chow Hang-tung, barrister and former vice-chair of the disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China who is charged with inciting subversion, is denied bail for the eighth time. Source .
Saturday, November 27
Legislative Council election 2021
In the upcoming Legislative Council (LegCo) election, only three candidates out of 153—or 2%—refer to themselves as “pro-democracy.” Source .
Sunday, November 28
Restrictions on the arts
“Revolution of Our Times,” a documentary film about the 2019 pro-democracy protests by Hong Kong filmmaker Kiwi Chow Kwun-wai, wins the prize for best documentary at Taiwan’s Golden Horse Awards. In a pre-recorded video message, Chow says the film is dedicated to “Hongkongers who have a conscience, justice and who have cried for Hong Kong.” Source . Source .
Monday, November 29
Legislative Council election 2021
The Hong Kong Police Force will deploy more than 10,000 officers on December 19, the day of the Legislative Council (LegCo) election, to ensure security. Source .
Legislative Council election 2021Activists in exile
Former lawmaker Ted Hui Chi-fung and former district councillor Yau Man-chun, both in self-imposed exile, are wanted by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) for inciting citizens to cast blank votes and not vote through their social media accounts. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Siu Cheung-lung, a 33-year-old insurance agent, pleads guilty to nine incitement charges for administering a Telegram group during the 2019 protests which instructed subscribers on how to make bombs and attack the police in 1,197 published posts. Source .
National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case
The case of the 47 pro-democracy figures charged under the National Security Law is adjourned until March 4, 2022. With 14 out on bail, the majority, 33, have been detained for more than eight months. Source . Source .
Tuesday, November 30
Legislative Council election 2021
The public and media will not be allowed to observe the vote counting at the polling stations at the Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau, and Heung Yuen Wai Boundary control points, which have been set up for Hong Kong citizens residing in mainland China to vote in the Legislative Council (LegCo) election on December 19. The authorities are requiring such voters to register well in advance and capping the number at 111,000. Source .
National security education
Under the new “Values Education Curriculum Framework,” the Education Bureau (EDB) removes "respect human rights” and "understand the motherland through critical thinking" from the guidelines, while requiring schools to incorporate nine moral and civic values, including law-abidingness and national identity, in all secondary and primary subjects. Source . Source .
Hong Kong 12 case
Liang Xiaojun, a mainland human rights lawyer who once represented the case of 12 Hong Kongers captured in mainland Chinese waters while fleeing to Taiwan, is stripped of his practising license. Source .
Legislative Council election 2021
Simon Peh Yun-lu, Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), says the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute (PORI)’s survey results on the upcoming Legislative Council (LegCo) election, which includes questions on how voters intend to vote, may have breached the law. Source .
Legal Aid
Paul Harris, a human rights lawyer and chairman of the Bar Association, is removed from Adam Ma Chun-man’s national security case by the Legal Aid Department, against Ma’s wish. Source .
Loyalty oath
Wong Chau-ming, a 25-year veteran at the Inland Revenue Department, lodges a legal challenge against the government for ordering him to retire after he questioned the need for civil servants to sign allegiance declarations. He later submitted a signed declaration. Source .
December
Thursday, December 2
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
A man is sentenced to seven months in jail for inciting others to harm police officers through a Facebook post during the 2019 protests. Source .
Restrictions on the media
Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) will “pause” the Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages of 12 programmes—"This Morning,” “The Pulse,” “LegCo Review,” “Hong Kong Connection,” “This Week,” “Think About Thinking,” “Headliner,” “Hong Kong Stories – A Time to Mend,” “Rich Mate Poor Mate” series 2 and 3, “Sign Language” and ‘Knowledge Zone”—starting on December 3, 2021. Source .
Restrictions on the media
Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy Apple Daily newspaper, wins Golden Pen of Freedom award by the World Association of News Publishers. Source .
Friday, December 3
National security prosecutions
High Court judge Esther Toh Lye-ping explains the decision to grant bail to three students of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) Students’ Union Council charged with promoting terrorism—Kinson Cheung King-sang, Charles Kwok Wing-ho, and Chris Todorovski—saying they do not pose a further threat to national security. Source .
Immigration pathways
A survey by the Hong Kong Association of the Heads of Secondary Schools and the Hong Kong Centre for International Student Assessment at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) shows that almost 4,500 students and 1,000 teachers withdrew from secondary schools in the 2020-21 academic year, amounting to an average of 32 students and seven teachers per school. The main reason is emigration. Source .
Legislative Council election 2021
A Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute (HKPORI) survey shows that 50% of the 6,400 respondents who are voters oppose voting at the border control points. Source . Source .
Sunday, December 5
Restrictions on the media
Legislative Council election 2021
The Hong Kong government sends a letter to the Wall Street Journal saying it reserves the right to take action against the paper for publishing an opinion piece, “Hong Kong Says Vote—or Else,” which it alleges urged Hong Kong residents to boycott the upcoming Legislative Council (LegCo) election. Source . Source .
Monday, December 6
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Siu Cheung-lung, a 33-year-old insurance agent, is sentenced to five years in prison over inciting others to attack police officers and instigate violent acts by administering a Telegram channel, “The Cheating Master,” during the 2019 protests. Source .
National security prosecutions
Chow Hang-tung, former vice-chair of the now-disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, is denied bail for the ninth time in relation to her subversion charge. Source .
Tuesday, December 7
Legislative Council election 2021
The Democratic Party, the largest pro-democracy party in Hong Kong, decides not to support a group of five “non-pro-establishment” candidates in the coming Legislative Council (LegCo) election. The party is not fielding any candidates in the election. Source .
Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute (HKPORI) survey shows 36% of 861 respondents are inclined not to vote in the Legislative Council (LegCo) election, hitting a record low. Source . Source .
Restrictions on the media
In its report, “The Great Leap Backwards of Journalism in China,” Reporters Without Borders (RSF) says in a dedicated section on Hong Kong, titled “Hong Kong: Press Freedom in Free Fall,” that “the repression no longer spares Hong Kong, once a champion of press freedom.” Source . Source .
Wednesday, December 8
Restrictions on freedom of expression
A man wearing a jacket with a "HongKonger" logo and yellow umbrella graphic is arrested for allegedly assaulting a security guard at the High Court after being denied entry to a hearing of a 2019 protests-related case. Source .
National education
A pro-establishment think tank founded by former Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa, “Our Hong Kong Foundation,” and the Hong Kong police separately publish teaching guides on Chinese culture and history intended to boost students’ sense of national identity. Source .
Thursday, December 9
June 4 vigil prosecutions
Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, Gwyneth Ho Kwai-lam, and Chow Hang-tung are convicted of participating or inciting others to participate in the unauthorized June Fourth candlelight vigil in 2020. Source .
Restrictions on freedom of information
Four people, aged between 29 and 42, are arrested over inciting the "three strikes" (opposing “Leave Home Safe” app, casting blank ballots, and rejecting vaccines). Source .
Restrictions on freedom of information
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) arrests three people on suspicion of “inciting another person not to vote, or to cast invalid vote, by activity in public during election period” for reposting posts on the Internet urging voters to cast blank ballots. Source . Source .
National security prosecutions
The Court of Final Appeal rejects bail appeal by Sidney Ng Hau-yee, secretary of the General Union of Hong Kong Speech Therapists charged in connection with publishing seditious children’s books. Source .
Friday, December 10
Restrictions on freedom of information
Legislative Council election 2021
The Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute (HKPORI) vows to continue to release survey results on the upcoming Legislative Council (LegCo) election despite recent attack by the state-controlled newspaper People’s Daily accusing it of attempting to use public opinion to “hijack society.” Source .
Attacks on civil society
Thomas Gnocchi, head of the European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macau, says that following the passage of the National Security Law, rights groups and academics have been reluctant to meet officials from the bloc. He tells a reporter: “We’ve seen, really, our ability to reach out diminished. . . . If civil society disappears, you lose one pillar of accountability.” Source .
Saturday, December 11
Restrictions on the media
Legislative Council election 2021
Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London sends a letter to The Sunday Times accusing its December 5 editorial, “China shows its true colours — and they’re not pretty,” which urged people to boycott the Legislative Council (LegCo) election, of lacking factual basis and breaching the law. Source . Source .
Monday, December 13
June 4 vigil prosecutions
Eight prominent pro-democracy figures—including Lee Cheuk-yan, former chair of the now-disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, Gwyneth Ho Kwai-lam, former Stand News journalist, and Chow Hang-tung, former vice-chair of the Hong Kong Alliance—who were convicted of participating or inciting others to participate in the unauthorized June Fourth vigil in 2020, are sentenced to four-and-one-half to 14 months in prison. Source . Source .
Legislative Council election 2021
A survey conducted by the Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies (HKIAPS) at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) shows 32.8% of 712 respondents say they will not vote, compared to 30.8% who say they "will definitely vote." Source .
Tuesday, December 14
National security prosecutions
In Tam Tak-chi’s sedition case, the prosecution says non-recognition of the Communist Party of China (CPC)’s status breaches the law. Tam’s case is adjourned until February 22 next year. Source .
National security prosecutions
The Court of Final Appeal hands down the reasons for denying bail to Sidney Ng Hau-yee, one of the five members of the General Union of Hong Kong Speech Therapists charged in connection with publishing seditious children’s books, ruling that the stricter national security bail standard is applicable to non-national security offences if the case involves acts endangering national security. Source . Source .
National security prosecutions
Chow Hang-tung, former vice-chair of the disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, is denied bail for the tenth time in relation to her subversion charge. Source .
Independence of judiciary
UK foreign minister Liz Truss states in the government’s “Six-monthly report on Hong Kong: January to June 2021”: “Confidence in the rule of law will be undermined if there are further politicised prosecution decisions. . . . Our assessment of Hong Kong’s judicial independence is increasingly finely balanced, but for now I believe that British judges can continue to play a positive role in supporting this judicial independence.” Source . Source .
Restrictions on the media
June 4 vigil prosecutions
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) issues a statement calling for the release of Jimmy Lai Chee-ying and Gwyneth Ho Ho Kwai-lam, who were sentenced for participating or inciting others to participate in the unauthorized June Fourth vigil in 2020, and slamming the Chinese regime for its “determination to silence.” Source . Source .
Wednesday, December 15
Legislative Council election 2021
In the upcoming Legislative Council (LegCo) election on Sunday, December 19, election staff are told not to wear yellow facemasks and voters advised to cover slogans on clothes. Source .
Legislative Council election 2021
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) arrests another four persons, including Jacky So Tsun-fung, former chairman of student union of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUSU), for inciting others to cast blank votes or not vote in the upcoming Legislative Council (LegCo) election on December 19. Source .
Restrictions on the media
The High Court orders to the winding up of Next Digital, parent company of the now-defunct pro-democracy Apple Daily newspaper, following a petition by the government. Source .
Immigration pathways
88,000 Hong Kong residents have applied for resettlement in the UK since Britain rolled out the new visa scheme in January. Source .
Thursday, December 16
Legislative Council election 2021
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) charges two with inciting others to cast blank votes in the coming Legislative Council (LegCo) election by sharing the social media post of Ted Hui Chi-fung, former pro-democracy lawmaker in self-imposed exile. Source .
Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions
Magistrate judge Pang Leung-ting finds two students, Chan Yiu-hei, 21, and Wong Ho-lam, 22, not guilty of criminal damage for spray-painting words and putting up posters in an underpass under the Fo Tan Banyan Bridge, saying, “I cannot rule out the possibility that [the police officer] had fabricated some evidence.” Source .
Friday, December 17
Legislative Council election 2021
People’s Daily, the official newspaper of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), accuses Lo Kin-Hei, chairman of the Democratic Party, of blocking members from standing in the upcoming Legislative Council (LegCo) election. Source .
Legislative Council election 2021
Police arrest two men, including an online discussion group manager, for allegedly urging others to influence the election turnout. Source .
National security prosecutions
Fung Wai-kong, former Apple Daily English news editor-in-chief, has been denied bail for allegedly conspiring to collude with foreign powers, after nearly 5 months of detention. Source .
Loyalty Oath
Hong Kong’s bauhinia insignia is replaced by the Chinese emblem in the main chamber of the Legislative Council for the oath-taking ceremony of new lawmakers to be elected on Sunday. Source .
Saturday, December 18
Legislative Council election 2021
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) issues warrants for the arrest five pro-democracy activists in self-imposed exile who have left Hong Kong, including Nathan Law Kwun-chung and Sunny Cheung Kwan-yang, for allegedly inciting others to not vote in the upcoming Legislative Council (LegCo) election. Source .
Monday, December 20
Legislative Council election 2021
The 2021 Legislative Council (LegCo) election records a historical low turnout rate of 30.2%, with only around 1.3 million people casting their votes, and a historical high number of invalid votes of 2.04%. Among all 90 seats, only one is won by a non-pro-establishment candidate. Source .
Legislative Council election 2021
The Group of Seven (G7), European Union, as well as the Five Eyes Law Enforcement Group issue joint statement expressing “grave concern” over the outcome of the 2021 Legislative Council (LegCo) election, especially with regard to the erosion of democratic elements under the overhauled election system. Source . Source .
National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case
Restrictions on freedom of expression
Carol Ng Man-yee, one of the 47 pro-democracy figures charged under the National Security Law, is denied bail. During Ng’s bail hearing, a man wearing yellow mask and a woman with a yellow umbrella are asked to leave the courtroom. Source .
Tuesday, December 21
National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case
Restrictions on freedom of expression
Prince Wong Ji-yuet, one of the 47 pro-democracy figures charged under the National Security Law, is granted bail after more than nine months of detention. During Wong’s bail hearing, a man wearing a black cap is asked to leave the courtroom. Source .
Hong Kong 12 case
Seven of the 12 Hong Kong activists captured in mainland Chinese waters while fleeing to Taiwan will plead guilty to perverting the course of justice, and one will plead guilty to producing explosive materials. The case has been adjourned until January 20, 2022. Source .
Wednesday, December 22
National security prosecutions
Simon Leung Kam-wai, former standing committee member of the disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, is sentenced to an additional two months in prison after pleading guilty to failing to submit information requested by the national security department. Source .
National security prosecutions
Restrictions on freedom of expression
Chow Hang-tung, former vice-chair of the disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, is denied bail for the 11th time. In Chow’s bail hearing, the prosecution requests to record name of a man wearing a cap in the courtroom. Source .
Restrictions on the media
The Communications Authority appeals against the court ruling on one episode of Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK)’s satirical television show “Headliner.” Source .
Thursday, December 23
Political pressure on campus activities
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) removes from its campus the “Pillar of Shame,” an eight-metre tall copper statue created by Danish sculptor Jens Galschiot that pays tribute to the victims of the 1989 June Fourth crackdown, and will keep it in storage. Source .
Friday, December 24
Political pressure on campus activities
Two more universities in Hong Kong remove memorials of the 1989 Democracy Movement: the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) removes its “Goddess of Democracy” statue, and Lingnan University removes a stone relief of scenes of the Tiananmen Massacre. Source .
Legislative Council election 2021
Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang Kwok-wai sends another letter to The Wall Street Journal calling its December 20 editorial, “Democracy Boycott in Hong Kong,” published a day after the Legislative Council (LegCo) election, “biased and unsubstantiated.” Source . Source .
National security prosecutions
A 16-year-old defendant of the pro-independence political group, “Returning Valiant,” accused of conspiring to incite subversion, is granted bail on condition that he not publish, share, or “like” any political commentaries. Source .
Tuesday, December 28
Restrictions on the media
National security prosecutions
Jimmy Lai, founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy Apple Daily newspaper, as well as six former Apple Daily senior staff already charged under the National Security Law—editor-in-chief Ryan Law Wai-kwong, chief executive officer Cheung Kim-hung, editor-in-chief Lam Man-chung, associate publisher Chan Pui-man, English news editor-in-chief Fung Wai-kong, and editorial writer Yeung Ching-kee—face an additional charge of conspiring with Apple Daily Limited, Apple Daily Printing Limited, and AD Internet Limited to “print, publish, sell, offer for sale, distribute, display and/or reproduce seditious publications.”. Source .
National education
The pro-establishment teachers’ group Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers (HKFEW) will set up a national education center in a vacant school to teach flag-raising etiquette and showcase patriotic teaching models. Source .
Wednesday, December 29
Restrictions on the media
National security prosecutions
National security police arrest and search the residences of three current and former senior staff and three former board members of the independent online news outlet Stand News on suspicion of conspiring to publish seditious publications under the Crimes Ordinance. They are acting chief editor Patrick Lam Shiu-tung, former editor-in-chief Chung Pui-kuen, Chow Tat-chi, former director and ex-chief editor of the science section; and former board members Christine Fang Meng-sang, pro-democracy singer Denise Ho Wan-sze, and barrister Margaret Ng Ngoi-yee. Deputy assignment editor Ronson Chan Long-sing, who is also the chairman of the Hong Kong Journalists Association, is held for investigation. Over 200 national security police officers raid the offices of Stand News and confiscate 30 boxes of materials. Authorities have frozen assets totaling HK$61 million. The police also issue a warrant for the arrest of Stand News founder Tony Tsoi Tung-ho, who has migrated to Australia.
In the afternoon, Stand News announces it is halting operations immediately, and stops updating its website and all social media platforms. All website and social media feeds have been removed by 11pm. Source . Source . Source .
Thursday, December 30
Restrictions on the media
National security prosecutions
The UK branch of Stand News halts operations, and UK officer Yeung Tin Shui resigns, following the arrests of Stand News staff and raids on their Hong Kong offices. Source .
The police issue a warrant for the arrest of Joseph Lian Yi-zheng, former board member of Stand News who has migrated to Japan. Source .
Friday, December 31
Restrictions on the media
National security prosecutions
Stand News acting chief editor Patrick Lam Shiu-tung and former editor-in-chief Chung Pui-kuen are denied bail for conspiring to publish seditious publications. Four others—Chow Tat-chi, former director and ex-chief editor of the science section, and former board members Christine Fang Meng-sang, Denise Ho Wan-sze and Margaret Ng Ngoi-yee—are granted bail. Source .