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Hong Kong Timeline 2019-2022: Anti-Extradition Protests & National Security Law

Updated May 16, 2022

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A timeline of the developments surrounding the extradition amendments introduced by the Hong Kong SAR government, which triggered a series of mass demonstrations, including a march of an estimated two million people on June 16, 2019, the largest in Hong Kong’s history.

2018

February


While on vacation in Taiwan, a Hong Kong man, Chan Tong-kai, 19, strangles his girlfriend, Poon Hiu-wing, 20, also from Hong Kong. Source.

March 14


After returning to Hong Kong, Chan Tong-kai is taken into custody by Hong Kong police for theft and money-laundering. During questioning, he admits to killing his girlfriend. Source.

2019

February


The Security Bureau proposes amending the existing Fugitive Offenders Ordinance (FOO) and the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Ordinance (MLAO) to allow ad hoc extraditions to jurisdictions with which Hong Kong does not have existing rendition arrangements, allowing extradition of criminal suspects from Hong Kong to mainland China, Macau, and Taiwan. Source.

 

March 31


The Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), comprising dozens of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy groups, calls the first protest against the extradition amendments; thousands march to the government headquarters in Admiralty.

 

April


Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR government, submits the proposed amendments to the Legislative Council (LegCo), citing the murder case.

Various sectors, including the legal and business sectors, immediately voice their concerns over the proposed amendments. The Hong Kong Bar Association issues a set of Observations, listing its concerns.

Thursday, April 25

Hong Kong bookseller Lam Wing-kee flies to Taiwan out of security concerns over the proposed extradition amendments. Lam was abducted from Hong Kong in October 2015 by mainland Chinese security forces. He was returned to Hong Kong in June 2016 after eight months’ detention in mainland China. Source.

Sunday, April 28

In the second protest called by Civil Human Rights Front, more than 100,000 march to the LegCo.

Monday, April 29

Chan Tong-kai is sentenced to 29 months' imprisonment for money-laundering. With the 13 months he has already spent in custody since his arrest, and a possible one-third sentence reduction for good behavior, he may be released as early as October 2019. Source.

 

May


Friday, May 17

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expresses concern that the Hong Kong government’s proposed extradition amendments would “threaten Hong Kong’s rule of law.” Source.

Monday, May 20

The government, bypassing normal procedure, withdraws the bill from the Bills Committee and schedules a second reading in a full legislative session on June 12. Source.

Tuesday, May 21

Chief Executive Carrie Lam says LegCo needs to pass the extradition bill before summer. Source.

Friday, May 24

Under the direction of Secretary for Security John Lee Ka-chiu, the House Committee, with a pro-Beijing majority, dismisses the Bills Committee.

Thursday, May 30

Secretary for Security John Lee announces measures to limit the scope of extraditable crimes, including raising the threshold for extradition to crimes punishable by seven or more years of imprisonment. Source.

Late May

Widening concerns are expressed by various sectors in Hong Kong, including legal, academic, business, diplomatic, and press. Foreign governments and international bodies also raise their concerns. See a select list of those groups and bodies voicing their concerns and opposition here.

Taiwan authorities say they will not seek the extradition of Chan Tong-kai and will not accept extradition arrangements with Hong Kong.

 

June


Tuesday, June 4

Annual candlelight vigil to commemorate victims of the 1989 June Fourth massacre is attended by an estimated 180,000 people, in one of the largest crowds in years. Source.

Thursday, June 6

More than 3,000 lawyers clad in black stage a silent march from the Court of Final Appeal to the Central Government Offices to oppose the extradition bill. Source.

 

Sunday, June 9

Amid heavy police presence, an estimated 1 million Hong Kongers march from Victoria Park to the Legislative Council in Admiralty, to oppose the extradition bill. Crowd control measures included shutting down of some MTR stations and trains skipping stops near LegCo. Source.

 

Monday, June 10

Chief Executive Carrie Lam issues statement at 11 p.m. confirming that the second reading of the extradition bill in LegCo is set to commence on Wednesday, June 12.

Universities call for class-boycott starting Wednesday. Other sectors call for general strike on Wednesday.

Civil Human Rights Front, together with legislators and political parties, calls for rally to surround LegCo on Wednesday.

LegCo announces police will handle security for the LegCo complex on Wednesday.

Tuesday, June 11

LegCo Chairman Andrew Leung announces timetable for extradition bill consideration and voting: 66 hours for reading and debate to be concluded by 8 p.m., Thursday, June 20, to be followed by voting.

Civil Human Rights Front officially calls for rally starting at 11 a.m. on Wednesday around LegCo.

Various other forms of protest are announced for Wednesday, including strike by Social Workers Union, Artists’ Union, and Teachers’ Union; class-boycott by seven universities; and “drive slow” for Hong Kong Island Bus Service by the Bus Drivers’ Union.

Wednesday, June 12

In tears, Carrie Lam says in a TV interview that she has sacrificed a lot for Hong Kong and that she could not have “sold out Hong Kong,” but in the same interview refers to the protestors as spoiled children, saying “If my son was stubborn and I spoiled him and tolerated his stubborn behavior every time, I would just be going along with him.” (video)

LegCo announces delay of second reading of extradition bill.

Protests continue with thousands of demonstrators gathering in front of the LegCo complex in Admiralty. An estimated 5,000 riot policemen in heavy gear guard the LegCo building. In mid-afternoon, as protesters press toward the police phalanx, some throwing objects, including bricks, policemen fire tear gas, rubber bullets, and beanbag rounds at the protestors. Source.

Elsewhere, excessive police force against protesters and journalists is widely reported and documented in video footage. Incidences include:

  • police shooting at a journalist
  • policemen using pepper spray on an individual sitting still
  • policemen tackling a standing protester to the ground and pummeling him with batons
  • policemen shooting at an unarmed woman walking toward them from a distance of less than one meter
  • policemen dragging a female protester on the ground and beating her with batons

(Video)

News reports cite police use of tear gas on June 12 as greater than that used during the 79 days of the Occupy protest in 2014.

In the afternoon, Police Commissioner Stephen Lo declares clashes between protesters and police a “riot,” justifying the violent response, and calls on the protesters to go home. Source.

The Hong Kong Hospital Authority reports that 22 people were taken to public hospitals by Wednesday evening, but later reports that at least 72 people have been injured, two in serious condition. Source.

Civil Human Rights Front calls for rally on Sunday, June 16, and for schools and shops to strike on Monday, June 17.

Thursday, June 13

LegCo announces cancellation of second reading of extradition bill. No announcement on voting date. Source.

A canteen manager of Police Headquarters in Wanchai quits, paying back one month’s salary in lieu of advanced notice. His resignation letter reads: “I refuse to serve evils.” He later says in an interview: “It’s as if I am supplying [the policemen] with food and drinks that give them the strength go to out and beat up people—I can no longer accept this work.” Source.

Friday, June 14

Reuters reports that some Hong Kong tycoons are starting to move personal wealth offshore as fears rise over the extradition bill. Source.

Pro-establishment LegCo member Michael Tien calls for delay of extradition bill and says in a radio interview that the conflict between the police and demonstrators has forced a rethink of the government’s plan. Source.

6,000 mothers dressed in black stage a sit-in in Charter Garden holding signs saying “Don’t shoot our children.” A petition with 44,000 signatures objects to Lam’s claim of acting like a “good mother.” Source.

The Chinese Foreign Minister Lu Yucheng summons the deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, Robert Forden, to complain about Washington’s comment about the extradition bill. A statement by the Foreign Ministry says: “China called on the United States . . .  to immediately stop all interference in Hong Kong’s affairs and stop taking action that would affect the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.” Source.

Carrie Lam meets with Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng in Shenzhen to review the situation. Source.

Saturday, June 15

In a speech, Carrie Lam announces suspension of “current legislative exercise” on extradition bill, but not its withdrawal, arguing that withdrawing the bill would mean that it is groundless. Lam expresses “sorrow and regret” that she failed to convince the public that the bill was needed. Source.

In official statements, the mainland Chinese government says that it supports Lam’s decision to suspend the bill. Source.

The shelving of the bill does not appear to quell public anger. Claudia Mo, a democratic lawmaker, says, “Postponement is temporary. It’s just delaying the pain.” Source.

Hunger striker Minnie Li, a Shanghai born activist and lecturer at the Education University of Hong Kong, is hospitalized for fever and low blood sugar. Source.

First death

A 35-year old protester, after hanging a banner from a Pacific Place building in the Admiralty district calling for the withdrawal of the extradition bill, falls to his death. Police declare it a suicide. Source.

Sunday, June 16

In the largest march in Hong Kong’s history, an estimated 2 million people—roughly one in four Hong Kongers—march from Victoria Park to the Legislative Council in Admiralty in continued protest against the extradition bill. The greatest concentration of protesters is in Admiralty, Harcourt Road, Hennessey Road, Causeway Bay, and Wan Chai. Most of the marchers wear black, to commemorate the protester who fell to his death the day before. Source.

Demands reflected in chants and placards include:

  • Carrie Lam, step down
  • Withdraw the extradition bill
  • Students are not rioters
  • Stop shooting students / Don't kill us
  • Release detained students (arrested following the clashes on Wednesday)
  • Retract “riot” label

Protesters make way for ambulances in a dramatic scene. (Video)

 

In a written statement, Chief Executive Carrie Lam:

  • admits responsibility for the confrontation and conflict
  • apologizes to the public and promises that she will accept criticism in a sincere and humble way
  • says the Sunday march is evidence of Hong Kong's freedom of expression
  • emphasizes there is no schedule to resume second-reading of the bill
  • does not respond to the protesters’ demands of her resignation and to withdraw the bill. Source.

Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong is released from prison after serving one month of a two-month prison term for contempt of court related to the 2014 Umbrella Movement. He joins the protests and calls for the resignation of Carrie Lam. Source.

Monday, June 17

The Hong Kong police reverses its earlier characterization of the June 12 clashes between protesters and the police as a “riot.” Police Commissioner Stephen Lo Wai-chung says that only those who threw bricks and wielded metal poles against officers outside of LegCo would be accused of violating anti-rioting laws. “Others who have participated in the same public order event but have not engaged in any violent act need not to worry in committing rioting offences,” Lo says. Source.

Following the June 13 arrest of two protesters at Queen Elizabeth Hospital after they received treatment for injuries sustained on June 12, Pierre Chan, the medical sector LegCo member, states he has proof that the Hospital Authority allows police unhindered access to its system to get information on injured protesters. The Authority denies providing information of patients from the June 12 protests to the police. Source.

Tuesday, June 18

Chief Executive Carrie Lam apologizes in second press conference saying she “personally has to shoulder much of the responsibility,” but refuses to resign. Source.

In a joint declaration, protesters put forth four demands and set a deadline of 5 p.m. on June 20, for Carrie Lam to respond:

  1. Complete withdrawal of the extradition bill
  2. Investigate the police force for police brutality
  3. Total recall of the June 12 “riot” claim
  4. Free and drop charges against arrested protesters

Wednesday, June 19

In a speech at LegCo, Secretary for Security John Lee apologizes for “causing social disputes and anxiety” but defends police’s use of tear gas and pepper spray against protesters on June 12 when dozens of people were injured and 32 people were arrested. He is criticized by pro-democracy lawmakers, including Charles Mok, who says, “Everything you have said today is polarizing the people. . . . You are the one that’s heating things up right now.” Source.

Thursday, June 20

Six student unions plan escalation-of-protest actions if the government does not respond to their demands by 5 p.m. They are student unions of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, University of Science and Technology, Education University, City University, Academy for Performing Arts, Hang Seng University and the Federation of Students. The deadline set by protesters is ignored. Source.

Friday, June 21

Thousands of protesters stage a sit-in outside the LegCo building, block lanes of Harcourt Road, and barricade the entrance to the Police Headquarters.  One protest sign on the outside wall of the Police Headquarters reads: “We will never submit.” Source.

Saturday, June 22

Hong Kong’s Secretary for Justice Theresa Cheng rejects protesters’ demands to not charge people who took part in the protests on June 12, saying that any charges pressed by the Department of Justice are “based on the law, relevant facts and (our) prosecution rules.” Source.

Sunday, June 23

Civil Human Rights Front organizes a rally outside LegCo demanding accountability of police for abuse of power, with a focus on disproportionate violence against protestors.

In a joint letter, 32 former government officials and politicians, including Anson Chan and Martin Lee, appeal to Carrie Lam to:

  • withdraw the extradition bill
  • set up an independent inquiry into alleged abuse of police power
  • retract the "riot" label for the clashes on June 12

Source.

Starry Lee, chairwoman of the pro-establishment party in LegCo, the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB), says the party “would not oppose” a full withdrawal of the extradition bill. Source.

Monday, June 24

Over 100 protestors gather outside and in the foyer of the Revenue Tower in Wan Chai, blocking entry into the building but allowing some employees to leave, in another wave of civil disobedience action. Source.

In her oral update at the 1st Meeting of the 41st Regular Session of the Human Rights Council, Michelle Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, commends the decision of the Hong Kong authorities to delay passage of the extradition bill, “in response to the massive display of civic activism by a large proportion of the population,” but “encourage[s] the authorities to consult broadly before passing or amending this, or any other, legislation.” Source.

Wednesday, June 26

In advance of the G20 summit in Osaka (June 28-29) where China has said it “will not allow” discussion of Hong Kong’s extradition bill, protesters delivered a petition to 16 foreign consulates to urge them to “Back HK up at G20 Summit by Supporting: 1) Full Withdrawal of Extradition Bill, 2) Establishment of Investigation Committee on Police Brutality.” 1,500 protestors march to the U.S. and British consulates and EU’s representative office to deliver the petition; the protestors then split into three groups to go to the following consulates: Germany, South Korea, Argentina, Japan, Australia, Austria, Mexico, France, Italy, Canada, Brazil, Russia, Indonesia, and India. The last three consulates in this list did not accept the petition.  Source 1. Source 2.

Thursday, June 27

Nine members of the Committee on Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid of the German parliament issue a statement to support Hong Kong’s people and urge German Chancellor Angela Merkel to bring up Hong Kong's autonomy at the G20 Osaka Summit. Excerpts from "The autonomy of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region cannot be compromised” (Die Autonomie der Sonderverwaltungszone Hongkong ist nicht verhandelbar):

“As members of the Human Rights Committee of the German Bundestag, we stand shoulder to shoulder with the demonstrators in Hong Kong who share our values of civil liberty, democracy and the rule of law. . . . We appeal to the Hong Kong Government not only to suspend the controversial legislative changes, but to formally withdraw [the bill] . . . . We urge German Chancellor Angela Merkel to stress in an upcoming discussion with Xi Jinping at the G20 summit that the autonomy of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region must not be compromised and that the principle of "one country, two systems" must be fully respected.” 

Source 1Source 2.

On eve of the G20 Osaka Summit, dozens demonstrate in downtown Osaka in solidarity with Hong Kong’s anti-extradition protest. Source.

Friday, June 28

On June 27 and 28, crowdfunded full-page ads headlined “Stand With Hong Kong at G20” are published in 17 newspapers in at least 12 different countries, including the New York Times (U.S. and international), Guardian (U.K.), Asahi Shimbun (Japan), Süddeutsche Zeitung (Germany), Chosun Ilbo (South Korea), and Apple Daily (Taiwan).

Saturday, June 29

A 21-year-old student, Lo Hiu-yan, jumps to her death from a building in Ka Fuk Estate in Fanling. She leaves a message to fellow protesters written in red ink on a wall in which she reiterates the protesters’ demands and urges the protesters to persevere. Source.

The Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF) secretariat issues an open letter to Carrie Lam, urging her to respond to the protesters’ demands. Source.

G20 ad-campaign officially concludes with 20 newspapers running ads. Source.

Sunday, June 30

A pro-police rally is held in Tamar Park with between 53,000 (police estimate) and 165,000 (organizers estimate) people participating. Legislator Lam Cheuk Ting (Democratic Party) is attacked and beaten by police supporters attending the rally. Reporters and journalists covering the rally are reportedly assaulted. Source.

Pro-police protesters tear down signs, banners, and post-it notes at the Lennon Wall. Some also tear down the memorial for Marco Leung, the protester who fell to his death on June 15. Source.

A 29-year-old woman, Zhita Wu, jumps from a walkway of the IFC building in Central onto Man Cheung Street at 3 p.m. She is pronounced dead at 9 p.m. Wu left a message on her social media account supporting the protesters. Source.

Commemorative activities are held at the two sites of the suicide deaths, and the makeshift memorial at the Lennon Wall is reestablished.

July


Monday, July 1

In her first public appearance since June 18, Carrie Lam delivers remarks at a ceremony marking the 22nd anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China and acknowledges: “What happened in recent months has caused dilemmas and divides between the government and citizens. It has made me understand that as a politician, I must remind myself I have to accurately get the pulse of the society. I have learned that even with good intentions, I have to be open and inclusive.” Source.

The annual flag-raising ceremony is moved indoors to the Wanchai Exhibition Center. Guests watch a live broadcast of the flag raising outside in Bauhinia Square. Source.

Protesters occupy the roads around LegCo before dawn, raising a black flag in place of the PRC flag, and lowering the Hong Kong flag to half-mast to commemorate those lost. Outside LegCo, riot police use pepper spray and batons against protesters. Several protestors are injured and 13 police officers are sent to the hospital after being splashed with an unidentified liquid. Source.

In the early afternoon at LegCo, protestors use metal trollies and metal bars to ram a glass panel next to the legislators’ entrance. Democratic Party lawmaker Roy Kwong, other opposition legislators, and other protestors attempt to persuade these protestors to cease the ramming. Pan-democratic legislator Leung Yiu-chung is tackled to the ground while trying to stop protesters from breaking into LegCo. Source.

The police try to persuade the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF) to postpone or reroute the annual July 1 march, and official permission is withdrawn for Admiralty to be the march destination. CHRF refuses to postpone the march, and it begins in the early afternoon from Causeway Bay toward Central, a contingent destination in light of activities at LegCo. Source. Organizers say 550,000 take part in the march, and the police put the figure at 190,000. Source.

At 6:26 p.m., LegCo issues a red security alert for the first time in history, and the building is evacuated. Shortly after, the government issues a statement saying it “strongly condemns and deeply regrets the extremely violent acts committed by some protesters, ” and that “the police will take appropriate enforcement action to protect public order and safety.” Source.

After a long standoff, the police retreat from their posts guarding the entrance to the LegCo building. After smashing through the glass door, hundreds of protesters rush into building at around 9 p.m. The police appear to have evacuated the building. Once inside, a small group of protestors spray paint the walls with graffiti, including messages such as “Carrie Lam step down,” “The government forced us to revolt,” “It was you who taught us that peaceful protest is useless,” “There are no rioters, only tyranny,” and “Oppose Chinese colonialism.” Pictures of Legislative Council President Andrew Leung and former president Rita Fan are defaced, the Hong Kong official emblem is partially covered in black paint, and a British colonial flag is draped over the podium of the LegCo president. A protester destroys a copy of the Basic Law. Source & Source. However, protesters protect items of historic value, books, and personal property in the building. Source.

At around 10 p.m., the police release a video on Facebook announcing a deadline of midnight for the protestors to leave the building. Source. Protesters on-site and within LegCo begin discussions on whether to stay or withdraw.

Just before midnight, a few protestors read a declaration addressed to Hong Kong citizens explaining the decision to enter LegCo: “Since June, Hong Kongers have protested numerous times, including a march of 2 million, urging the government to withdraw the bill. The government refused to listen to the people. . . . The current Hong Kong government is no longer what the Hong Kong people are wishing for. . . . We hope Hong Kong can unite against the vicious laws and the suppressive regime, and safeguard Hong Kong together.” Source. The protesters move out of the LegCo building chanting “We leave together!”

Tuesday, July 2

Shortly after midnight, riot police enter the building. No protesters remain inside. Outside, protestors retreat from a baton charge by riot police. Source. Police begin firing rounds of tear gas, forcing the remaining protesters out of the Admiralty area. The police clear roadblocks and continue to fire tear gas at retreating protesters, who throw bricks, eggs, and umbrellas. By 1 a.m., all the protesters have left the area around LegCo. Source.

The police stop and search passengers of minibuses and cars leaving Central, searching the belongings of those wearing black, requiring them to remove their masks, and videotaping their faces. Source.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam, Secretary for Administration Matthew Cheung, Secretary for Security John Lee, and Police Chief Stephen Lo hold a press conference at 4 a.m. Lam condemns “extreme violence” by protesters, saying, “I can say here, whether it’s pan-democratic lawmakers or groups of young people, in future days, I am very willing to communicate about the matters they care about.” Source. Asked why she would not meet with pro-democracy legislators earlier, she replied, “With this level of violence . . . I’m sure the public will understand that going to the scene for dialogue was of no help.” Reporters question her lack of response to the three suicides, but she gives no specific response. Source. The Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) question why questions related to the suicides were deleted from the official transcript of the press meeting. Source.

Independent Police Complaints Commission confirms receipt of over 100 complaints relating to anti-extradition protests since early June and that it will begin investigation. Chairperson Anthony Neoh clarifies that any information or potential evidence of criminal conduct, including that of protestors, will be handed to police. Source.

Wednesday, July 3

A 28-year-old woman, surnamed Mak, jumps to her death at her residence in Cheung Sha Wan, leaving a suicide note in support of the anti-extradition protests. This marks the fourth suicide related to the protests. Despite concerns about "copycats," her family members and close friends agree to share her message with media, and state that it is the government’s responsibility to put a stop to the young people’s despair. Source 1source 2.

Arrests of protesters begin. Twelve are arrested for activities at the LegCo area on July 1 (unrelated to the break-in), the youngest of them aged 14. Eight more are arrested for "cyberbullying" police officers and releasing police officers' personal information online. Source 1Source 2.

Thursday, July 4

Carrie Lam and Executive Council members reach out in secret to the student unions of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Chinese University of Hong Kong, inviting student leaders to attend a closed-door meeting. The student unions decline the invitations. In a joint press conference, student unions of all universities criticize the invitation as a "publicity stunt" and demand two conditions for any meeting to take place: 1) exoneration of all protesters facing charges and 2) that any meeting be in public. Source 1Source 2.

Pastor Lau Chi-Hung and fellow activists commence a 50-hour hunger strike outside government offices in Admiralty in support of protesters. Source.

Friday, July 5

More than 800 Hong Kong mothers attend a rally at Edinburgh Place in support of young protesters, reiterating that their children are not rioters, urging the government to respect human lives, and calling on fellow Hong Kong citizens to support the movement. Source.

Sunday, July 7

More than 230,000 march in Kowloon, aimed at spreading messages of the anti-extradition movement to mainland Chinese tourists arriving in the Tsim Sha Tsui area as well as the High-Speed Rail station near Austin. Source.

Afterwards, protesters march along Nathan Road from Tsim Sha Tsui to Mong Kok, occupying the streets and stopping traffic. Legislators on site attempt to negotiate as protesters are trapped by barricades set up by police, which impede joining the procession as well as leaving the march (to comply with police demand to evacuate the area). When protesters attempt to slowly and gradually retreat, they are violently dispersed by police officers, equipped with shields, batons, and pepper spray who target protesters, journalists, and passers-by.

Live-streams and reports show that identification numbers on police officers’ badges are covered up. The Hong Kong Journalists Association criticizes the police for assaulting journalists on-site and causing undue obstruction to press activities. Six are arrested over the clashes. Source 1Source 2Source 3.

Tuesday, July 9

“Lennon Walls,” colorful collages of Post-it notes on wall, appear throughout all districts of the city in support of the protestors, with slogans such as “add oil Hongkonger” and “No China extradition.” First appearing during the Umbrella Movement in 2014, the message walls take inspiration from the Lennon Wall in Prague. Source.

 

Wednesday, July 10

200 police officers remove messages with personal details of police from a “Lennon Wall” in a pedestrian underpass near Tai Po MTR station. Source.

Saturday, July 13

An estimated 30,000 protestors (4,000 estimated by the police) march in Sheng Shui from North Sports Ground passing along eight streets against parallel traders (mainlanders crossing the border to purchase goods in Hong Kong to sell on the mainland). A similar march, to “Reclaim Shengshui,” was first held in 2012. Source.

After the march, protestors clash with the police when a bridge near the MTR station was clogged with people. Reportedly, one protestor panics when targeted by the police and tries to jump off the bridge but is stopped by a photojournalist and police officers. Protestors defend themselves with umbrellas against batons and pepper spray used by the police. Source.

Sunday, July 14

An estimated 11,500 protesters take to the street in Shatin shouting slogans like “The police knowingly broke the law” and “Fight on, Hong Kong.” Hundreds of protestors retreat into New Town Plaza shopping mall when the police start clearing the streets. At around 9 p.m., riot police  inside the shopping mall use batons and pepper spray against the protestors. More than 40 people are arrested and 22 people injured. Police commissioner Stephen Lo defends the deployment of riot police blaming the protestors for the violence and says 10 police officers were injured. Source 1, Source 2.

Monday, July 15

Carrie Lam visits injured police officers from the weekend clashes at a hospital in Taipo and condemns the “violent protestors” as “rioters.”  Source.

24 pro-democracy lawmakers issue a joint statement criticizing the police for “deliberately provoking conflict between protesters and police” and to demand that the police commissioner explain the incident, discipline the commanders and officers involved in the violence, and apologize to affected businesses and members of the public. Source.

Saturday, July 20

The police state that they have arrested a man suspected of possessing explosives after finding cache of weapons and explosives, including petrol bombs, knives, corrosive acid, and 2kg of triacetone triperoxide

The police bar a planned Sunday protest from ending in Admiralty and Court of Final Appeal in Central, citing safety concerns related to explosives discovery in their decision that the protest end in Wan Chai. Source.

Sunday, July 21

430,000 protestors march in Wan Chai beginning Sunday afternoon calling for an independent inquiry into the excessive use of force by the police against anti-extradition demonstrators. The protests now focus on four demands: 1) complete withdrawal of the extradition bill, 2) retraction of “riot” characterization of June 12 protests, 3) unconditional release of arrested protestors, and 4) universal suffrage. Despite police urging that protestors leave after reaching Wan Chai, the march continue toward Admiralty. Source.

Hundreds of protesters surround Beijing’s liaison office and deface the building and a PRC national emblem. Source.  Shortly after 8 p.m., riot police move towards the liaison office and remove road barriers placed by protestors. Groups of protestors flee but others charge forward. The police fire tear gas and shoot rubber bullets into the crowds during subsequent scuffles with protestors. Source.

 

A few hours after the end of the Wan Chai protests, violence  erupts at the Yuen Long MTR station, in western New Territories, where hundreds wearing masks and white t-shirts, believed to be triad members, begin attacking people indiscriminately with sticks and other weapons. A total of 45 people are injured, including local resident s, and journalists and protestors, as well as Democratic Party lawmaker Lam Chuek-ting. Source 1.  Source 2. Source 3.

 

Police take 35 minutes after first reports to arrive at the scene. Mall officials at Yoho Mall, next to the MTR station say that they tried calling the police but could not  get through. Source.

Pro-Beijing lawmaker Junius Ho is videotaped around 10 p.m. in Yuen Long applauding men dressed in white t-shirts and declaring: “all of you are my heroes.”

Monday, July 22

Junius Ho admits meeting with attackers in white t-shirtsand that some of them are his friends. Source. Pro-democracy lawmakers note that during the Yuen Long violence the day before, reporting hotlines did not work and the local police station was closed. In a joint statement, Pro-democracy lawmakers denounce police as “colluding” with triads and “condoning” the attacks. They call on Police Commissioner Stephen Lo to resign and for an independent inquiry into the incident. Source. Senior leaders, including ex-ministers and former allies of Carrie Lam, call for the administration to initiate an independent inquiry into clashes between police and protesters. Source.

Police arrest six men for unlawful assembly in connection with the Yuen Long attacks and prepare to launch raids targeting suspects, including members of the 14K and Wo Shing Wo gangs. Source.

Tuesday, July 23

Police arrest six men on suspicion of “unlawful assembly” following violent attacks in Yuen Long. Several of the arrested men have triad backgrounds. Source.

24 pro-democracy lawmakers issue a joint statement denouncing the police for “colluding” with triads and “condoning” the attacks in Yuen Long. Source.

Dozens of masked protesters vandalize pro-Beijing lawmaker Junius Ho’s office in Tsuen Wan. They smash glass panels and spray graffiti, criticizing him for praising Yuen Long attackers the night before. Source.

Wednesday, July 24

Dozens of masked protesters bring trains to a halt during morning rush hour in an act of civil disobedience against the MTR Corporation, causing overcrowding on the platform and disruption of Island Line services. Source.

Over 300 mid-level civil servants issue a joint-letter criticizing Carrie Lam's administration as well as police handling of the anti-extradition protests. Source.

34 former senior officials and legislators launch a second petition urging an independent commission of inquiry into political decision-making and police-protester clashes. Source.

Pro-democracy lawmaker Eddie Chu calls for a full investigation into Junius Ho's involvement in the attacks in Yuen Long. Source .

Pro-democracy lawmaker Andrew Wan from the New Territories files complaint with Independent Commission Against Corruption, alleging misconduct by the Yuen Long district regional commander in relation to July 21 Yuen Long attacks. Source.

A spokesperson for China’s defense ministry condemns Hong Kong’s anti-government protests and reiterates that Hong Kong can call upon Chinese military personnel stationed in the city to intervene if necessary. Source.

Max Chung, a Hong Kong resident, submits application to the police to hold a march in Yuen Long on July 27 to protest the violent attacks on July 21. Source.

Thursday, July 25

The police reject Max Chung’s application and say a protest in Yuen Long could increase the likelihood of further violence, referring to 13 letters from Yuen Long district leaders and 1,700 letters from members of the public who are worried for their safety. Max Chung says he will still walk the route as scheduled. Source.

Friday, July 26

The police confirm and defend their use of 55 cans of tear gas, 24 sponge grenades, and 5 rubber bullets to clear crowds in Sheung Wan during the July 21 protest. Reports confirm this was the first time in Hong Kong’s history that the police have used sponge grenades as riot control weapons. Source.

Approximately 15,000 protesters including flight attendants and airport staff stage an 11-hour protest in an attempt to hold the government accountable for violent attacks on Yuen Long residents in the prior week. Protesters make a small airport Lennon Wall, collect more than 14,600 signatures in support of their demands, and distribute leaflets. They sit on the ground chanting, “Free Hong Kong” as travelers walk through the terminal.  Source 1. Source 2.

Saturday, July 27

Approximately 288,000 people attend a protest in Yuen Long according to organizer Max Chung, despite protest application’s rejection by police. Source.

Sunday, July 28

Max Chung is arrested for “organizing an unlawful assembly” on July 27. 13 others are arrested in connection with the march on charges including unauthorized assembly, possession of offensive weapons, and common assault. Source.

16 people are injured and 49 arrested as a result of clashes between protestors and police in Sheung Wan. Source.

Tuesday, July 30

Four protesters charged with possession of offensive weapons at the July 27 Yuen Long protest are denied bail by the Fanling Magistrates’ Court, and their cases are remanded until September 3. Source.

Wednesday, July 31

44 protesters charged with rioting on July 28 are released on bail, on the condition that they report to the police each week. The rioting charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years under the Public Order Ordinance. Source.

August


Thursday, August 1

Hong Kong police reject the application for a pro-democracy protest planned for Saturday, August 3, in Mong Kok, and tell organizers that protestors can gather in a playground instead. Source.

The Law Society calls for an independent inquiry into the recent political crisis, and the president of Baptist University calls for a “truth commission,” becoming the the third university chief to make a statement. Source.

The police arrest pro-independence Hong Kong National Party founder Andy Chan and seven others on charges of possession of an offensive weapon and possession of explosives without a license after a raid on a warehouse. Hundreds of people gather at Sha Tin and later Ma On Shan police stations in protest. Source 1. Source 2.

Friday, August 2

In the first of four days of planned consecutive mass protests, thousands of civil servants go on strike despite warnings by the Secretary of Administration and other civil servant organizations that civil servants must remain "politically neutral" and in support of government. Police deploy tear gas and fire pepper ball rounds without warning. Source 1. Source 2. Source 3.

Police announce seven more arrests on charges of unlawful assembly, in connection with the July 21 Yuen Long attacks. Source.

Saturday, August 3

Standoffs and clashes between the police and protesters occur in several locations throughout the city, including Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui and Wang Tai Sin. Protestors besiege and vandalize police stations and defend themselves from police with umbrellas and barricades fashioned from road blocks, while police fire teargas and pepper spray and pin down protestors.

A peaceful protest attended by thousands of people in Mong Kok deviates from the approved route:  protestors walk to Tsim Sha Tsui, taking over main roads in Kowloon, and later on leave blockades at the entrance of the cross-harbor tunnel.

Photos show police subduing demonstrators and demonstrators bleeding outside a police station in Mong Kok. Police release a statement saying protesters had hurled bricks into the station and set fire to objects nearby.

Protests spread to Wang Tai Sin as local residents confront police until late at night, demanding they release other protesters believed held at a nearby police station. Source.

Protestors are seen throwing a Chinese flag from a pier outside Harbour City into the sea. Former Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung offers a reward of HK$1 million for useful information leading to the prosecution of the persons removing the flag, and a government spokesman condemns protesters for “challenging national sovereignty”. Source 1. Source 2.

90,000 people, according to the pro-establishment organizers, or 26,000 people, according to the police, attend a rally in support of the police and the government in Victoria Park under the theme “a hopeful tomorrow.” Source.

Sunday, August 4

Simultaneous marches occur in Tseung Kwan O and Western Hong Kong. Source.

A spokesperson from the central government condemns the protesters for “violating” the national flag laws of the PRC and Hong Kong and offending state and national dignity. Source.

Police announce the arrest of 20 people during Saturday’s protest clashes for offences including assault and unlawful assembly. Source.

Monday, August 5

Workers from 20 business sectors strike in the biggest general strike in decades. The Confederation of Trade Unions estimates that 350,000 people take part. Strikers include teachers, lifeguards, security guards, construction workers, and engineers. Subway lines, buses and roads are suspended and blocked. More than 2300 aviation workers join strike, 224 flights are cancelled.

At 10 a.m., Carrie Lam holds her first press conference in two weeks, and blames protesters for disrupting the workday, harming the economy, and harboring ulterior motives of revolution.

Hundreds of thousands of protesters and workers on strike attend simultaneous rallies in seven districts in the afternoon. Two cars drive through barricades in Yuen Long and Sha Tin.

Police begin shooting tear gas in Admiralty at 5 p.m. Protestors in helmets, goggles, and gas-masks run towards the tear gas, extinguishing it with traffic cones and bottles of water. Riot police shoot tear gas from rooftops. Clashes spread throughout various districts as marchers and neighborhood residents rally to protest against recent behavior of police officers.

In Sham Shui Po, police fired tear gas at residents who say they weren’t protesting.

In Tsuen Wan, a mob attacks protesters and passersby with knives.

In Wan Chai, protesters throw Molotov cocktails at the police headquarters.

Hong Kong police say they have arrested over 500 people and fired 1000 rounds of tear gas and 160 rubber bullets since June 9. The police fire nearly 1000 rounds of ammunition—tear gas, rubber bullets, and sponge-tipped rounds—on Monday alone. Source 1. Source 2. Source 3. Source 4. Source 5.

Tuesday, August 6

In a press briefing, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council in Beijing issues its strongest warning yet to Hong Kong protesters. A government spokesperson says, “Those who play with fire will perish by it…. Don D who play with fire will perish by it State Councille/3021703/polic. . . . . Don . .  play with fire will firm resolve and immense strength of the central government.” Source.

12,000 Chinese police officers stage an anti-riot drill in Shenzhen, directly across the border from Hong Kong, with police facing “protesters” dressed in construction hats and facemasks. Shenzhen police issue an online statement saying “All police forces in Shenzhen are always ready!” but claim the drills are public security measures in preparation for the PRC’s 70th anniversary celebrations. Source.

Baptist University student union president Keith Fong is arrested for ‘possession of offensive weapons’ after buying 10 laser pointers. The student union secretary alleges the police use excessive force in the arrest. Hundreds of protesters surround the Sham Shui Po police station and nearby roads in support of Fong. The police use tear gas to disperse the crowd, and arrest at least 6 people. Source.

Wednesday, August 7

Around 3,000 lawyers and legal sector professionals march from the Court of Final Appeal to the Department of Justice at midday. In this second “lawyers’ march,” the protesters wear black and march in silence. They call upon justice secretary Teresa Cheng to address allegations of politically-motivated prosecutions. Source 1. Source 2.

In response to Keith Fong’s arrest, over 1,000 people shone lasers on the side of the Hong Kong Space Museum in Tsim Sha Tsui during the regular nightly laser show.

Hong Kong police defended Fong’s arrest by holding a public demonstration exhibiting the dangers of laser pointers. Source 1. Source 2.

Thursday, August 8

Hong Kong Baptist University Student Union president Keith Fong is released from jail and taken to the hospital. Source.

Friday, August 9

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) issues a warning to Cathay Pacific, in response to a Cathay pilot’s earlier arrest during a protest. Staff who had taken part in “illegal protests,” “violent actions,” and “radical activities,” will not be allowed to fly in and out of the mainland; Cathay must submit identification details of all crew using mainland airspace; and crew lists must be approved by CAAC for flights to use Chinese airspace. Source.

Saturday, August 10

Several hundred families march in a permitted pro-democracy rally to “guard [Hong Kong] children’s future.” Source.

Day Two of a three-day peaceful sit-in demonstration continues at Hong Kong International Airport. Source.

Sunday, August 11

Day Three of a three-day peaceful sit-in demonstration continues at Hong Kong International Airport. Source.

Protestors march from Victoria Park, and deviate from the police-authorized route. Police officers charge and fire tear gas at groups of protestors in Wan Chai, Sham Shui Po, Cheung Sha Wan, and Tsim Sha Tsui. Source 1. Source 2.

Undercover officers disguise themselves as protesters to infiltrate a crowd in Causeway Bay and arrest at least a dozen people. Photos show one protester’s face being pushed by an officer’s knee into a pool of his blood as he is arrested. Source 1. Source 2. Source 3.

Police officers fire tear gas inside Kwai Fong MTR station, a confined space. Source.

Police fire pepper balls at protesters at close range at Tai Koo MTR station, and beat with batons and push protesters an escalator. Source.

 A young woman is shot in the eye, reportedly through her goggles, with a bean bag round at close range by police in Tsim Sha Tsui and suffers a ruptured eyeball and maxilla fracture. Source 1. Source 2 Source 3.

A police officer is burned on the legs after being hit by a petrol bomb inside Tsim Sha Tsui police station. Source.

Three lawyers file a complaint alleging police deliberately denied them their right to see their clients. Source.

A UK student, anonymously named “K,” is detained by two undercover police officers in Causeway Bay, beaten in the head with a baton, disallowed from contacting his parents, denied access to a lawyer and denied access to medical treatment for “six or seven hours” despite suffering from a brain hemorrhage. Source.

Monday, August 12

More than 5,000 protestors fill Hong Kong International Airport’s arrivals hall. Many wear eye patches in solidarity with the woman injured by police on August 11. Source.

Airport authorities suspend all flights for the rest of the day and evacuate Hong Kong International Airport. Source.

Medical professionals wear helmets and eyepatches to protest police violence. Source.

Hong Kong police invite journalists to a demonstration of new water-cannon anti-riot vehicles.  Source.

The Global Times reports that People’s Armed Police armored personnel carriers have been assembling in Shenzhen over the weekend “in advance of apparent large-scale exercises.” Source.

At a press briefing, China’s Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office spokesperson says “the first signs of terrorism” are emerging in Hong Kong’s protests. Source.

Cathay Pacific warns its staff they could be subject to disciplinary measures or fired for supporting or participating in “illegal protests.” Source.

Tuesday, August 13

The office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights issues a statement urging the Hong Kong government to act with restraint towards protesters and to immediately investigate incidents of police use of weapons, including tear gas, that may be in violation of international norms and standards. Source.

Flights resume at Hong Kong International Airport in the morning. By afternoon, thousands of protesters occupy the airport for a second day, causing all remaining flights to be cancelled.  Source.

Protesters seize two men: one they claim is an undercover mainland Chinese agent, and the other a Global Times reporter. Police come to free the two held men and to disperse the crowd with pepper spray and batons. A protestor takes the baton from an officer and is caught on footage attacking the officer, who then pulls out a gun. Source.

Chinese state media refers to Hong Kong protesters as “mobsters.” Source.

More than 1,000 doctors, nurses, and other health care workers from 13 public hospitals stage lunch-hour sit-ins to protest and condemn excessive use of force by police. Source.

Carrie Lam defends police against accusations of excessive use of force in a press conference. Source.

Wednesday, August 14

Most flights operate without disruption. The Airport Authority posts a formal notice of an interim court order, issued late Tuesday night, prohibiting inciting, aiding, and abetting unlawful and wilful obstruction of proper use of the airport. Protesters are prohibited from entering the departure hall and all but two designated sections of the arrivals hall. Source.

Protesters issue apologies for the disruption and clashes at the airport during previous nights. Source.

Riot police fire tear gas at protesters pointing laser beams at Sham Shui Po police station after the protesters do not heed verbal warnings to stop. Riot police disperse and subdue protesters gathered outside Tin Shui Wai police station. Source.

Thursday, August 15

Over 350 government workers and civil servants launch a second petition condemning police use of force against protesters, and warn of a strike if there is no dialogue or concession. Source.

The police deny permission to the Civil Human Rights Front to hold a planned rally for the first time, scheduled to be on Sunday, August 18. Source.

Friday, August 16

Cathay Pacific CEO Rupert Hogg resigns over the airline’s handling of issues related to the Hong Kong protests. CCTV announces the resignation. Source.

Saturday, August 17

People’s Daily posts a video of the People’s Armed Police conducting mock clashes with protesters in Shenzhen. Source.

Protesters march and rally in London, Toronto, Sydney, Melbourne, New York, and other cities in support of the Hong Kong protests. Source.

Three separate rallies take place in Hong Kong, including one in which thousands of teachers participate. Source.

Sunday, August 18

1.7 million people, according to organizers (and 128,000 protesters, according to police) peacefully assemble in Victoria Park and march to the government headquarters in Admiralty. Source.

Tuesday, August 20

In early morning, a knife-wielding Hong Kong resident attacks three people who are posting messages on the Tseung Kwan O Lennon Wall. Hong Kong police apprehend him as he tries to enter mainland China at Lo Wu in the afternoon. Source.

In press conference, Carrie Lam promises to set up a platform for dialogue, and says the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) fact-finding study commenced on July 4 will expand its scope and seek help from overseas experts. She refuses to withdraw the extradition bill and offers no concession to protesters’ five demands. Source.

IPCC head Anthony Neoh says he is not against a judge-lead independent inquiry into police handling of the protests, one of the five demands of the protesters, but that this inquiry should focus on ways to improve police operations and address social problems facing youth, instead of delving into individual police officers’ culpability.  Source.

Friday, August 23

In an unauthorized but peaceful protest, an estimated 210,000 Hong Kongers form human chains across Hong Kong totally 30 miles, called the “The Hong Kong Way,” inspired by 1989 anti-Soviet “Baltic Way” protests. Source.

Hong Kong police officers receive first batch of 500 new protective anti-riot suits from mainland China. Source.

Saturday, August 24

HK MTR closes four stations in the vicinity of Kwun Tong (Lam Tin, Kwun Tong, Ngau Tau Kok and Kowloon Bay) after 12 p.m., where thousands are headed for a protest that has been authorized by the police. Source.

Early Saturday afternoon, on the 12th weekend of protests, tens of thousands occupy roads in Kwun Tong, Kowloon Bay, and Wong Tai Sin in Kowloon. Source. Police fire tear gas and rubber bullets, while protesters use sling shots, throw bricks, and wield iron rods—repeating their five demands and criticizing the government for breaching their privacy through its use of “smart” monitoring lampposts. Source. Ten people are injured, including two in a serious condition and one man who was hit in his left eye with a rubber-encased bullet. Source.

Around 2:30 p.m., Kwun Tong protesters arrive at Ngau Tau Kok police station. They pull down a smart lamp-post revealing components provided by China’s mass surveillance supplier, Skynet. Source.

After having met with former officials and other high-ranking politicians, Carrie Lam posts an appeal for dialogue on her Facebook page. Source.

Chinese police confirm release of Simon Cheng, employee of the British Consulate in Hong Kong who was detained for 15 days after trying to make his way back to Hong Kong from the Chinese border town of Shenzhen. Source.

Sunday, August 25

Following a peaceful march of 10,000 people in Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong police fire tea gas and plastic bullets at protesters, and use water cannon trucks for the first time since protests began in June. Protesters retaliate with sticks, bricks, and fire bombs. Source. Six officers drew their pistols. One fires a “warning shot” into the air. Source. Hong Kong police defend police officer for his “natural reaction” in kicking a kneeling, unarmed protester. Source.

Around 400 protesters say they are “relatives” of police officers hold rally at Edinburgh Place in Central,  calling for an inquiry into the cause of the current political crisis. Source.

MTR announces it will be close three stations served by Tsuen Wan because of protests. Source.

By the end of the weekend, total arrests number 86 people, ranging from age 12 to age 52. Source.

Citing public concerns over surveillance, a Hong Kong technology company, TickTack Technology Limited, confirms it will stop supplying parts for HKSAR’s “smart lampposts” which are targeted during protests over the weekend. Source.

Tuesday, August 27

Carrie Lam addresses advisers in the Executive Council, stating that police have used minimal force against the protesters, and that, “We will not fight violence with violence.” She refuses to answer the question as to whether uniformed police officers should apologize for their alleged assault of a 62-year-old man, currently in hospital. On her refusal to respond to protesters’ demands, she adds, “It is not a question of not responding, it is a question of not accepting those demands”. Source.

The Appeal Board on Public Meetings and Processions upholds a police ban of a rally outside Cathay Pacific headquarters, organized to protest the airline’s dismissal of the head of cabin crew, for comments on social media. Source.

A 20-year old suspect, accused of storming the LegCo building on July 1, is accused of criminal damage and of “entering or staying in the chamber area.” Two other suspects, aged 19 and 29, are also accused of “entering or staying in the chamber area” and of conspiracy to commit criminal damage. Source.

Police defend arrest of 15 Hong Kongers aged 12-15, referring to special protocols for dealing with underage detainees. A social worker was with the 12-year-old boy when he was arrested, with his hands tied together with cable ties. An officer is caught on camera saying to the social worker, “How dare you call yourself a social worker. If you really care about the youngsters, don’t let them get out here.” Source.

Wednesday, August 28

Hundreds of protesters gather to condemn Cathay Pacific for firing staff and caving to pressure from Beijing. Source.

30,000 people attend a rally hosted by the Hong Kong Women’s Coalition on Equal Rights at Chater Garden in Central Hong Kong, demanding answers from the police for alleged instances of sexual assault, accusing police officers of “using sexual violence as an instrument of intimidation.” Source.

Hong Kong workers announce general strike on September 2 and 3. Source.

Secondary students announce class boycott on September 2, declaring that they will block entrances to schools if they do not receive a response from the government within 10 days. Source.

Thursday, August 29

Convenor of Hong Kong Civil Rights Front, Jimmy Sham, and his friend are attacked by two masked men with baseball bats on the same day police ban a rally that Mr Shan had planned for Saturday. Source.

Independence activist and leader of the banned Hong Kong National Party Andy Chan is arrested on suspicion of rioting and assaulting a police officer during a previous protest in Sheng Shui. Source.

Friday, August 30

Pro-democracy activists Joshua Wong and Agnes Chow are arrested on charges of organizing, inciting, and taking part in an illegal assembly. Former president of the University of Hong Kong’s student union, Althea Sun is arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to destroy or damage property. Source. Sha Tin District Council member Rick Hui is arrested on suspicion of obstructing officers. Source. Pro-democracy lawmakers Cheng Chung-tai, Au Nok-hin, and Jeremy Tan are also arrested. Source.

The Civil Human Rights Front cancels march set for Saturday, August 31, after the ban by the Hong Kong police is upheld by the Appeal Board on Public Meetings and Processions. Source. The march will  have coincided with the fifth anniversary of a decision by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress in 2014 stating that candidates for the office of Chief Executive to be elected in 2017 would be selected by a 1,200-member Nominating Committee. This decision reversed the Standing Committee’s 2007 decision that the election of the Hong Kong Chief Executive in 2017 “may be implemented by the method of universal suffrage.” Source.

Saturday, August 31

Protestors defy ban on protest and first march in central Hong Kong toward the PRC Liaison Office in Sai Ying Pun. As the area is in virtual lock down with the metro station closed and two water cannon trucks stationed, marchers head in the direction of LegCo, where protestors clash with police. Police fires tear gas and blue-colored water cannons at the protestors. Some protesters throw objects and gasoline bombs, pile barriers and set small fires. Source. Source.

Protesters gather outside the police headquarters in Wan Chai. Some throw Molotov cocktails. Fires erupted on the road outside of police headquarters. Source.

All five MTR lines are suspended. Police officers from the Hong Kong Special Tactical Squad, known as the Raptors, storm into a MTR train at Prince Edward station and start hitting passengers with batons and pepper spray. Source. Source.

63 people are arrested. Source.

September


Sunday, September 1

Hundreds of protestors converge at the Hong Kong International airport. In the afternoon, the Airport Express rail service is cancelled and one of the nearest MTR station to the airport, Tung Chung station, is closed because of damage by protestors according to MTR. Source.

Monday, September 2

Police announce that they have arrested 159 people during the protests over the weekend, with 16 charged with rioting, describing the situation as a “catastrophe” while defending their use of tear gas and beating protesters with batons at Prince Edward MTR station. Police also deny any “error” in subjecting protesters to a two-hour lockdown without access to medical care. Source.

2014 “Occupy” student leader Agnes Chow wins High Court appeal against disqualification from running in election. Source.

Protesters gather outside Mong Kok police station to protest police decision to send “raptors”—the Special Tactical Squad—into Prince Edward MTR station on August 31. Source.

Tuesday, September 3

Carrie Lam declares full withdrawal of extradition bill. Many protesters see it as “too little, too late.” Pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo describes the move as “us[ing] a garden hose to put out a hill fire.” Source.

A leaked 24-minute audio recording reveals Carrie Lam saying, in a private meeting with a group of business people the prior week saying, that she would “quit” if she had the choice. In the recording, she also expresses sympathy for police officers “who have been suffering tremendously” but does not address the protesters’ demands for an independent inquiry into police violence. She says that “the rule of law requires law enforcement” through arresting protesters who “may not be violent by nature but [who] are very willing to resort to violence” in order to reduce their numbers and address “early signs of anarchism.” Source. Source.

Hospital Authority says three protestors are sent to Kwong Wah Hospital for treatment. The three include a young man suffering neck trauma. Police is reported to have initially denied him first aid.   Source.

Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) accuses police of using “pepper spray against journalists at a close distance without any protesters around, without anyone charging and without issuing a warning” during gathering on Monday night. Source.

Twenty-five people are arrested across Hong Kong for “illegal assemblies,” including Keith Fong Chun-yin, leader of the student union at Baptist University. Source.

Wednesday, September 4

Police arrest at least 20 protesters on a bus in Kowloon Bay. One of the protesters is 15 years old. The police refuse to allow social workers on the scene to accompany underage protester. Source.

The Chairman of Cathay Pacific announces his resignation, three weeks after the company’s CEO, Rupert Hogg, stepped down as chief executive, amidst pressure from Beijing to “fall into line” following Hong Kong protests. Source.

A man who was arrested in connection with protests last month says he was “beaten up and abused” by police officers while in the police van and again at the station, denied access to a lawyer for over six hours, and subjected to an invasive search whereby police officers “strongly squeezed [his] genitals”. Source.

Hundreds bring flowers to estate in Fanling after 9th suicide in anti-extradition movement. Source.

Thursday, September 5

“Silver haired” protesters ask Carrie Lam to attend public forum on Sunday, dissatisfied with failure to respond to all five demands. Source.

Legislator Junius Ho announces that he has formed the “Public Monitoring Steering Concern Group,"  which sends inspectors into schools to monitor students striking. The legislator Liang Meifen says that teachers who refuse to act to stop minors from protesting may be held criminally liable. Source.

Pro-democracy activist leader, Joshua Wong, charged with illegal assembly, calls on the international community to increase its support for Hong Kong’s democratic institutions, saying that ahead of China’s National Day on October 1, the “most important battle now is to secure democratic elections for the city.” Source.

Friday, September 6

MTR announces it will preserve “relevant” security footage from its stations for three years.  A crowd of protesters gather and kneel at Prince Edward MTR station, “begging” for the railway operator to release the CCTV footage from the clashes on August 31st. Source.

Friday, September 13

The High Court grants a woman who suffered an eye injury during clashes with police on August 11, to challenge the police refusal to provide a copy of the warrant used to access her medical records. Source

Saturday, September 14

Fist fights break out across parts of Hong Kong between anti-government and pro-Beijing and pro-police supporters. In Amoy Plaza shopping center in Kowloon Bay, clashes intensify as pro-Beijing supporters sing the Chinese national anthem, waive the Chinese national flag and take down a nearby Lennon Wall. A Lennon Wall in Fortress Hill, on Hong Kong Island, is also cleared out. Source.

The pro-democracy group Free Hong Kong raises HK $8.3 million (US$1.1million) in crowdfunding to run advertisements on October 1. Source.

Sunday, September 15

Despite a letter of objection issued by the police, tens of thousands of peaceful protestors march west from Causeway Bay toward Admiralty, where the SAR government headquarters are located. Some protestors confront the police. The police respond by firing tear gas and spraying blue-dyed water from water cannons. Riot police officers are deployed. Source

More than ten black-clad protestors throw at least three firebombs at two traffic policemen in Wan Chai who draw their revolvers. Source. Protestors hurl bricks at government offices in Admiralty, and pile barricades and set a fire outside Wan Chai MTR station. Source.

During their retreat eastward, some protestors are attacked in Fortress Hill by a group of men dressed in white. In North Point farther east, various fights break out between protesters and white-clad men, with several journalists assaulted. At least one man in Wan Chai is seriously injured after being attacked by protestors. Source.

Hundreds of protestors gather outside the UK consulate in Hong Kong to deliver a petition, urging the UK government to support the Hong Kong democracy movement and publicly acknowledge that China has violated the Sino-British Joint Declaration by interfering in Hong Kong affairs. Source.

Journalism student Boaz So is arrested for carrying a butter knife in his bag while covering demonstrations on Sunday after having eaten cakes with classmates to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. Source.

Monday, September 16

Hong Kong pro-democracy legislator Tanya Chan speaks at the 42nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, urging the United Nations High Commissioner to “convene an urgent session and establish a Commission of Inquiry, to ensure justice and human rights for the people of Hong Kong.” Source.

In a statement, the Junior Police Officer’s Association in Hong Kong warns that members may use firearms with live ammunition if they feel they are under lethal attack by protestors, following incident on Sunday when firebombs were thrown at traffic policemen. Source.

Hundreds of students march through Hong Kong Baptist University protesting the arrest of Mr. So the day before. Source.

Friday, September 20

Police Public Relations Branch Chief Superintendent Tse Chun-chung holds a press conference, rejecting Amnesty International’s recent report which found a “disturbing pattern of reckless and unlawful tactics against people during the protests.” Source.  Mr. Tse disagrees with the report, saying it is “unfair to the police” due to the anonymity of the complainants. Source.

Saturday, September 21

Pro-Beijing legislator, Junius Ho launches “Clean Hong Kong Day,” urging supporters to destroy pro-democracy “Lennon Walls” erected by protesters. Source.

In the afternoon, nearly 2,000 protesters march in Tuen Mun, protesting against middle-aged mainland women known as “dama” or “big mama” for upsetting residents with their loud singing and dancing in the park. Source. Police attack first aiders. Source. A 13-year-old girl is arrested for burning a PRC flag. Source.

Around 5 p.m., police officers start firing tear gas and pinning protesters to the ground. Protesters throw bricks and gasoline bombs in response. Source.

In the evening, hundreds of protesters stage a sit-in at a shopping mall near the Yuen Long MTR station. Source. More than 50 shops close as protesters gather to sing the new Hong Kong protest  anthem, “Glory to Hong Kong.” Source. A protester is trapped in an alleyway and beaten by dozens of police officers. Source.

Sunday, September 22

By 7:30 a.m., 14 men and one woman have been taken to hospital. One is in serious condition. Six are stable. Source.

During the day, protesters gather in shopping malls in Sha Tin and Nam Cheong, targeting pro-Beijing or pro-police businesses. Police fire tear gas, while protesters build and burn barricades and destroy the PRC flag. Source.  After being found with a can of spray-paint and a laser pen, a 14-year-old boy is arrested for possessing “offensive weapons”. Source.

In the evening, police arrest at least five people for blocking roads and burning objects outside Mong Kok police station. Riot police arrive at Nathan Road to clear protesters, after MTR announces it will close the Mong Kok and Prince Edward MTR Stations. Several individuals dressed in black wielding batons take part in subduing protesters and prevent journalists from recording the event. One woman dressed in black confirms she is an undercover police officer. Source.

Tuesday, September 24

Pro-democracy lawmaker Roy Kwong is ambushed, punched and kicked by three people when he is walking to his car in Tin Shui Wai. A fourth person was filming the attack. Source.

Thursday, September 26

Hong Kong’s first community dialogue is held at Queen Elizabeth Stadium with about 130 people from the public asking questions and venting their frustration at Carrie Lam and four ministers including the mainland affairs secretary Patrick Nip and the health chief Sophia Chan. Source.

A reporter at Apple Daily is punched and kicked by four men in Sau Mau Ping. Source.

Dan Garrett, an American author who has documented Hong Kong protests since 2011, is denied entry to Hong Kong after testifying before the U.S. Congressional Executive Commission on September 17on Hong Kong anti-government protests.  Source.

Friday, September 27

Cofounder of the pro-independence Hong Kong National Party Andy Chan is attached and beaten with electric torches by three or four men wearing hats, sunglasses and masks. Source.

Saturday, September 28

Tens of thousands of peaceful protestors rally in Tamar Park celebrating the fifth anniversary of the start of the Umbrella Movement. The police use water cannons, tear gas and pepper spray against protesters allegedly throwing firebombs. Source.

Following the protests, the police conduct large-scale arrest and stop-and-search a number of buses in Wan Chai, Causeway Bay and Hung Hom looking for protestors. Source.

Sunday, September 29

Despite failing to obtain a letter of no objection, protestors stage a “global anti-totalitarianism” march from Causeway Bay to Admiralty. The situation quickly turns violent when the police start firing tear gas and rubber bullets and clashes between the police and protestors goes on for hours in Causeway Bay, Admiralty and Wan Chai. A group of protestors vandalize Wan Chai MTR station. Source.

A 39-year-old Indonesian journalist from the Suara Hong Kong News was shot in the right eye by a projectile. Source.

A plain-clothes officer fire live warning shots to deter protestors. Source.

The police arrest more than 100 people. Source. By Monday morning, at least 48 people had hospitalized with injuries. Source.

According to the online group Stand With Hong Kong, people in at least 72 cities in more than 20 countries are protesting in support of Hong Kong. Source.

A masked man in yellow helmet throws red paint at canto-pop singer and activist Denise Ho at a march organized by the Taiwan Youth Association for Democracy in Taipei. Source.

Hong Kong Labor Party member Stanley Ho is attacked by four masked men, breaking both of his hands. The party condemns the assault and describes it as “white terror.” Source.

October


Tuesday, October 1

While Beijing celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Communist Party’s rule of China, thousands of protesters in Hong Kong defy police ban to march throughout the city., some shouting “There is no National Day celebration, only a national tragedy.” Before a march in Causeway Bay, Labour Party politician Lee Cheuk-yan says, “We are mourning those who sacrificed for democracy in China.” Source.

MTR closes several MTR stations in the morning. By 11pm, 47 out of 94 stations are closed. Source.

Protests turn violent with clashes between the police and protesters in 13 different locations including on Hong Kong Island, in Wong Tai Sin, Sham Shui Po, Tuen Mun, Tsuen Wan, and Sha Tin. Source. Source.

Police fires tear gas into a residential flat in Tsim Sha Tsui, breaking a window and forcing a family with an infant to flee. Source.

A minivan crashes into a crowd of protesters in Wong Tai Sin and is found burning six hours later. Source.

Around 4 p.m. in Tsuen Wan, a police officer shoots 18-year-old Form 5 student, Tsang Chi-kin, at close range in the upper left chest, three centimeters from his heart. The incident takes place on Tai Ho Road during clashes between the police and protesters, marking the first time a police officer shoots a protestor with live ammunition. Tsang was later charged with rioting and assaulting police. Source. Source. Source.

 

According to news reports, the police changed internal guidelines on use of firearms at 10 p.m. the night before, lowering the threshold event for which a police officer is allowed to use a firearm, from "attacks intended to cause death or grievous bodily harm" to "attacks intended to or very likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm." Other changes allow police officers facing "strong resistance" to use pepper spray, pepper water, tear gas canisters, hand-thrown tear-gas grenades, tear-gas water, thermal tear-gas dispenser, and pepper balls, in addition to subdue and control with force (as per previous guidelines. )Source.

At a midnight press conference, Hong Kong police commissioner Stephen Lo defends the shooting, saying the officer had given a verbal warning before opening fire and had acted in a “legal and reasonable” way. Source.

A total of 269 people are arrested; the police fire 1,400 tear gas canisters, 900 rubber bullets, 190 beanbag rounds and 230 sponge-tipped rounds, reaching record numbers in a single day. Six live rounds are fired. Source. Source. Source. At least 74 people are hospitalized for injuries, two in critical condition; 30 police officers are injured. Source. Source. At least 10 journalists from various media outlets covering the protests are injured. Source.

Wednesday, October 2

Hundreds of people march from Chater Garden in Central protesting the shooting of the high school student the day before. Protesters also gather at Tamar Park, in Sha Tin, and in Kowloon Tong. Students at Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College, the school of the victim, organize a sit-in and other secondary schools students organize ad-hoc class boycotts. Source. After the headmaster of the victim’s school refuses to condemn the shooting, alumni also protest his silence. Source.

The 18-year-old student shot on Monday is in stable condition at Princess Margaret Hospital with a serious lung injury, having undergone a chest operation to have the bullet removed at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Source.

Lawyer of the Indonesian journalist Veby Mega Indah, who was shot in the eye with a rubber bullet on September 29, confirms that the journalist will end up permanently blind in one eye. Source.

96 people arrested for rioting on September 29—including doctors, nurses, teachers, surveyors, social workers, and many students—have their cases heard in West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts. All are granted bail. Source.

Friday. October 4

Chief Executive Carrie Lam announces a face mask ban effective October 5, 2019.  The ban prohibits wearing of masks or any facial covering that obscures the face in all authorized or unauthorized assemblies and processions and carries a penalty of a maximum one year prison term and a HKD 25,000 fine. The ban excludes police officers and reporters. The ban is declared under the Emergency Regulations Ordinance, which permits the Chief Executive to “make any regulations whatsoever which he may consider desirable in the public interest.” Source. Source.

The Hong Kong High Court dismisses application submitted by activist Lester Shum for emergency bid to halt the mask ban. Source.

Protests erupt in more than a dozen neighborhoods, including Central and Western Districts (Source), Taikoo (Source), and Wan Chai, Admiralty, with their protest chant change from “Hong Kongers, Persist!” (香港人!加油!) to “Hong Kongers, Resist!” (香港人!反抗!). Source.

At 10:37 p.m., Hong Kong MTR Corporation announces system-wide shut-down. Source. Source.

An off-duty police officer drives a car into a crowd in Yuen Long, reportedly bumping a person. He then shoots a 14-year-old boy in the left thigh when he is surrounded by protesters. After the shot goes off, the officer is beaten and is hit by a petrol bomb thrown at him. Source.

Saturday, October 5

The MTR continues to suspend its operations “until further notice” after having shut down all its services on Friday night at 10.30 p.m. Dozens of shopping malls and banks are also closed in the wake of Friday night’s unrest. Source.

The 14-year-old boy who was shot in the thigh by police on Friday, October 4, is charged with rioting. Source.

Sunday, October 6

At 2 p.m., despite the pouring rain, thousands of protesters march in large and peaceful processions in Kowloon, Causeway Bay, and Victoria Park. Source. In Causeway Bay, protesters gather outside shuttered malls and shops, chanting “Hong Kongers, resist!” The demonstrations quickly turn violent. Source. Source.

A taxi in the middle of a crowd of protesters in Sham Shui Po, in Kowloon, picks up speed suddenly and rams into the crowd, reportedly injuring at least two people. Source. One of the injured, female, sustains open fracture on left leg and dislocation of right knee (Source).  Protesters the drag the driver out of the taxi and beat him. Source.

 

A video circulated online shows a scene shot from high angle of police officers changing into black clothing, apparently in disguise as protesters. Source.

Despite assurances from authorities that professionals are exempted from the mask ban, riot police confront a journalist and remove his mask, saying, “Who gave you the privilege to wear a mask?” Source.

Chinese soldiers stationed in Kowloon warn protesters that they may be arrested for shining lasers at the police barracks. Source.

24 pro-democracy lawmakers file an application for injunction in the High Court to suspend the mask ban, accusing Carrie Lam of by-passing the legislature in breach of the constitution. Justice Godfrey Lam rejects the application, saying his reasons will be given on Tuesday. Source.

Monday, October 7

In a statement, the police describe the incident of a taxi ramming into protesters on October 6 as a “traffic accident.” Source.

A Hong Kong-based journalist who was hit by a petrol bomb during protests on Sunday recovers in hospital, having suffered a burn to the face. Source.

A male university student and a 38-year-old woman appear in court as the first people charged with breaching the anti-mask ban. Source.

The Education Bureau announces that starting from 11am on October 8, all schools will be required to report on the number of students who wear masks to school. Source. They are also required to report on students who boycott classes or who are absent “for abnormal reasons.” Source.

While security guards attempt to block the doors, riot police storm a shopping mall in Ma On Shan to arrest a man while also pushing a Stand News reporter to the ground, removing her glasses, threatening her with pepper spray, and taking her charging cable. Residents inside the mall criticize police for storming into a private area. They then protest outside Ma On Shan police station. Source.

Police accuse 19-year-old pregnant woman of “faking it” when her water breaks after she is pushed to the ground during Monday’s protest. They stall for 20 minutes before allowing her to be sent to hospital, and then threaten to send her to San Uk Ling detention center. When she is in hospital, a male police officer enters her delivery room to obtain her personal information. Source. Police then continue to guard her delivery suite. Source.

Tuesday, October 8

The taxi driver who rammed into the crowd of protesters on Sunday October 6, is hospitalized but not charged, while a 20-year-old man in the crowd is arrested for rioting. Source.

Nearly 200 firefighters and paramedics issue a joint statement condemning police obstruction of humanitarian aid. Source.

Jannelle Leung Hoi-ching, a pro-democracy Kwun Tong district council candidate, is attacked with a blow to the head by an unidentified man when she is distributing leaflets several hours after announcing her campaign. She is hospitalized with a head injury. Source.

Carrie Lam says she “won’t rule out” accepting help from mainland China in dealing with the Hong Kong protests. Source.

Wednesday, October 9

Hong Kong High Courts hears application by pro-democracy activist Edward Leung to appeal his six-year jail sentence on rioting conviction. The conviction stemmed from his involvement protests in Mong Kok on February 8 and 9, 2016, supporting street vendors being cleared by the authorities. The Court reserves its judgment until next year. Source. Hundreds of pro-democracy protesters gather outside the Court in support of Edward Leung, chanting, “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times.” Source.

The taxi driver who rammed into the crowd of protesters on Sunday October 6, still not charged, receives a RMB52,000 donation from a pro-Beijing group. Source. The 20-year-old is accused of “vigilante beating” of the taxi driver. Source.

Michael Vidler, the lawyer representing the Indonesian journalist who was shot in the eye on September 29, accuses the police of failing to gather evidence from the scene at the time of the incident. He says that it was a group of lawyers who collected the rubber bullets and other related evidence from the scene five days later. Source.

It is reported that five security guards were arrested for attempting to stop police from entering the mall in Ma On Shan on Monday. Source. The security workers union issues a statement condemning their arrest. Source. Hundreds of people gather in the Ma On Shan shopping mall in support of the security guards. Source.

Hong Kong police confirm that in the evening of Tuesday October 8, a plain clothes Hong Kong police officer had dressed as a protester inside the closed Sham Shui MTR station, in order to conduct “an investigation.” Source.

The Hong Kong Community College dismisses Chan Wei-keung, a lecturer of 14 years, after his anti-protester comments spark outrage among students. Source.

A study of Hong Kong residents aged 15 and above shows that Hong Kongers’ mental health is at its worst in eight years, exacerbated by tensions arising from protests. Source.

After being arrested on the night of October 7, a 27-year-old protester remains in intensive care with brain hemorrhage resulting from an injury inflicted during the protest that night. Source.

A Chief Inspector at the police headquarters in Wan Chai tells 400 officers in a convening that they have the right “to remove a mask from anyone in a public place whenever they reasonably believe the person is wearing it to prevent identification.” Source.

Thursday, October 10

The Office of the Ombudsman says it has received more than 10,000 complaints about the police since June, but investigations into these complaints are limited by the scope of its authority. Source.

Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung Kin reveals that nearly a third of the protesters arrested since June are under 18. He describes the trend as “shocking” and “heartbreaking.” Source.

Despite an accusation by a student during the day, the police issue a statement late Thursday night, October 10, saying they have received no complaints of sexual violence. Source. Source.

Friday, October 11

MTR re-opens all its stations after being shut for a week, and the Legislative Council holds its first session since pro-democracy demonstrators stormed the LegCo building in July. Source.

Indonesian migrant workers rally outside their consulate, urging action on reporter shot blind during protests. Source.

Hong Kong officials reveal that one-third of the 2379 protesters arrested since June are under 18; and 104 of them are under 16. Source.

The Police Deputy Commissioner threatens to arrest female student Sonia Ng and her family for slander after she alleges she was sexually assaulted in custody by the police. Source. Hundreds of protesters gather in Chater Garden to show their solidarity for Ng. Source.

Saturday, October 12

A woman who attempts to rip a face mask off a demonstrator in a protest is later discovered to be a prosecutor at the Department of Justice. Source.

After the assault on district council candidate Janelle Leung, 25, on October 8, a second candidate, Jocelyn Lau, 23, is attacked by a middle-aged man while distributing pamphlets. Source.

Sunday, October 13

Two people are arrested in Kwun Tong after an officer is “slashed in the neck” by a protester. Source.

Protesters vandalize a Starbucks branch in the Tseung Kwan O district, as they call on people to boycott allegedly pro-China businesses. Source.

Monday, October 14

In the early morning, police shoot Now news van driver in the head with a beanbag round. They then beat him at the police station and release him to hospital two hours later with a broken jaw. Source. A senior officer apologizes for the incident and promises to conduct an investigation. Source.

Police say that on October 13, protesters detonated a homemade bomb—the first time such a device was used in the Hong Kong protests. Source.

Students and friends gather to commemorate Chan Yin-lam, the 15-year-old girl who was found dead in the sea in September, at the Hong Kong Design Institute when she was a student. Protesters demand explanation from school authorities of the gaps in the CCTV footage from the day she was last seen. After the school fails to respond, the students vandalize school property. Source.

19 members of the Children’s Commission urge police to review their procedures in relation to their handling of underage arrestees. Source.

In the evening, 130,000 people gather at Chater Garden, pressing Washington to pass the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act. Source.

Over a hundred protesters gather in the rain at Southorn Stadium to support NBA manager Daryl Morey, who spoke out in defense of the Hong Kong protesters. They also burn a basketball jersey to denounce LeBron James’ comments. Source.

Tuesday, October 15

The United States House of Representatives approves the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, with the Senate vote next week. Source.

The Hong Kong Design Institute releases 20 more seconds CCTV footage relating to Chan Yin-lam, showing her in an elevator with a man on the evening she went missing and leaving the elevator. In the afternoon, students vandalize the library. Source.

The convenor of the Hong Kong Civil Human Rights Front, Jimmy Sham, is attacked in Kowloon in the evening with two men wielding hammers. When he is taken into the ambulance, he tells the reporter: “five demands, not one less”. Source.

Wednesday, October 16

During her policy address, Carrie Lam admits that she is not offering any political solutions, but says she hopes to do so after calm is restored. Source.

Guri Melby, a Norwegian Parliamentarian, nominates the people of Hong Kong for a Nobel Peace Prize. Source.

In a public opinion poll conducted by the Chinese University of Hong Kong from October 8-14, 71% of respondents oppose the mask ban, 62% believe the ban achieves the opposite of quelling the unrest, and 52.5% believe the SAR government bears the greatest responsibility for the violent clashes between police and protesters. Source.

Friday, October 18

Murder suspect Chan Tong-kai whose case triggered the extradition bill crisis agrees to surrender to Taiwan authorities after his release next week. Taiwan authorities urge Hong Kong authorities to keep him in custody in Hong Kong, “in order to investigate the truth and seek criminal liability for justice.” Source.

Sunday, October 20

Police fire blue-colored tear spray liquid through water cannons at a mosque in Kowloon, despite eye witness accounts that there were no protesters nearby. Source.

Monday, October 21

Carrie Lam arrives at the mosque in Kowloon to apologize to Muslim community leaders for the police’s “inadvertent spraying” of the mosque the day before. Source.

A 22-year-old man from mainland China is remanded in custody at Fanling Court where he faces one count of wounding with intent after allegedly stabbing a 19-year-old pro-democracy student surnamed Hung in the neck and stomach. The attack occurred on Saturday, October 19 when Hung was handing out protest pamphlets. Source.

Police refuse to suspend the officer who shot at the Kowloon mosque with a water cannon on Sunday, October 20, saying it would do nothing to solve the problem. Source.

Taipei says murder suspect Chan Tong-kai’s surrender to Taiwan authorities is not enough to prosecute him and requests the Hong Kong government to agree to a mutual legal assistance framework. Carrie Lam says the Hong Kong government would only provide assistance “within the legal limits of Hong Kong.” Source.

Tuesday, October 22

In a surprise reversal, Taiwan agrees to accept murder suspect Chan Kong-tai from Hong Kong. Vice-Chairman of the mainland affairs council, Chiu Chui-cheng, says while he regrets the Hong Kong’s refusal to agree to a mutual legal assistance mechanism, he says that in the interests of justice, “if Hong Kong will not handle it, [Taiwan] will handle it.” Source.

Four people who were struck by the water cannons outside the Kowloon mosque on October 20 file official complaints against the police, alleging that the police did not follow their own guidelines in using the water cannons. Source.

Wednesday, October 23

Chan Kong-tai is released from prison in Hong Kong after serving 19 months for money laundering charges. Chan apologizes to the victim’s family and says he will “surrender” himself to face trial in Taiwan. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen says Taiwan will “not agree to his surrender in exchange for leniency” and again requests Hong Kong to provide “judicial assistance, especially in the area of evidence gathering.” Source. Hong Kong rejects Taiwan’s request to send law enforcement authorities to escort Chan to Taiwan. Source.

Hong Kong’s legislature formally withdraws the extradition bill that sparked the protest movement. Source.

Friday, October 25

The Hong Court high court issues a broad injunction banning people from publishing personal details about police officers and their families online. Source.

Saturday, October 26

Thousands attend medical profession assembly, criticizing police abuse and expressing concern for injured protesters who avoid going to the hospital for fear of arrest. Source.

Sunday, October 27

At 3 p.m., more than a thousand people gather at Salisbury Garden in defense of “civilians, journalists and the Muslim community” against police brutality. After some protesters throw objects at the police, officers retaliate with pepper spray and tear gas. Multiple clashes break out around the city throughout the afternoon and into the evening. One reporter is hit in the leg by a police projectile and the police demands others to remove their masks. Source.

At 4 p.m., hundreds gather at a paper crane ceremony to commemorate the people who have died or been injured during the protest movement. Source.

Monday, October 28

Several hundred Tuen Mun residents protest outside the Tai Hing operational police base over suspected tear gas testing at the base, which many residents claim caused them to feel unwell in the afternoon. After clashes between the two sides, police give a warning and fire tear gas canisters into the crowd. Source.

Tuesday, October 29

Joshua Wong is the first candidate to be disqualified from the district council elections, which will take place on November 24. Source.

Wednesday, October 30

More than 70 people—mostly residents—are arrested in Tuen Mun following another protest relating to claims of tear gas leaking from the Tai Hing operational police base. Source.  

Thursday, October 31

Police ban a rally planned for Saturday, November 2, in Victoria Park and Tamar Park. Source.

The High Court grants a temporary injunction effective through November 15 banning users of messaging apps including Telegram and the “Reddit-like forum” LIHK from sending messages that incite violence or acts causing damage to property. Source.

Police fire tear gas to disperse a group of masked anti-government protesters and partygoers near the clubbing district Lan Kwai Fong. They also fire tear gas at masked protesters in Nathan Road. Source.

November


Saturday, November 2

Police discontinue a pre-approved peaceful assembly in Central minutes after it has begun. Later in the day, police use tear gas to disperse a gathering in Victoria Park which protesters characterize as an “election meeting” concerning upcoming district council elections, which, in principle, does not require police permission. Police also deploy water cannons in Central, Wan Chai, and Causeway Bay. Source.

Fires are set at the MTR Central Station, as protesters smash glass, leading MTR to announce its closure at 6 p.m. Protesters also vandalize the headquarters of the Chinese Communist Party-owned Xinhua News Agency. Source.

In Central, a firefighter accuses officers of firing a tear canister projectile into his fire engine. Officers push him up against the wall, and push away journalists nearby and use pepper spray against them. Source.

In Causeway Bay, a volunteer first aider suffers serious burns to his back after apparently being hit with a tear gas canister. Source.

Sunday, November 3

Riot police storm several shopping malls, including in Tai Koo Shing on Hong Kong Island and in Sha Tin in the New Territories, where some protesters gather peacefully while others have vandalized shops and restaurants. Source.

In Tai Koo Shing, four people are injured following clashes between police and protesters outside the shopping mall. Pro-democracy councillor Andrew Chiu has part of his ear bitten off by someone wielding a knife, another man is found unconscious in a pool of blood with wounds in his back, and a third is beaten by a crowd accusing him of starting the attack. Source.

Monday, November 4

Hundreds of angry students besiege the president of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Wei Shyy. They demand that he condemn police brutality after a fellow student is reported to have suffered a brain injury after falling from a car park in Tseun Kwan O while fleeing tear gas fired during clashes between protesters and police early this morning.  Source.

Tuesday, November 5

Police hold an emergency press conference to "express sadness" over student in critical condition after falling from car park in Tseung Kwan O the night before. They deny involvement of officers and refute claims of police obstructing an ambulance’s access to the student. Source.

Wednesday, November 6

While campaigning on a sidewalk in Tuen Mun, pro-Beijing lawmaker Junius Ho is stabbed by a man dressed as a campaign volunteer. Source.

Friday, November 8

Chow Tsz-lok, the 22-year-old Hong Kong student who fell from a car park building on Monday, November 4, dies at 8.09 a.m. Source.

Tung Pak-fai, the suspect who was arrested for stabbing Junius Ho on Wednesday, November 6, is charged with attempted murder and will remain in custody until February as he chose not to apply for bail. A spokesperson for the Chinese State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office condemns the attack as “blatant violence,” which creates a “chilling effect . . . to achieve a political gain”. Source.

Magistrate So Wai-tak finds a 16-year-old boy guilty of one count of possessing offensive weapons in a public place and one count of possessing offensive weapons with intent, on the basis of his carrying a laser pointer, a modified umbrella and a hiking pole to a protest in September. Police discovered the items on the boy during a body search after his arrest near the Tuen Mun MTR station on September 21. Source.

Saturday, November 9

Seven pro-democracy lawmakers are detained or face arrest for their “involvement in [causing] a fracas” over the now-withdrawn extradition bill at a local assembly session back in May 2019. The lawmakers claim the government action  is an “excuse to postpone or cancel [the] November 24 district elections.” Source.

Monday, November 11

In a call for a citywide strike, protesters cause wide-spread traffic disruption, resulting in suspension of classes at 11 universities on Monday, and at 10 universities on Tuesday. Police enter the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), and the University of Hong Kong (HKU), leading to violent clashes and several arrests. Source.

In Sai Wan Ho, a police officer fires three live rounds and shoots an unarmed 21-year-old protester in the stomach at close range. The protester remains in critical condition following surgery. Source.

A police officer drives a motorcycle at high speed into a group of protesters at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). Source. Source.

A 57-year old man is doused in flammable liquid and set alight after confronting a group of protesters at Ma On Shan station. He suffers head trauma and severe burns to his body as he “fight[s] for his life in hospital.” Source.

Tuesday, November 12

More than 1,000 demonstrators rally during the lunch hour in Hong Kong’s Central financial district. Police fire tear gas at demonstrators and arrest more than a dozen people. Police also fire tear gas at students rallying at the City University in Kowloon Tong and at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) in the New Territories where protesters throw petrol bombs and bricks at police. A senior officer says the city is on “the brink of total breakdown.” Source.

In clashes that last for hours at a barricaded bridge outside the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), police fire hundreds of rounds of tear gas and rubber bullets; students hurl gasoline bombs and bricks, and shoot flaming arrows. More than 100 injured students are taken to a makeshift first-aid clinic in a gym. Source.

During the negotiated ceasefire between protesters and the police, the vice chancellor of CUHK, Rocky Tuan, is shot with tear gas. Police also fire a water cannon despite announcing their retreat. Source.

Protesters create road blocks in over 13 districts to obstruct police reinforcements. The Hospital Authority announces 51 injured following the clashes. Source.

Wednesday, November 13

Bus routes, train services, and major roads are shut down as part of a general strike protesting the death of Chow Tsz-lok on Friday, November 8. Mainland students evacuate the city, and protesters erect barricades and roadblocks around the city, preparing for further clashes with police. Source.

In Central at lunchtime, workers support protesters through cheers and chants. Police clash with protesters and fire tear gas. Source.

A Stand News reporter is diagnosed with an incurable skin condition, Chloracne, after repeated exposure to dioxins released by tear gas. Source.

The Hong Kong High Court rejects an application for injunction by the Chinese University (CUHK) student union seeking to prevent police from entering the campus without a warrant. Source.

CUHK calls off all classes “with immediate effect until the beginning of Term 2 on 6 January 2020.” Several other universities suspend classes for the rest of the week. Source.

In Tin Shui Wai around 10 p.m., a 15-year-old boy suffers a serious injury from apparently being hit in the head with a tear gas canister. He is taken to hospital and undergoes brain surgery. Source.

In Kwai Chung around 10 p.m., an unidentified man aged around 30 and dressed in black is found on the street in a pool of blood. He is taken to hospital and declared dead. Police say he died from falling from height. Source.

Hundreds of young protesters fortify parts of the campuses of Polytechnic University and University of Hong Kong (HKU), in addition to those of CUHK, Baptist University, and City University. At CUHK, protesters carry supplies by foot including protective gear, food, water, and weapons. Source.

Thursday, November 14

Sporadic clashes break out between protesters and police near the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in Kowloon. On Hong Kong Island, protesters block roads surrounding the University of Hong Kong, causing traffic delays. At the Chinese University of Hong Kong, protesters barricade themselves inside the grounds and block all entrances for the third day in a row. Source.

Office workers come out in support of protesters in Central during their lunch hour, and in Tai Koo, in the northeastern part of Hong Kong Island. Source.

In the morning in Sheung Shui, a man dressed in black is taken to hospital after he is beaten by at least ten baton-wielding men. A young woman dressed in black also claims to have “narrowly escaped” being kidnapped by the baton-wielding men. Source.

A 70-year-old man dies after being hit in the head with a brick in Sheung Shui the day before, during clashes between protesters and police. Source.

Friday, November 15

White collar workers continue to show support for protesters by attending more lunchtime rallies– the fifth day this week. Friday’s rally includes the formation of a channel for black-clad “braves” to run through, carrying bricks in anticipation of a police crackdown. Source

Two Democratic Party district election candidates announce they intend to file a civil claim against police for ill treatment during their detention. Source.

Saturday, November 16

Hong Kong journalists condemn a police officer for allegedly firing a sponge grenade at a radio reporter while he was covering protests in the early hours of Saturday morning. Police say they are investigating the incident and the officer involved has been put on leave. Source.

PLA soldiers from the army’s garrisons in Hong Kong clean up a protest site. Source. Article 14 of the Basic Law states, “Military forces stationed by the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for defence shall not interfere in the local affairs of the Region. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may, when necessary, ask the Central People’s Government for assistance from the garrison in the maintenance of public order and in disaster relief.” Source.  A Hong Kong government spokesperson is reported to have said that the soldiers’ assistance had not been requested. Source.

Sunday, November 17

Police clash with protesters around Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) throughout the day in the most violent confrontation since the protests began in June. Police use tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannons. Protesters resist and hit an officer in the leg with a flaming arrow. Source.

A reporter from Mad Dog Daily suffers serious injuries to his head and waist after being hit in the head by a blast from the police water cannon outside PolyU. Source.

By the evening, police take over all entry points to PolyU, trapping hundreds of people inside. Source. At 8.30 p.m., riot police advance on protesters at the Cheong Wan Road Bridge aided by two armored trucks, but are beaten back by Molotov cocktails. Source.

At midnight, police issue a warning that live ammunition may be used against protesters. Source.

Monday, November 18

At around 5.30 a.m., police enter the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU).  Makeshift barricades are set on fire, with firefighters arriving later to put out the flames. Source. Police carry out many arrests near the campus; a large group of people are seen seated outside a hotel in the Tsim Sha Tsui district of Kowloon with their hands zip-tied behind their backs. Police arrest 51 people who they say “claim to be medics or journalists” outside PolyU. The regional police commander says anyone who walks out of PolyU will be arrested for rioting. Source.

Protesters trying to flee the campus are met with a “hailstorm” of tear gas and rubber bullets. They also try to rush a police cordon but are pushed back onto the campus. Student leaders say protesters suffered eye injuries and hypothermia after being struck by a stinging dye shot from a police water cannon.

At least 500 protesters remain inside the university in the afternoon. Some protesters escape by climbing down ropes or plastic hoses dropped from a bridge on campus, as supporters on motorcycles await them on the road below. At least 116 people are injured by the end of the day. By nightfall, 100 people (mostly parents of the protesters) stage a sit-in outside the school. Dozens of protesters lined up at the designated exit are arrested on charges of rioting. Source.

The Hospital Authority confirms 38 people were injured on Sunday. Source. Police announce 154 arrests over the weekend, bringing the total number of arrests to 4,491 since the protests started in June. Source.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says the United States is “gravely concerned” about the deepening unrest and violence, including at PolyU and other campuses. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell also calls on leaders in Beijing and Hong Kong to “de-escalate”. Source. The United Kingdom Foreign Office expresses its concern over the escalating violence at PolyU, emphasizing the vital need for the authorities to provide appropriate medical care to those who are injured, and “safe passage” for all those who want to leave. Source.

The Court of First Instance of the Hong Kong High Court rules the ban on face-covering at protests unconstitutional, saying it “goes further than necessary” in restricting fundamental rights. Source.

Hong Kong Police Commissioner Stephen Lo retires, saying that an independent investigation would be “unjust” as “police have not abused use of force.” Source.

The U.S. Congressional-Executive Commission on China releases its annual report, which highlights, among other matters, the “further erosion of Hong Kong’s autonomy and fundamental freedoms under the ‘one country, two systems’ framework.” It also recommends that Washington implement the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act to punish those who violate human rights. Source.

Tuesday, November 19

The National People’s Congress Standing Committee slams the High Court’s ruling declaring the face-covering ban unconstitutional, saying it is the only body that can judge and decide whether Hong Kong laws are constitutional. Source

Wednesday, November 20

The Hong Kong Secretary for Food and Health, Sophia Chan says tear gas chemical ingredients should not be made public because doing so would affect the police force’s operational capabilities. Source. She says that based on internal studies, there is no evidence to support claims that tear gas poses major public health or environmental risks through producing dioxins or cyanide. Secretary for the Environment, Wong Kam-sing suggests that, based on the major sources of dioxin globally—hill fires and waste burning in the open air—dioxins in Hong Kong may be sourced to protesters’ fires and Molotov cocktails. Source.

The Hong Kong Department of Justice asks the Hong Kong High Court to suspend enforcing the November 18 ruling on the mask ban so that the ban can continue pending an appeal. Source.

According to the President of Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), by the afternoon about 100 protesters remain barricaded inside the university for the fourth consecutive day. Source. 300 minors surrender and 280 people are sent to hospital. Source. Supporters attempt to distract the police by disrupting the city’s train network. Source. The Hong Kong Secretary for Justice says all those who leave will be arrested for rioting. Source. Six people are arrested for attempting to escape the campus via the sewers. A 21-year-old student describes how she and others underwent a “painful” swim through the squalid water, which was filled with snakes and cockroaches. Source.

Over 200 people who tried to help those trapped inside the besieged PolyU campus on Monday, November 18 are charged with rioting in Tsim Sha Tsui, Jordan and Yau Ma Tei—areas around the university. They are brought to courts in six districts across Hong Kong, for hearings scheduled from 9p.m. to 1a.m.. The Chief Magistrate of the Eastern Magistrates Court, Qian Li, slams the prosecution for its unsatisfactory schedule and for wasting both the courts’ and lawyers’ time. Source. Source.

Former employee of the United Kingdom’s Hong Kong consulate, Simon Cheng, says, during his detention by mainland authorities, he was beaten, deprived of sleep, “shackled, blindfolded and hooded” by Chinese secret police as they interrogated him on the UK’s role in supporting the protests. On August 15, he was stopped at Shenzhen when he tried to reenter Hong Kong after a trip. Source.

Hong Kong’s Secretary for Justice, Teresa Cheng, says she has “no opinion” on Simon Cheng’s allegations of torture against the Chinese government. Source.

Thursday, November 21

Almost a hundred protesters remain inside the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) campus, which police have surrounded since Sunday, November 17. Although desperate to leave, protesters say they would rather be arrested than surrender voluntarily. Source.

Four months after the attacks of protesters at the Yuen Long MTR station, 36 people have been arrested but only six have been formally charged with rioting and conspiracy to injure others. Source.

In the evening at Yau Ma Tei near the PolyU campus, thousands of people try to encircle police officers in order to distract them and rescue those trapped inside. At around 11.30 p.m., a white van accelerates towards a fleeing crowd, followed by two police cars. Officers from the Special Tactical Squad exit from the van and chase the protesters. Some officers fire pepper balls at the crowd and a stampede ensues. One person breaks an arm but cannot receive treatment as police officers wield pepper spray and demand all medics to leave. Source.

Friday, November 22

A 43-year-old Hong Kong man is arrested for allegedly taking photographs of an elite police squad known as the “Flying Tigers,” who were involved in a clearance operation the previous weekend amid protests in Tsim Sha Tsui.

The Hong Kong High Court says it will wait seven days before declaring the anti-mask law unconstitutional in light of an imminent appeal by the government. Source.

An 18-year-old woman files a complaint with the Hong Kong Police alleging she was raped by four men during her detention at Tsuen Wan police station on September 27. Source.

Sunday, November 24

A record turnout of over 71 percent of registered voters delivers a landslide victory for the pan-democrats in the district council elections, who win 389 out of 452 seats (up from 124) and gain control of 17 of the city’s 18 district councils. Source. Source.

Over 30 people are still trapped inside Hong Kong Polytechnic University for the eighth day in a row. Representatives tell reporters that those still stuck inside are suffering from panic attacks, starvation, and loss of speech. Source.

Hong Kong’s top judge, Geoffrey Ma Tao-li, says the independence of the judiciary is one of the “fundamental features” of Hong Kong’s legal system, as “guaranteed and spelled out in the clearest of terms in the Basic Law.” Source.

Monday, November 25

Hundreds gather in Tsim Sha Tsui East near Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) demanding the release of dozens of protesters who are still trapped inside the university, besieged by police since November 17. Source. Chief Executive Carrie Lam refuses to order the police to retreat, saying that the siege is part of the police’s role in upholding the rule of law. Source.

Later in the day, following pleas from the university, police agree to enter PolyU with a team comprising school principals, social workers, clinical psychologists and others, to negotiate the protesters’ retreat. The police promise not to make any arrests, to provide medical treatment to those who need it, and to treat the protesters similar to minors. Chief Superintendent Ho Yun-sing, district commander of Yau Tsim District says he will not rule out arresting them later. Source.

The Department of Justice lodges an appeal with the High Court challenging the Court of First Instance’s November 18 decision that the mask ban is unconstitutional. Source.

Tuesday, November 26

Chief Executive Carrie Lam says she is considering setting up an independent “review” committee to investigate the causes of the social unrest in Hong Kong. Source.

Hundreds of protesters gather at IFC Mall in Central Hong Kong and on the streets in Kowloon Bay. In Central, they express their support for the protesters who are still trapped inside Hong Kong Polytechnic University after major clashes with police there on Sunday, November 17. In Kowloon Bay, protesters occupy the crossroads between Sheung Yuet Road and Wang Chiu Road, halting traffic for 20 minutes, riot police arrive wielding batons, shields and crowd control guns, and holding a blue sign which tells people they are taking part in an illegal assembly. Source.

Amy Pat Wai-fan, 24, who was charged with two counts of rioting at the Mong Kong protests in 2016 and convicted in the District Court earlier this month on both counts, is sentenced to three years and ten months in prison. Source.

Newly-elected district council party member, Huang Guotong, is denied entry to Macau on national security grounds. Source.

Wednesday, November 27

Over 3,700 intellectuals in the international academic community sign a joint petition condemning police violence in Hong Kong and urging universities to deny police entry to campuses, in support of freedom of assembly and academic freedom. Source.

The 18-year-old protester, “Ms. X” who filed a complaint on October 22 after allegedly being raped by several officers during her detention at the Tsuen Wan Police Station in September, wins a court application to revoke a search warrant that allowed police to obtain her medical records and clinic surveillance footage after her complaint was filed. Source. According to anonymous sources, the woman was impregnated and had an abortion. Source.

President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, signs into law the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act and the Protect Hong Kong Act, which could sanction Hong Kong government for not maintaining its autonomy from mainland China under ‘one country, two systems’ framework. Source.

Thursday, November 28

In the first case where a Hong Kong court has criminalized the possession of a laser pointer as an offensive weapon, the 16-year-old boy who on November 8 was found guilty of possessing “offensive weapons” in a public place, and possessing “offensive weapons” with intent—on the basis of bringing a laser pointer, a modified umbrella, and a hiking pole to a protest—is ordered to attend a rehabilitation center at his sentencing hearing. Already in custody for two months, the boy will continue to serve a short custodial sentence and receive work training and counselling. Source.

Newly appointed Police Commissioner Chris Tang tells reporters during a tea gathering that the police “may consider” using wooden bullets against protesters, which Civil Rights Observer group says are more dangerous than rubber bullets and in breach of the spirit of the United Nations’ “Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials.” Source.

Friday, November 29

At noon, police end their 12-day siege on Hong Kong Polytechnic University. During their final search of the University, they find no remaining protesters. Source.

Saturday, November 30

Seniors join with students as part of a cross-generational rally of several hundred people at Chater Gardens in Central Hong Kong. Many sing “Glory to Hong Kong”—the unofficial anthem of the protest movement. Some wave U.S. flags to show their appreciation for the new U.S. laws, the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act and Protect Hong Kong Act. Source.

Residents gather to conduct a vigil outside Prince Edward MTR station, paying their respects to protesters who they believe were killed by police there three months ago. Police continue to deny the account and refuse to release full CCTV footage from the night. A few hundred protesters also gather in Kowloon Bay where they form a line and stand side by side, holding hands. Source.

In an opinion piece in South China Morning Post, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, urges the Hong Kong government to “prioritise a long-overdue process of meaningful, inclusive dialogue” and conduct “a proper independent and impartial judge-led investigation into reports of excessive use of force by the police. Source.

December


Sunday, December 1

At around 3 p.m., approximately 380,000 people gather to march from Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower to Hung Hom Stadium in the largest of three rallies approved on the same day, with “Don’t forget our original intentions” as its theme. The police revoke the notice of no objection issued just one hour later and clash with protesters across the city—in Tsim Sha Tsui, Whampoa and Mong Kok—using pepper spray, pepper balls, and tear gas, and carrying out many arrests. Source. Source. Officers storm into Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station where they use pepper spray against crowds and push a kneeling woman to the ground, who appears to be pleading with them. Source.

Police Commissioner Chris Tang, denies the existence of police violence in Hong Kong and criticizes the media for conducting a mass smear campaign against the police force through spreading “fake news.” Source. He rejects calls for an independent investigation into alleged police misconduct, refuses to apologize for the July 21 attacks in Yuen Long and confirms that the officer who drove his motorcycle into a crowd of protesters on November 11 is back on active duty. Source.

Monday, December 2

Thousands of people, including protesters dressed in black, the elderly, as well as families, march along a main thoroughfare on Kowloon’s Victoria Harbour waterfront chanting “five demands, not one less” and “disband the police force.” The march is cut short after riot police fire tear gas and arrest several people. Some protesters throw paving stones at police. At night-time, more tear gas is fired after dozens of protesters set up road blocks and vandalize restaurants and shops with ties to the mainland. Source.

At 12 p.m. in Chater Garden, over a thousand people from the advertising industry gather to kick-start a five-day strike in support of the five demands. Source.

Pro-democracy lawmakers introduce a private member’s bill (introduced by a legislator who is not acting on behalf of the executive branch) to amend the “colonial, draconian and out of date” public order ordinance. The bill seeks to reduce the maximum penalty for rioting from ten years in prison to three, and bring down the maximum penalty for unlawful assembly from five years in prison to six months. Currently, almost 6,000 people have been arrested during almost six months of protests. Source.

Yuli Riswati, an Indonesian migrant, domestic worker, and acclaimed writer who wrote about the protests, is deported, after 28 days in detention for overstaying her visa. She had a two-year contract beginning in January 2019 with her employer, who had requested that her visa be extended. Source.

Saturday, November 30

Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan says the government has never stopped consulting with experts on assessing the health risks of tear gas for society and how to deal with those risks. She says she will actively follow up on the issue. Source.

Tuesday, December 3

In the first sentencing hearing relating to vandalism during the Hong Kong protests, Acting Principal Magistrate Cheung Kit-Yee of Tuen Muen Court sentences student Edgar Kwok, 17, and another student, age 15, to correctional training. He also orders them to pay HK$285,000 (US$36,500) for vandalizing three rail stations during an anti-government protest in early September. Source.

Wednesday, December 4

A photograph of a female police officer pinning the 14-year-old female student to the ground by sitting on the head goes viral. Source. Hung Hom Division Commander Alan Chung defends the officer as having used minimum force. Source. The schoolgirl is one of four middle school students arrested by plainclothes officers at around 7 a.m. in To Kwa Wan for alleged possession of offensive weapons, acting in a disorderly manner in public, and criminal damage. The other three are 15-year-ol male students. Mr. Chung says they were part of a group of masked students who had gathered to try to block roads near Ma Tau Wai Road and Tam Kung Road and spray paint a passing bus. Source.

Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan maintains that the recent use of tear gas has not caused any significant increase in harmful pollution across Hong Kong’s districts, despite release of more than 10,000 tear gas rounds since June. Source.

During a debate at the Legislative Council, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Law Chi-Kwong, says that “compared dioxins resulting from our barbeque activities” the amount of dioxins in tear gas is “very minimal.” Source. Source. The Labour Department, believed to be under political pressure, delays releasing tear gas safety guidelines. Source.

Thursday, December 5

A motion put forward by 25 pro-democracy legislators to impeach Chief Executive Carrie Lam is defeated by the pro-Beijing camp in a 36-26 vote. Source.

Hong Kong police grant permission to the Civil Human Rights Front to convene a Human Rights rally on Sunday, December 7. Source.

The protester who was shot by a police officer in October 1, Tsang Chi-kin, appears in court on charges of rioting and assaulting a police officer. His case is adjourned to February 2020. Source. Source.

Friday, December 6

In the evening, around 20,000 people (according to the organizers) gather at Edinburgh Place in Central Hong Kong demanding authorities to stop using tear gas and release details relating to its chemical composition. The rally ends peacefully around 9 p.m. Source.

Dozens of secondary students gather in Kwai Ching, expressing their ongoing support for the protest movement and the need to continue to speak up against police violence. Source.

Saturday, December 7

In the afternoon, around 500 people gather at Edinburgh Place in Central Hong Kong to criticize the Hong Kong Immigration Department’s decision to deport Yuli Riswati on Monday, December 2. Source. Ms. Riswati, a domestic worker, writer and outspoken supporter of the Hong protests, says she was forced to take off her clothes in front of a male doctor during her detention. Source.

Sunday, December 8

In the first protest organized by Civil Human Rights Front to be approved by authorities in more than four months, hundreds of thousands (organizers estimate 800,000; police estimate 183,000) march from Causeway Bay to Central to show their ongoing support for democracy and human rights in Hong Kong. The protest coincides with the six-month anniversary of the start of the protest (June 9) and International Human Rights Day, December 10. Source. Source.

Police arrest eight men and three women, aged between 20 and 60, in relation to seized fire arms (including a semi-automatic pistol and 105 rounds of ammunition) that police say they found during a raid in the morning. Senior Superintendent Steve Li claims the group “planned to use firearms to create chaos during the protest march, including attacking police officers, or framing police officers for hurting passersby.” Source.

Monday, December 9

Five of the young men arrested the night before in connection with the police’s seizure of fire arms appear in court on a variety of charges for intention to harm and possession of fire arms and ammunition without a license. Their hearings are postponed until February 18, 2020, pending further investigation by police. One of the defendants says he was beaten in a dark room after his arrest, forced to unlock his phone, and forced to make a statement under threat of physical violence. Source.

Civic Party lawmaker Tanya Chan, convener of the pro-democracy camp, says 24 pro-democracy lawmakers and 390 incumbent district councilors and councilors-elect have signed a petition urging the government to separate the police pay rise from those due for other civil servants. Source.

Wednesday, December 11

Foreign experts recruited to ensure objectivity in the investigation into allegations of excessive force by police announce they are formally stepping down because they and the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC) have failed to reach “any agreed process” to enable the IPCC to conduct an effective investigation. They say the IPCC lacks the powers necessary “to meet the standards citizens of Hong Kong would likely require” in a society that “values freedom and rights”. Source.

According to the Security Bureau, as of November 28, 914 people arrested in connection to the Hong Kong protests were under 18 at the time of their arrest. 394 boys and 178 girls were between the ages of 16 and 17, while 240 boys and 102 girls were under the age of 16. Source.

Monday, December 9

Hong Kong police defuse two home-made bombs containing 10kg of explosives found at Wah Yan College in Wan Chai. Police are investigating who made the bombs. Source.

Thursday, December 12

According to the MTR Corporation, at around 1 a.m., six black-clad “rioters” hurl petrol bombs at two escalators and Maxim’s cake shop in Ngau Tau Kok MTR station, Kowloon.  The station is immediately evacuated. No one is injured and perpetrators flee before police arrive. Rail services resume later in the morning. Source.

Health care activists (organizers estimate 1,800; police estimate 550) gather at Edinburgh Place in Central. They threaten the government with strikes from an expanded trade union movement and encourage Hong Kongers across the health sector to set up new unions to fight for the rights of staff and patients. Source.

In a record-breaking voter turnout, pro-democracy candidates win six out of seven seats on the council of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants, beating pro-government and independent opponents. Source. Source.

In the evening at Po Fook Memorial Hall in Tai Wai, thousands of Hongkongers from diverse backgrounds attend a memorial service for Chow Tsz-lok, a 22-year-old student protester who died in hospital on November 8 after falling from a carpark building and suffering a severe brain injury. Source. Human Rights Monitor criticizes police for harassing people as they stand in the queue, waiting to pay their respects. Source.

Friday, December 13

A document submitted by the Security Bureau to LegCo’s Finance Committee reveals: 1) Hong Kong police officers have received a total of HK$950 million (USD$122 million) in overtime pay June-November, 2) the force has been allocated a budget of HK$20.2 billion for fiscal year 2019–2020, and 3) Chief Executive Carrie Lam and her Executive Council will give pay rises of 4.75% to senior civil servants and 5.26% to those in lower and middle ranks. The Finance Committee—which has a pro-Beijing majority—votes down a democrats-proposed motion to summon police representatives to answer questions at the legislature. Source.

Tens of thousands of protesters gather at Edinburgh Square in Central, marking six months since the first major clash between protesters and police at the beginning of the protest movement. In addition to highlighting police brutality, they repeat the five demands and rally participants to write Christmas cards to protesters detained in prison. Source. Source.

At the Juvenile Court in Tuen Mun, Magistrate Kelly Shui sentences a 13-year-old girl to a 12 month probation order for burning the Chinese national flag outside the Tuen Mun Town Hall in September. As part of her sentencing, she is required to live at the reported address, abide by a curfew order, and participate in rehabilitation and group counselling. Source.

Five Hong Kong teenagers (three males and two females aged 15-18) are arrested on suspicion of murder, rioting, and wounding in connection with the death of a 70 year-old-man who was hit in the head with a brick during clashes between pro- and anti-government protesters last month. Police say they have been detained pending further investigation. Source.

Friday, December 13

At a LegCo meeting, Secretary for the Civil Service Joshua Law says the Security Bureau has “completed its study” into legislating a ban on insulting civil servants and that there is no timetable set for the proposed legislation. Source.

Saturday, December 14

Hong Kong police say they have foiled a second bomb plot (in under a week) after arresting three men allegedly testing home-made devices and chemicals in a secluded area in Tuen Mun early this morning. Officers seize a radio-controlled detonation device and protective gear, including shields, bulletproof vests, a steel plate, and gas masks. Source.

Sunday, December 15

Several clashes occur between police and protestors in Kowloon. Around 9:00 p.m., police arrest at least two people during clearance of a gathering of about 100 people outside Langham place in Mong Kok. At 10:40 p.m., riot police fire pepper spray at residents and journalists at the intersection of Nathan Road and Shantung Street. The police then head to Sai Yeung Choi Street South, where they raise a black warning flag for around ten seconds before firing several canisters of tear gas. At 11:25 p.m., several officers try to push back a group of reporters near the intersection of Shantung and Portland Streets. A photojournalist for Mad Dog Daily argues with riot police near the intersection and is pepper-sprayed, beaten with batons, arrested, and taken to Mong Kok police station. Source. Source.

Monday, December 16

In a press conference, Hong Kong Police Public Relations Branch Senior Superintendent Kong Wing-cheung provides an outline of police actions over the preceding week: 99 people were arrested, including 17 students; 27 tear gas canisters were fired on December 15 (total for the week); and five rubber bullet rounds were used with eight police officers injured. Source.

Mr. Kong defends a police officer who yelled at a sick elderly woman in the early morning in Mong Kok by saying, “all those who are sick, elderly, or children, should try and avoid such dangerous areas at around 1 a.m.” He also defends the detention of the Mad Dog Daily photojournalist the day before saying that the reporter’s “verbal abuse [was] very likely to cause breach of the peace at the scene.” Source.

The three men arrested in Tuen Mun on December 14 in an alleged bomb plot are charged with one count each of making an explosive substance and conspiracy to wound with intent. All three are denied bail. Source.

The Court of First Instance weighs whether to permanently shield personal information of 4.1 million voters from the public as it hears arguments from two sides. The Junior Police Officers’ Association (JPOA) argues that public access to  voters’ names and addresses has led to doxxing of “politically exposed persons,” in breach of Article 14 of the Hong Kong Bill of Rights (right to privacy). The electoral authorities assert that there is no evidence to support a causal relationship between election register information and online doxxing. “It is likely the information comes from all sorts of internet media that has already been there,” a lawyer representing the electoral authorities argues. Source.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Law Chi kwong outlines the powers of an independent “review” committee first proposed by Carrie Lam on November 26 to probe the political and socio-economic causes of the Hong Kong protests. Law says the committee will not be able to compel witnesses to give evidence and cannot make findings or adjudicate on individual complaints against the police force, since, according to him, that role is best served by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC). Source.

Tuesday, December 17

Around 200 social workers attend a rally at Edinburgh Place, Central, starting a three day strike against the “humanitarian crisis” in Hong Kona and urging others to join. Source

The Court of Appeal rejects applications for leave to appeal by Au Nok-hin and Gary Fan challenging a lower court’s decision to invalidate their elections to the Legislative Council, unseating them immediately. The Court upholds the lower court’s ruling declaring them “not duly elected,” given that Demosisto's Agnes Chow Ting and localist Ventus Lau Wing-hong—whose seats Au and Fan filled—were ruled to have been wrongly disqualified from running in the 2018 by-election on Hong Kong Island and New Territories East, respectively. Au and Fan must clear their offices by January 6. With only nine months left in the Legislative Council’s term, it is unclear whether a by-election will be held to fill their seats. Source.

Responding to a legal challenge by a woman referred to as “K,” High Court judge Godfrey Lam upholds the police’s refusal to provide K with a copy of the warrant used to access her medical records after she was injured in the right eye during clashes with the police on August 11. Judge Lam holds that although K’s privacy was affected, a person does not have a “freestanding right” to ask the police to show them a warrant and in this case and the police’s actions did not affect her right to access the courts. Due to losing the challenge, Ms. K is ordered to pay the government’s legal fees. Source.

Vice Chancellor of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Rocky Tuan, is among Times Higher Education’s list of people of the year for standing with students during protest confrontations on campus in mid-November. Source.

Going against the principle of presumption of innocence, Joshua Law, Secretary for Civil Service, defends suspending civil servants suspected of committing a criminal offence before a determination of their guilt, saying that employees must be “law-abiding, dedicated, impartial and politically neutral.” Source.

A leaked internal document from the Commissioner of Police, Chris Tang, to members of the Hong Kong police force reveals the force’s plans to ask the government for more pay, welfare support (including educational subsidies and housing arrangements), manpower, and supplies. Source.

Wednesday, December 18

Pro-democracy lawmakers pass three motions proposing to invoke special legislative powers to investigate alleged police brutality relating to the protests. Among the incidents cited are the June 12 protest at LegCo, July 21 Yuen Long attacks, and August 31 Prince Edward MTR clash. The proposals are expected to be voted down by the pro-establishment majority after discussions continue on Thursday, December 19. Source.

Thursday, December 19

Hong Kong police freeze more than HK$70 million and arrest four people for alleged money laundering in connection with Spark Alliance, a non-profit group that raises donations to support Hong Kong protesters. The group denies the allegations and accuses police of “smearing” them. Source.

In the evening, all four are released on bail, including the director of a shell company whose account was closed by HSBC in November, following a police investigation into more than 50,000 deposits in June 2019 that totaled nearly HK$81 million. Source.

Following a three-day strike that began on Tuesday, December 17, hundreds of people join a peaceful march organized by social welfare workers calling on foreign countries to make laws addressing the “humanitarian crisis” in Hong Kong. Source.

Friday, December 20

More than 100 protesters rally near the HSBC headquarters in Central, criticizing the bank for allegedly helping the city’s police to shut down the Spark Alliance account—one of the main sources of funding for the protest movement. Source. HSBC says its decision to shut down the account was “completely unrelated” to the arrest of the four individuals the day before. Source.

Justice Keith Yeung of the High Court grants an application by a social worker for judicial review of an IPCC probe into police conduct during protests in June and early July. The court finds it “reasonably arguable” that IPCC had no authority to initiate such a study without any express statutory investigative or fact-finding powers. Source.

The Education Minister, Kevin Yeung Yun-hung, confirms that about 80 teachers and teaching assistants have been arrested—two of whom have been suspended—in connection with protest actions. He says tougher action is needed to “correct [the teachers’] errors and protect students.” Source.

Police arrest a 19-year-old man after he fires a shot with a pistol at plain clothes officers in Tai Po. No one is injured. Police search a nearby flat to find a cache of weapons including a semi-automatic rifle and more than 250 rounds of live ammunition. Source. Source.

Saturday, December 21

Protesters gathering at shopping malls throughout Hong Kong during the peak shopping weekend before Christmas are chased by riot police; several are arrested, and shops are forced to close. In Yuen Long, hundreds of protesters demand justice on the five month anniversary of the Yuen Long attacks. In Tsim Sha Tsui, protesters converge on Harbour City mall, popular with mainland Chinese luxury shoppers. Several protesters surround some men who they call “black dogs” accusing them of being undercover police officers. Source.

After being in a coma for more than a month, the teenager who was shot in the head with a tear gas canister on November 13 wakes up with slow response and uncertain prospects for recovery. Source.

Several retired judges turn down offers from the government to head an independent review into the underlying causes of unrest in Hong Kong. Source.

Sunday, December 22

Around 1,000 people gather at Edinburgh Place in Central to express support for Uyghurs in Xinjiang—the first protest of its kind. Organizers set up a banner on a stage that reads “Today Xinjiang, tomorrow Hong Kong, release Ilham Tohti,” the Uyghur intellectual and economist sentenced to life imprisonment in 2014 for “separatism.” Pro-independence activist Andy Chan says the Uyghur situation proves that “autonomy” under Chinese rule is a trap, and that China has broken its promise to allow Uyghurs to keep their religion and culture. Source.

At around 5 p.m., riot police arrest a protester for removing a Chinese flag from a flagpole near the pro-Uyghur protest. Riot police spray pepper spray and beat protesters with batons. One points a pistol and others fire at least two rubber bullets on a nearby footbridge, reportedly hitting a passerby in the leg with a projectile. Protesters throw objects such as plastic bottles at police. Around nightfall, police conduct large-scale searches around Central. Some protesters are seen lined up against a wall with their hands above their heads. Source.

Monday, December 23

David Su, the Hong Kong man who shot a live round at police in Tai Po on Friday night appears at Fanling Court to face charges in two separate cases: 1) conspiracy to wound with intent, for allegedly taking part in a conspiracy to unlawfully and maliciously injure police officers during a rally in Wan Chai on December 8, and 2) shooting with intent to resist lawful apprehension and possessing arms and ammunition without a license in connection to the December 20 shooting. Source.

Acting principal magistrate Don So Man-lung adjourns the conspiracy case to February 18, 2020 when the defendant will appear in Eastern Court alongside his five prosecuted accomplices. He will be brought to Court on Tuesday, December 24 for the second lot of charges. Source.

In his annual Christmas address, John Cardinal Tong of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong urges government to establish commission of inquiry. Source.

Hong Kong University Centre for Comparative and Public Law issues report urging government to explore amnesty as a viable path of resolution that does not violate principles of rule of law. Source.

"Be Water" makes Financial Times’ "Year in a Word." Source.

Tuesday, December 24

Riot police clash with thousands of anti-government protesters in and around shopping centers and hotels across Hong Kong. Protesters throw umbrellas and other objects at police. Police fire tear gas and beat some protesters with batons, with one point a gun at a crowd without firing. In Mong Kok, police use pepper spray to disperse protesters. At Mira Place mall in Kowloon, about 100 protesters break glass counters and spray anti-China graffiti on the walls and windows of a Starbucks—condemning the local owner’s daughter’s overt condemnation of the protesters. Source. In Yoho Mall, Yuen Long, a man runs from the police and injures himself after falling from the second floor of the mall. He is hospitalized. Source.

A group of black-clad protesters smash the glass walls of an HSBC branch in Mong Kok, spray-painting “revenge for Spark Alliance” on its all and starting a fire at its entrance. At Hang Seng Bank on Nathan Road, which is controlled by the HSBC group, protesters smash glass and damage ATMs. Source.

Police arrest 165 people (source) including an 18-year-old student, Kwong Wai-pong, who is stopped by police outside a storage facility in Kwun Tong and arrested for possessing explosive substances and smoke bombs. Inside the facility, police find highly flammable nitrocellulose, 10 smoke bombs, more than 30 types of chemical, and protest gear. Source.

Police manuals leaked to the Washington Post show frequent breach of guidelines and international standards on the use of force. Source.

Wednesday, December 25

During a stand-off on Nathan Road in Mong Kok in the early morning, police fire tear gas and pepper balls at protesters after they block major roads, vandalize banks, and throw petrol bombs at police vehicles. Source.

At about 2 a.m., a 16 year-old boy, surnamed Sin, falls from the rooftop balcony of a Taiwanese restaurant, after police search the premises for protesters. He is hospitalized with hand and leg injuries. Police deny using any force inside the restaurant. Source.

During daytime, protesters converge on various big malls to mount “shopping protests” (“和你Shop”). Police confront protesters with pepper spray in Shatin, Mong kok and Kowloon Bay, Source.

The Hong Kong government calls Washington Post’s December 24 article biased, misleading, and “groundless”; maintains that its police’s use of force is in line with international standards. Source.

Thursday, December 26

For the third day in a row, protesters and police clash in and around shopping malls across the city. Police fire pepper spray and blue dye at protesters who chant anti-government and anti-police slogans. Police arrest more than 300 people. Carrie Lam accuses protesters of ruining the Christmas holiday and condemns their “[u]nprecedented violence, reckless and organized destruction” which has “become the norm.” Source.

Kwong Wai-pong, the 18-year-old student who was arrested for possessing explosive substances and smoke bombs on Christmas Eve is denied bail by the Tuen Mun Magistrates Court. Mr Kwong is among five people appearing on different protest-related charges at the Court. Source.

Police confirm that during December 24–26, 336 people were arrested—the youngest aged 12; 13 police officers were injured; and police fired 76 tear gas bombs and used 33 rubber bullets. Source.

Friday, December 27

A LegCo inquiry reveals that Hong Kong police have earned a total of HK$135 million in protest-related allowances since June—mostly related to work-related and meal allowances—on top of HK$950 million for overtime pay. Source.

Saturday, December 28

Around 150 demonstrators (according to police) gather at Sheng Shui plaza without previously notifying police. Police fire pepper spray—including against a journalist for Agence-France Presse. 20 people are arrested, the youngest aged 13. Source. Source.

Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung says that the Education Bureau has the power to dismiss the principal of a school that does not cooperate with a Bureau demand to investigate a teacher for involvement in the protests; the principal would be deemed “unfit to discharge their duties,” Yeung said. Source.

Sunday, December 29

A 17-year-old student surnamed Chu, who was beaten by police while he was leaving Tai Po Market station during a demonstration in September, says he has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and has had to skip his upcoming school exams. After being struck on the head, back, and limbs, Chu received two stitches on his head, underwent surgery for a fractured finger, and was hospitalized for two weeks. He now takes four types of psychiatric medications daily. Source.

A church in Taiwan offers humanitarian aid to 200 Hong Kongers who have fled the city. The pastor of the church says most of them have symptoms of PTSD. Source.

The newly formed MTR workers union urges the company to disclose surveillance footage of the Yuen Long and Prince Edward attacks. Source.

Monday, December 30

Hong Kong’s largest pro-establishment party, the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) is said to be “scrambling” to find around 200 jobs for its out-of-work politicians and their staff after their crushing defeat in the district council elections last month. Party insiders say DAB is hoping to find positions for people with ties to pro-Beijing businesses. Source.

Tuesday, December 31

Police make several arrests after thousands of protesters briefly occupy a major road on Kowloon, while spectators count down to midnight along Victoria Harbour. Source.

Police arrest six people in Tin Shui Wai for posting on the Lennon Wall. They force them to kneel, including a pregnant woman who starts to vomit. She is forced to wait for hours before being sent to hospital. Source.

2020

January


Wednesday, January 1

Hong Kong police arrest about 400 people across Hong Kong, after a peaceful pro-democracy New Year’s Day march of tens of thousands spirals into chaos. When scuffles break out near the HSBC branch in Wan Chai, police call off the march early, firing tear gas and a water cannon to disperse crowds. The total arrests since June are now 7,000. Source.

38 lawmakers and leaders from 18 countries, including Australia, Britain, Canada, Ireland, Lithuania and the United States, publish an open letter to Carrie Lam. They urge her to listen to the demands of the protesters and set up an independent probe into the police’s use of force, or otherwise face an international inquiry. Source.

During the protest, a policeman is caught on video taking off the protective goggles of Democratic Party lawmaker Ted Hui and pepper-spraying him directly in the face. Source.

Thursday, January 2

Hong Kong police said the officer who officer removed lawmaker Ted Hui’s goggles to pepper-spray him in the face was justified in doing so because he “displayed passive resistance and kept on arguing.” Source.

Civil Rights Observer confirms three of its volunteers were arrested the night before, in violation of international law under the Johannesburg Principles on National Security, Freedom of Expression and Access to Information, which states that monitors should not be denied access to areas when they believe a human rights violation is being committed. Source. The group condemns the police for its “indiscriminate arrests.” Amnesty International Hong Kong calls the targeting of independent monitors “especially disturbing.” Source.

The civil servants union criticizes the police for their early termination of a peaceful march on New Year’s Day. The government warns it to stay silent or face severe consequences. Source.

LegCo’s Education Committee approves the formation of a working group to review teaching materials in kindergarten and primary and secondary schools, to examine how school policy influences editing and [content] oversight of textbooks and teaching materials. Source.

Raymond Yeung, a teacher who was blinded in one eye by an alleged police projectile in June 2019, says he will file a legal challenge against the Police Commissioner in the coming weeks. The suit will seek compensation and a declaration that the police’s use of force against him was unlawful, a breach of common law, and an affront to the Basic Law and Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance. Source.

Hong Kong pro-democracy district councilors from Central and Western district and Sai Kung district kick off the new term with a pledge to pursue protesters’ demands by setting up working groups to look into police action in their areas. The now-minority pro-Beijing camp forms its own group to monitor the use of district resources to prevent abuse for political aims. Source.

A photography professor at a U.S. university, Matthew Connors, is denied entry to Hong Kong and detained by immigration officials for five hours before being put on a flight back to New York. On his first trip to Hong Kong in August 2019 Mr. Connors was held by the police for several hours during a protest. Source.

Friday, January 3

A part-time senior Hong Kong police officer, surnamed Lo is suspended from duty for allegedly posting details of the police’s New Year’s Eve operational plans on the messaging app Telegram, in a group with almost 65,000 members, mainly protesters. He is the first officer to be suspended over misconduct allegations since the protests began in June 2019. Source.

Hong Kong police say they have identified the officer who fired a rubber baton round during demonstrations on September 29, 2019 but cannot confirm that it was the same shot that hit Indonesian journalist Veby Mega Indah in the right eye, causing her to permanently lose vision in that eye.  Ms. Veby must bring her case against the officer before the end of March, to be within the six-month time limit for private prosecutions. Source.

Acting Chief Magistrate of Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Court slams the prosecution for gross delays after police refuse six requests to provide necessary documents to counsel of the defendant accused of assaulting a police officer. The prosecution promises to provide the documentation within four days and the case is adjourned to Tuesday, January 14. Source.

Saturday, January 4

Beijing replaces its top representative at its Central Liaison Office in Hong Kong, Wang Zhimin, with, Luo Huining. The former Party chief of Shanxi Province, Luo has a record of successfully navigating factional differences in carrying out difficult assignments and working closely with the security services. The move comes two months after the Communist Party of China’s Central Committee called for measures to ”safeguard national security” in Hong Kong.  Source.

A teacher from Tak Sun Secondary School is suspended for 14 days after being caught on leaked audio calling protesters “cockroaches,” in breach of the school’s code of conduct. Reporters believe this is the first time a school has barred a member of staff from the classroom over foul language against the city’s anti-government demonstrators. Source.

Sunday, January 5

About 10,000 people march peacefully in Sheng Shui district to protest parallel trading near the Chinese border. The crossing is used by thousands of mainlanders daily to bulk-buy goods such as infant formula from Hong Kong to sell at a profit in China, causing  shortage in Hong Kong border towns. Violence erupts after police order protesters to disperse. Protesters throw petrol bombs at the local police station, and police use pepper spray in return, arresting 42 protesters. Source.  Pro-democracy councilors condemn police for terminating the peaceful march after only 20 minutes and for making arbitrary arrests without warning. Source.

A suspected undercover police officer is pepper-sprayed in the face several times by other masked officers during the protest at Sheng Shui. It is only when he shows his police warrant card that he is helped away from the scene by other black-clad undercover officers. Source.

Monday, January 6

Another store (the second in six months) opens to support the “yellow economy” in Hong Kong through hiring protesters and refusing to buy China-made products. Source.

Hong Kong police accuse pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo of spreading “fake news” during an interview with British media outlet Sky News on January 1, when she claimed police had sent undercover officers to vandalize shops during the New Year’s Day protests. Chief Superintendent Kwok Ka-chuen calls on her to join with the force to stop violence and restore peace. Source.

After receiving several complaints from protesters in custody at Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre relating to cold food and diarrhea, pro-democracy lawmaker Lam Cheuk Ting sends a letter to the Commissioner of Corrections urging the Department to make immediate improvements. Source.

The second store in six months opens to support the “yellow economy” in Hong Kong through hiring protesters and refusing to buy China-made products. Source.

Tuesday, January 7

Meeting for the first time since the district council elections in November, the Yuen Long District Council—now dominated by pro-democracy councilors—sets up a task force to look into the July 21, 2019 mob attack on passengers and protesters at the Yuen Long MTR station. Police do not attend, despite being invited. Source.

Jasper Law, a 25-year-old newly-elected localist district councilor becomes the chair of the North District Council. Source.

Wednesday, January 8

Residents say they were chased and beaten in early morning by 50 masked individuals who demolished the Lennon Wall in Kwai Chung, that police made no arrests and helped attackers get taxis. Source.

Pro-establishment groups rally in support of the seven white-clad men charged for participating in the July 21, 2019 Yuen Long attacks, saying the democratic legislator Lam Cheuk-ting “seduced” them into breaking the law. Source.

Pro-democracy leader Claudia Mo hits back against security chief John Lee’s allegations that Hong Kong protesters received foreign training, calling such claims “completely groundless.” Source.

Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung Yun-hung says that teachers’ comments made on social media platforms—including on personal sites—are subject to regulations and urges schools to consider suspension of teachers arrested for serious crimes even if they have not been charged. Source.

Secretary for Security John Lee reveals that Hong Kong police seized more than 3,700 mobile phones from anti-government protesters from June to November 2019, broke into the devices, and read the contents. He says police processed 1,429 cases relying on mobile phone contents as evidence and dismisses concerns about a possible abuse of power. Source.

During a vigil in Tseung Kwan O marking the 2-month anniversary of Alex Chow Tsz-lok’s death,  riot police warn the 200 people gathered that they are participating in an unlawful assembly and that tear gas may be used. A plainclothes officer subdues a man; riot police spray another man in the face with blue liquid and detain at least two people. Source.

Thursday, January 9

Responding to the annual report of the U.S. Congressional-Executive Commission on China, the Chinese government says foreign countries should not interfere in its internal affairs. Source.

Former British consulate employee Simon Cheng (who was detained in mainland China for 15 days in August 2019 and tortured by Chinese authorities while in custody) cuts ties with his family in Hong Kong in the “hope they can live in tranquillity and peace, without external harassment and threat.” Source.

The Hong Kong government begins its appeal of the Court of First Instance’s decision on November 18 to strike down the anti-mask law. The government argues that the legislation was justified given the ongoing threat from protests. Source.

Friday, January 10

A medical study estimates that one in five Hong Kongers have depression or post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD). 37.4% show symptoms of depression and 31.6% show symptoms of PTSD. Source.

Stand News, a Chinese-language media outlet in Hong Kong reports that it has received the latest of three emails from Hong Kong protester “Grandma Wong,” 63, who disappeared from the city in August 2019 and was held in detention in mainland China. In the email, dated January 9, Wong reveals that she is out of detention and is in Shenzhen awaiting trial for “picking quarrels and provoking troubles,” a charge commonly used against rights dissidents in mainland China. Source. Source.

Secretary for the Civil Service Joshua Law Chi-kong reveals that out of the 41 civil servants arrested for joining unlawful assemblies, 31 have been “interdicted and suspended from service.” If convicted, Law says they will be subject to “sacking or warnings, depending on the severity of the [Court’s] punishment.” Source.

In the Court of Appeal, Johannes Chan Man-mun SC represents 24 opposition legislators challenging the anti-mask legislation. He argues that the mask ban “goes to the very core of our freedom of expression,” as it leaves peaceful demonstrators in fear of retaliation and deprives others of political relief. Source. Chan also argues that gas-masks are needed even in peaceful protests, given the indiscriminate use of tear gas. Source.

Saturday, January 11

A traditional Chinese medicine doctor who offered humanitarian aid during the protests is reported to have been incommunicado since Wednesday, January 8. His roommate says he is being held in administrative detention in Guangzhou. Source.

Riot police arrest a teenager for putting up pro-democracy posters outside the British consulate, sparking concern amongst UK legislators about unlawful law enforcement on British territory. Source.

The pro-democracy youth-led political party Demosistō reveals that it has removed support for Hong Kong self-determination from its manifesto after two of its members—Joshua Wong and Agnes Chow—were barred from running in elections because of the party’s constitutional stance. Source.

Sunday, January 12

Hong Kong authorities deny Kenneth Roth, Executive Director of Human Rights Watch, entry to the city, where he had planned to launch the organization’s “World Report 2020.” In the introductory essay of the report, which each year highlights a major human rights issue, Roth warns that the Chinese government is carrying out an intensive attack on the global system for enforcing human rights. Source.

Over 30,000 people attend “pre-march assembly” at Edinburgh Place in Central, ahead of an “Anti-Communist” rally scheduled for next Sunday, January 19.  After the rally ends peacefully, several people are intercepted and detained by riot police, including local journalists who are subsequently released. Source.

A group of around 100 pro-establishment protesters march in Yuen Long, accusing pro-democracy lawmaker Lam Cheuk-ting of causing last July’s mob attack in the district and urging police to arrest him. Lam was among those injured by the mob. He accuses the group of twisting the facts in a planned and organised way to smear him. During the event, a Ming Pao reporter is surrounded, pushed, and kicked by protesters. Source. Source.

Beijing’s new envoy to Hong Kong, Luo Huining, pledges to work with leaders in Guangdong Province to push forward regional cooperation and integration, despite ongoing protests against mainland interference in Hong Kong affairs. Source.

Monday, January 13

After Human Rights Watch executive director, Kenneth Roth is denied entry to Hong Kong, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang accuses the organization of instigating “anti-China activists” to “engage in radical violent crimes, and incite separatist activities hyping Hong Kong independence.” Source.

After the 12-day siege of Hong Kong Polytechnic University in November 2019 involving fierce stand-offs between police and protesters, the university formally reopens for the start of semester. Students and staff are required to pass through security gates and show identification cards. Some students say the security measures have turned the school into a “prison.” Source.

Lee Wing-ho, a photographer who briefly faced charges over an anti-government protest, applies to the High Court to challenge the legality of two court-issued warrants which allowed the police to access his mobile phone and other digital devices. Source.

The chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association, Philip Dykes SC, highlights that prosecutors must take “public interest” into account when deciding whether to bring a case to court. He stresses that focusing only on whether there is sufficient evidence to secure a conviction is an “incorrect understanding” of the rule of law and contrary to the Prosecution Code. Source.

Over 30 shops and restaurants agree to join the protest-themed Chinese New Year markets on the weekend of January 18-19, as part of a campaign to support the “yellow economy”. Source.

Tuesday, January 14

Hong Kong police say they have defused a pipe bomb and arrested four men for manufacturing explosives after raiding an apartment where they found protest-related items such as Guy Fawkes masks and protective gear. Source.

The Hong Kong Bar Association submits a blueprint to Carrie Lam on how to establish an independent commission of inquiry to investigate the causes of the Hong Kong protests. Source.

Lau Wai-lun, a 31 year-old chef who was arrested in Mong Kok in August 2019 and later charged with obstructing police, applies to the High Court for judicial review seeking a declaration that the search warrant over his digital device was unlawful and in breach of the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance and Basic Law. His case follows the similar judicial review application filed by photographer Lee Wing-ho the day before.  Source.

Kenneth Roth, Executive Director of Human Rights Watch, launches the organization’s “World Report 2020” at the United Nations in New York after he was denied entry to Hong Kong on Sunday, January 12. online. Source. Source.

Wednesday, January 15

The Hong Kong government says it has canceled its usual Lunar New Year fireworks display over Victoria Harbour planned for January 26 due to “public safety” considerations. Source.

Students and alumni of the University of Hong Kong rally in support of democracy activist and Associate Professor of Law Benny Tai, criticizing the university of procedural injustice as its management team prepares for a hearing to review his tenure. Source.

The Hong Kong government hits back at Human Rights Watch’s allegations of excessive police force at protests, saying that officers acted “in strict accordance with the law” and that if protesters expressed their views “in a peaceful and rational manner, there would be no need for the police to use force”. Source.

Carrie Lam announces that preparations for an Independent Review Committee are in their final stages and its formation will be announced next month. Source.

At a LegCo meeting, Hong Kong’s security minister John Lee avoids answering the question about whether the police force is planning to equip officers with electroshock weapons. Instead, he says, “The Security Bureau will support any method that helps police in handling violence caused by rioters more efficiently.” Source.

Thursday, January 16

Kwok Chun-fung, the founder of a volunteer medic group helping Hong Kong protesters is arrested in Guangzhou on charges of “soliciting prostitutes,” the same charge against Simon Cheng, an employee at the British Consulate in Hong Kong. Source.

The Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC) announces it will postpone publishing its report that looks into the force’s handling of protests, due to the High Court’s decision on December 20 to judicially review whether IPCC has the power to proactively look into the issue. Source.

Police Commissioner Chris Tang and government staff walk out of a Central & Western District Council meeting when District Councilors raise a motion to condemn police violence. Source.

Police Commissioner Chris Tang says that the police are investigating a case of alleged gang-rape of an 18-year-old woman, referred to as “Ms. X,” in Tsuen Wan police station on October 22, on grounds of her “misleading police officers” and committing perjury. The victim’s lawyers call Mr. Tang’s comments “an outrageous further attempt to publicly discredit her, publicly undermine her complaint and diminish any prospect of a successful prosecution.” Source.

Friday, January 17

The High Court agrees to hear a legal challenge brought by Democratic Party legislator Ted Hui Chi-fung against the police, demanding they reveal the chemical content of the tear gas being fired at protesters. The court is due to hear the case on February 12, 2020. Source.

Sunday, January 19

About 150,000 people (according to organizers) attend an anti-communist rally at Chater Garden. Riot police stop the rally at short notice and arrest the organizer Ventus Lau for "obstruction of police administration" and for violating the terms of permission for the protest. In Mong Kok, in clash with protesters, police fire tear gas into the crowd, and pepper spray reporters, including a journalist for Mad Dog Daily. Source. Source.

Monday, January 20

Beijing’s new envoy to Hong Kong, Luo Huining, urges the Hong Kong government to pass national security legislation, warning that failure to do so could open the door to “infiltration and sabotage” from outside and risk destroying the “one country, two systems” governance model. Source.

Au Nok-hin, an ousted pro-democracy lawmaker, is accused in court of assaulting two police officers during an anti-government rally on July 8, 2019 in Yau Ma Tei by hitting one officer in the shield with a microphone and using a megaphone right next to a second officer, causing the latter acute hearing loss in one ear. Au denies both counts, saying he was trying to stop officers from causing a stampede. Source.

Tuesday, January 21

On the six month anniversary of the July 21, 2019 mob attack in Yuen Long, eight victims, including pro-democracy lawmaker Lam Cheuk-ting, announce that they have filed a civil suit against Police Commissioner Chris Tang. They seek HK$2.7 million in compensation for the police’s failure to maintain public order and for abandoning their duties. Source.

Hundreds of Hong Kongers gather outside the Yuen Long MTR station and inside the Causeway Bay, Chai Wan, and Heng Fa Chuen stations to commemorate the July 21, 2019 attack in Yuen Long.  Source.

After the government bans political-themed stalls at 15 official fairs, nearly a dozen independent fairs are set up across the city, selling protest-themed merchandise laden with references to the pro-democracy protests. Source.

The Electoral Affairs Commission says that by-elections will not be held to fill the LegCo seats vacated by ousted lawmakers ahead of the polls in September. Source.

Police issue a ban against promoting, organizing, and attending a rally to commemorate the 2016 "Fishball Revolution,” which is scheduled for January 26. Source.

Ventus Lau appears at the Eastern Magistrates’ Court on charges of “inciting others to participate in an illegal assembly” and “refusing to obey police orders.” He is released on bail on the condition that he keeps away from Chater Garden and the surrounding area. His case is rescheduled to April. Source.

Tai Po District Council passes a motion to retain the iconic Lennon Tunnel. Authorities refuse to attend the meeting and provide their written dissent instead. Source.

Wednesday, January 22

Frances Chu, a former Hong Kong police detective and forensics expert, says she believes the police have been using data-extraction devices from an Israel-based forensics company, Cellebrite, to break into smartphones seized from protesters. Source.

A police insider reveals that the two Hong Kong police officers who held up reporters’ identity cards in front of live streaming cameras on December 26 and January 19 have received warnings and may face disciplinary action following an internal investigation. Source.

Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung Yun-hung says that between June and December 2019, his bureau received 147 complaints of teacher misconduct related to anti-government protests. Initial investigations of 107 cases have found “wrongdoing” in 65 of them. Source.

Saturday, January 25

On the first day of Lunar New Year, just before 11 p.m., a group of black-clad protesters block Portland Street, marking the fourth anniversary of the Mong Kok “Fishball Revolution.” Riot officers arrive and fire tear gas, forcing passers-by to flee. Some find refuge at a nearby shopping center, Langham Place, where others help them to wash their eyes. Source.

Carrie Lam declares the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak an emergency and rolls out a series of measures to reduce further infection beyond the current five confirmed cases. The measures include requiring all visitors to fill out health declaration forms at all entry points to Hong Kong and suspending indefinitely all flights and high-speed trains from Wuhan. Lam rejects calls for closing the border with mainland China, saying it would be “inappropriate and impractical.” Source.

Sunday, January 26

James Chan Cho-ko, a Hong Kong action movie choreographer, and Chan Kin-tat, 72-year-old retiree, are linked to an alleged bomb plot in December 2019 targeting police officers. They are charged with two counts each in relation to possessing arms, ammunition, and weapons. Source.

Protesters throw petrol bombs at an empty public housing complex in Fanlin, in the New Territories, that has been earmarked to become a temporary quarantine zone to house people waiting to be tested for coronavirus infection, as well as frontline medical staff who are worried about infecting their families. Source.

Monday, January 27

Angry residents in the border town of Fanling vow to fight the government’s plans to turn an unoccupied public housing block into a coronavirus quarantine facility. Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan Siu-chee says that the facility is unlikely, they will more likely house medical staff or those who have been in contact with victims but show no symptoms, rather than patients with confirmed infections. Source.

Around 2.30 a.m., a bomb explodes in a men’s toilet at Caritas Medical Center in Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon. Several hours after the explosion, a message is posted on Telegram, the encrypted messaging app used by protesters, that the attack is “only a warning” and “[w]e will take more actions to call for the closing of borders.” No one is injured and no one is arrested. Source.

Around 10.50 p.m., a cleaner discovers a toilet ablaze at King George V Memorial Park. No one is injured, but a toilet seat is seriously damaged. Source.

Tuesday, January 28

Around 10.25 a.m., a security guard at Shenzhen Bay Control Point discovers a palm-sized improvised explosive device inside a rubbish bin. No injuries are reported. Source.

More than 15,000 Hospital Authority (HA) employees join a new union—the HA Employees Alliance (HAEA)—threatening to strike if the Hong Kong government does not close its borders with mainland China. Source.

Wednesday, January 29

Small groups of protesters disrupt road and traffic services, declaring a new wave of strikes over the government’s refusal to close the city’s borders with mainland China to keep out the coronavirus. A train driver reports a fire near the tracks of the East Rail Line, which links Kowloon with the mainland. Police say they have arrested 17 people, 12 of whom are under 18-years-old. Source.

Pressure continues to mount on government to close all border crossings with mainland China to control the spread of the coronavirus: at least 90 nurses take sick leave at three Hong Kong hospitals (Pok Oi Hospital in Yuen Long, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in Chai Wan, and Princess Margaret Hospital in Kwai Chung); over 4,600 medical workers announce strike on Monday, February 3; and 48 unions issue joint appeal to the government urging stepped up prevention measures including refusing all visitors entering from mainland China. Source. Source. Source.

Protesters target police in three petrol bomb attacks: shortly before 5 a.m., four black-clad attackers hurl petrol bombs at Tin Shui Wai Police Station; around 8 p.m., at least three petrol bombs are hurled at Kwai Chung Police Station; and at 11 p.m., at least two petrol bombs are hurled at a police vehicle in Mong Kok. Police say no one is injured. Source.

Thursday, January 30

Petrol bomb attacks on police stations continue: shortly after 2 a.m., three black-clad attackers hurl seven petrol bombs at the Hung Hom Police Station on Princess Margaret Road, Ho Man Tin; and at 5:30 a.m., at least two petrol bombs are thrown at Mong Kok Police Station on Prince Edward Road. Police say no one is injured but plan to increase security around officers’ quarters across the city. Source.

Chairs and vice-chairs of 17 District Councils co-sign a public statement condemning the government over its poor response to the coronavirus outbreak. Source.

Around 11 p.m., a group of masked men attack six people at Yuen Long MTR station. Two of the attackers are armed with retractable batons and some shout “cockroach,” referring to protesters.  According to Yuen Long district councilor Ng Kin-wai, four of the victims had been checking posters on a “Lennon Wall” and the other two victims were passers-by who tried to stop the attack. Source.

Friday, January 31

The newly formed medical workers union, Hospital Authority Employees Alliance, announces that more than 6,700 of its members, or 10% of the sector, have committed to going on strike on Monday, February 3, if the government refuses to fully close all border crossings with mainland China. Source.

February


Monday, February 3

More than 2,500 medical workers, doctors, and nurses join the first day of strike organized by the union, Hospital Authority Employees Alliance (HAEA), to demand government actions to forestall a coronavirus outbreak in Hong Kong and protect frontline medical practitioners. The union raises five demands: (1) close all border entries from China, (2) distribute facemasks to the public, (3) ensure sufficient protection and resources for frontline medical workers, (4) provide adequate arrangements for "dirty team" medical staff working in quarantine wards, and (5) guarantee no reprisals for all strikers. Source. Source. Source.

Carrie Lam announces that more ports will be closed, with only two border entry-points to remain open (in addition to the city's airport) in an attempt to curb the number of travelers entering the city. However, she refuses a full entry ban demanded by many. She states that these measures are not in response to the strike. She condemns the actions of HAEA, calling their strike "extremist" and that such moves to pressure government will not succeed. Source.

Hong Kong confirms its first case of local human-to-human coronavirus infection. Source.

Tuesday, February 4

On Day 2 of the medical workers’ strike calling for full entry ban at the mainland border, Hospital Authority reports over 4,400 hospital staff are absent from duty. Source.

At bus stations in Tin Shui Wai district, residents in full protective gear conduct temperature checks of visitors coming from mainland China. At night, police fire teargas to disperse a protest rally. Source.

Hong Kong reports its first death from coronavirus. Source.

Wednesday, February 5

Doctors and nurses on strike gather at government headquarters to submit a written appeal to Carrie Lam as medical worker strike enters third day. Lam refuses to meet with them, while the Hospital Authority reiterates devastating impact of the strike on emergency services. Source.

Carrie Lam announces further border-control measures, including a mandatory 14-day quarantine for travelers from mainland China starting Saturday, February 8, 2020, with details of implementation and enforcement to be announced later. Source.

HRIC Note:

This measure proposed by Carrie Lam fails to address the fundamental concerns raised by the Hospital Authority Employees Alliance strike. Choosing traffic reduction instead of more effective screening or a full entry ban exposes Hong Kong to the risk of an outbreak, which the city's already overburdened healthcare system would struggle to handle. Her decision to maintain freedom of entry and impose a mandatory quarantine will also require more quarantine facilities, a shortage she had acknowledged two days earlier, on February 3, when she urged citizens to drop their opposition to government plans to use unoccupied units in residential neighborhoods as quarantine camps. Source.

Saturday, February 8

Over a hundred citizens gather in Tseung Kwan O to commemorate the three-month anniversary of the death of university student Chow Tsz Lok. After protesters put up makeshift roadblocks, police officers arrive and clear the scene with tear gas and pepper spray, arresting 119 people, including two reporters, five district councilors, and residents from nearby estates. One of the arrested reporters claims police officers threatened to rape him and verbally abused him with homophobic comments. Source. Source.

Thursday, February 13

Over 20 human rights groups issue a joint open letter to Chief Executive Carrie Lam, urging the administration (and the police) to respect international treaties on rights of assembly and “cease criminal investigations” into five human rights observers arrested on January 1 during the New Year’s march and November 18 at the siege on Polytechnic University. The groups contend that the arrests were “arbitrary since [the observers] only exercised their legitimate human rights work.” Source.

Friday, February 14

Government wins appeal in the judicial review raised against its decision to fence off Civic Square, a protest area outside government headquarters originally open to public until its occupation on September 26, 2014, which sparked the Umbrella Movement. In its decision today, the Court of Appeal upholds the policy of requiring government approval for gatherings at the Square, reversing the High Court’s ruling that such policy was unconstitutional. Source.

Saturday, February 15

Police public relations officer issues letter of complaint to Hong Kong Broadcasting Authority, accusing a news-commentary parody show on Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) of smearing police officers carrying out coronavirus quarantine work. The parody depicts police officers in highest-level protective gear standing idly, while health officials and cleaners tasked with moving residents into quarantine were only given lowest-level protective gear. Source.

Wednesday, February 19

Citizens gather in Tseung Kwan O to commemorate student Chan Yin-Lam on the five-month anniversary of his death. Some participants set up temporary roadblocks; police officers disperse the crowd, using pepper spray on participants, journalists, and first-aiders. Source.

Friday, February 21

Protesters gather peacefully in Yuen Long, Prince Edward, and other places to mark six-month anniversary of the July 21, 2019 Yuen Long attacks, holding banners of “Never forgive, Never forget” and other protest slogans. Some participants celebrate the diagnosis of coronavirus infection of a riot-policeman on February 20.

To date, 36 individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident on July 21, but only six have been charged. Source.

Saturday, February 22

Apple Daily leaks a report written by the Chief Executive Office to the Central Government on the situation of the coronavirus outbreak in Hong Kong and the relevant measures being implemented to handle it.

Lam underscores to Beijing the outbreak is a valuable opportunity for the pro-Beijing camp to recover ground lost after its defeat in the November 2019 District Council elections and reverse public opinion with a view to win LegCo elections scheduled for September 2020.

In the report, Carrie Lam cites the mistrust and dissatisfaction with the administration resulting from the ongoing protests as factors that hinder the effective implementation of anti-outbreak measures. She reaffirms the administration’s rejection of “full border closure,” so as not to target travelers from the mainland, calling public opinion urging such closure “misguided.”

She condemns the pro-democracy camp for using the outbreak to attack the administration. Regarding the series of strike by medical staff in early February, she cites “radical anti-extradition protesters” in the medical profession as instigators who “stir up trouble,” using fake news and smear tactics to obstruct the implementation of effective measures. She states that the administration has ordered the Hospital Authority to strictly handle the strikers and not allow them to continue to work in hospitals.

The Chief Executive Office has refused requests for comment from media since the leakage of the report. Pro-democracy camp calls her actions “disgusting” for politicizing a public health crisis and using public safety and human lives as chips to salvage her political failure, while some members of the pro-establishment camp call her “hopeless.” Source. Source.

Monday, February 24

The vice principal of a secondary school is suspended from duty pending investigation, for sharing an ironic poem on his personal Facebook page that celebrated news that a riot-police officer was diagnosed with the coronavirus. Source.

Democrat Ted Hui launches private prosecution lawsuit against a taxi driver who drove into a crowd of protesters in October 2019, injuring several, including a man who sustained bone fractures in both legs. At least two protesters at the scene were subsequently charged with rioting, but no criminal investigation or charges have been brought against the taxi driver. Source. Source.

Saturday, February 29

A rally of hundreds in and around Mong Kok commemorating the six-month anniversary of the police storming of the Prince Edward metro station and arrest of demonstrators takes a violent turn. The police attack protesters with tear gas and pepper spray, while some protesters retaliate with petrol bombs. One officer draws his gun on protesters hurling water bottles and umbrellas at him, but he does not fire. Police arrest 115 protesters. Source. Source.

March


Monday, March 2

The Commissioner of Police, Chris Tang Ping-keung, reveals that, to date, over 7,700 people have been arrested in the nine months of protests. Among the arrested, 40% are students, a significant jump from 25% at the beginning of the school year in September 2019. Of the arrested students, 60% are in college and 40% in high school. Over the same period, the percentage of minors among the arrested has increased to 26% from about 6%. Source.

Wednesday, March 4

Former localist political leader Edward Leung is transferred to a maximum-security prison from Shek Pik prison following receipt of personal letters and Christmas cards. Leung ran in the Legislative Council New Territories (East) By-election in 2016 and was sentenced to six years in prison for “rioting” as a result of continuing to campaign in Mong Kok during a period of unrest. Leung’s 2016 campaign slogan, “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times,” has since been adopted by Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement. Source.

Sunday, March 8

Hundreds gather in car park in Tseung Kwan O to pay tribute to deceased students Alex Chow Tsz-lok and Chan Yin-lam, both of whom died last year during the protests, sparking outrage. Police declare the gathering to be an unlawful assembly and cordon off the car park, trapping attendees for an hour before allowing them to disperse. A young man is arrested while others are searched. Source.

Dozens gather to protest government plans to convert Tai Po Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic, located in a high-density residential area, into one of the 18 designated coronavirus clinics. Shortly after the start of the demonstration, riot police pepper-spray Man Nim-chi, District Councillor for Chung Ting, for allegedly failing to comply with orders to back away. Riot police subsequently arrest at least three people and pepper-spray a Now TV cameraman, exposing several bystanders, medics, and journalists to the irritant. Source.

Monday, March 9

Deputy Commissioner of Police Oscar Kwok Yam-shu defends the police force against accusations of police brutality at the UN Human Rights Council. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights last year criticized the Hong Kong police for defying international norms and standards in their use of weapons, creating “a considerable risk of death or serious injury.” Police have fired more than 16,000 rounds of tear gas, 10,000 rubber bullets, 2,000 beanbag rounds, and 19 live bullets, two of which hit and wounded protesters. Source. Source.

Monday, March 16

Pro-democracy lawmakers say the police are continuing to make arbitrary arrests of citizens in the wake of protests against a planned coronavirus clinic in Kwai Chung. Police in Kwai Chung arrested a food delivery worker and a first-aid volunteer after protesters gathered at the Kwai Luen housing estate on February 11. Democratic Party lawmaker Andrew Wan call on police officers to stop abusing their power. Source.

Tuesday, March 17

Opposition district councillors’ efforts to establish police oversight committees following public outcry over police brutality are being challenged by the Security Bureau and the Home Affairs Department, which assert that district councils do not have authority to establish such committees. District councillors argue that the councils’ legal authority is only now called into question because they are no longer in the hands of the pro-establishment camp. Source.

Wednesday, March 18

The High Court has ordered the MTR Corporation to hand over CCTV footage from Prince Edward and Lai Chi Kok Stations to Kex Leung Yiu-ting, a student seeking damages from the police for alleged assault. On August 31, 2019, baton-wielding riot police stormed the station, deploying pepper spray and assaulting dozens. Leung said he had not been participating in any protest but was arrested at Prince Edward station that night. Source.

Democratic district councillor, Janet Ng, is attacked by Article 23 supporters in Mei Foo, sustaining injuries to her jaw and arm. She describes the attack as premeditated and suspects the assailant is from mainland China. Source.

Sunday, March 22

Hundreds gather in Tseung Kwan O and Kwun Tong to commemorate Chan Yin-lam, the 15-year-old girl who was found dead and unclothed in the sea off Yau Tong on September 22, 2019. Chan has become a symbol for the pro-democracy movement because of her support for the protests and unresolved questions surrounding her death. Authorities said it was suicide, despite the fact that she was a good swimmer. Riot police are stationed at the three memorial sites and arrest at least two people who are said to have failed to present valid Hong Kong identity cards. Source.

Monday, March 23

Three petrol bombs are hurled into Sheung Shui Police Married Quarters, leaving two cars blackened but no injuries. When the firefighters arrive on the scene, the fire has already burned out. Officers arrest a 62-year-old local man in connection with the firebombing, the fourth such attack at the site in six weeks. The suspect is being held for questioning and has not been charged. Source.

Wednesday, March 25

Four men are arrested in connection with an assault on a pro-democracy activist trio on Sunday, March 22. Hendrick Lui Chi-hang, 37, Wong Ka-ho, 32, and their female assistant, 56, had tried to film and intervene an attack of a passerby by a gang believed to be guarding a booth that was collecting signatures to support Article 23 (national security) legislation. The trio, and an additional passerby, who were brutally kicked and punched by the gang, suffered injuries to numerous places on their bodies. Source.

Thursday, March 26

Cheng Lai-king, 60, chair of the Central and Western District Council, is arrested on the grounds of an antiquated law against sedition, after she reposted--and later deleted—a Facebook post with the name and identification number of an officer said to have shot an Indonesian journalist in the eye during a pro-democracy protest. The officer has yet to be held legally  responsible for an act that permanently blinded the journalist. The sedition law was promulgated in 1938 during the British colonial era and has since been abolished in England. Cheng Lai-king’s arrest has been strongly condemned by multiple groups, most notably the UN, for being an abuse of the law and “a flagrant act against freedom of speech with an intent to create a chilling effect in society.” Source. Source.

Friday, March 27

Ronny Tong Ka-wah, a member of the Executive Council and former chairman of the Bar Association, defends the sedition law as necessary to punish hate crimes in the city. Critics slam the antiquated law as vaguely worded, politically charged, and an infringement on freedom of speech. Tong stresses that freedom of speech is not absolute and should be restricted on the grounds of protection of national security, public safety, and public health. Johannes Chan Man-mun, prominent constitutional law professor at the University of Hong Kong, believes that “[u]nder the normal operation of the government, Cheng would not be charged with this offence.” Source.

Monday, March 30

Siu Cheung-lung, 32, the administrator of a group on the social media platform Telegram used by pro-democracy protestors, is charged with three counts of incitement to commit wounding with intent, punishable by life imprisonment, for “provoking others to murder officers and bomb police stations.” Siu, an insurance agent, has also been charged with incitement to commit public nuisance, a count commonly used against leading pro-democracy activists. Acting Principal Magistrate Ivy Chui Yee-mei has adjourned the case until May 25 in Eastern Court and has remanded Siu in jail custody, after prosecutors objected to his release. Source.

In the latest episode in a string of attacks targeting police, three men throw petrol bombs at the Happy Valley Police Station. No one is hurt and no arrests are made. A week earlier, a 62-year-old man was arrested in connection with hurling three petrol bombs at the police married quarters compound in Sheung Shui. Source.

Tuesday, March 31

A 17-year-old student is remanded in jail by a court after he pled guilty to carrying a petrol bomb and hammer near a crime scene during a protest in November. Source.

Due to increasing concerns over police brutality, the group Civil Rights Observer presses suppliers not to sell stun guns to the Hong Kong police. The budget for the police force has increased significantly and police are contemplating introducing potentially lethal electric stun guns into their daily equipment. The United Nations have denounced electric stun guns as one of the highest-level weapons. Source.

April


Wednesday, April 1

Three high school students are arrested in connection with throwing five petrol bombs at the Tai Po Police Station, in the third firebomb attack on the city’s force in the past 10 days. Source.

Friday, April 3

Two UN independent experts made public today their January 2020 letter to China’s UN delegation in which they said, “[We] have reasons to believe that tear gas, pepper spray and other chemical agents have been used indiscriminately, unnecessarily and disproportionately.” Baskut Tuncak and Clement Voule, the Special Rapporteurs on hazardous substances and on rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, respectively, say that they have received no answer from both the Hong Kong SAR and central Chinese governments. The letter is now posted on the UN website and includes inquiry regarding details about the composition of tear gas and pepper spray, respective manufacturers, relief action for those affected by tear gas, and policies and procedures in using tear gas near schools. Source.

Tuesday, April 7

Pro-democracy activist Ken Tsang laments that “justice delayed is justice denied,” after the Court of Final Appeal rejected the appeal of police officers convicted of assaulting him during the Umbrella Movement six years earlier. Seven police officers were filmed by TVB kicking and punching the handcuffed Tsang during an operation in 2014. Tsang, now a district councillor, says he believes the officers would never have been brought to justice had the incident happened today. “Rule of law in Hong Kong is falling to the extent that it has decayed. No police officer is accountable for their evildoings. The seven of them might [all] walk free.” Source.

Hong Kong police report that during the fiscal year of 2019-20 (as of February 29 of this year), the police used 16,191 tear gas grenades, 1,491 bottles of pepper spray, 10,100 rubber bullets, 2,033 bean bag rounds, 1,880 sponge bullets, and 19 live bullets during operations to disperse demonstrations. Strikingly, they report that the police used their batons only 104 times, notwithstanding video documentation showing their systematic and extensive use in police actions throughout the protests. The police plan to have each frontline uniformed police officer equipped with a camcorder in 2021, citing its potential for de-escalation and restraint against police abuse. Source.

Thursday, April 9

The Court of Appeal rules that Hong Kong’s ban on wearing masks at unlawful assemblies is constitutional, partially overturning the lower court’s decision. The Court states that both the ban on facial coverings during lawful public gatherings, and the power granted to police officers to remove masks, were still unconstitutional. Last October, Chief Executive Carrie Lam invoked the Emergency Regulations Ordinance to ban face masks to quell protests. Source.

Monday, April 13, 2020

The PRC State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO) and the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong (LOCPG) issue statements condemning the delay of the election of the chair and deputy chair of the Legislative Council’s House Committee. In their respective statements, HKMAO blames opposition lawmakers for “using procedural issues to maliciously cause the delay,” and the LOCPG accuses Dennis Kwok, LegCo member (Civic Party) who represents the legal functional constituency, of abuse of power in “deliberately causing the shutdown of the House Committee.” Source. Source.

In a response released on Facebook that day, Kwok states: “ The operation of the Legislative Council and its committees, as well as the powers of the President of the Legislative Council and the committees, are determined and handled by the members of the Legislative Council in accordance with the Basic Law, Rules of Procedure and other rules of procedure. The HKMAO and LOCPG possess no power or qualification to influence or comment on the operation of the Legislative Council and its committees, or on how legislative councillors should fulfill their duties.” Source. Source.

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

At a press conference, pro-democracy lawmakers criticize the HKMAO and LOCPG accusations as trampling on the “one country, two systems” principle and a violation of Article 22 of the Basic Law, which states: “No department of the Central People's Government and no province, autonomous region, or municipality directly under the Central Government may interfere in the affairs which the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region administers on its own in accordance with this Law.” Source.

Wed, April 15, 2020

On National Security Education Day, Luo Huining, Director of the Liaison Office, says in a video message: “Hong Kong’s system for safeguarding national security has always been imperfect. . . It is necessary, as soon as possible, to put more effort into [that] system and the implementing mechanisms. . . . Hong Kong must not be allowed to become the breach for national security risks.” Luo characterizes the anti-extradition protests as advocating “Hong Kong independence” and “radical, violent criminal activities” that “seriously endangered national security. . . We should have zero tolerance . . . for any acts that endanger the fundamental rule of law in Hong Kong.” Source.

In a video address on the same day, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam echoes Luo on the need to bolster mechanisms in Hong Kong to safeguard national security, and assert the anti-extradition protests have seriously challenged the rule of law in Hong Kong. But she goes one step further in describing the appearance of “extremist acts, which approach acts of the terrorism” (@4:00 on video) Source.

Friday, April 17, 2020

The Liaison Office (LOCPG) issues a statement asserting that it and the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO) are “authorized by the central government to be responsible for the management of Hong Kong affairs and are not the ‘various departments of the central government’ referred to in Article 22 of the Basic Law, and of course have the power to represent the central government . . . [and] exercise supervisory power.” Source.

Saturday, April 18, 2020

Fifteen prominent pro-democracy figures in Hong Kong are arrested, on suspicion of organizing or participating in alleged “unauthorized assemblies” in August-October 2019 in protests against the controversial extradition bill. The arrested individuals include former and current Legislative Council members, prominent senior barristers, veteran democracy activists, and youth leaders. The arrests are an escalation that indicate dwindling space for the exercise of fundamental human rights and freedoms guaranteed under international and local law in Hong Kong. All are later released on bail, with their court hearings scheduled for May 18, 2020. The 15 pro-democracy figures arrested on April 18, 2020 are:

  • Au Nok-hin, former LegCo member
  • Figo Chan, vice-convener, Civil Human Rights Front
  • Cyd Ho, former LegCo member, current vice-chairwoman, Labour Party
  • Albert Ho, former LegCo member, former chair, Democratic Party
  • Jimmy Lai, founder of Next Digital
  • Lee Cheuk-yan, former LegCo member, Labour Party, general secretary of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions
  • Martin Lee, former LegCo member, senior barrister, and founder and former chair of the Democratic Party
  • Leung Kwok-hung, also known as “Long Hair,” former LegCo member, vice-chair of League of Social Democrats
  • Leung Yiu-chung, current LegCo member, Neighbourhood and Worker's Service Centre
  • Avery Ng, secretary-general of League of Social Democrats
  • Margaret Ng, former LegCo member, senior barrister, current executive Committee member, Civic Party
  • Sin Chung-kai, former LegCo member, current chair and member, Kwai Tsing District Council
  • Richard Tsoi, former Sha Tin District Councillor, former vice-chairman, Democratic Party
  • Raphael Wong, chair, League of Social Democrats
  • Yeung Sum, former LegCo member, Democratic Party, current lecturer, University of Hong Kong

Source. Source.

Saturday-Sunday, April 18-19, 2020

In three different and self-contradictory statements, the Hong Kong SAR government revises its position on whether the Liaison Office (LOCPG) is a department referred to in Article 22 of the Basic Law.

Statement 1 acknowledges that the LOCPG is subjected to the terms of Article 22 of the Basic Law—thus, refuting the LOCPG’s statement on Friday, April 17, that it is not: "The LOCPG is one of the three organisations set up in the HKSAR by the Central Government in accordance with Article 22(2) of the Basic Law . . . the LOCPG and its personnel shall abide by the laws of the HKSAR in accordance with Article 22(3) of the Basic Law." (This statement has since been removed from the Hong Kong government website but has been preserved on archive.is.) Source.

Statement 2, issued a few hours after the original statement, does not mention Article 22 of the Basic law. It simply says: “‘The LOCPG is one of the three organisations set up in the HKSAR by the Central Government . . . The LOCPG and its personnel shall abide by the Basic Law and laws of the HKSAR.’" The statement also echoes the LOCPG statement that it has supervisory power: "[The LOCPG] is entrusted with the authority and responsibility to represent the CPG to express views and exercise supervisory power on major issues. . .” Source.

Statement 3, issued in the early hours of April 19, reversed its earlier two statements, by saying that the LOCPG is not an entity referred to in Article 22 of the Basic Law: “The Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR (LOCPG) is an office set up in the HKSAR by the Central People's Government, not ‘offices in the HKSAR set up by departments of the Central People's Government’ as stated in Article 22(2) of the Basic Law.” Source.

Sunday, April 19, 2020

In a press release that eerily echoes mainland Chinese authorities with regard to public expressions and comments on events, a government spokesman defends the Saturday arrests and says, "The police are duty bound to handle every case in a fair, just and impartial manner,” and that people should not make "baseless speculations" about the cases as "it would create a public discussion which may amount to a trial by the public." Source.

Monday, April 20

In a statement, the Hong Kong Bar Association affirms that Beijing’s agencies in Hong Kong have no power to “supervise” the city’s internal affairs: “In any event, there is no provision in the Basic Law which confers on the [P.R.C. State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office] HKMAO and [the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong, LOCPG] the power of ‘supervision’ over affairs which the HKSAR administers on its own.” Pro-democracy lawmakers have demanded clarification from the government on the constitutional status of the LOCPG. The Bar Association asserts that both the LOCPG and the HKMAO are bound by the Basic Law, including the prohibition on interference in the city’s internal affairs as set out in Article 22. Source.

Tuesday, April 21

Chief Executive Carrie Lam apologizes for the confusion surrounding the role and status of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO) and the Liaison Office (LOCPG) under the Basic Law. Lam disputes assertions that the LOCPG does not have the right to comment on the Basic Law, the governance of the SAR, and its internal affairs. She calls those characterizing the “constitutional, lawful, and reasonable remarks” as “intervention” by the central government as people “harboring ulterior motives.” Source.

The Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO) issues three consecutive articles to criticize Dennis Kwok, Legislative Councilor for the legal functional constituency, assert that the central government has the power and responsibility to maintain the constitutional order of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and affirm support for the arrests of the 15 pro-democracy figures by Hong Kong police on April 18. The HKMAO warns that if any Legislative Council member violates the oath, he must bear legal responsibility, and accuses Dennis Kwok of deliberately violating the oath and abusing his power. Source. Source.

Wednesday, April 22

Two teenagers are jointly charged with murder, wounding with intent, and rioting in connection with the death of an elderly man who was filming a clash between rival protesters during the city’s political unrest last year. Luo Chang-qing, 70, died in November due to a blow to the head when pro-democracy supporters and government loyalists started hurling bricks at one another in Sheung Shui. Source.

Civic Party lawmaker Dennis Kwok believes he will be ousted from the Legislative Council, after repeated attacks by Beijing for oath violation and misconduct in public office. Kwok retorts that if a lawmaker performing his duties based on the Rules of Procedure or opposing certain bills could be seen as breaking his oath and violating the principle of “one country,” then the Legislative Council will become “a Hong Kong version of the National People’s Congress.” Source.

Organizers of a major May 1 Labor Day protest in Hong Kong have vowed to press ahead with their march in defiance of a police warning to cancel it because of coronavirus. The Confederation of Trade Unions (CTU) insist the =demonstration could go ahead without breaking social-distancing rules. Source.

Friday, April 24

China authorities announce intention to prosecute Belizean businessman Lee Henley Hu Xiang. Lee was arrested in Guangzhou on November 26, 2019 on allegations of providing capital to anti-China groups based in the United States, colluding with foreign forces to interfere in Hong Kong affairs, and supporting activities that endangered China’s national security. In October 2019, Chinese authorities arrested Taiwanese national Lee Meng-chu in Shenzhen for allegedly stealing state secrets for foreign forces after he visited Hong Kong in August to support pro-democracy activities. Source.

Pro-democracy lawmaker Au Nok-hin has been sentenced to 140 hours of community service after being convicted of assault by using a loudspeaker near a police officer during a protest in July 2019. Au laments the erosion of Hong Kong’s rule of law: “What options are left for Hong Kong people to achieve real rule of law? The judgement today is just the first one, there will be a second and third. . . . On a personal level the paranoia is beyond my tolerance.” Au is also one of the 15 pro-democracy figures arrested on April 18 in connection with protests in August and October 2019. Source.

District Court Judge Kwok Wai-kin expresses sympathy for defendant Tony Hung, who stabbed three pro-democracy citizens in front of a “Lennon Wall” inside a Tseung Kwan O pedestrian subway. In December 2019, Hung pled guilty to three counts of wounding with intent. Judge Kwok sentenced Hung to a 45-month prison term, a reduction from six years to life imprisonment, saying that Hung was a victim of the pro-democracy protests which affected his livelihood as a tour guide and his crime was a “mishap” that would not have happened had there not been protests. Source.

Sunday, April 26

Hundreds gather at a Taikoo Shing shopping mall to chant pro-democracy slogans amid calls for the resumption of protests following a dip in the number of coronavirus cases. Two large groups of riot police arrive on the scene holding pepper spray cans and shields to disperse the peaceful crowd. Tai Koo Shing West District Councillor Andrew Chiu says: “I condemn [the] police for deploying so [much] manpower to threaten peaceful citizens, especially on behalf of my constituency as its district councillor.” Hours later, Chiu’s assistant is injured by police outside a restaurant far from the mall. Source.

Monday, April 27

After a backlash from activists against Judge Kwok Wai-kin for expressing sympathy for a defendant who pled guilty to stabbing three protesters, the judiciary confirms that Judge Kwok will no longer adjudicate criminal proceedings involving protesters from the pro-democracy movement. On April 24, Judge Kwok sentenced the defendant, Tony Hung, who stabbed three pro-democracy citizens in front of a “Lennon Wall” in Tseung Kwan O, to 45 months in jail. Source.

Tuesday, April 28

In the second peaceful protest of the week, over 100 people gather at the International Financial Centre’s mall in Central to sing the pro-democracy anthem, “Glory to Hong Kong.” The protesters mark the first anniversary of a march against the extradition bill organized by the Civil Human Rights Front and demand the release of those arrested during last year’s protests. Police enter the mall five minutes before the protest is expected to start at 6:30 p.m. and fine at least two people for violating social distancing rules. Police have been accused of cracking down on the pro-democracy movement under the guise of enforcing coronavirus measures. Source.

The Hong Kong Bar Association’s chairman Philip Dykes, in a letter addressed to Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, copying Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng and Chief Executive Carrie Lam, urges the city government to clarify whether Beijing’s supervisory power over the city extends to the judiciary and prosecutors. Dykes asks pointedly: “Does the claimed power of supervision extend to these bodies? If it does, how can the power be reconciled with the notion of independence?” Dykes’ letter comes one day after the city’s justice secretary declared that the central government’s Liaison Office in Hong Kong has supervisory powers and is not bound by Article 22 of the Basic Law. Source.

Wednesday, April 29

In a communication sent on Thursday, April 23 and made public today, United Nations Special Rapporteurs urged the Hong Kong government to review and reconsider key aspects of its terrorism and sedition laws to insure compliance with international human rights treaties that apply to Hong Kong. The Special Rapporteurs stated: “We note that imprecise and overly broad definitions of terrorist actions can include actions protected by human rights law, such as peaceful actions to protect . . . labour rights, minority rights or human rights, and, particularly, the right of association and peaceful assembly.” Emphasizing that “counterterrorism laws are not the appropriate mechanism for the restriction of human rights,” they cautioned against invoking “national security as a justification for measures aimed at suppressing opposition or to justify repressive practices against its population.” Source. Source.

Hong Kong localist activist Edward Leung loses an appeal against his jail term in connection with “rioting” during the 2016 Mong Kok unrest. In June 2018, Leung was sentenced to six years in jail after pleading guilty to assaulting a police officer and being convicted of one charge of rioting. The Mong Kok unrest was triggered by the authorities’ attempts to clear street hawkers, which escalated into violent clashes between police and protesters. Leung’s sentence seems disproportionately lengthy when compared with Tony Hung’s 45-month jail time on conviction of three counts of wounding with intent. Source.

May


Friday, May 1

Labour Party vice-chairman Mak Tak-ching is arrested in the morning on suspicion of obstructing police shortly after he and several members of the Labour Party and the League of Social Democrats begin their march from Admiralty Center to the government's headquarters to protest the ban on the annual May 1 Labour Day demonstrations. Eight of the participants are fined for violating the public gathering law, even though they had moved in groups of four in compliance with social distancing measures. Source.

During the day, 3,000 riot police swarm the streets in anticipation of Labour Day protests that do not materialize. At around 7p.m., pro-democracy protesters gather at the New Town Plaza in Sha Tin to join in a peaceful singalong similar to the two that took place earlier this week at Taikoo Shing and in Central. Police enter and threaten the crowd to disperse and then pepper spray people indiscriminately, including journalists. Source. Source.

Monday, May 4

Civil society groups are planning to organize activities on May 9, May 10, June 12, June 16, and July 1 and urge Hong Kongers not to give up the fight for democracy. The activities include: (1) an epidemic prevention seminar on May 9, (2) a protest calling for Carrie Lam to step down on May 10, (3) a rally marking the one year anniversary of the extradition bill that sparked mass protests on June 12, (4) a rally on June 16 calling for the five demands, and (5) an annual protest on July 1 that has been held since Handover Day in 1997. Source.

In a video interview, former detainees at Pik Uk Correctional Institution accuse correctional officers of severe abuse and torture in which the pro-democracy protesters remanded to the institution were beaten, had their heads repeatedly bashed against the wall, and slapped for singing “Glory to Hong Kong.” Some protesters recall being beaten once or twice a week while others say they were beaten four to five times a week. In February, one man tried to hurt himself because he could no longer withstand the abuse. Activists demand an independent investigation into the allegations and holding those involved accountable. Source.

Legislative Council President Andrew Leung tells reporters that, according to outside legal counsel, pro-Beijing lawmaker Starry Lee, the incumbent House Committee chair running for reelection, has the duty and power to end the deadlock over the election of a new chair. Source.

Tuesday, May 5

Media mogul Jimmy Lai Chee-ying is barred from leaving Hong Kong as part of his bail condition after he pleaded not guilty to one count of criminal intimidation for allegedly threatening to injure a man, identified only as X, during the June 4, 2017 vigil in Victoria Park. Speaking outside West Kowloon Magistrate Court, Lai urged Hongkongers to fight on while former lawmaker Lee Cheuk-yan expressed regret over prosecutors’ bid to impose additional bail conditions, which he learned just minutes before the afternoon hearing. Source.

Netizens gather at Tuen Mun Town Plaza to sing “Glory to Hong Kong” and to chant pro-democracy slogans. Riot police flood the plaza, some in plain-clothes, to film the protesters and to cordon off the mall. Source.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam affirms Legislative Council president Andrew Leung’s assertion that Starry Lee, the incumbent House Committee chair, has the power to handle non-urgent legislative business. In response, pan-democrats are pursuing external legal advice before the next House Committee meeting on Friday to “seek an independent opinion to allow the public as well as the legislators and the chief executive to have a different perspective,” according to Civic Party lawmaker Tanya Chan. Source.

Joshua Wong, Secretary-general of the pro-democracy group Demosisto, and Shiu Ka-chun, lawmaker for the social welfare sector, lay out allegations made against officers at Pik Uk Prison and demand accountability for the extreme abuse and torture suffered by detainees. Source.

Wednesday, May 6

China’s Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office (HKMAO) issues another intimidating warning to Hong Kong by calling protesters a “political virus” and threatens that the city will never be calm until “poisonous” and “violent” black-clad demonstrators are eliminated. The HKMAO statement is the latest in Beijing’s escalating rhetoric towards pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong and its crackdown on pro-democracy leaders in the lead up to the September Legco elections. Source.

People gather at the Kingswood Ginza mall in Tin Shui Wai in the evening for another singalong protest, and riot police rush in to disperse the crowd, cordon off the mall, and issue tickets for violating social distancing rules. District Councillor Lam Chun attempts to get an officer to stop kicking and punching an unarmed civilian to no avail. Source.

Thursday, May 7

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says the first annual report on Hong Kong’s autonomy will be postponed until after the Chinese government’s annual Two Congresses conclude on May 28. The Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act requires the State Department to annually evaluate Hong Kong’s record on human rights and the rule of law, and mandates sanctions against those deemed responsible for the erosion of the city’s autonomy from China. Source.

Friday, May 8

Pro-Beijing and pro-democracy legislators fight over occupying the empty chairperson’s seat before the House Committee session. The incumbent Committee chair, Starry Lee, reaches the seat first and is protected by security guards. Lawmaker and social activist Eddie Chu Hoi-dick attempts to climb a wall to reach the chair but is removed from the room by four security guards, each holding a limb of Chu’s. Others are dragged or knocked down and pro-democracy legislator Claudia Mo is hit on the head by a flying placard. After taking the chair, Lee expels pro-democracy members from the room and issues warnings to them about breaching procedural laws. Source.

Ten people are arrested after a fight between pro-democracy and pro-Beijing camps at a Lennon Wall in Wong Tai Sin district. A group of about 20 people carrying handy tools and paint seen removing pro-democracy messages at the Lennon Wall was confronted by local residents. Three Wong Tai Sin district councillors claim that some attackers who remained at the scene when the first batch of police officers arrived were not arrested, accusing police of sheltering criminals. Source.

Protesters gather at the IFC mall at around 1p.m. for a “Lunch With You” protest, responding to online calls promoting the demonstration as a legal effort to publicize coronavirus-related information. Fifteen minutes later, police warn the crowd to disperse and cordon off the mall. Nelson Tang, a student journalist for the Hong Kong Baptist University Student Union Editorial Board, is stopped and searched by the police. Tang is then pushed to the floor by an officer and taken behind an exit door, while several reporters and Tang himself shout that he was being beaten. Reporters are hit by police’s pepper spray and treated by volunteer first-aiders at the scene. Source.

Sunday, May 10

Around 230 people are arrested, including pro-democracy lawmaker Roy Kwong, who is hospitalized after being grabbed and pushed to the ground where an officer kneels on his neck. At around 8 p.m., over 100 riot police officers suddenly rush the crowd at Sai Yeung Choi Street South and deploy pepper spray, hitting at least one man and several reporters. Source.

Hong Kong’s Fire Services Department states that an arrested suspect was found dead inside a police car when an ambulance arrived swiftly in response to the police’s call on Thursday, May 7. The deceased suspect was arrested for damaging a moving vehicle with a glass bottle and toppling over a nearby motorcycle. Source.

Monday, May 11

In an interview with pro-Beijing newspaper Ta Kung Pao, Chief Executive Carrie Lam says that, aside from the Education Bureau, both school management and sponsoring bodies have a responsibility for gatekeeping teaching materials, as misconceptions could filter into subjects such as liberal studies, a critical thinking course Beijing has blamed for inciting students to take part in pro-democracy protests. In response, Hong Kong’s largest teachers’ union states that most principals and teachers carry out their jobs professionally and urges her to apologize and withdraw her “insulting” comments. Source.

Tuesday, May 12

The Hong Kong government has consulted the legislature’s House Committee incumbent chair Starry Lee on resuming the second reading of the controversial national anthem bill. The proposed law has been criticized as an attempt to erode freedom of expression by penalizing alterations and derogatory performances of “March of the Volunteers,” punishable by a fine of up to HK$50,000 and three years’ imprisonment. Source.

The Hong Kong government cautions youth against reporting on protests following the detention of two student journalists during Sunday’s protests. Police on-site called one of the student journalists a child laborer and mocked him for his height. One officer was visibly angry while interacting with the young reporter and had to be restrained by another officer. The Hong Kong Journalists Association’s latest survey showed record decline in press freedom as journalists face increasing threats and tightening restrictions. Source.

At a Yuen Long District Council meeting, after pro-democracy legislator Roy Kwong accuses officers of “attacking” reporters in a “terrorist-like” manner, Hong Kong police chief Chris Tang admits police treatment of the press during Sunday’s protest dispersal operation in Mong Kok was “undesirable,” adding that officers should have been more professional. Source.

Police threaten protesters and journalists with force and pepper spray in effort to disperse a singalong protest in Tsz Wan Shan Shopping Center. Source.

Wednesday, May 13

U.N. human rights special rapporteurs urge Hong Kong authorities to immediately drop the criminal prosecution of 15 pro-democracy activists who participated in peaceful protests last year, stating that “Nobody should be subjected to administrative or criminal sanctions for taking part in a peaceful protest, even if the regime governing protests requires an authorization.” Source. Source.

A young woman, Ms. X, who reported her gang rape by police officers inside Tsuen Wan Police Station on September 27, 2019, accuses Commissioner of Police Chris Tang Ping-keung of attempting to discredit her during a Yuen Long District Council meeting on May 12. During the meeting, Tang alleged the young woman was a fugitive and that the police were planning to arrest her on suspicion of misleading officers. Ms. X’s lawyer denied that Ms. X was under investigation. Ms. X also revealed that police dismissed her case after failing to investigate. Source.

Protesters gather in small groups in accordance with social distancing measures in mock celebration of the 63rd birthday of chief executive Carrie Lam at the at New Town Plaza mall. Police fire pepper spray at the crowd, with one officer in plainclothes targeting a journalist and a protester. Source.

Friday, May 15

Activists and legal experts condemn the Independent Police Complaints Council’s report which found the police force’s response to the city’s protests to be justified and within regulations. Hong Kong watchers and pro-democracy figures express skepticism over the findings. . The IPCC has no powers to compel the disclosure of information. Last year, an international expert panel on the IPCC resigned citing the lack of a process for effective investigation. Source. Source.

The president of the Legislative Council Andrew Leung has appointed pro-Beijing lawmaker Chan Kin-por as presiding member of the House Committee, replacing democrat Dennis Kwok. Source.

Source.

First protester charged with rioting is sentenced to 4 years’ imprisonment. Source.

Saturday, May 16

Plain-clothes officers arrest eight people at a protest in East Point City mall in Tseung Kwan O. Dozens of people also gather to protest at Yoho Mall in Yuen Long and New Town Plaza in Sha Tin. Source.

Monday, May 18

Pro-Beijing lawmaker Starry Lee has been elected House Committee chairperson, winning an overwhelming majority of the votes despite a short-lived protest from democrats. The Hong Kong government has pushed for the passing of a controversial National Anthem bill this month. The proposed law would penalize deliberate alterations to the anthem and derogatory performances. Source.

In the West Kowloon magistrates court, the 15 arrested prominent pro-democracy leaders hear the charges against them. Their cases are adjourned until June, to allow the prosecution to prepare for a move to the district court. All the defendants have been released on bail. The group was arrested last month on charges relating to the organization of and participation in a number of last year’s protests. Five of them face longer sentences over an additional charge of “incitement to knowingly take part in an unauthorized assembly.” Source.

Tuesday, May 19

The Hong Kong government is extending its coronavirus social distancing measures, including a ban on public gatherings of more than eight people, to June 4, in effect banning the annual June Fourth candlelight vigil in Victoria Park, an event that attracts hundreds of thousands of people who commemorate victims of the bloody crackdown on the 1989 Democracy Movement in China. Critics say the decision is specifically aimed at preventing the vigil to take place. Lee Cheuk-yan, chairman of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements in China, the vigil’s organizer, said it is unreasonable to ban political rallies while schools reopen and religious activities are permitted. Source. Source.

Wednesday, May 20

The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China urges participants to adopt the “be water” strategy used in protests, amid concerns the June Fourth vigil will be banned this year due to the extension of social distancing measures. Lee Cheuk-yan, who chairs the alliance, reiterates the inconsistency between banning the gathering while reopening schools and allowing large religious gatherings while: “It is very clear that they have the political objective of suppressing gatherings in Hong Kong.” Mak Hoi-wah, a standing committee member of the alliance, said one of the plans under discussion with district councillors is to distribute candles on the streets, and then call upon people to light them together at 8 p.m. Source.

Thursday, May 21

A draft Decision is presented to the National People’s Congress currently in session that will authorize the NPC Standing Committee to draft national security law for Hong Kong aimed at prohibiting acts of “secession, subversion of state power, subversion of state power, terrorism, and foreign interference.” The draft Decision states that the legislation, when passed, will bypass the Hong Kong legislative process and be directly inserted into Annex III of Hong Kong’s Basic Law, which contains a list of national laws related to defense and foreign affairs that are applicable to Hong Kong. According to the draft decision, which is expected to be adopted by the NPC at the end of its session on May 28, relevant mainland government departments will be allowed to set up local agencies to carry out enforcement measures. The draft Decision has triggered immediate and widespread fear among the people of Hong Kong that such legislation would pose serious and unprecedent threats to fundamental rights and freedoms. Source. Source. Source.

U.S. senators are introducing a bipartisan bill to sanction Chinese party officials and entities who enforce the new national security law in Hong Kong, and to penalize banks that do business with those entities. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) said they had been working on the bill, which aims to defend human rights in Hong Kong and pressure China to preserve the territory’s special status. Source.

Sunday, May 24

Thousands of demonstrators gather in Causeway Bay at around 1 p.m. to march to Wan Chai to protest Beijing’s intent to impose national security legislation on Hong Kong. Hong Kong police fire tear gas and water cannons at protesters. At least 180 people are arrested, mostly for alleged participation in an illegal assembly. Among them is Sha Tin District Councillor Raymond Li. Source. Source.

Monday, May 25

The Hong Kong Bar Association issues a statement highlighting fundamental constitutional and legal concerns raised by Beijing’s move to impose national security legislation on Hong Kong. Source. Source.

Tuesday, May 26

After police fine citizens HK$2,000 for gathering with a “common purpose,” including protesters staging pro-democracy sing-a-longs at malls, Hong Kong’s health department clarifies that the definition of “group gatherings” depends on the circumstances, such as whether the gathering was planned, participant interaction, and the length of the event. Activist David Webb points out there is no mention of “common purpose” in the public order ordinance. “Do a thousand people on a beach have a “common purpose” because they all went there to enjoy the beach? If so then why hasn’t the Government cleared the beaches?” he is quoted as asking. Source.

PRC’s Ministry of Education plans to send about 60 "teaching instructors" from Hunan, Hainan, Anhui, and Liaoning to schools in Hong Kong and Macau, according to directives posted to official websites by provincial education bureaus. The teachers are being sent to teach patriotic education, according online recruitment notices. Source.

Sources say Beijing’s national security law for Hong Kong will block Hong Kong’s foreign judges from handling national security trials, deepening concerns about the city’s judicial independence. The legislation, which remains subject to change, would also see both central and city government security agencies set up in Hong Kong, according to sources. Source.

Wednesday, May 27

Hong Kong police arrest 396 people during day-long protests and skirmishes across the city, as residents protest against the proposed national anthem law which would criminalize ridicule of China’s national anthem. Several days have been set aside in the Hong Kong legislature for debate on the bill and the vote is scheduled for June 4the 31st anniversary of the crackdown on the 1989 Democracy Movement in China. Police fire pepper balls into lunchtime crowds as people shout slogans. Officers stop and search residents, including students, and force arrestees to sit in rows on the ground. Of the 396 people arrested, half are students and about 100 are children. Offences include possession of offensive weapons, possession of instruments fit for unlawful purpose, unlawful assembly, and joining unauthorized assemblies. Source. Source.

The draft national security legislation for Hong Kong is reported to have broadened its scope to include “activities” as well as “behavior”—a change that local groups see as adding organizations as targets. Source. Source.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen condemns Beijing’s Hong Kong national security law and announces that Taiwan will launch the "Hong Kong Humanitarian Aid Action Project" to improve Hong Kongers' "residency, settlement, and care" in Taiwan. Source.

The State Department officially certifies that Hong Kong is no longer autonomous from China, according to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a statement that holds implications for the future of economic ties and could lead to removal of Hong Kong’s special trade status based on its autonomy from China. The State Department is required by the Hong Kong Policy Act to annually assess Hong Kong’s autonomy. Source. Source.

Preeminent legal scholar Johannes Chan sets out five reasons as to why the National People’s Congress’s draft Decision regarding Hong Kong’s national security legislation does not comply with Hong Kong’s Basic Law. Source.

Thursday, May 28

The draft national anthem bill passes the second reading at the Legislative Council. The third reading will take place next Wednesday, June 3. Source. Source.

The National People’s Congress, China’s top legislature, passes a resolution by near unanimous vote authorizing its Standing Committee to tailor-make a national security law for Hong Kong, prohibiting acts of secession, subversion, terrorism, and activities by “foreign forces that interfere with the affairs of Hong Kong SAR.” The law, when passed, will require the Hong Kong SAR government to set up new institutions to safeguard national security and allow relevant organs of the mainland government to set up institutions in Hong Kong to “perform” duties related to the protection of national security. Source. Source. Source.

Friday, May 29

In a press conference, President Trump says the United States will roll back some of the special preferences the United States has granted Hong Kong. Trump also threatens to impose sanctions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials “directly or indirectly involved in eroding Hong Kong’s autonomy” after China’s legislature approved a resolution to impose national security legislation in Hong Kong. Source.

The U.S. and UK succeed in securing an informal discussion in the UN Security Council on China’s move to impose national security legislation on Hong Kong, after the U.S. failed attempt earlier this week to put the item on the Security Council’s formal agenda. China accuses the U.S. of taking the UN hostage and warns Western nations to stay out of China’s internal affairs. Source.

The UK government says if China imposes national security legislation on Hong Kong, it would “extend” visa rights for Hong Kongers holding or eligible for a British National (Overseas), or BNO, passport, numbering approximately 2.9 million people. The UK Home Secretary Priti Patel is quoted as saying: “If China imposes this law, we will explore options to allow British nationals overseas to apply for leave to stay in the UK, including a path to citizenship.” Source.

June


Monday, June 1

For the first time in 30 years, Hong Kong police formally ban the candlelight vigil in Victoria Park to commemorate victims of the military crackdown on the 1989 Democracy Movement, citing Covid-19 measures. Lee Cheuk-yan, an organizer of the vigil and chair of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, urges people to light candles individually and to observe a moment of silence. “With this ban, and a disastrous national security law looming, it is not clear if Hong Kong’s Tiananmen vigil will ever be allowed to take place again,” said Joshua Rosenzweig, Amnesty International Deputy Director for East and South-east Asia. Source.

The Hong Kong Companies Registry grills Coming Dawn, an e-platform seeking registration, over its political stance, raising concerns over censorship. The platform provides job matching services for Hong Kong protesters with businesses that support the pro-democracy movement in the “yellow economic circle.” In 2017, the registry refused to allow the pro-independence Hong Kong National Party to change the name of a shell company it purchased to “HKNP Limited” on the grounds that advocating independence was deemed contrary to the Basic Law. The following year, the registry used a similar reason to reject an application by pro-democracy party Demosisto to register as a limited company, after sitting on the application for nearly two years. Source.

As protesters face sustained and widespread police brutality, the Office of the Ombudsman requests that the Hong Kong Police Force make publicly available the full content of the Police General Orders, a code of conduct for police officers which provides guidance on the use of force and arrests, etc. Currently without access to the key relevant chapters, the public has limited means to monitor and report police misconduct in violation of the Police General Orders. Source.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says the U.S. is considering opening its doors to people from Hong Kong in response to China’s push to impose national security legislation on Hong Kong. Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell says he hopes the Trump administration will soon find ways to “impose costs on Beijing” for curbing freedoms in Hong Kong and agrees that the U.S. should mirror other democracies in opening its doors to Hong Kongers. Source.

A Hong Kong court acquits 20-year-old Lam Tsz-ho of rioting after raising doubts regarding the credibility of police testimony. Lam, a student, is the first pro-democracy protester to be acquitted in connection with an incident that allegedly occurred during last year’s unrest. Source.

Tuesday, June 2

The political party Demosisto files a complaint with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding the abuse of pro-democracy protesters held in the Pik Uk Correctional Institution, a facility in Sai Kung used for inmates aged 21 or under. Demosisto cites the cases of three protesters who had been beaten and verbally abused by Correctional Services Department (CSD) guards. Source. Source.

Wednesday, June 3

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson states he is ready to offer a right to live and work in the UK to nearly three million Hong Kong citizens eligible for a British National Overseas passport if China presses ahead with the national security legislation for Hong Kong. Source.

About a hundred people commemorate the 1989 Democracy Movement outside of Lai Chi Kok (Correctional) Reception Center, so that pro-democracy protesters detained inside could join in spirit, by raising candles and chanting slogans. Source.

Beijing denies any international obligations under the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration that it signed with the UK government. Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian says in a press conference: “The basic policies regarding Hong Kong declared by China in the Joint Declaration are China's statement of policies, not commitment to the UK or an international obligation as some claim.” Source. Source. Source.

Thursday, June 4

Hong Kong’s legislature passes a controversial bill criminalizing insult of the Chinese national anthem. The law is passed after a number of pro-democracy lawmakers are ejected for staging a noisy protest to stall proceedings and will be effective June 12. Offenders who are found guilty of deliberately altering “March of the Volunteers” risk fines up to HK$50,000 or three years in prison. Source. Source. Source.

In defiance of a police ban, thousands gather in Victoria Park in Causeway Bay for the annual candlelight vigil to commemorate the victims of the military crackdown on the 1989 Democracy Movement. People hold candles and chant slogans. Unlike past years, most shout slogans for Hong Kong, including ones calling for independence, such as “Free HK, democracy now!” and “Hong Kong Independence, only way!” Some sing the unofficial anthem of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protests, “Glory to Hong Kong.” Source. Source.

Hundreds gather in Mong Kok to mark the 31st anniversary of the crackdown of the 1989 Democracy Movement. Some demonstrators try to set up roadblocks with metal barriers, prompting officers to use pepper spray to disperse them. Source.

Friday, June 5

Dozens of Hong Kong protesters march through IFC mall in Central, chanting pro-democracy slogans a day after thousands gathered in a vigil for the anniversary of the crackdown of the 1989 Democracy Movement. Protesters of all ages join the march in the heart of the city's financial district, which ends peacefully after an hour. Source.

Monday, June 8

Activists urge Hong Kongers to dress in black and join street booths on June 12 as the city marks the one-year anniversary of the clash in 2019 between pro-democracy protesters and police outside the legislature. Rally organizer Ventus Lau Wing-hong will postpone a planned assembly at Tamar Park, since police are expected to ban the move under current Covid-19 social distancing rules. Lau will instead organize street booths in 12 districts and a religious gathering in Central to remind the public about the protests. Source.

Tuesday, June 9

During lunchtime protests, hundreds of protesters gather in several shopping centers to chant pro-democracy slogans and sing the unofficial anthem of the movement, “Glory to Hong Kong.” In the early evening, hundreds gather in Chater Garden and in streets in Central to chant pro-democracy slogans to mark the first anniversary of the pro-democracy movement. Dozens of riot police charge at them, firing pepper spray. They conduct body searches and order people to leave. In total, 53 people (36 men and 17 women) are arrested in Central on suspicion of taking part in an unauthorized assembly or for other offences. Source. Source.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam says Hong Kong needs to prove its residents are “responsible and sensible” citizens of China in order to preserve its promised way of life and systems under one country, two systems. Lam hopes everyone, “including the administration and legislators,” has learned a lesson following the pro-democracy protests. Lam adds that “Hong Kong cannot afford to be more chaotic anymore,” urging people again to support the controversial national security laws being imposed by the Chinese central government. Source. Source.

Mr. Justice Godfrey Lam Wan-ho of the High Court issues a 35-day deadline for the police to respond to Legislative Councilor Ted Hui Chi-fung’s application for details on the tear gas police used in his constituency in Central and Western districts. The information Hui sought included the tear gas ingredients, chemical compounds emitted, and details of the models used. Hui plans to use the information to challenge the legality, reasonableness, and proportionality of police deployment of tear gas, and help those who intend to seek claims over injuries caused by the weapon. Source.

Department of Justice revises charges against protesters who entered Legco chamber on July 1, 2019 to rioting, with maximum 10-year sentences. Source.

Wednesday, June 10

John Lee Ka-chiu, Secretary for Security, reveals that the Hong Kong police are setting up a dedicated unit to enforce the coming national security legislation. The unit will learn how to apply the law to actual situations, and to gather intelligence and evidence in respect to activities or acts described in the law as unlawful. The unit will also have investigative capability and an action arm. Source. Source.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will take the lead among Group of Seven (G7) countries in drafting a statement on China’s plan to introduce a controversial national security law in Hong Kong, as Tokyo joins Washington and London in putting pressure on Beijing. Japan did not join the United States, Britain, Canada, and Australia when they issued a statement regarding the national security law on May 28, and instead issued a separate statement expressing “deep concern” and summoned the Chinese ambassador to Japan. Source.

China’s foreign ministry issues a “fact sheet” defending Beijing’s decision to impose a national security law on Hong Kong following international concern that the proposed legislation would undermine the city’s freedoms and autonomy and destabilize the business environment. The statement disputes six “typical falsehoods” about the move by Beijing. It addresses matters including the proposed law’s legitimacy and legality, the urgency for Beijing to act, implications for the “one country, two systems” principle by which Hong Kong is governed, and the city’s freedoms and business environment. The statement also says the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration is “not relevant” to the national security law, and that “other countries and organizations have no right to meddle in Hong Kong affairs on the grounds of the joint declaration.” Source.

Thursday, June 11

At least three vigil organizers and media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying will be prosecuted over the gathering of thousands of people in Victoria Park on June 4 to mark the anniversary of the crackdown of the 1989 Democracy Movement. Writing on his Facebook page, Lee Cheuk-yan, chairman of the Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, said officers informed him he would receive a court summons for inciting people to take part in an unauthorized assembly on June 4. Lee said the prosecutions were expected “in retaliation” for exercising their right of assembly. Source.

A Hong Kong court has accepted private charges filed by Democratic Party lawmaker Ted Hui against a traffic police officer who shot a protester with a live round at an anti-extradition demonstration last year. The officer will be summoned to court to face three charges. The charge of shooting with intent to do grievous bodily harm carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The other charges are discharging ammunition with reckless disregard for the safety of others and dealing with a firearm in a manner likely to injure or endanger the safety of others. Each carries a maximum sentence of seven years of imprisonment. Source.

Friday, June 12

Thirteen pro-democracy figures, including media mogul Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, will face prosecution over incitement charges in connection with the banned June 4 candlelight vigil in Victoria Park to mark the anniversary of the crackdown of the 1989 Democracy Movement. The others who have been informed by the police of their impending prosecutions include standing committee members of the Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China: Andrew Wan Siu-kin, Cheung Man-kwong, Leung Yiu-chung, Mak Hoi-wah, Chiu Yan-loy, Chow Hang-tung, and Leung Kam-wai, as well as the Labour Party’s Kwok Wing-kin and Civil Human Rights Front vice-convenor Figo Chan Ho-wun. The case will be taken to court on June 23. Source.

Hundreds of demonstrators take to the streets in districts including Causeway Bay, Sha Tin, Mong Kok, Tai Po, Yuen Long, and Kwun Tong to mark the anniversary of the first major clash between protesters and police, on June 12, 2019, seen as the beginning of the months-long anti-extradition protest movement. A man is arrested for allegedly attacking a protester singing “Glory to Hong Kong” with a knife in Kwun Tong. Police fire pepper spray at demonstrators and arrest 35 people for offenses including wounding, participating in an illegal assembly, participating in an unauthorized assembly, misconduct in a public place, and possession of offensive weapons. Among those arrested in Causeway Bay is pro-democracy lawmaker Ted Hui Chi-fung. Source. Source.

Monday, June 15

Thousands of people mourn the death of protester “raincoat man” a year after he fell from scaffolding in Admiralty. Leung Ling-kit was standing on top of scaffolding outside the Pacific Place mall donning a yellow raincoat. He had hung a banner calling for the withdrawal of the extradition bill release of arrested protesters, as well as lifting the “riots” for the demonstrations. In the evening, thousands place white flowers and placards around a shrine featuring a yellow raincoat in memory of Leung. Source.

Fifteen prominent pro-democracy leaders prosecuted over last year’s protests have applied to have their criminal proceedings put on hold, pending a proposed judicial challenge against the transfer of their case to a higher court, where they could face heavier penalties. Prosecutors had applied to move the case to the District Court, which can pass a maximum jail term of seven years. Principal Magistrate Peter Law Tak-chuen agreed to the defendants’ request and will hear counsel from both sides on July 15 on whether to suspend the present case until the resolution of the judicial challenge. Source.

Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng indicates the impending national security legislation will not adhere to the city’s common law system: “It is impracticable and unreasonable to expect that everything in a national law, the National Security Law, will be exactly as what a statute in the HKSAR common law jurisdiction would be like. Yet of course, the legislation should be clear and understood in the HKSAR.” Source.

At a seminar in Shenzhen, Deng Zhonghua, deputy director of the cabinet-level Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, says the central government reserves the right to assert jurisdiction over cases “in very special circumstances” when applying the new national security law, but local authorities will be responsible for the rest. Deng stresses such cases would be rare, and they would still be prosecuted according to the rule of law as upheld in Hong Kong. Pro-democracy lawmakers question what the exceptional cases Deng refers to would be, raising fears that the law could be used to persecute Beijing’s critics and even have them tried across the border. Source.

Tuesday, June 16

Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah hints that the Department of Justice could consider intervening in a string of high-profile private prosecution proceedings initiated in recent months. Since February, cases have been brought against a taxi driver accused of ramming his cab into a crowd of demonstrators, a police officer who shot a protester, a lawmaker said to have assaulted an opposition counterpart, and public officials accused of misconduct. Democratic Party lawmaker Ted Hui Chi-fung says Cheng’s statement would pave the way for prosecutors to step in and derail privately launched proceedings that target members of the police force. Source.

Wednesday, June 17

In a joint letter to Li Zhanshu, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, 86 non-government organizations, including Amnesty International, Human Rights in China, Human Rights Watch, and Freedom House, urge the withdrawal of the planned national security legislation for Hong Kong, saying it threatens basic rights and freedoms. Meanwhile, China’s top legislature announces it is speeding up the timetable for drafting and deliberation of the legislation. Source. Source. Source.

Hong Kongers who breach the new national security law, particularly in cases involving foreign interference, could be extradited to mainland China for trial, according to Tam Yiu-chung, Hong Kong’s sole delegate to China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC). Source.

Foreign ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) countries issue a rare joint statement on the planned national security legislation for Hong Kong: “We strongly urge the government of China to reconsider this decision.” Source.

Thursday, June 18

To allay investor concerns about the impact of a new national security law on Hong Kong’s status as a financial hub, Vice-Premier Liu He, President Xi Jinping’s top economic aide, said that Beijing “will adhere to the policy of ‘one country, two systems’, and give support to Hong Kong as it plays the role of an international financial centre.” The statement comes as the national legislature pushes ahead with a review of the bill. Source.

Taiwan has drawn up a plan to provide humanitarian support, including a basic living allowance, to Hong Kongers seeking asylum on the island out of fear of prosecution at home for alleged involvement in the pro-democracy protests. The Taiwan-Hong Kong Service and Exchange Office would be set up under the Taiwan-Hong Kong Economic and Cultural Cooperation Council – a semi-official organization established in 2010. Source.

The draft National Security Law for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China is submitted to the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, state media reports: “The draft makes explicit stipulations on what constitutes four categories of criminal acts and their corresponding criminal responsibilities.” Source.

Saturday, June 20

Xinhua releases an “explainer” of the draft national security law for Hong Kong containing more details about the law than were previously known:

  • it will prohibit four categories of crimes: secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign and external influences to threaten national security;
  • local bodies will take charge of almost all investigations and prosecutions;
  • a new commission with a Beijing-appointed adviser will be chaired by the Chief Executive;
  • a mainland agency, the Office of the National Security Commissioner of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, will be set up in the city; and
  • the Chief Executive will have the power to appoint judges to hear trials;
  • Beijing will exercise jurisdiction over a small number of cases; and
  • Beijing will maintain the right of final interpretation of the law.

 The explainer is notably silent on retrospectivity, sparking concern from legal experts and activists that the legislation will allow retroactivity. Source. Source. Source.

Monday, June 22

The Hong Kong Bar Association Vice-Chairperson Anita Yip criticizes the proposed provisions of the Hong Kong national security law, as reported by Xinhua that allow the chief executive power to select judges to handle cases involving national security: “[I]t is totally an executive interference. Judicial independence is a cornerstone [of the rule of law]. Letting the chief executive select a judge to try a case is unheard of,” Yip said. Source.

Tam Yiu-chung, Hong Kong's sole delegate on the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, reveals that all candidates running for Hong Kong's upcoming Legislative Council election will be required to sign a letter pledging their allegiance to the Basic Law and even the proposed national security laws. Tam says failure to comply could result in the disqualification of a candidacy, but a final decision will be made by the city's election affairs officers. Nathan Law Kwun-chung, one of the lawmakers who was disqualified over the oath, says the move reflects Beijing's fear that pro-democracy candidates could win a majority in the Legislative Council, even though the electoral system is designed to favor pro-Beijing candidates. Source.

Tuesday, June 23

European Union leaders warn President Xi Jinping of “very negative consequences” over Beijing’s plan to introduce a national security law in Hong Kong, while pressing for progress on market access and climate change in a sign of Europe’s hardening approach to China. Following an EU-China summit via video conference, Ursula von der Leyen, who leads the European Commission, says in a press conference, “The national security law risks seriously undermining the ‘one country, two systems’ principle.” Source.

Zhang Yong, vice-chairman of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, says Hong Kong’s leader must have the power to pick judges to oversee cases under the new national security law to avoid “dual allegiance” among those with foreign nationality. Yong also brushes off concerns this would undermine judicial independence, insisting it had nothing to do with jurisdiction and the central government should always have the final say on matters of national security. Source.

Wednesday, June 24

Martin Lee blasts the Hong Kong government’s handling of the long-awaited legal challenge over police officers’ lack of identification during the past year of protests and accuses his opponents of withholding key information. Opening the case in the High Court, Lee says the government could not even identify the existence and timing of a decision to end the time-honored practice for uniformed officers to display their unique identification numbers while executing their duties, nor the reasons for introducing it, despite its duty to disclose relevant facts and documents when responding to judicial challenge. “I’ve never seen a case where the government behaves in this rotten way,” says Lee. Source.

Hong Kong police have charged seven people in connection with the August 31, 2019 Prince Edward MTR incident, with some facing charges of rioting. On the day of the incident, dozens were injured by special tactical officers from the police force who stormed into the MTR station wielding batons and deploying pepper spray inside train carriages and on the platform. Fire services medics were denied entry whilst journalists were evicted from the station amid city-wide pro-democracy protests. A total of 69 people have been arrested on suspicion of unlawful assembly, property damage, and other charges. Source.

Thursday, June 25

Police use pepper spray and arrest at least 14 people, aged 14 to 55, for illegal assembly in Yoho Mall during a “shopping protest” against Beijing’s impending national security law. In the evening, after two more protesters are taken away by plain-clothes officers, police fire pepper spray at a small group of demonstrators nearby. Source.

The U.S. Senate approves the Hong Kong Autonomy Act that would strengthen the U.S. government’s ability to sanction those violating China’s commitments to Hong Kong under the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration and the Basic Law. Source.

Friday, June 26

The Hong Kong Journalists Association and the Hong Kong Photojournalists Association write to U.N. agencies in a formal complaint about repeated violent attacks on journalists by the Hong Kong police: "Since the start of this year, such obstructions have become more systematic, targeted, and larger in scope, including the insistence by officers that journalists verify their identity before trying to work, large-scale stop-and-search operations, with police going so far as to detain reporters at the scene [of protests], or driving them away.” The letter cites an HKJA survey showing that more than 80 percent of journalists covering the protests have experienced police violence or been prevented from doing their jobs by police. Source.

Hong Kong democrats criticize the government for wasting taxpayer’s money after spending nearly HK$7 million on promoting the controversial national security law. Despite the Chief Executive’s statements that she did not know what the law entails, the government has amounted a campaign calling for public support of the law on billboards, trams, buses, TV, and radio, and in social media and newspapers. Source.

Fifty UN independent experts call for decisive measures to protect fundamental freedoms in China and urge China to abide by its international legal obligations, including under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Sino-British Joint Declaration, and withdraw the draft national security law for Hong Kong. Source.

Sunday, June 28

Police arrest 53 people for unlawful assembly from a crowd of several hundred in a “silent protest” against the national security law that moves from Jordan to Mong Kok. In Yuen Long, a pro-Beijing group wearing white “Protect Alliance Hong Kong” shirts set up a promotional stall near Long Ping MTR station to collect signatures in support of the law. Two men from the group attack a mother and her nine-year-old over differing political opinions, injuring the boy’s eye. Source. Source.

Monday, June 29

China announces visa restrictions on U.S. individuals who “behave egregiously” in relation to Hong Kong affairs, without specifying whom or how many will be targeted. The act is in response to Washington’s decision last week to restrict visas for Chinese officials who undermine Hong Kong’s semi-autonomous status. Source.

To prevent pro-democracy protests marking the July 1 anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China, police sources reveal that a lockdown around the venue—the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai—is in effect. Sources say over 4,000 riot police officers and three water cannons will also be on standby across the city from Tuesday evening to deal with possible unrest in reaction to the expected passage of a new national security law. Source.

A video of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) sharpshooters undergoing intensive live-fire drills in Hong Kong circulating on social media is seen as a warning to “separatists” ahead of Beijing’s passage of a national security law for Hong Kong. Source.

Tuesday, June 30

The National People’s Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC) unanimously passes The Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The law is inserted into Annex III of the Basic Law, bypassing Hong Kong legislature, and goes into effect at 11:00 p.m. The law criminalizes acts of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign and external forces to jeopardize national security. The law asserts global jurisdiction on acts committed in or outside of Hong Kong by residents or non-residents of Hong Kong and imposes penalties including life imprisonment for offenders and expulsion of non-residents. Source. Source. Source.

In video, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam addresses UN Human Rights Council: “I urge the international community to respect our country’s right to safeguard national security, and Hong Kong people’s aspirations for stability and harmony.” She maintains that the legislation would only target a minority of people who have broken the law, while the basic rights and freedoms of the majority of Hong Kong residents would be protected. Source.

Political activists say they plan to defy the police ban on the July 1 march as 4,000 police officers are reportedly deployed to handle unrest. Source.

Ninety politicians and organizations from across the world issue a joint statement condemning Beijing’s passing of a national security law for Hong Kong. They call on countries to impose Magnitsky-style sanctions against Chinese and Hong Kong officials complicit in the passing of the new legislation and urge the implementation of “lifeboat” operations for Hong Kongers who may now face political persecution. Source. Source.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross announces just hours before Beijing passes a national security law for Hong Kong that the U.S. will restrict Hong Kong’s access to “sensitive US technology,” likely the first in a potentially long line of steps towards removing the city’s special trading privileges, and a further tightening of the screw on China’s access to hi-tech goods. Hong Kong could be moved from a group of countries that receive export license exceptions, including Australia, Britain, and Taiwan to a category that includes Russia, Syria, and Venezuela. Ross says “the risk that sensitive US technology will be diverted to the People’s Liberation Army or Ministry of State Security has increased, all while undermining the territory’s autonomy.” Source.

Hong Kong activists are deleting social media profiles and closing down campaign groups after Beijing passed a new security law that many fear could land them in jail. High-profile activists Joshua Wong, Nathan Law, and Agnes Chow have resigned from their pro-democracy group, Demosisto, and the group itself has announced its closure hours after news of the law’s passage. So did Hong Kong National Front, a pro-independence group, which says its work will continue abroad in Taiwan and the U.K. Studentlocalism, another pro-independence group, has also announced its closure. Source.

July


Wednesday, July 1

More than 370 protesters are arrested as police fire teargas, pepper spray, and water cannon at thousands of people protesting the new national security law, concentrated in Causeway Bay and Wanchai, defying a police ban. Police are seen pinning protesters to the ground, shooting pepper balls at people who heckle them, and targeting journalists with water cannon and rounds of pepper spray. Police reveal that 10 of the arrests are for offences related to the new security law, including holding signs or flags advocating for Hong Kong independence. Of those arrested is a 15-year-old girl who waved a Hong Kong independence flag. Source.

U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson denounces China’s imposition of a security law on Hong Kong as a “clear and serious” violation of its treaty with Britain, vowing to introduce a bespoke five-year visa for as many as 2.9 million Hong Kong citizens with British national (overseas) status. After the five years, they will be able to apply for settled status, Johnson says. After another 12 months with settled status, they will then be able to apply for citizenship. Source.

Joshua Braithwaite, U.K. Ambassador to the United Nation at Geneva, delivers a joint-statement on behalf of 27 countries at the Human Rights Council condemning China’s new national security law: “We urge the Chinese and Hong Kong governments to reconsider the imposition of this legislation and to engage Hong Kong’s people, institutions and judiciary to prevent further erosion of the rights and freedoms that the people of Hong Kong have enjoyed for many years.” Source. Source.

Hong Kong’s localist and pan-democratic politicians face an uncertain future ahead of September’s Legislative Council elections, as the newly passed national security law has effectively empowered authorities to disqualify candidates and halt their overseas activities. Activists Nathan Law Kwun-chung and Joshua Wong Chi-fung, who earlier vowed to run for September’s elections under the Demosisto umbrella, say their recent withdrawal from the group will not deter them from running as independent candidates. Source.

The U.S. House of Representatives joins the Senate in approving a bill to rebuke China over its crackdown in Hong Kong by imposing sanctions on groups that undermine the city’s autonomy. The bill targets police units that have cracked down on Hong Kong protesters, as well as Communist Party of China officials responsible for imposing a strict “national security” law on Hong Kong. The measure would also impose sanctions on banks that do business with entities found to violate the law. Source.

Thursday, July 2

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison says Australia is working on a plan to provide safe haven to Hong Kong residents after China’s “very concerning” decision to push ahead with the new national security law. Source.

China says it will take countermeasures against the U.K. should it grant residency to Hong Kongers fleeing a harsh new national security law, promising that the U.K. would “bear all consequences.” The comments, from the Chinese embassy in the U.K., come after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK would offer nearly three million Hong Kong residents with British National (Overseas) status (BNO) the right to settle in the U.K. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab admits there is little Britain can do to “coercively force” China if it does block Hong Kongers from coming to the U.K. Source.

In a statement, Hong Kong’s chief justice Geoffrey Ma Tao-li weighs in on the new national security law for the first time, spelling out how cases will be handled under his watch and stressing the judiciary will have the final say on the choice of judges and that political considerations should not be a factor. Some senior legal figures accuse Ma, due to retire in 2021, of failing to address real concerns and even whitewashing grave implications over a new arrangement that would clip his full power to tap judges in national security cases. Source.

Nathan Law, one of Hong Kong’s most prominent young democracy activists, announces his departure from the city in response to the new National Security Law: “I have already left Hong Kong and continue the advocacy work on the international level.” In the short English message to journalists, Law declines to specify which country he had gone to. Source.

Monday, July 6

Following the first meeting of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security (CSNS) of the HKSAR, established under Article 12 of the National Security Law (NSL), chaired by Chief Executive Carrie Lam, the Hong Kong government gazettes implementation rules of Article 43 of the NSL. The implementation rules specify circumstances under which Hong Kong police are empowered to conduct searches at private properties without a warrant, restrict suspects’ movements, freeze their assets, intercept communications, and require Internet service providers to remove information. Source. Source.

Dozens of protesters gather at around 6 p.m. at APM mall in Kwun Tong to hold a silent protest while holding blank placards. The stunt comes after the government said the popular slogan “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times” was illegal. Upon arrival, the police disperse the peaceful protest and arrest eight people. Source.

The Hong Kong government orders schools to review and remove books that might breach the new security law. Among those withdrawn from shelves is one by prominent activist Joshua Wong, another by pro-democracy lawmaker Tanya Chan, and multiple other titles written by Chin Wan, a scholar who is seen as the godfather of a “localist” movement advocating greater self-determination for the city. Source.

Hong Kongers are finding creative ways, including wordplay, to voice dissent and subvert CCP dogma, following the passage of the security law and arrests of people displaying now forbidden political slogans. Source.

Tuesday, July 7

Hong Kong’s justice minister Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah says that citizenship will not affect foreign judges’ appointment to hearings of cases involving national security. Cheng declines to say if a foreign judge has been appointed. Source.

Wednesday, July 8

All Hong Kong civil servants employed from July 1 will be required to swear allegiance to the Hong Kong SAR in writing and uphold the Basic Law, with the rule applying also to serving officers whose duties are deemed “crucial” or “sensitive.” Source.

Critics slam the Hong Kong government for allowing police to intercept communications and request personal data from service providers under the new national security legislation, citing privacy infringement risks. Source.

Senior Hong Kong lawyers warn of fewer judicial safeguards and limited channels to seek redress under the National Security Law, saying that several law enforcement powers, traditionally requiring a judge’s approval, can now be signed off by the city’s leader or high-ranking police officers in investigations relating to national security. Source.

Thursday, July 9

Australia will suspend its extradition treaty with Hong Kong and give 10,000 Hong Kongers on student and temporary visas a pathway to permanent residency in response to the National Security Law. China slams Australia’s move as a serious violation of international law. “Australia will have to bear all consequences because of that,” says Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian. Source.

Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang Kwok-wai warns the pro-democracy parties that their primary election this weekend could breach the National Security Law, as well as the city’s election laws, but organizers and candidates vow to proceed. Source.

Friday, July 10

Hong Kong’s top court will hear the legal challenge brought against the government’s ban on masks imposed during the pro-democracy protests last year. Source.

Hong Kong police raid the Public Opinion Research Institute (PORI) office in Wong Chuk Hang. The polling organization is a co-organizer of this weekend’s primary legislative election for the pro-democracy camp. Police say they have a warrant and confiscate PCs, according to Stand News. Source.

Monday, July 13

Over 600,000 Hong Kongers vote in the democratic camp’s unofficial primaries in advance of the September Legislative Council elections. Chief Executive Carrie Lam warns that the aim of delivering opposition lawmakers “may fall into the category of subverting the state power – one of the four types of offences under the national security law.” Source. Source.

Thirteen pro-democracy figures, including Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, face incitement charges in West Kowloon Court over their participation in the police-banned June 4 vigil in Victoria Park. They are scheduled to appear in the same court on September 15 pending further police inquiries. Source.

Australia will allow approximately 10,000 Hong Kong passport holders currently living in Australia the opportunity to apply for permanent residence once their visas expire. Source.

Tuesday, July 14

Beijing’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO) condemns the weekend democratic primaries as being “illegal” and a challenge to the National Security Law. The Liaison Office singles out Benny Tai for trying to carry out Hong Kong’s “color revolution,” and accuses the organizers of colluding with foreign powers in a “serious provocation” of Hong Kong’s electoral system. Source. Source.

The New York Times announces it will relocate its Hong Kong-based digital news operation to Seoul, South Korea. In a memo to staff, Times editors and executives who oversee the paper’s international coverage and operations write: “China’s sweeping new national security law in Hong Kong has created a lot of uncertainty about what the new rules will mean to our operation and our journalism. . . . We feel it is prudent to make contingency plans and begin to diversify our editing staff around the region.” Source.

Wednesday, July 15

Chinese foreign ministry says China will sanction U.S. institutions and individuals after U.S. President Donald Trump issues an executive order to end Hong Kong’s special trade status and signs the Hong Kong Autonomy Act into law, which authorizes “mandatory sanctions” against any foreign individual for “materially contributing” to the violation of China’s promise to Hong Kong under the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration and the Basic Law. Source. Source.

Lo Kin-hei, vice-chairman of the Democratic Party and chairman of the Southern District Council, and four others are charged with unlawful assembly for participating in a protest at Hong Kong Polytechnic University in November 2019. They have been released on bail and will appear in Kowloon City Court on August 21. Source.

Au Nok-hin, one of the organizers of the weekend democratic primaries, resigns from his post to protect his safety after Beijing issued statements warning that the primaries were illegal. Source.

The 15 prominent pro-democracy figures arrested on April 18 drop their judicial review challenge to the transfer of their case to the District Court where they could be subject to higher penalties. Source.

Thursday, July 16

Hong Kong police admit to having plainclothes officers in Yuen Long on July 21, 2019, before the attack in and around Yuen Long MTR station. On July 21, 2019, a gang of over 100 rod-wielding men stormed Yuen Long station and left 45 people injured. Citizens accuse the police of colluding with the attackers and arriving late to the scene. Notably, uniformed officers were seen walking from the MTR station while emergency calls were ignored by police. Source.

Friday, July 17

Shi Yanan, a criminal law expert at Renmin University in Beijing, says the principle of double criminality, when a suspect can only be extradited from one jurisdiction to another if the person is suspected of an act that is a crime in both jurisdictions, should apply under to Hong Kong’s even if the principle is not spelled out in the National Security Law. Source.

An exclusive report by Taiwan’s Up Media says that Kao Ming-tsun, the acting head of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Hong Kong, left Hong Kong when asked to sign an affidavit expressing support for the “One China” policy in exchange for a visa extension. Source.

Under President Donald Trump’s executive order, the United States will stop training the Hong Kong police force and other local security services at the International Law Enforcement Academies (ILEAs). The executive order also ends the Fulbright exchange program for China and Hong Kong. Source.

Monday, July 27

Over ten democratic candidates, including Joshua Wong, are forced to respond to letters from returning officers concerning their eligibility to run in the September Legislative Council elections, including their political stance, the national security law, U.S. sanctions, and other issues. Source.

Tuesday, July 28

China suspends Hong Kong’s extradition treaties with Canada, Australia, and the UK, mirroring the western countries’ moves to end extradition treaties with Hong Kong. On July 28, New Zealand joined the three countries in suspending its extradition treaty with Hong Kong. Source. Source.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam and members of the Executive Council discuss postponing the September Legislative Council elections for a year due to the third wave of the coronavirus pandemic. No decision is reached. Pro-democracy figures suspect that this is a political move to counter another democrat victory. In response, the United States and Australia push Hong Kong to commit to a “free and fair” Legislative Council election, and the European Union and the UK promise to watch the polls on September 6. Source. Source.

Wednesday, July 29

The national security unit arrests four student members of a now defunct pro-independence group, Studentlocalism, including Tony Chung Hon-lam, a former member, over a Facebook post that stated the group’s mission to transform Hong Kong into a republic. Police say cite possible violation of Articles 20 and 21 of the National Security Law, which prohibit acts of organizing, planning, committing or participating in altering the legal status of the city. Source.

Thursday, July 30

Twelve pro-democracy candidates are banned from running in September’s Legislative Council, with the potential of more to come. Returning officers cite as reasons the candidates’ pledge to vote down the government’s budget and other proposals, previous calls for foreign governments to sanction the city over the national security law, and advocation for Hong Kong independence. Source. Source.

Former lawmaker Au Nok-hin, one of 15 pro-democracy figures arrested on April 18, will plead guilty to organizing and taking part in an unauthorized assembly during last year’s protests. Ten of the other defendants, including Jimmy Lai Chee-ying and Martin Lee Chu-ming, will plead not guilty and will challenge the legality of their prosecution at the trial. The remaining four defendants are still deciding. Source.

Friday, July 31

In the first extraterritorial use of the National Security Law, Hong Kong police have issued arrest warrants for six pro-democracy activists living outside the city, including an American citizen. Chinese state-owned television CCTV says they are wanted for “incitement to secession and collusion with foreign forces.”

The six are:

  • Samuel Chu, a U.S. citizen who heads the D.C.-based Hong Kong Democracy Council;
  • Nathan Law, former student leader who became the youngest member of the Hong Kong Legislative Council in 2016 before being disqualified;
  • Wayne Chan Ka-kui, former convenr of the Hong Kong Independence Union;
  • Honcques Laus, former member of the now disbanded group Studentlocalism;
  • Simon Cheng, former member at the British Consulate in Hong Kong; and
  • Ray Wong Toi-yeung, founder of the localist group Hong Kong Indigenous.

Source. Source.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam announces she will invoke the Emergency Regulations Ordinance to postpone the September Legislative Council elections for a year due to the pandemic, a decision she says is backed by Beijing. Source.

The four students arrested on July 29 for secession under the National Security Law are released on bail and ordered by police to remove online posts that could constitute an offence. The students are also banned from leaving the city in the next six months and are required to report back to the police once a month. No charges have been made. Source.

Chinese Human Rights Defenders and Human Rights in China join 16 other organizations in signing a joint letter to foreign ministers of over 40 governments to call for condemnation of the national security law in Hong Kong. Source. Source.

August


Sunday, August 2

Zhang Xiaoming, deputy director of the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, discusses legal issues surrounding the postponement of the Legislative Council elections with various sectors in Hong Kong. Source.

Monday, August 3

China suspends Hong Kong’s extradition treaty with New Zealand in response to New Zealand’s ending of its extradition treaty with Hong Kong. Source.

Tuesday, August 4

After Hong Kong’s national security police unit issued arrest warrants on six pro-democracy activists residing outside of Hong Kong, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo pledges protection of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists and condemns China for its move. Source.

Tong Ying-kit, the first to be charged under the national security law, applies for a writ of habeas corpus at the Court of First Instance, in an unprecedented challenge that will be the first test of how the city’s judges will deal with common law rights vis-a-vis rights under Beijing’s non-common law system,. Source. Source.

Hong Kong authorities deny that postponing the Legislative Council elections and allowing Beijing to decide legislative matters arising from the postponement infringe on the public’s constitutional rights. Source.

Wednesday, August 5

After pleading guilty in July, pro-democracy activist Agnes Chow is convicted of inciting protesters to besiege police headquarters in Wan Chai while taking part in an unauthorized assembly on June 21, 2019. Joshua Wong and Ivan Lam Long-yin were also charged but pleaded not guilty.  Source.

Thursday, August 6

Twenty-five pro-democracy activists, including Joshua Wong, Jimmy Lai, and members of the Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, are formally charged with “knowingly taking part in an unauthorized assembly” on June 4 in Victoria Park to mark the anniversary of the crackdown on the 1989 Democracy Movement. Lee Cheuk-yan, chairman of the Alliance, is charged with organizing the assembly. They are expected to appear in court on September 15. Source.

Hong Kong’s Foreign Correspondents’ Club (FCC) issues a statement warning that tense relations between the United States and China have led to a “highly unusual” delay for foreign journalists seeking to renew or secure visas in Hong Kong, hurting press freedoms in the city. Source.

Friday, August 7

The U.S. imposes economic sanctions on Carrie Lam along with 10 other former and current top Chinese officials for their role in undermining Hong Kong’s autonomy. The others on the Treasury Department’s Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list include Hong Kong's secretaries of justice and security, the city's police chief, and senior leaders in Beijing's Liaison Office in Hong Kong. Sanctions involve blocking assets and property interests of these individuals and prohibiting Americans and businesses from dealing with them. Source. Source.

The U.S. consulate in Hong Kong issues a statement calling allegations that its diplomats and staff were colluding with pro-democracy activists “ludicrous” and highlights the chilling effect of the “draconian” national security law. The statement condemns the national security law for being “ill-defined, vaguely worded and far-reaching,” as reflected in China’s allegations that merely meeting consulate representatives could fall under collusion. Source. Source.

Monday, August 10

In a major crackdown on the opposition newspaper Apple Daily, Hong Kong police arrest six individuals connected to the paper’s parent company, Next Media, under the National Security Law: Jimmy Lai, founder of Next Digital, two of Lai’s sons, and the company’s chief operating officer, chief executive officer, and chief financial officer. Also arrested the same day are activist Agnes Chow Ting; Wilson Li, a freelancer for Britain’s ITV and formerly of student activist group Scholarism; and Andy Li, a member of an election monitoring group. According to the police, they have been arrested on “suspicion of collusion with a foreign country and/or external elements to endanger national security, conspiracy to defraud and other offences.” Lai’s top aide, Mark Simon, who is not in Hong Kong, is wanted by the police. Beginning mid-morning, over 200 police officers, including Police Tactical Unit personnel, raid Next Digital’s headquarters in Tseung Kwan O in a search operation lasting nearly nine hours. Source. Source. Source.

Tuesday, August 11

The ten individuals arrested on Monday, including media tycoon Jimmy Lai and activist Agnes Chow Ting, are released on bail. Chow reveals her passport has been confiscated and bail is set at HK$20,000, along with a surety of HK$180,000. Their release follows editor-in-chief Ryan Law Wai-kwong’s announcement that Apple Daily will be filing a court injunction to bar police from accessing materials seized during the raid of its headquarters. The high-profile arrests have drawn international condemnation and fueled local protests in the evening, with dozens of protesters waving copies of Apple Daily during singalong mall protests in Mong Kok, Sha Tin, and Causeway Bay. Source.

Hong Kongers throw their support behind Apple Daily after its founder Jimmy Lai is arrested. Apple Daily prints an increased 500,000 copies, with a photo of police taking Lai away on the front cover with the headline: “Apple will fight on.” From 2 a.m. residents line up to buy copies of the paper, with many purchasing stacks for friends, family, and neighbors. Readers declare they would buy the paper even if it is made of blank pages. Hong Kongers also sweep up shares of Next Digital stock, boosting its share price following Lai’s arrest. Source.

The National People’s Congress Standing Committee extends the term of the current Legislative Council by at least one year until the election, allowing four pro-democracy lawmakers disqualified from re-election to stay on. Whether the four—Alvin Yeung Ngok-kiu, Kwok Ka-ki and Dennis Kwok of the Civic Party, and the accountancy sector’s Kenneth Leung—can continue in their roles without any conditions is left to the Hong Kong government. In a joint statement, 22 democratic lawmakers argue Beijing's extension of the Legislative Council term violates the Basic Law. Source. Source.

Wednesday, August 12

Released on bail, Jimmy Lai receives a warm welcome from his staff upon his return to Apple Daily’s headquarters. Lai encourages his staff to keep up the fight: “‘Fight on! Let’s fight on . . . We have the support of the Hong Kong people. We can’t let them down.’” Source.

Thursday, August 13

During his weekly Apple Daily livestream, Jimmy Lai expresses shock over the swiftness of his arrest when the international community is still closely monitoring China’s actions in Hong Kong. He believes it reflects the disorderliness of the regime in which the top and bottom ranks are not in sync. Source.

Five pro-democracy activists including Martin Lee petition for judicial review of warrant granting police broad powers to search their phones. Source.

According to a recent survey by the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, about four in 10 members of the American business group are debating relocating from the city due to concerns over the National Security Law. About 39 percent of the 154 firms are planning to move capital, assets, or operations out of the city while 61 percent say they do not have exit plans. Source.

Friday, August 14

Tsang Chi-kin, a pro-democracy student shot in the chest by police on October 1, 2019, is outraged that the Legal Aid Department denied his application for legal aid in connection with his personal injury claim against the police. The Legal Aid Department claims the police’s use of force was “reasonable.” Source.

Saturday, August 15

The UK government bars its military from training of the Hong Kong police force and two other organizations as its relations with China sours. The government has been criticized for its training contracts with armies from countries with “appalling human rights records,” including China and Egypt and being “complicit in their abuses.” Source.

Education groups condemn the firing of Bottle Shiu Ka-chun from Hong Kong Baptist University and Benny Tai Yiu-ting from Hong Kong University as political suppression, with nearly 4,000 academics signing a petition to retract their dismissals. Source. Source.

Monday, August 17

The Hong Kong Education Bureau removes “sensitive” topics such as separation of powers, civil disobedience, freedom of the press, human rights, and police violence from high school liberal studies textbooks. Liberal Studies is a mandatory course aimed at strengthening students’ critical thinking skills and knowledge of current affairs. Source.

During a hearing of the Canadian House of Commons Special Committee on Canada-China Relations (CACN), experts urge Canada’s Liberal government to rise to action to help the 300,000 Canadian citizens in Hong Kong, along with the thousands of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists. Sharon Hom, executive director of Human Rights in China, reminds western countries that the fight is not over in Hong Kong and the core strategy should be to help Hong Kongers achieve what they want. Source. Source. Source.

Wednesday, August 19

The U.S. follows the UK, Germany, France, Australia, and Canada in suspending its extradition treaty with Hong Kong, along with two bilateral treaties, due to concerns arising from the imposition of Beijing’s national security law on Hong Kong. Source.

Thursday, August 20

The postponement of the Legislative Council election and Beijing’s decision to allow incumbent lawmakers to serve out their extended terms has led to a division between pan-democrats, who mostly want to stay on for their extended terms, and localists, who are calling for a collective boycott of the extension for violating democratic principles. The democrats will poll Hong Kongers to let them decide the fate of the seven democratic lawmakers. Source.

Friday, August 21

The Hong Kongers polled to decide whether the seven democratic lawmakers should serve out their extended terms in the Legislative Council are divided with no majority view. There will be another poll in late September. Source. Source.

Australia introduces new visa arrangement that could provide 10,000 Hong Kong passport holders with an easier path to permanent residency. Source.

Tuesday, August 25

The High Court refuses bail to Tong Ying-kit, the first person charged under the national security law. Tong’s next court date is on October 6 at the West Kowloon Court. He has been detained at Lai Chi Kok Reception Center since July 6 for allegedly riding his motorcycle into a group of police officers at a July 1 protest, while carrying a flag with “Liberate Hong Kong; revolution of our times” printed on it. Source.

Hong Kong’s Immigration Department has rejected, without providing reasons, the work visa application by Hong Kong Free Press’s incoming editor, Aaron Mc Nicholas., The rejection is a first for the journalist and the news outlet. Other news outlets are hit with unprecedented visa delays, raising concerns that visa issues are here to stay. Source.

Wednesday, August 26

Sixteen people are arrested in connection with last year’s pro-democracy protests, including two Democratic Party lawmakers, Ted Hui and Lam Cheuk-ting. Thirteen of the arrests are in connection with the July 21, 2019 Yuen Long MTR incident in which over 100 rod-wielding men indiscriminately attacked passengers, journalists, and protesters. Lam Cheuk-ting is arrested on suspicion of rioting during the Yuen Long attack, as well as conspiring with others to destroy or damage property and perverting the course of justice July 6, 2019 in a protest in Tuen Mun Park. Ted Hui is arrested in connection with the same Tuen Mun Park protest. Democratic Party chair Wu Chi-wai condemn the arrest: “The prosecution is ‘calling a deer a horse’ and twisting right and wrong,” adding that Hui and Lam were in Tuen Mun Park to mediate disputes as councilors, as widely reported by local media. Source.

Thursday, August 27

The China Coast Guard confirms that activist Andy Li, one of those arrested on August 10 under the National Security Law for collusion with foreign forces and money laundry, is detained in mainland China for “unlawfully crossing the border.” Li was among a group of about 10 Hong Kongers on board a boat headed for Taiwan that was intercepted by the Guard’s Guangdong force in Chinese waters on on Sunday, August 23. Source.

Hong Kong democrats launch a "Black Clothes Against Police Lies" campaign, urging people to wear black to protest the arrests of democratic lawmakers Ted Hui and Lam Cheuk-ting on Wednesday and Hong Kong police’s distortion of facts related to the July 2019 Yuen Long attack. Source.

Friday, August 28

Results from the Hong Kong Institute of Public Opinion issued poll show the majority of Hong Kongers surveyed believe democratic lawmakers should collectively resign from the Legislative Council rather than serve their extended terms. Source.

Sunday, August 30

Dozens gather at the Moko and Langham Place malls to mark the anniversary of last year’s violent police crackdown on protesters at the Prince Edward MTR station. Over 100 officers enter the malls to disperse the protesters. Police stop and search those in the malls and fine 29 people for violating social distancing measures. Source.

Monday, August 31

Police arrest at least twelve people in Mong Kok following a protest marking the anniversary of last year’s police crackdown on protesters at the Prince Edward MTR station. Nine are arrested for unlawful assembly and three for disorder in public places, assaulting a police officer, and possession of an imitation firearm. Source.

September


Tuesday, September 1

Chief Executive Carrie Lam says there is no separation of powers between the executive branch, legislature, and judiciary in Hong Kong. Her remarks follow the support voiced on Monday by the Secretary for Education for deletion of the phrase “separation of powers” from Liberal Studies textbooks. Dennis Kwok, Civic Party legislator who represents the legal sector, blasts the chief executive’s comments, saying: “It’s ludicrous and it’s an offence to the common sense of the Hong Kong people.” Source. Kwok points out that the separation of powers is an important constitutional principle in the common law system, which Hong Kong maintains. Source.

Hong Kong police reveal they are searching for eight suspects linked to protest activities in 2019, including the storming of the Legislative Council on July 1 and an unlawful assembly on August 31 who have jumped bail. Source.

Wednesday, September 2

In a statement, the Hong Kong Bar Association says that the Basic Law unambiguously prescribes and delineates the separation of powers principle, refuting the Chief Executive’s claim the day before. Source.

A 25-year-old man, reportedly a victim of the July 21, 2019 mob attack in Yuen Long, is arrested and accused of rioting. Source.

Police rearrest 25 people in connection with the siege of Polytechnic University on November 18, 2019 for unlawful assembly. One individual faces an additional count of possessing an offensive weapon, a laser pointer. They are due to appear in court next Wednesday, September 9. Police also warn defendants from fleeing the city. Source.

Lawmaker Raymond Chan is the first in the democratic camp to announce his decision not serve an extended term in the Legislative Council. Source.

The Court of Appeal rejects an appeal application by ousted localist lawmaker Baggio Leung against his “unlawful assembly” conviction and four-week jail sentence. His prosecution stemmed from an attempt by him and several others to barge into the Legislative Council chamber on November 2, 2016.. Source.

Thursday, September 3

Seven UN independent experts make public their September 1 communication to China urging the review and reconsideration of the National Security Law to comply with international law. The communication details their numerous concerns over provisions in the Law that constitute violations of China’s international human rights obligations. Source. Source.

A 14-year-old boy suffered a gunshot wound from a live round fired by Hong Kong police during an anti-government protest in Yuen Long on October 4, 2019 is charged with “rioting.” The boy also faces a count of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. Source.

Friday, September 4

In a set of new guidelines, “The National Security Law – A Guide for Teachers of Global Politics and Global Citizenship,” the English Schools Foundation (ESF), Hong Kong’s largest international school group, instructs teachers not to express their views on local politics in the classroom or advocate that could undermine the Hong Kong or central governments’ authority. Source.

Sunday, September 6

Hong Kong opposition activist Tam Tak-chi, a leading figure of the group People Power, is arrested by the Hong Kong police’s national security unit on suspicion of uttering seditious words. Senior Superintendent Steve Li tells the press, without identifying the arrestee, that officers arrested a 47-year-old man in Tai Po in relation to sedition in public or on social media: “[f]rom the end of June to last month, he set up street booths 29 times in different places, mostly in Kowloon.” Source.

Hundreds take to the street in three neighborhoods in Kowloon—Jordan, Mong Kok, and Yau Ma Tei—to protest the National Security Law and the Hong Kong government’s decision to postpone legislative elections for a year. Protesters were pepper-sprayed by uniformed and plainclothes police and were physically attacked by the latter. Hong Kong police arrest at least 289 people, charging one person on suspicion of violating the national security law. Source.

In the Mong Kok protest, a 12-year-old girl, running away from police, is tackled and pinned to the ground by officers. The video of the police attack goes viral, drawing public outrage. Source.

Monday, September 7

In separate statements, the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong S.A.R. (LOCPG) and Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO) of the State Council—two Beijing agencies overseeing Hong Kong affairs—declare the city has no separation of powers, quoting the “guiding ideology” laid down by the late paramount Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping in 1987 during a meeting with the committee drafting the Basic Law, Hong Kong’s constitution. Source. Source. Source.

A lawyer who has been hired to represent one of the twelve Hong Kong residents detained by the China Coast Guard on August 23 while attempting to flee to Taiwan by boat says all of them are being denied access to lawyers. Source.

Police issue a statement on Facebook that they had used “minimum necessary force” in subduing the 12-year-old girl who was fleeing during a stop-and-search action in Mong Kok on Sunday. Source.

Tuesday, September 8

Tam Tak-chi, the opposition leader arrested on Sunday, September 6, becomes the first person to be charged with sedition since the city was returned to Chinese rule. He faces five counts of “uttering seditious words” under a rarely used colonial-era law. Officers say Tam is held for using words “inciting hatred, contempt against the government and causing discontent and dissatisfaction among the Hong Kong people.” Source.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam says the 12 Hong Kong residents arrested at sea “will have to be dealt with” by mainland China. Source.

Wednesday, September 9

Facing a public outcry over her earlier statement that there is no separation of powers in Hong Kong’s government, Chief Executive Carrie Lam repeats her stance that the city's government is "executive-led" and accountable to the ruling Chinese Communist Party in Beijing. Source.

Wong Chi-yan, 17, arrested in November 2019 for possessing a laser pointer and spray pain for unlawful purpose, is acquitted after a magistrate finds the arresting officer failed to present the entire truth about the arrest. Source.

After being denied access to his client, a mainland Chinese human rights lawyer representing one of the 12 Hong Kongers detained in Shenzhen for attempting to flee to Taiwan by boat fears that Chinese authorities may have appointed two “state” lawyers for his client.  Source. Source.

Hong Kong police disclose on Facebook that they arrested more than 10,000 people between June 9, 2019 and September 6, 2020, in connection with anti-extradition protests, but charged only 2,210, or 22 percent of the total arrested. Source.

Thursday, September 10

Lu Siwei, a mainland lawyer representing one of the 12 Hong Kongers arrested while reportedly trying to flee to Taiwan, says prosecutors in mainland China have refused to handle his complaint over being denied access to his client access without first confiscating his phone and recording the process. Source.

Hong Kong police arrest 15 people who purchased stock of Next Digital, the parent company of Apple Daily, whose found Jimmy Lai was detained under the National Law on August 10. Police accuse them of conspiracy to defraud and money laundering by manipulating shares. Source. Critics view the arrest as political repression, a move to shut down support for the news outlet. Source.

Fraser Institute’s Economic Freedom of the World: 2020 Annual Report, based on 2018 data, ranks Hong Kong the the world’s freest economy but raises concern over the impact of a weakened rule of law. Source. The Hong Kong government criticizes the concern as biased and based on selective data. Source.

Friday, September 11

Freedom House, a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., honors Hong Kong's Pro-Democracy Movement with its 2020 Freedom House Award. Source.

A poll conducted by the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute shows 63% of 11,659 respondents surveyed September 7-10 disagree with "Hong Kong never had separation of powers." Source

Sunday, September 13

Shenzhen authorities confirm the 12 activists arrested at sea are in criminal detainment and China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying refers to them as “secessionists.” Source.

The Hong Kong government says it will not intervene in the case of the 12 activists arrested at sea because the mainland has jurisdiction. Their family members demanded their return to the city in a news conference on Saturday. Source.

Monday, September 14

Secretary for Security John Lee Ka-chiu calls for the return of five Hong Kong protesters who fled to Taiwan. When asked to comment on the five, Taiwanese Premier Su Tseng-chang threw his and his government’s support behind Hong Kongers, saying that the Taiwanese government is willing to come to the aid of Hong Kongers in need. Source.

Tuesday, September 15

The Sha Tin Magistrates’ Court dismisses a private claim against lawmaker Dennis Kwok alleging misconduct in public office over his handling of the Legislative Council committee chairman election for lack of evidence that the legislature’s rules of procedure or house rules had been violated. Source.

Hong Kong has arrest warrants out for activists Nathan Law Kwun-chung and Sunny Cheung Kwan-yang who fled Hong Kong before Tuesday’s hearing at West Kowloon Court for their participation in an unauthorized assembly on June 4. Source.

Wednesday, September 16

Two Hong Kong protesters, Lo Kam-ling and Lee Sheung-chun are cleared of one count of assaulting police in Sha Tin Court after the magistrate found the officers had used “unnecessary” force against them. Source.

Thursday, September 17

Activist Tam Tak-chi, vice chair of People Power, is denied bail by the High Court after he was charged with “uttering seditious words” and disorderly conduct in public. Tam remains in detention until his court hearing on November 17. Source.

Friday, September 18

Australian veteran Justice James Spigelman is leaving Hong Kong’s highest court two years early due to concerns regarding the national security law, sparking worries that more foreign judges will follow suit. Source.

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights urges Chinese authorities to give due process to the 12 Hong Kong activists arrested at sea last month, including allowing them to get immediate access to a lawyer of their choice. Source.

Saturday, September 19

Hong Kong’s Secretary for Security John Lee Ka-chiu says the 12 Hong Kong activists arrested at sea last month selected lawyers from a pre-approved list even though they had previously appointed their own counsel. In a statement, the family members of the activists accuse Lee of forcing China-approved lawyers on the activists. Source. Source.

Tuesday, September 22

Mainland lawyers for the 12 Hong Kong activists arrested at sea last month have been pressured by the local judicial bureau to withdraw from their cases due to politics. Source.

In another assault on press freedoms, Hong Kong police move to derecognize journalist credentials from local media organizations and narrowly define members of the press as those who have been officially accredited by the government or who are part of an “internationally recognized and renowned” outlet. Hong Kong police also revise the Police General Orders so that they only have to cooperate with media if “operational efficiency is not compromised.” Source. Source.

Wednesday, September 23

Four mainland lawyers representing members of the 12 Hong Kong activists arrested at sea last month jointly demand officers at a detention center in Shenzhen grant them access to their clients. To date, the detained Hong Kong activists have not met with their legal representation. Source.

Thursday, September 24

Prominent pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong is arrested for participating in an unauthorized assembly on October 5 last year and for violating the anti-mask law, a ban on wearing face masks in public places. Koo Sze Yiu from League of Social Democrats is also arrested for participating in an unauthorized assembly on October 5 last year. Joshua Wong and Koo Sze Yiu are released on bail several hours after their arrest. Source.

Friday, September 25

Hong Kong police reject the Civil Human Rights Front’s application for a proposed march from Causeway Bay to Central on October 1, citing coronavirus concerns and safety concerns since previous protests organized by the Civil Human Rights Front became violent when protesters and police clashed. Source.

Mother and son are arrested for allegedly selling weapons online and on suspicion of inciting secession. The two had allegedly called for Hong Kong independence online and threatened to use more powerful weapons against the police at future protests. Source.

Monday, September 28

Pro-democracy lawmakers Eddie Chu and Ray Chan announce they will be leaving the Legislative Council at the end of their original terms because Beijing’s decision to lengthen their terms for another year breached Article 69 of the Basic Law, which says lawmakers should only serve in the legislature for four years. Source.

Tuesday, September 29

In a tough political call, 15 incumbent pro-democracy lawmakers decide to stay in the Legislative Council for another year until the next election. The lawmakers hope to prevent the government from passing “evil bills” and to defend the “limited platform” for the people. Source.

Police arrest three people on suspicion of posting online messages inciting others to commit illegal activities, taking part in an unlawful assembly, and attacking officers on the public holiday. Police also seize their phones and computers. They are being held for questioning and no charges have been laid. The investigation is ongoing. Source.

David, a secondary student, is suspended by his school for two days for wearing his school uniform to a lunchtime protest. Source.

Wednesday, September 30

The People's Procuratorate of Yantian District in Shenzhen formally approves the arrests of the 12 activists arrested at sea. The case remains under investigation and they still have not had access to legal representation. Source.

Prominent activist Joshua Wong and veteran activist Koo Sze-yiu are temporarily released by the Eastern Court. They both face charges of knowingly taking part in an unauthorized assembly, while Wong has an additional charge of wearing a facial covering at an unauthorized assembly. The judge imposes a travel ban on Wong at the prosecutors’ request. Their next court date is on December 18. Source.

October


Thursday, October 1

Some 6,000 officers patrol the streets and stop and search passersby on National Day. Police arrest at least 86 protesters for participating in an unauthorized assembly or committing other offences. Among them are four district councillors: Fergus Leung, Shun Lee, Lai Tsz-yan and Chan Wan-tung. Police also fine twenty people for violating social-distancing rules. Source. Source.

The U.S. state department announces the prioritization of Hong Kongers for the first time in its annual refugee admissions proposal in a move to welcome more Hong Kongers. Source.

Sunday, October 4

The Hong Kong government issues a press release opposing the U.S. Department of State’s press statement on October 3 condemning the arbitrary arrests of Hong Kong protesters on October 1. Source. Source. Source.

Tuesday, October 6

The West Kowloon Court moves the trial of Tong Ying-kit, the first person charged under the national security law, to the High Court where there is no cap on sentences. His next court date is November 16. Source.

Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung warns teachers that discussions of Hong Kong independence are prohibited under the national security law and offenders could face criminal investigation. Yeung also defends the bureau’s decision to deregister a primary school teacher for promoting independence in his class. Source.

Wednesday, October 7

Radio Free Asia interviews one of those arrested in the mass arrests on October 1, who goes by the nickname Kelvin. Kelvin recounts his story of being arbitrarily arrested by police, being slammed to the ground and needing medical treatment for injuries sustained during the arrest. Police took his phone without proper procedure and one officer admitted that Kelvin should not have been arrested and that the officers had used excessive force during his arrest. Kelvin is required to report to the police station this month following his release on bail. Source.

Thursday, October 8

The Hong Kong judiciary issues a statement dismissing allegations against Magistrate Stanley Ho Chun-yiu for being biased toward pro-democracy protesters and letting them “off the hook” when he presided over six protest-related cases. Source.

Friday, October 9

Chan King-hei, 33, becomes the first person to be found guilty of doxing during last year’s protests after saving the personal data of 29 people and recording addresses while he worked at Hong Kong Telecommunications, and sharing the information of a police officer’s father in an online doxing group. Source.

Local media reports reveal that Chief Executive Carrie Lam will propose changing legislation to allow Hong Kongers on the mainland to vote in the next election without having to return to the city when she makes her annual policy address next Wednesday. Pro-democracy legislators have condemned the reported plan as a design to help government supporters. Source.

Saturday, October 10

Hong Kong police arrest nine people on suspicion of assisting the 12 fugitives arrested at sea. The police accuse the nine of helping fund the protesters’ escape to Taiwan, providing them shelter and a ride to a remote pier in Hong Kong, and giving them a boat. Each faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Source.

Monday, October 12

An international group of 100 preeminent scholars from countries including the U.S., UK, Australia, and Germany call for a united front in defense of university freedoms to resist China’s interference in academic research and teaching on China, emphasizing the threats posed by Hong Kong’s national security law. Source.

Tuesday, October 13

The judiciary confirms that Magistrate Gary Lam Tsz-kan will be reassigned to the Obscene Articles Tribunal next month following criticism from pro-Beijing members of the public and the Chinese state media that Lam was biased toward pro-democracy activists in his rulings in protest-related cases. Source.

Thursday, October 15

Over a dozen police officers raid media mogul Jimmy Lai’s private offices, ahead of Lai’s court appearance that day, taking away documents and leaving no identification or contact information. The operation is carried out before Lai’s lawyer arrives. Lai faces charges of "joining an unauthorized assembly" for taking part in a candlelight vigil on June 4. Source.

Cong Peiwu, China’s ambassador to Canada, threatens Hong Kong-based Canadians in retaliation against calls for Ottawa to allow asylum to Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters: “If the Canadian side really cares about the stability and prosperity in Hong Kong, and really cares about the good health and safety of those 300,000 Canadian passport holders in Hong Kong, and a large number of Canadian companies operating in Hong Kong, you should support those efforts to fight violent crimes.” Source.

Friday, October 16

Arrest warrants are issued for pro-democracy activists Nathan Law and Sunny Cheng, who have left Hong Kong, after the two did not show up at a hearing on Thursday on their involvement in the banned June 4 vigil. Law and Cheng are among the 26 pro-democracy figures accused of inciting people to take part or knowingly taking part in an unauthorized assembly that day in Victoria Park. The next court date is on November 3. Source.

Saturday, October 17

Making her first appearance in 14 months, prominent pro-democracy activist Alexandra Wong, a.k.a. “Grandma Wong,” recounts in a news conference her detention by mainland authorities. She says she was initially detained by police in Shenzhen in August 2019 for 45 days and held in "administrative detention" and "criminal detention." “I was afraid I would die in that detention centre,” said the 64-year-old. She was forced to confess in writing that her activism was wrong, and then sent on a “patriotic tour” in Shaanxi Province. Afterwards, she was released on bail but was prevented from going to Hong Kong for one year until her bail condition expired in September.  Source. Source.

Monday, October 19

Media tycoon Jimmy Lai applies for court orders seeking the return of documents taken by police officers during their raid on Lai’s company, Dico Consultants, last week. Lai previously applied for similar court orders following police’s raid of Apple Daily’s headquarters in August. Source.

A pro-democracy activist who would have to stand trial soon for a rioting charge in connection with last year’s protests is granted refugee status in Germany. She fled Hong Kong after she was arrested in November 2019. Source.

Tuesday, October 20

Hong Kong-based banks are asked to report any transactions that they believe may violate the national security law: “The obligation for reporting under the NSL will be triggered when an [authorised institution] ‘knows’ or ‘suspects’ that any property is offence related property,’ it said, meaning the proceeds of a criminal breach.” Source.

Former legislator Ray Chan speaks to reporters outside the Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre, where pro-democracy activist Tam Tak-chi has been detained for 43 days, saying Tam has submitted an application to the court for the sedition charges brought against him to be dropped because they are against the Basic Law. Source.

Thursday, October 22

Lawyers for members of the 12 activists arrested at sea are again denied access to their clients in detention at the Yantian Detention Center in Shenzhen. Source.

Pro-Beijing lawmaker Alice Mak Mei-kuen asks Legislative Council president to investigate whether pro-democracy lawmakers violated the national security law by filibustering during last week’s meetings. Source.

Friday, October 23

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office issues a statement saying the British government is set to create a special class of visa next January for Hong Kong holders of British National (Overseas) passports and their close family members as a stepping stone to British citizenship. There will be no cap on the number of BN(O) passport holders allowed to participate and more than one million Hong Kongers could move to Britain in the next five years. Source.

The standing committee on citizenship and immigration of the Canadian Parliament votes unanimously to investigate providing safe haven to Hong Kongers “facing persecution” under the national security law. Source.

Monday, October 26

Three students at the University of Hong Kong preparing to become Liberal Studies teachers vow to stand by the controversial class and promise not to be silenced by the government when educating future generations of Hong Kong students. Source.

Tuesday, October 27

Four Hong Kong activists, one of whom is a U.S. citizen, enter the U.S. consulate in Hong Kong seeking asylum and for the consulate’s help hours after the national security unit arrested Tony Chung Hon-lam, former convenor of Studentlocalism. Shortly afterward, Yannis Ho and William Chan,  two former members of Studentlocalism, are also arrested during their check-in at a police station in connection with their prior arrest on July 29. Source. Source.

Australia and Canada are the top destinations for the increased number of Hong Kongers seeking asylum abroad. As of September, 136 asylum seekers went to Australia while, as of June, 25 Hong Kongers seeking refugee status went to Canada. Source.

Wednesday, October 28

The PRC’s Ministry of Justice warns at least five lawyers to terminate their representation of the 12 Hong Kongers arrested at sea and detained at the Yantian District Detention Center. According to activists, lawyers and law firms have received verbal warnings from various levels of justice bureaus. Source.

The Hong Kong police’s national security unit will be launching a multi-platform hotline as early as next month for the public to report information relevant to violations of the National Security Law. Informants’ identity will be kept confidential, and only the national security police will be privy to the intelligence gathered. Source.

The appointment of veteran British judge Justice Patrick Hodge, currently the deputy president of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, to the Court of Final Appeal is endorsed by Hong Kong lawmakers. That brings the total number of overseas judges serving as non-permanent members of the city’s top court to 14. Source.

Thursday, October 29

Activist Tony Chung, former convenor of Studentlocalism, becomes the second person charged with sedition under the National Security Law following his arrest on Tuesday. He also faces two counts of money laundering and one count of conspiracy to publish seditious materials under colonial-era legislation. He has been denied bail and his next court date is on January 7, 2021. Prosecution says police are continuing the investigation, which includes checking Chung’s mobile phone, computer, monthly bank statements and social media posts. In addition, three or four additional suspects may be involved. Source.

Saturday, October 31

District Judge Sham Siu-man clears seven defendants accused of rioting of all charges in connection with a protest in 2019 for lack of evidence showing what the defendants did before their arrests in Wan Chai, ruling that their presence alone was not enough to justify a conviction, even if they had been dressed in black and equipped with protective gear. Source.

November


Monday, November 2

Pro-democratic lawmaker Ted Hui is arrested, one day following the arrests of seven lawmakers in connection with a Legislative Council meeting in May 2020 that erupted into protest over control of the chair of a key Legco committee. The eight lawmakers will face charges of contempt and interference under the city’s Legislative Council ordinance. The police have been accused of political bias since no pro-government lawmakers involved in the incident have been arrested. Source.

Tuesday, November 3

Police arrest Choy Yuk-ling, a.k.a. Bao Choy, a freelance producer for Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) in connection with her award-winning investigative reporting exposing the police force’s delayed response to the Yuen Long mob attack on pro-democracy protesters on July 21, 2019. Choy is released on bail and has been charged with two counts of making false statements under the Road Traffic Ordinance. Source. Source.

Chan King-hei, the first person found guilty of doxing during last year’s protests, has been sentenced to two years in prison. Chan used the computer system of his former employer Hong Kong Telecommunications to access the personal data of three public figures and 20 police officers and six of their family members, without company permission. Source.

Wednesday, November 4

Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) Students’ Union Editorial Board confirms its former student journalist Nelson Tang was officially charged with obstructing police and resisting arrest on Tuesday night, November 2, in connection with his arrest during a lunchtime protest at IFC Mall on May 8. Source.

Thursday, November 5

The Hong Kong Police Force launches the national security department hotline to receive tips from the public regarding violations of the National Security Law. The hotline is accessible via WeChat, SMS and email, and the police say that no one will reply to messages and that informants will remain anonymous. Prominent activist Joshua Wong believes the hotline is susceptible to abuse and is reminiscent of China’s Cultural Revolution. Within hours of going live, the hotline receives over 1,000 calls. Source. Source.

Friday, November 6

A journalist from online media outlet Ben Yu Entertainment, referred to by her surname “Ho” by the police, is arrested for allegedly “obstructing the police in due execution of their duty” when she refused to stop filming the arrest of two women at the public restroom on Sai Yee Street during a protest in Mong Kok in May. During the incident, officers pepper-sprayed Ho and snatched her camera after she refused to stop the recording. Ho, also known as “KY,” told the press then that officers subdued her until she lost consciousness. She was arrested in May following the incident but later released on bail pending charges. Source.

The eight democratic lawmakers arrested on October 31 and November 1 are granted a three-month adjournment by the West Kowloon Court. They can enter their pleas in February after the High Court rules on the constitutionality of a similar case. Source.

Saturday, November 7

The People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison’s official Weibo account releases a video showing PLS soldiers training in Tuen Mun, in the New Territories. In the footage, soldiers shot at targets with live ammunition from rifles, rocket launchers, and from guns mounted on cars. Source.

Sunday, November 8

On the one-year anniversary of protester Alex Chow’s death during a protest last year, over 100 people gather in Tseung Kwan O to pay their respects. Some chant slogans, triggering warnings from the police that they may be violating the National Security Law. Hong Kongers in other districts also gather to mourn Alex Chow. Source.

Monday, November 9

The national security unit arrests Tim Luk, former member of Studentlocalism, for “assisting fugitives” in connection with Studentlocalism’s ex-convenor Tony Chung’s arrest under the National Security Law. Source.

Tam Yiu-chung, Hong Kong’s only delegate to the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, warns democratic lawmakers that their filibustering could lead to disqualification. Opposition lawmakers threaten mass resignation if fellow Legco members are disqualified by Beijing. Source. Source.

The U.S. imposes sanctions on four more officials: Steve Li Kwai Wah, Edwina Lau, Li Jiangzhou, and Deng Zhonghua, who have played a part in limiting Hong Kong’s freedoms and autonomy. Source.

Tuesday, November 10

Journalist Bao Choy Yuk-ling is formally charged at the Fanling Court for violating a provision in the Road Traffic Ordinance. She is not required to enter a plea at the hearing. Her next hearing will be on January 14, 2021. Source.

Wednesday, November 11

Four democratic lawmakers are disqualified by a new measure passed by the National People's Congress barring unpatriotic lawmakers who support independence, refuse to recognize Beijing’s sovereignty over Hong Kong, seek foreign help to interfere in Hong Kong’s affairs, or commit “other acts that endanger national security.” The remaining 15 democratic lawmakers announce they will hand in their resignation on Thursday. Source.

Thursday, November 12

Canada implements a new program to make it easier for young Hong Kongers to work, study, and reside in the country. Source.

Friday, November 13

Hong Kong bans a protest march by journalists against the arrest of the RTHK documentary producer Choy Yuk-ling who had exposed alleged police misconduct. Source.

The Hong Kong Bar Association issues a statement criticizing the disqualification of the four democratic lawmakers as lacking legal basis and “violat[ing] the basic principles of fairness and due process inherent in the Rule of Law.” Source.

Saturday, November 14

According to Sin Chung-kai, a member of the Democratic party executive board, it is unlikely the democratic lawmakers who resigned en masse will be able to run in a Legislative Council election again. In addition, new democratic candidates are likely to face a shrinking voter base due to an expected mass emigration. Source.

Hong Kong schools receive government instructions and training to push national education and national security awareness in schools. Suggestions include raising the national flag and playing the Chinese national anthem. Source.

The Hong Kong police say its national security unit’s newly implemented tip line has received over 10,000 messages in its first week. Source.

Monday, November 16

Over 1,000 educators attend a government-run seminar on the National Security Law. Simon Lee Hoey, a member of the Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee, tells teachers that national security education should help students nurture positive values and their Chinese identity. Source.

Tuesday, November 17

Sha Tin District Councillor Raymond Li is arrested in connection with the May 24 Hong Kong island rally protesting the National Security Law. Li is released from police headquarters in Wan Chai at around 1 p.m. He is charged with behaving in a noisy or disorderly manner in a public place. His case will be heard next Monday at Eastern Magistrates’ Court. Source.

The Chinese government seeks to push more reforms to “perfect” Hong Kong’s judicial system. Zhang Xiaoming, deputy director of China's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, is quoted as saying: “We need to see the Basic Law as something that is alive so we can interpret the Basic Law whenever necessary." Source.

Wednesday, November 18

Former democratic lawmakers Eddie Chu, Ray Chan, and Ted Hui are arrested on suspicion of contempt under the Legislative Council (Powers and Privileges) Ordinance and for allegedly breaching the Offences against the Person Ordinance in connection with throwing foul-smelling objects in the legislature in May and June. They will remain in custody during the investigation. Source.

Senior Inspector Wong Ka-lun tells the Coroner’s Court that when firefighters and paramedics were treating the unconscious Alex Chow Tsz-lok on November 8, 2019, who is believed to have fallen from a car park in Tseung Kwan O, Wong did not prioritize clearing roadblocks outside the building to ensure Alex Chow could receive prompt medical attention. Source.

Thursday, November 19

In the legal challenge brought by the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) and citizens, Judge Anderson Chow of the Court of First Instance rules that Article 3 of the Hong Kong Bill of Rights was breached when the police commissioner failed to ensure that officers displayed their unique identification numbers or marks when carrying out non-covert duties. Source.

The national security unit of the Hong Kong police is investigating a student protest at the Chinese University of Hong Kong against moving graduation ceremonies online. Protesters allegedly chanted banned protest slogans in violation of the National Security Law. Source.

Friday, November 20

Hong Kong police suspends an alternative numbering system for identifying officers that the Court of First Instance found problematic and tells officers they may have to start showing warrant cards when asked. Source.

Saturday, November 21

Wan Yiu-sing, also known as “Giggs,” a program host for Internet radio channel D100, is arrested under the National Security Law on suspicion of money laundering in connection with a funding campaign to help young protesters study in Taiwan. His wife is arrested on suspicion of money laundering. Wan’s assistant is also arrested on suspicion of money laundering and violation of the NSL by inciting and funding secessionist activities. Source.

Sunday, November 22

District councillors Henry Wong and Timothy Lee, along with a company director, are arrested in connection with their election expenses. Wong is also held for an imitation firearms offence. Source. Source.

Monday, November 23

Prominent pro-democracy activists Joshua Wong, Agnes Chow, and Ivan Lam Long-yin plead guilty to charges in connection with a siege of Wan Chai police headquarters on June 21 and are remanded in custody. They will be sentenced next Wednesday. Source. Source.

Tuesday, November 24

Adam Ma Chun-man becomes the third person charged under the National Security Law. He is not required to enter a plea and has been denied bail. Ma is accused of inciting secession for chanting protest slogans at 10 different locations between August 15 and November 22 this year. Source.

Wednesday, November 25

Joshua Wong is placed in solitary confinement in the prison’s hospital after being remanded in custody on Monday due to x-ray scans showing foreign objects in his stomach. Wong says he has not been allowed to exercise outside and is stuck in his room at all times, apart from visiting hours, and that the lights in his room are kept on at all times, making it difficult to sleep. Source.

Thursday, November 26

The Education Bureau announces changes to the liberal studies subject (for secondary schools): it will be renamed, have its hours halved, use a pass/fail grading system, and focus more on mainland China and less on current affairs. Students will be taught separately on national security issues. Source.

Monday, November 30

Hong Kongers gather to mark the 15-month anniversary of the riot police raid on the Prince Edward Station, despite the strong police presence and ban on laying flowers at the commemoration. Police fine three people who laid down flowers for littering. Source.

December


Tuesday, December 1

A number of journalists at i-Cable resign to protest the firing of 40 of their colleagues on Tuesday, due to the economic impact of Covid-19. In a statement, the Hong Kong Journalists Association urges the broadcaster to reconsider and views the firing of the entire News Lancet team as suspicious. “Given the team’s coverage of the police and the administration, it’s difficult not to see this as minimising sensitive reporting in the name of cost-cutting.” Source.

Wednesday, December 2

Joshua Wong and Agnes Chow, prominent activists and members of the disbanded political group Demosisto, received prison sentences of 13-and-a-half months and 10 months, respectively, after pleading guilty to unauthorized assembly charges in connection with a June 2019 demonstration. Ivan Lam, also a member of the group, is sentenced to seven months in prison. Source.

Keith Fong Chung-yin, president of Hong Kong Baptist University’s student union is arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice, possession of offensive weapons, and resisting arrest, in connection with his arrest in August last year for buying ten laser pointers.  Source.

Thursday, December 3

Jimmy Lai, founder of Next Digital, and two company executives, Royston Chow and Wong Wai-keung, are formally charged with conspiracy to defraud in connection with the use of Next Digital’s headquarters in Tseung Kwan O. Jimmy Lai is denied bail while Chow is granted bail of HK$200,000 (~$25,800) and Wong is granted bail of HK$100,000 (~$12,900). The case is adjourned to April 16, 2021. Source.

The U.S. Secretary of State condemns the political prosecution of pro-democracy activists including Joshua Wong, Agnes Chow, Ivan Lam, Jimmy Lai, and others. Source.

Saturday, December 5

Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung Yun-hung says on a radio program that there is currently one serious case involving a teacher in which the teacher may be deregistered. The investigation is ongoing and the Education Bureau is also contemplating less severe punishments. Source.

Monday, December 7

Hong Kong police arrest eight people in connection with a political demonstration at the Chinese University’s graduation ceremony last month. Three students are among eight swept up during an early morning raid by the national security unit. The three are arrested on suspicion of inciting secession under the National Security Law and all eight are suspected of participating in an unauthorized assembly. Source.

The United States imposes financial sanctions and a travel ban on 14 vice-chairpersons of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC), the top decision-making body of the Chinese legislature, in response to Beijing’s disqualification of pro-democracy lawmakers in Hong Kong last month. Source.

Tuesday, December 8

Police arrest eight prominent pro-democracy figures under the Public Order Ordinance in connection with a July 1 protest: Leung Kwok-hung, Figo Chan, and Tang Sai-lai of the League of Social Democrats, Eastern District Councillors Tsang Kin-sing, Andy Chui, and Lancelot Chan, former lawmaker Eddie Chu, and Wu Chi-wai, the former chair of the Democratic Party. They are all released on bail and will appear in court next Thursday. Source. Source.

Police raid the Good Neighbour North District church shortly after its pastor said HSBC had frozen bank accounts belonging to him, his wife, and the church’s charity in an act of “political retaliation” against the church for its support of Hong Kong protesters. Source.

Wednesday, December 9

Prominent activist Agnes Chow is denied bail while appealing her 10-month prison sentence in connection with her role in an unauthorized assembly outside the Wan Chai police station last June. Source.

In her annual year-end press conference at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet expresses concerns over what she calls “the rapidly shrinking civic and democratic space in Hong Kong, especially since passage of the National Security Law.” She states that “peaceful protest should never be criminalized” and warns that recent arrests of Hong Kong activists “risk causing a wider chilling effect on the exercise of fundamental freedoms.” Source. Source.

Exiled activist Nathan Law has his first meeting with Home Secretary Priti Patel as she reviews a plan to relax entry rules for Hong Kong holders of British National (Overseas) passports. Source.

Friday, December 11

Media mogul Jimmy Lai is formally charged with foreign collusion under the National Security Law while awaiting trial for his other charge of conspiracy to defraud. He will appear at West Kowloon Court on Saturday, December 11. Source.

Amnesty International’s “Ending the Torture Trade” report says the police’s use of crowd-control equipment against civilians during last year’s pro-democracy protests were, in some instances, akin to torture. It advocates for global controls to regulate the trade of common police equipment. Source. Source.

Saturday, December 12

Media tycoon and activist Jimmy Lai is denied bail after being charged on Friday with foreign collusion under the National Security Law. The charges are reportedly based on his tweets, published commentaries, and interviews with foreign media. His case is adjourned until April 16, 2021. Source.

Monday, December 14

Former leader of the banned Hong Kong National Party Andy Chan is acquitted of two counts of assaulting of police officers due to the court’s ruling that the prosecution did not prove beyond reasonable doubt that Chan was the individual identified in images taken during the demonstration last July, as claimed by the prosecution. Source.

Tuesday, December 15

Adam Ma Chun-man, the first to be charged under the National Security Law, is denied bail for a second time since he was remanded last month on one count of incitement to commit secession for allegedly chanting pro-independence slogans in public. Ma’s case will return to West Kowloon Court on February 10, 2021. Source.

Wednesday, December 16

Eight of the 12 Hong Kong activists captured at sea face a charge of illegal boundary-crossing, while two, Tang Kai-yin and Quinn Moo, face the more serious charge of organizing the escape attempt. The remaining two, both juveniles, will have a separate, closed hearing in which no charges have been announced. Source.

Social worker Hui Lai-ming is acquitted of deliberately obstructing police during a demonstration in Admiralty last September. The magistrate rules that the police’s witness was “unreliable.” Source.

Civil servants swear allegiance to the government in the first ceremony of its kind to encourage greater loyalty in the governing class following last year’s pro-democracy protests. The oath taking would "strengthen the public's confidence in political-appointed officials," a government spokesperson said. Source.

Thursday, December 17

Pro-democracy activists Leung Kwok-hung, Tsang Kin-shing, and Figo Chan will not plead guilty when asked whether they understand the allegations on the first day of their court hearing in connection with the July 1 unauthorized rally. Source.

Friday, December 18

Three people, one of whom is a student aged 16, are arrested on suspicion of hurling nine petrol bombs into a Hong Kong police sports club earlier this month, setting a parked vehicle on fire. Source.

Monday, December 21

Hong Kong's top court rules that the government's invocation of a colonial-era law to ban face masks at demonstrations and public meetings during last year’s pro-democracy protests was within its "ambit of the power to make subsidiary legislation under the ERO [Emergency Regulations Ordinance] in a situation of emergency or in circumstances of public danger” and the face mask ban was “constitutional.” Source.

Tuesday, December 22

Beijing is considering drastic proposals to diminish pro-democracy influence, including eliminating all 117 seats likely to be secured by the pro-democracy camp in the Election Committee that chooses Hong Kong’s chief executive. Proposals could be added to the agenda of a meeting of China’s top legislative body, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), from Tuesday to Saturday. Source.

Wednesday, December 23

Media tycoon Jimmy Lai is granted HK$10 million (US$1.3 million) bail and placed under house arrest, making him the first person charged under the National Security Law to be granted bail. The judge imposed “tailor-made” conditions for Lai’s temporary release, including prohibitions from meeting officials from foreign governments, attending or hosting media interviews or programs, publishing articles on any media, and posting messages or comments on social media. Source.

Monday, December 28

Of the 12 activists arrested at sea, ten have gone to trial in mainland China while the remaining two, both in their teens, will face private hearings at a later date. The hearing was closed to foreign reporters and diplomats and the court was adjourned with no verdict. Source.

Tuesday, December 29

Media tycoon Jimmy Lai resigns as chairman of his media company Next Digital to “deal with his personal affairs” while he awaits trial for a charge of foreign collusion under the National Security Law. Source.

Tony Chung, 19, former convenor of a disbanded pro-democracy group is sentenced to four months in prison for throwing China’s national flag to the ground during a demonstration last year and for unlawful assembly. Source.

Wednesday, December 30

Ten of the 12 activists arrested at sea are sentenced by a Shenzhen court. Tang Kai-yin and Quinn Moon, convicted of the more serious crime of organizing the escape, are sentenced to three years in prison and a fine of 20,000 yuan (US$3,000) and two years in prison and a fine of 15,000 yuan (~US$2,321), respectively. The other eight are each sentenced to seven months in prison and a fine of 10,000 yuan (~US$ 1,547). The remaining two, aged 17 and 18, are handed over to the city’s police. Source.

Thursday, December 31

The Court of Final Appeal grants prosecutors’ appeal of media tycoon Jimmy Lai’s bail order, sending Lai back to jail until at least February, even though Lai is not considered a flight risk. Source.

2021

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.” SourceSourceSource.

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-kiusuggest 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.

2022

January


Saturday, January 1

Restrictions on the media

Days after the arrests of senior staff members of the online news outlet Stand News and its closure, Commissioner of Police Raymond Siu Chak-yee says more arrests linked to Stand News are possible. Source.

Sunday, January 2

Restrictions on the media

Independent online news outlet Citizen News announces it will cease operations beginning January 4, 2022 to ensure the safety of its staff. Source. Source.

Monday, January 3

Loyalty oath

Electoral system overhaul

Chief Executive Carrie Lam officiates for the first time in the history of the Legislative Council (LegCo) the oath-taking ceremony for all incoming lawmakers elected in the “patriots-only” race in December 2021. Source.

National education

National Flag and National Emblem Ordinance

Schools start to hold regular flag-raising ceremonies at least once a week under the amended National Flag and Emblem Ordinance. Some schools seek help from the police to train students in etiquette for the practice. Source.

Tuesday, January 4

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, is sentenced to another ten months in prison for inciting others to participate in an unauthorized June Fourth gathering in 2021. Chow was sentenced earlier to one year in prison over the same event in 2020. Source.

Restrictions on the media

Chief Executive Carrie Lam says the closure of online news outlets Stand News and Citizen News does not indicate a decline in press freedom and that it is the outlets’ own decisions to cease operation. Source.

Restrictions on the media

Online news outlet Mad Dog Daily, founded by former pro-democracy lawmaker Raymond Wong Yuk-man who moved to Taiwan, shuts down and deletes its website and social media pages. Source.

Electoral system overhaul

Pro-establishment lawmaker Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen is re-elected as the president of the Legislative Council (LegCo) after running unopposed. Source.

Wednesday, January 5

Restrictions on the media

Margaret Ng Ngoi-yee, former board member of the now-defunct Stand News, files for the return of and access ban to materials seized by the police during the raid of her residence. Source.

Thursday, January 6

Restrictions on the media

Following the arrests of Stand News senior staff members and its closure, at least six online media outlets have suspended operations or terminated news reporting. Source.

Restrictions on the media

Ming Pao adds a disclaimer on its opinion page: “[There is] absolutely no intention to incite hatred.” Source.

Friday, January 7

National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case

Activist priest Franco Mella stages a sit-in outside Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre urging the release of more than 30 of the 47 pro-democracy figures charged under the National Security Law, who have been detained for more than 300 days awaiting trial. Source.

 

Saturday, January 8

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

Fifteen men and six women, aged between 21 and 43, are sentenced to two-and-a-half years to three-and-a-half years in prison for rioting near Beijing’s liaison office in Sheung Wan in the 2019 protests. Source.

Restrictions on the media

Following the arrests of Stand News senior staff members and its closure, White Night becomes the 7th online news media outlet to shut down. Source.

Monday, January 10

PLA garrison in Hong Kong

Peng Jingtang, former deputy chief of staff of the People’s Armed Police (PAP) who led the counter-terrorism special forces in Xinjiang, is appointed chief of the People’s Liberation Army’s garrison in Hong Kong. Source.

National security law

Jacky Su Ho-kit, 25, an intellectually disabled delivery worker, is sentenced to 13 months in prison for participating in an unauthorized protest against the National Security Law a day after it was enacted in 2020. Source.

National security prosecutions

Attacks on civil society: Hong Kong Alliance

Three former leaders of the now-disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China—Chow Hang-tung, Lee Cheuk-yan, and Albert Ho Chun-yan—who are charged with inciting subversion under the National Security Law, warn they are facing a miscarriage of justice, after a magistrate judge suggests a government body represent the dissolved organization in the trial. Source.

Tuesday, January 11

Attacks on civil society

The Hong Kong White Collar (Administration and Clerical) Connect Union submits an official response to an inquiry from the Registry of Trade Unions on December 28, 2020. The registry asked about a series of union activities, including street stalls and commentaries about Covid-19 and the National Security Law. Source.

Restrictions on June 4 vigil

Wang Dan, Chinese dissident and student leader in the 1989 Democracy Movement, is raising money to set up a June Fourth museum in New York, following the closure of the June Fourth museum in Hong Kong, and a series of crackdown on commemorative activities there. Source.

Wednesday, January 12

National security prosecutions

Owen Chow Ka-shing, one of the 47 pro-democracy figures charged under National Security Law, is arrested and has his bail revoked for breaching bail condition by publishing speech endangering national security. Source. Source.

Thursday, January 13

National security prosecutions

Leon Tong Ying-kit, the first person sentenced under the National Security Law, drops an appeal against his conviction and sentence. Source.

Restrictions on the media

Academic freedom

Pro-Beijing newspaper, Ta Kung Pao, accuses Ming Pao of publishing article by "pro-independence academic" Lo Wing Sang, former adjunct associate professor at Lingnan University’s cultural studies faculty, and asks if it "wants to take over Apple Daily's seditious role." Source.

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

After refusing to make plea in mitigation, Yeung Ying-hei, a 36-year-old advertising copywriter, is sentenced to 31 months in prison for throwing a metal pole at the police in the 2019 protests. Source.

Restrictions on the arts

Political pressure on campus activities

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) builds seating area at the site of the “Pillar of Shame” sculpture after its removal. Source.

Friday, January 14

Hong Kongers in Diaspora

Following the crackdown on Stand News, Hong Kongers living in the UK have organized a series of human chain rallies in 11 cities in early January to support press freedom in Hong Kong. A confrontation broke out in Manchester on Sunday, January 9 between protesters and individuals from mainland China, one of whom was filming protesters on her mobile phone. Source.

Saturday, January 15

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

Four individuals convicted of participating in an unauthorized assembly outside Sha Tin Police Station during the 2019 protests—Au Ka-wai, Yip Shing-fu, Tsoi Shing-chi, and Anson Ho—are acquitted of the following charges because the magistrate finds the police’s handling of evidence questionable, including that for: possessing walkie-talkies without a licence; possessing laser pointers; or assaulting a police officer, as. Source.

Monday, January 17

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

Seven—Nelson Chan, Kong Keng-tong, Wong Sik-chit, Leung Ka-sing, Tsang Sin-yee, Tang Kam-lok and Jim Lung-heung—aged between 20 and 29, are sentenced to 38 to 40 months in prison after being convicted of rioting in the siege of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2019. Two—Chan Ting-kwan and Chan Kwok-wai—who were minors when they committed the offence, will be sent to a training center. Source.

National security prosecutions

45-year-old school clerk Chloe Cho Suet-sum and 17-year-old student Wong Chun-wai plead guilty to conspiring to create and distribute seditious leaflets advocating Hong Kong independence. The defense counsel argues that, contrary to the portrayal by the prosecution, the material was not intended to incite violence. Source.

National security education

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) will impose national security education, which includes an orientation lecture on national security and a mandatory one-credit course, titled "Understanding China Today," in fall 2022. Source.

Tuesday, January 18

Political pressure on campus activities

Students at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) stage an “invisible” flash-mob on campus to protest the removal of the "Pillar of Shame." Pamphlets with slogans including “Shame on HKU,” “Pillar gone, Shame Still,” “The Old Can Not Kill The Young” and “People Will not Forget,” as well as white flowers, crayons, and crushed Dragon fruit are placed in various locations, including near the site of the removed statue. All items are cleared away immediately by security guards. Source.

Anti-ELAB movement

Edward Sung Ho-tak, a 35-year-old personal trainer, is sentenced to 21 days in jail  suspended for 12 months for posting on Facebook inflammatory messages to encourage the killing of police officers on Facebook during the 2019 protests. Sung is the first person sentenced for violating a court ban on online content that could incite violence. Source.

Wednesday, January 19

Anti-ELAB movement

Prominent localist activist Edward Leung Tin-kei—whose slogan “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times” (first used in his by-election campaign in 2016) gained wide popularity during the 2019 protests—is released after serving four years in prison for rioting in 2016. A day before he was released, Leung's family members announced they will remove all content from Leung’s Facebook page per legal advice. Source. Source.

June 4 vigil prosecutions

Following his successful appeal, Joshua Wong Chi-fung, who is imprisoned on three convictions, receives a four-month sentence reduction for participating or inciting others to participate in the unauthorized June Fourth vigil in 2020. The total length of his prison term is 23.5 months. Source.

National security prosecutions

Owen Chow Ka-shing, one of the 47 pro-democracy figures charged under the National Security Law, loses his bail appeal and remains in detention.

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 13th time in connection with her subversion charge. Source.

Thursday, January 20

International relations

The European Parliament adopts a resolution condemning the violations of fundamental freedoms and the deterioration of human rights in Hong Kong. MEPs also call for sanctions against Hong Kong and mainland Chinese officials and propose a review of Hong Kong’s status at the World Trade Organization. The Mission of the People's Republic of China to the European Union strongly opposes the resolution. Source. Source. Source.

Political pressure on campus activities

The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) announces in an internal email that it will stop offering support to its students’ union, including collecting membership fees, providing network accounts and services, and offering IT support. The union’s HK$9 million reserve will be “kept under the custody” of the university’s Finance Office. Source.

Digital surveillance

Pro-Beijing lawmakers support the use of a real-name system in the COVID-19 tracking "Leave Home Safe" app to establish a centralized database for controlling the movement of residents, which is similar to "health code" app used in mainland China. Source.

National security prosecutions

Four students of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) Students’ Union Council charged with promoting terrorism have their bail conditions loosened. Source.

Hong Kong 12 case

Anti-ELAB movement

Kok Tsz-lun, a 19-year-old University of Hong Kong (HKU) student, who is one of the 12 Hong Kong activists captured in mainland Chinese waters while fleeing to Taiwan, will plead guilty to rioting and possessing a pair of pliers “with intent to use for unlawful purposes” in the 2019 protests. Source.

Friday, January 21

Attacks on civil society

The Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) says it received a letter earlier from the Registry of Trade Unions demanding the group to provide additional financial information and justify past activities. Source.

Independence of judiciary

Victor Dawes, the newly-elected chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association (HKBA), says the profession should stay out of politics and seize opportunities to develop business in mainland China. Source.

Saturday, January 22

Restrictions on freedom of expression

Three—Yip Sin-man, 20, Chiu Ho-nam, 34, and Lai Chit, 36—charged with incitement to harm police officers with intent, over their posts on the LIHKG online forum in connection with a man who killed himself after stabbing a police officer on July 1, 2021, are granted bail with additional bail conditions, including surrendering all of their travel documents. Source.

Monday, January 24

National security prosecutions

District court judge Kwok Wai-kin approves the prosecution's request for a national security judge to handle the case of members of the General Union of Hong Kong Speech Therapists charged in connection with seditious children’s books. Judge Kwok assigns himself to the case. Source.

Independence of judiciary

Chief Justice Andrew Cheung Kui-nung says in the opening ceremony of the 2022 legal year that the impartiality of designated national security judges is not under question. Source.

Article 23 legislation

Secretary of Justice Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah says Article 23 legislation is Hong Kong's top priority. Source.

Tuesday, January 25

National security prosecutions

Owen Chow Ka-shing, one of the 47 pro-democracy figures charged under the National Security Law whose bail appeal is revoked, and Chow Hang-tung, former vice-chair of the now-disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China who is charged with subversion, are both denied bail again. Source.

National security prosecutions

Among the seven members of the pro-independence political group, “Returning Valiant,” charged with inciting subversion, a Form 6 student plans to plead guilty, while a 16-year-old female student is denied bail again. Source.

Political pressure on campus activities

The City University of Hong Kong (CityU) requests its students' union to submit 16 years of audited financial reports in two weeks or it will lose the university’s support and its office premises. Source. Source.

Wednesday, January 26

Article 23 legislation

Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung says the government plans to introduce Article 23 draft bill to the Legislative Council (LegCo) in the second half of the year. Source.

Official Secrets Ordinance

Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung says the Official Secrets Ordinance will be “optimized” to strengthen anti-espionage capability. Source.

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

Former democratic lawmaker Lam Cheuk-ting, who was injured in the 2019 Yuen Long mob attack, is sentenced to four months in jail for disclosing the identity of a police superintendent under investigation by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) for the incident. Lam is facing another rioting charge over the same incident. Source.

National security prosecutions

Property manager Kim Chiang Chung-sang, 41, pleads guilty to five counts of sedition-related offences for displaying posters in relation to the 2019 protests and the case of the first national security defendant Leon Tong Ying-kit at a kindergarten and in the High Court in 2021. Source.

Thursday, January 27

Restrictions on the arts

A DJ from Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) confirms that songs of ten artists and bands—Anthony Wong Yiu-ming, and Wong's music duo Tat Ming Pair, Denise Ho Wan-see, Rubberband, C AllStar, Dear Jane, Charmaine Fong Ho-man, Serrini, Kay Tse On-kay and Alfred Hui Ting-hang—have been banned from broadcast by RTHK disc jockeys. Source.

National Security Law

More than 160 people have been arrested with more than 100 of them charged since the National Security Law came into effect in 2020. Source. Source.

Friday, January 28

National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case

Among the 47 pro-democracy figures charged with subversion over the 2020 unofficial primaries, 23 of them return to the court for a 12-hour hearing session. Source.

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

Four people are sentenced to five months and a week to six months in jail for participating in an illegal assembly outside Sha Tin Police Station in the 2019 protests. Source.

Anti-ELAB movement

Ou Biaofeng, a mainland rights activist who supported the 2014 and 2019 pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, as well as Apple Daily, stands trial behind closed door for his charges of "subversion of state power." Source.

Saturday, January 29

Political pressure on campus activities

Weeks after removing the “Pillar of Shame” statue, the University of Hong Kong (HKU) covers up a 33-year-old hand-painted June Fourth tribute on Swire Bridge: “Souls of martyrs shall forever linger despite the brutal massacre; Spark of democracy shall forever glow for the demise of evils.”. Source.

Monday, January 31

Independence of judiciary

Chief Executive Carrie Lam has delayed the appointment of British-trained trial lawyer Neville Sarony, who was nominated by the Judicial Officers' Recommendation Commission. Sarony recently criticised Hong Kong government policies, voicing support for free speech and some pro-democracy activists. Source.

Immigration pathways

The British Home Office survey of a random sample of 500 successful British National (Overseas) visa applicants shows that 96% of them have no plan to return to Hong Kong, and most of them are university-educated and married or with children. Source.

National security prosecutions

Kim Chiang Chung-sang, a 41-year-old property manager, is sentenced to eight months in jail after pleading guilty to five counts of sedition for displaying posters in connection with the 2019 protests and the case of Leon Tong Ying-kit, the first defendant prosecuted under the National Security Law. Chiang is the first person jailed under this colonial-era sedition law since 1967. Source.

February


Tuesday, February 1

Political pressure on campus activities

The entire editorial board of Hong Kong Baptist University’s (HKBU) student publication Jumbo resigns, citing the university’s interference with its reporting. Source.

Thursday, February 3

National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case

Nearly a year after their arrest, 33 of  the 47 pro-democracy figures charged with subversion under the National Security Law spend Lunar New Year in detention. Source.

Friday, February 4

National security prosecutions

Koo Sze-yiu, a 75-year-old veteran activist, is arrested by national security police for allegedly inciting subversion under the Crimes Ordinance for planning to protest against China’s Winter Olympics at the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government. Four others, including activist Lui Yuk-lin and former Democratic Party member Virginia Fung King-man, are brought in by the police to assist with the investigation. 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 is charged with subversion, is denied bail for the 15th time, and the judge rejects Chow’s request to set a new trial date. Source.

Attacks on civil society

The Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) says it will need one or two more weeks before responding to the Labour Department’s request to justify the group’s activities and provide financial information concerning its operations. Source.

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

Four people, aged 17 to 27, are convicted of unlawful assembly in connection with the overnight disturbance in Hung Hom during the 2019 protests. Two cards with legal and medical support contacts and legal rights of detainees’ information seized from one of the four, Cheong Hon-tun, are presented as evidence of the “organised nature” of the protests. Source.

Sunday, February 6

National security prosecutions

Lui Yuk-lin, who was brought in to assist the investigation of veteran activist Koo Sze-yiu's sedition case, is asked to surrender her travel documents under the National Security Law. Source.

Monday, February 7

National security prosecutions

75-year-old activist Koo Sze-yiu, arrested by national security police for allegedly inciting subversion for planning to protest against China’s Winter Olympics, is denied bail. Source.

Tuesday, February 8

National security prosecutions

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade reveals it has been denied access to a dual Australian-Chinese citizen detained in Hong Kong for 11 months for alleged “subversion” under the National Security Law, as China does not recognise dual nationality. Source.

Political pressure on campus activities

After the City University of Hong Kong Students’ Union (CityUSU) failed to submit 16 years of audited financial reports within two weeks, the university orders it to vacate its on-campus premises. Source.

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

The court rejects an appeal by American lawyer Samuel Phillip Bickett against his conviction of assaulting a police officer in the 2019 protests. Source.

Article 23 legislation

Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung says Article 23 legislation consultation will commence in the Legislative Council (LegCo) in May. Source.

National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case

The court adjourns for the third time the hearing on legal disputes in the case of 47 pro-democracy figures charged with subversion under the National Security Law. Most of them will remain in custody awaiting trial after being detained for nearly a year. Source.

Wednesday, February 9

Restrictions on the media

International relations

In a joint statement, 21 nations of the Media Freedom Coalition, including the UK, the U.S., Australia, and Canada, express concerns over the crackdown on press freedom and the suppression of independent local media in Hong Kong. Source. Source.

In response, the Chinese embassy in the UK maintains that Hong Kong’s press freedom is better protected under the National Security Law. Source.

National security law

Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip Tak-kuen says newly-recruited civil servants will be required to complete national security law training in order to pass the three-year probation period, while existing civil servants will also need to complete the training to get promoted. Source.

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

Keith Fong Chung-yin, former president of Hong Kong Baptist University's Students’ Union (HKBUSU), is denied bail after being convicted of resisting arrest by a police officer and perverting the course of justice in the 2019 protests. Fong is cleared of one charge of possessing offensive weapons related to the purchase of 10 laser pointers. Source.

Thursday, February 10

Digital surveillance

Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data Ada Chung Lai-ling says that adding a tracking function to “Leave Home Safe” mobile app would not violate the law. Source.

Restrictions on the media

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) releases a report on press freedom in Hong Kong expressing grave concerns over the rapid collapse of Hong Kong’s free media under the National Security Law and calls on governments globally to support journalists fleeing Hong Kong. Source. Source.

National security prosecutions

Three companies affiliated with the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily—Apple Daily Limited, Apple Daily Printing Limited and AD Internet Limited—previously charged with colluding with foreign forces under the National Security Law, are now additionally charged with sedition. Source.

National security prosecutions

The disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China remains unrepresented since the group was struck off from the Companies Registry. The group’s national security case is adjourned until February 24, as the Official Receiver has yet to decide whether to represent the group in the case. Source.

Friday, February 11

Restrictions on the media

In a memo from its Washington D.C. headquarters, Radio Free Asia (RFA), a U.S. government-funded news outlet, announces the suspension of some Cantonese programmes and commentaries, citing the “dire situation in Hong Kong" and “national security red lines.”. Source.

Electoral system overhaul

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) charges a man with allegedly inciting others to cast invalid votes in the 2021 Legislative Council (LegCo) election by posting three social media posts on his own Facebook page and sharing them to other pages. Source.

Monday, February 14

Immigration pathways

The UK considers loosening its British National (Overseas) visa policy to allow young Hong Kongers born before 1997 without BN(O) passports to migrate to the UK Former governor Chris Patten says: “young Hong Kongers should not be forgotten.” Source.

Tuesday, February 15

Restrictions on freedom of information

In a development that raises fears of censorship, the website of Hong Kong Watch, a UK-based advocacy group which monitors human rights in Hong Kong, has become inaccessible through some Hong Kong networks. Source.

National security prosecutions

Tommy Yuen Man-on, a 41-year-old pro-democracy singer-activist, is arrested for allegedly acting with seditious intention to provoke hatred towards the government and the judiciary on social media, and money laundering. Source.

Electoral system overhaul

Two—Chan Kin-man, a 36-year-old salesman, and Alice Leung Yuet-sheung, a 65-year-old office assistant—plead guilty to inciting others not to vote or to cast invalid votes in the 2021 Legislative Council (LegCo) election by sharing a Facebook post by Ted Hui Chi-fung, a former pro-democracy lawmaker in self-imposed exile. Source.

Political pressure on campus activities

The City University of Hong Kong Students’ Union (CityUSU) is ordered to leave the campus after failing to submit 16 years of audited financial reports to the university. The chairman of CityUSU Jason Lau Tsun-kit says: “the time no longer allows the existence of student unions.” Source.

Wednesday, February 16

Political pressure on campus activities

After its eviction from campus, the City University of Hong Kong Students’ Union (CityUSU) is looking for a new office space to continue operation, says its executive committee. Source.

Thursday, February 17

National security prosecutions

Pro-democracy singer Tommy Yuen Man-on is charged with sedition for posting social media posts on Facebook and Instagram that allegedly endangered national security. Yuen is remanded in custody. Source.

National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case

Legal disputes in the case of 47 pro-democracy figures charged under the National Security Law are settled. The hearings are adjourned until February 28 and March 4. Source.

Attacks on civil society

Police send letters to ask former committee members of the disbanded Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU) to submit information regarding its operations under the Societies Ordinance. Source.

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

Eight prominent pro-democracy figures—Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, Lee Cheuk Yan, Margaret Ng Ngoi-yee, Leung Kwok-hung, Cyd Ho Sau-lan, Albert Ho Chun-yan, Martin Lee Chu-ming, and Au Nok-hin—appeal against their convictions and sentences over an unauthorized assembly on August 18, 2019 at Victoria Park. Source.

Friday, February 18

Electoral system overhaul

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor uses the Emergency Regulations Ordinance to postpone the chief executive election from March 27 to May 8. Lam cites the escalating number of COVID-19 cases and the need to make pandemic control an “overriding priority,” as urged by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Source.

Saturday, February 19

Political pressure on campus activities

The "Democracy Wall" at the City University of Hong Kong (CityU) is demolished. Source.

Monday, February 21

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

Four men—Lam Ho-ting, 30, Lam Yik-chun, 27, Lam Ka-fung, 38, and Hon Tsz-tung, 25—convicted of participating in an unlawful assembly outside Sham Shui Po Police Station in the 2019 protests, are expected to face up to nine months in jail. Five other defendants in the same case are acquitted of their charges as the court ruled they could have been innocent passers by. Source.

Political pressure on campus activities

National security prosecutions

The national security police investigate the “farewell ceremony” organized by the City University of Hong Kong Students’ Union (CityUSU) a week earlier after receiving a report of a gathering on the CityU campus where messages left on the “democracy wall” were deemed as inciting “Hong Kong independence.” Source.

June 4 vigil prosecutions

The High Court grants a four-month sentence reduction for Joshua Wong Chi-fung for participating and inciting others to participate in the unauthorized June Fourth vigil in 2020, saying that the original sentence by the trial judge was excessive. Source.

Tuesday, February 22

Public opinion

Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute (HKPORI) survey shows failing scores for seven out of ten social wellbeing indicators, with “enjoyment of political rights” at the bottom. Source. Source.

Wednesday, February 23

Cross-border genetic material transfer

In responding to a question on whether sending COVID-19 test samples collected to mainland China in the upcoming compulsory testing would breach any law, Chief Executive Carrie Lam says: “I trust that we have all seen many war movies. In war, there is no sense in talking about procedure and reviewing things layer by layer.” Source.

National security law

Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po says national security spending is highly sensitive and how it is used and for how long will not be disclosed. Source.

Restrictions on the media

Ronson Chan Long-sing, chairman of the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) and former deputy assignment editor of the now-defunct online media outlet Stand News, now works as a delivery driver after losing his job when Stand News shut down in December 2021. Source.

Thursday, February 24

National security prosecutions

Barrister Priscilia Lam Tsz-ying is appointed by the Official Receiver to represent the disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China as a  trustee and liquidator in the pretrial hearing. Since all prisons and correctional institutions have imposed a lockdown to conduct COVID-19 tests, none of the defendants from the group— Lee Cheuk-yan, Albert Ho Chun-yan and Chow Hang-tung—who are jailed or detained, appear in the hearing. Source.

National security prosecutions

The national security case of Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy Apple Daily newspaper, and six former Apple Daily senior staffs, is further adjourned until March 10, 2022. None of them appear in court to hear procedures for the case since the Correctional Services Department has imposed a COVID-19 related lockdown in all prisons and detention facilities. Source.

Activists in exile

The government asks the court to penalize Ted Hui Chi-fung, former pro-democracy lawmaker in self-imposed exile, for jumping bail in four criminal cases in relation to the 2019 protests and misconduct in the Legislative Council (LegCo). Source.

Restrictions on freedom of expression

Former pro-democracy lawmaker Fernando Cheung Chiu-hung is released from prison after serving a three-week jail sentence for contempt under the Legislative Council (Powers and Privileges) Ordinance by staging a protest and chanting slogans in the Legislative Council (LegCo) meeting on May 9, 2020. Cheung hopes Hong Kongers will not forget the protestors who are still in jail. Source. Source.

National security prosecutions

Two women, aged 21 and 24, co-owners of a Taiwanese drinks shop in Mong Kok, are arrested by national security police on sedition charges for encouraging others on social media not to get vaccinated nor use the “Leave Home Safe” COVID-19 case tracking app. Source.

Friday, February 25

National security prosecutions

The two co-owners of a Taiwanese drinks shop in Mong Kok are charged by national security police with sedition and denied bail. Source.

Immigration pathways

The U.K. government expands the eligibility for British National (Overseas) visa to cover more Hong Kongers. “The government has made the decision to enable individuals aged 18 or over who were born on or after 1 July 1997 and who have at least one BN(O) parent to apply to the route independently of their BN(O) parent,” the UK interior ministry said in a written statement. The Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong voices strong opposition. Source. Source.

Monday, February 28

National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case

On the one-year anniversary of the indictment of 47 pro-democracy figures charged with subversion, legal procedures relating to nine defendants— Benny Tai Yiu-ting, Jeremy Tam Man-ho, Wu Chi-wai, Andrew Wan Siu-kin, Kwok Ka-ki, Alvin Yeung Ngok-kiu, Au Nok-hin, Andrew Chiu Ka-yin and Ben Chung Kam-lun—are adjourned until March 4, 2022 at the West Kowloon Magistrates Courts due to the COVID-19 outbreak in prison which prevented some of them from attending the hearing. Source.

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

Student Wong Ming-ho and construction worker Au Hoi-fung plead guilty to rioting in the siege of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2019 and are remanded in custody awaiting sentencing in April. Eight co-defendants plead not guilty and will stand trial over the same event. Source.

March


Tuesday, March 1

National Security Law

Paul Harris, former chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association (HKBA), a critic of the National Security Law, meets with the national security police at the police headquarters to assist with an investigation. Source.

Electoral system overhaul

The National People's Congress (NPC) considers a bill to empower the Hong Kong Election Committee to choose the city’s deputies to the NPC. Source.

Rights of persons in custody

Following the disbandment of the non-profit prisoners’ rights group “Wall-fare” in 2021, former district councillor Derek Chu Kong-wai sets up a new support platform "Waiting Bird." Source.

Wednesday, March 2

National Security Law

Paul Harris, former chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association (HKBA), who was summoned by the national security police to assist with an investigation a day earlier, leaves Hong Kong for the UK. The meeting with national security police was related to Human Rights Monitor, a human rights NGO Harris founded. Source.

National security prosecutions

In the first sedition trial since 1997, Tam Tak-chi, pro-democracy former lawmaker and radio host, is convicted of 11 out of 14 counts of sedition under the Crimes Ordinance. Source.

National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case

Leo Yau Lut-pong, the counsel representing the 47 pro-democracy figures charged with conspiracy to commit subversion, is sentenced to seven days in jail for obstructing police officers at the initial bail hearing for the 47 on March 1, 2021 at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts. Source.

National security prosecutions

A 15-year-old female student of the pro-independence political group, “Returning Valiant,” charged with inciting subversion is denied bail for the second time. Source.

National security prosecutions

National security police officially charge two Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) students of conspiring to publish seditious text at CUHK’s graduation protest march in 2020. Source.

Thursday, March 3

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

Three youths, aged between 18 and 24, are sentenced to the correctional centre and six to nine months in jail for possessing offensive weapons and items with intent to destroy or damage property, including laser pens and paint, in the 2019 protests. Source.

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

Four people are sentenced to the correctional centre and nine to 21 months in prison for participating in an unlawful assembly, possessing explosive, offensive weapons, and assaulting police officers in the 2019 protests. Source.

June 4 vigil prosecutions

Lee Cheuk-yan and Albert Ho hun-yan, who are serving prison sentences in relation to June Fourth vigil and other unauthorized assemblies, test positive for COVID-19 without symptoms. Source.

Friday, March 4

National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case

Among the 47 pro-democracy figures charged with subversion, 12 are absent from the hearing due to COVID-19 testing or quarantine. The case is further adjourned until April 28, 2022, due to the closure of courts owing to the pandemic. Source. Source.

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

Three youths, aged between 18 and 19, are sentenced to the correctional centre and five to six months in jail for obstructing police officers and inciting criminal damage during the 2019 protests. Source.

June 4 vigil prosecutions

Labour Party chairman Steven Kwok Wing-kin is released from jail for an unlawful June Fourth gathering. Kwok says: “Everyone—take care, stay safe, never forget your original aim.” Source.

Saturday, March 5

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

Eight people, aged between 19 and 43, are sentenced up to three years and nine months in prison for rioting outside Tsim Sha Tsui Police Station in the 2019 protests. Source.

Political pressure on campus activities

After the University of Hong Kong (HKU) covered up a 33-year-old hand-painted June Fourth slogan on Swire Bridge in January, plants are now put on the same bridge.

Source.

Monday, March 7

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

Four men—Kung Hon-man, 25, Tong Hang-fai, 25, Jeff Lo Yu-pak, 21, and Ng Nam-hoi, 22—are sentenced to four to six months in jail for participating in an unlawful assembly outside Sham Shui Po Police Station in the 2019 protests. 19-year-old student Ip Cheuk-pong is sentenced to nine months of correctional training in a rehabilitation centre because of his age. Source.

Tuesday, March 8

National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case

Winnie Yu Wai-ming, founder and former chairwoman of the Hospital Authority Employees Alliance who is among the 47 pro-democracy figures charged under the National Security Law, is arrested for violating bail conditions by making comments online and remanded in custody awaiting trial. Source. Source. Source.

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

Yip Ho-hin, 23-year-old barber’s assistant, is sentenced to four years in prison for rioting, assaulting a police officer, and possessing an instrument fit for unlawful purposes in the National Day protest in 2019. Source.

Restrictions on the media

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) honors mainland Chinese and Hong Kong female journalists fighting for truth, justice, and freedom of information on International Women’s Day. The honorees include Chan Pui-man, former associate publisher of the now defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily. Source. Source.

Wednesday, March 9

Restrictions on the media

Hung Ka-wing, a 22-year-old former part-time Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) reporter, is acquitted of charges in relation to the possession of air pistols and a walkie-talkie when he was stopped near the Hong Kong Police College on his way to cover the news of an open house event at the college. The magistrate accepts the proof that the items seized were used in a school movie project. Source.

Restrictions on freedom of expression

Three men, aged between 21 and 28, are arrested on suspicion of using social media to interfere with COVID-19 pandemic control measures. Source.

Thursday, March 10

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, breaks box office records in Taiwan for an overseas Chinese-language documentary in its opening weeks. Source.

Friday, March 11

Restrictions on freedom of information

Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute (HKPORI) cancels its “Russo-Ukrainian War” survey results press conference amid smearing and forgery of draft questionnaire by pro-Beijing media. Source. Source.

Saturday, March 12

Restrictions on the arts

Now residing in the UK, Ng Ka-leung, director of “Ten years”—a 2015 fictional film that depicts a dystopian Hong Kong in the year 2025—founds the Hong Kong Film Festival UK to continue to tell the story of Hong Kong. Source.

Monday, March 14

National security prosecutions

Hong Kong Watch, a UK-based human rights group whose website was blocked earlier in Hong Kong, receives a letter from Hong Kong’s Security Bureau accusing it of breaching the National Security Law by allegedly“seriously interfering” in Hong Kong affairs and jeopardising the national security of China. The police warn in the letter that its founder Benedict Rogers could face up to life imprisonment and a fine of HK$100,000. Hong Kong authorities also demand the group to shut down its website. Source. Source. Source.

National security prosecutions

Veteran activist Koo Sze-yiu, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer but has been detained since early February, is denied bail again for allegedly inciting subversion. His case is adjourned until April 12, 2022. Source.

Wednesday, March 16

Electoral system overhaul

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor says the Hong Kong SAR government has no ability to handle any further postponement of the chief executive election, which has already been postponed from March 27 to May 8. Source.

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

Max Chung Kin-ping, organizer of the "Reclaim Yuen Long" protest on July 27, 2019, will plead guilty to organizing the unauthorised assembly. Chung is remanded in custody until April 11, 2022 to make his guilty plea. Source.

Thursday, March 17

Restrictions on the media

Now News reporter who asked about a complaint mechanism concerning mainland medical staff in a press conference on COVID-19 is attacked by the "Internet army" of the pro-Beijing camp, which includes former Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying. Leung accuses her of spreading hate speech. Now News issues an apology, but the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) expresses concerns over the attack on a journalist for asking questions. Source. Source.

National security prosecutions

Pro-democracy singer Tommy Yuen Man-on, charged with sedition for posting social media posts endangering national security, is absent from bail review for the fourth time due to quarantine in the detention facilities. Source.

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

Choy Kin-yue, a 36-year-old cameraman convicted of participating in an illegal assembly and sentenced to prison for filming police in plain clothes in the 2019 protests, is released after he wins his appeal. Source. Source.

Political pressure on campus activities

Restrictions on the arts

After removing the “Goddess of Democracy” statue from its campus last December, the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) tells its creator, the Los Angeles-based sculptor Chen Weiming, that it would return the statue only if Chen agrees to bear any legal consequences and costs that may arise from the transfer. Source.

Friday, March 18

Restrictions on the media

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor says the attack of Now News reporter is not related to press freedom and should not be politicized. Source.

National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case

The Correctional Services Department claims 21 of the 47 pro-democracy figures charged with subversion voluntarily asked for solitary confinement. Two others are in quarantine due to COVID-19 infection. Source.

Independence of judiciary

The judiciary is submitting proposal to the Legislative Council (LegCo) to allow remote hearings for criminal cases. The Law Society of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Bar Association hope judicial impartiality will be protected. Source.

Saturday, March 19

National Security Law

Commissioner of Police Raymond Siu Chak-yee says the national security hotline has received more than 210,000 messages so far. He hopes all citizens will fight against terrorism and violence, and encourages citizens to report. Source.

Monday, March 21

Political pressure on campus activities

Restrictions on the arts

The New School for Democracy starts crowdfunding aimed at raising TWD 1.5 million to 3D print and reconstruct in Taiwan the "Pillar of Shame" sculpture, which was removed from the University of Hong Kong (HKU) campus. Source.

Tuesday, March 22

National security prosecutions

Two people—a 59-year-old combat coach and his 62-year-old female assistant—are arrested by national security police for alleged sedition for planning to “build an army,” and publishing Facebook posts allegedly inciting others to use force to overturn the regime. Source.

Restrictions on freedom of information

Two people—a 29-year-old public hospital radiation therapist and 41-year-old man—are arrested for allegedly inciting others to violate pandemic prevention rules—"spreading toxins"—online. Source.

Wednesday, March 23

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

American lawyer Samuel Phillip Bickett, jailed for assaulting a policeman in the 2019 protests, is deported immediately to the U.S. and “banned” from Hong Kong after his release. Bickett’s passport is confiscated during his flight transfer in Turkey and he is told that that is a “routine request” by the Hong Kong government. Source. Source.

Thursday, March 24

National security prosecutions

Pro-democracy singer Tommy Yuen Man-on, charged with sedition and in detention for more than a month, is denied bail. His hearing is adjourned until April 14, 2022. Source.

Friday, March 25

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

A 37-year-old man convicted of loitering in a "Shop with you" event during the 2019 protests gets his jail sentence reduced by 3 months after appeal. The High Court rules that Magistrate Judge Kenneth Chan Ping-chau erred in applying the “joint enterprise” principle and that his handling of the case raised concerns. Source.

Restrictions on the media

Chief Executive Carrie Lam criticizes a “local newspaper” for hindering the government’s work after Ming Pao ran a frontpage article on March 20, 2022 on the high COVID-death rate among those who received Sinovac vaccines. Source.

Electoral system overhaul

The Hong Kong government sets May 8 as Chief Executive election day, with April 3 to April 16 as the nomination period. The election has been postponed from March 27 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Source. Source.

Saturday, March 26

Immigration pathways

Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute (HKPORI) survey shows that one in four Hong Kongers wants to emigrate. Chief Executive Carrie Lam says she has no comments. Source. Source.

Monday, March 28

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Tuesday, March 29

June 4 vigil prosecutions

Joshua Wong Chi-fung completes his eight-month unauthorized assembly sentence over the June Fourth gathering in Victoria Park in 2020, and is transferred to Stanley Prison to await his national security trial in connection with his involvement in the unofficial primary election in July that year. Source.

Wednesday, March 30

Independence of judiciary

National security law

Two British judges—Lord Robert Reed and Lord Patrick Hodge—resign as non-permanent judges of Hong Kong’s Court of Final Appeal, citing concerns over the National Security Law and erosion of political freedom in Hong Kong. Source. Source. Source.

In response to the resignations, the Law Society of Hong Kong expresses deep regret, and Chief Justice Andrew Cheung Kui-nung says the Judiciary's commitment to uphold the rule of law and independence of the judiciary remains unchanged. Source. Source.

Restrictions on the media

Restrictions on freedom of information

A video report by the U.S. news outlet VICE News, “Hong Kong's Organized Crime Societies,” about the “7.21 incident,” can no longer be accessed in Hong Kong, raising concerns about censorship. Source. Source.

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

Thirteen men, aged between 20 and 54, are charged with rioting and other crimes linked to a National Day protest in 2019. They were rearrested two-and-a-half years after the incident and are now released on bail pending their trials in May and June this year. Source. Source.

Immigration pathways

More than 22,500 Hong Kongers received Canadian permanent residency, work or study permits in 2021, an increase of 256% from 2019, reaching levels not seen since 1998. Source.

Police entry requirement

Police removes entry requirement of at least 7 years of residency in Hong Kong, requiring candidates only to be Hong Kong permanent residents. Police recruitment has been difficult in the 2021-2022 period. Source.

Thursday, March 31

Attacks on civil society

National security police search the office of the disbanded Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU) and take away four former members—former chair Joe Wong Nai-yuen, former vice-chair Leo Tang Kin-wah, ex-treasurer Chung Chung-fai, and former general secretary Lee Cheuk-yan, who is already now in prison—to assist with police investigations. Source. Source.

Independence of judiciary

The People's Republic of China Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticizes the UK for playing the "judge card" to undermine Hong Kong's judiciary by political means. Chief Executive Carrie Lam says there are reasonable grounds to suspect political considerations for the resignations of the two judges. The Hong Kong Bar Association (HKBA) also suspects political pressure, and issues a statement urging the public to maintain confidence in Hong Kong’s rule of law. Source. Source. Source. Source.

April


Friday, April 1

International relations

In their respective reports, “Six-monthly report on Hong Kong: July to December 2021” and “2022 Hong Kong Policy Act Report,” the UK and U.S. governments raise concerns regarding the National Security Law, elections, and crackdowns on media and civil society. The Hong Kong government strongly opposes the “false and absurd” allegations in the reports. Source. Source. Source. Source.

Independence of judiciary

After the resignations of two British non-permanent judges, the remaining nine foreign non-permanent judges of the Court of Final Appeal say they will stay on. Former Chief Justice Andrew Li Kwok-nang regrets the resignations. Source. Source.

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

Three individuals aged between 19 and 20 are sentenced to the correctional centre for rioting and blocking the road on National Day in 2019. Source.

Restrictions on the media

Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute (HKPORI) survey shows record low overall satisfaction with both press freedom and performance of media outlets in Hong Kong—the lowest since 1997 when records begann. Source. Source.

Rights of persons in custody

Digital surveillance

The Security Bureau proposes installing smart system in all correctional institutions to analyze phone contents of detainees and to detect sensitive written characters. Source.

Saturday, April 2

Electoral system overhaul

Chief Executive election candidates are exempted from COVID-19 social gathering restrictions and are allowed to hold election-related gatherings under certain criteria. Source.

Independence of judiciary

The Hong Kong Bar Association (HKBA) and Law Society of Hong Kong are both in support of keeping overseas non-permanent judges in the Court of Final Appeal. Source.

Monday, April 4

Electoral system overhaul

Chief Executive Carrie Lam announces she will not run for Chief Executive again and will leave office at the end of May, saying that “family is my first priority in terms of my consideration. They think it’s time for me to go home.” Source. Source.

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

Three individuals, aged between 24 and 30, are sentenced to more than four years in prison, and another two, aged between 19 and 22, are sentenced to correctional centre after being convicted of rioting in the National Day protest on October 1, 2019. A District Court judge says the five were pursuing self-imposed ideals at the expense of others' freedoms. Source.

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

The High Court upholds the conviction of a 21-year-old university student for obstructing a police officer in the 2019 protests but reduces her sentence from three months to nine weeks in jail. Source.

Tuesday, April 5

Restrictions on freedom of expression

The League of Social Democrats petitions in solidarity with mainland Chinese human rights activists 50 meters away from the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, calling for the release of political prisoners. Police say an operation area has been set up near the Liaison Office and will “take action” if the group enters the area. Source.

Wednesday, April 6

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

Thirteen people, aged between 21 and 34, are sentenced to 42 to 48 months in prison for rioting in Sheung Wan in a protest on July 28, 2019. Two younger defendants, aged 17 and 21 at the time of the protest, are sentenced to a training center and a detention center, respectively. Source.

National security prosecutions

The national security department of the Hong Kong Police arrests four men and two women, aged between 32 and 67, including former Confederation of Trade Unions vice-chair Leo Tang Kin-wah and independent journalist Siu Wan-lung, for allegedly inciting hatred against the Hong Kong judiciary by causing nuisance during a court hearing. Source. Source.

National security prosecution: 47 pro-democracy activists case

The High Court hands down judgment for denying bail to Frankie Fung Tat-chun, one of the 47 pro-democracy figures charged under the National Security Law, saying that Fung had been “persistent in promoting and spreading subversive ideologies,” and that the now-defunct online media outlet DB Channel he co-founded “served as a platform calling for sanctions, promoting seditious ideologies and gathering support on the international front.” Source.

Thursday, April 7

Independence of judiciary

National security law

British judge Lord Robert Reed rejects claims that he and another British judge, Lord Patrick Hodge, resigned from Hong Kong’s Court of Final Appeal due to political pressure from the UK government. Source.

National security law

Restrictions on freedom of information

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) refuses to disclose the list of library materials removed from public libraries under the  National Security Law, saying that making the list available “may lead to wide circulation of such library materials with malicious intent.” Source.

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

Keith Fong Chung-yin, former president of Hong Kong Baptist University’s Students’ Union (HKBUSU), is sentenced to nine months in jail for resisting police and perverting the course of justice in connection with the purchase of ten laser pointers in the 2019 protests. The judge also denies Fong’s request for a suspended sentence that would enable him to start the fall semester at SOAS University of London. Source. Source.

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

As of January 2022, police have arrested 10,277 people in connection with Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill (Anti-ELAB) protests. Among them, 1,158 people have been convicted, with a 12-year prison term being the lengthiest sentence. The cases of another 952 people are still wending their way through the judicial process. Source.

Friday, April 8

National security prosecutions

The national security cases of six people accused of causing nuisance during court hearings are adjourned. Among them, two— Gary Pang Moon Yuen, 59, and Chiu Mei-ying, 67—are charged with sedition under the Crimes Ordinance for uttering seditious words at a January 4, 2022 court hearing of Chow Hang-tung, former vice-chair of the disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China. Source. Source.

Political pressure on campus activities

The law firm representing the University of Hong Kong (HKU) informs the lawyer of Danish sculptor Jens Galschiot that he can retrieve the “Pillar of Shame” statue. An earlier statement from Galschiot’s studio said that more than 10 crane and transport companies had refused to help relocate the statue for fear of repercussions under the National Security Law. Source.

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

A Department of Justice (DoJ) task force finishes processing 98% of the 1175 Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill (Anti-ELAB) protest-related cases submitted by the police. Source.

National security prosecutions

A lawyer for Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy Apple Daily newspaper charged under the National Security Law, says the Communist Party of China uses the law as weapon to silence Lai and urges the United Nations to investigate repeated criminal prosecutions against Lai. Source. Source.

Sunday, April 10

National security prosecutions

Allan Au Ka-lun, a 54-year-old veteran journalist and Professional Consultant at the School of Journalism & Communication, Chinese University of Hong Kong, is arrested by the national security police for allegedly conspiring to publish seditious materials. The Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) worries that Au's arrest is a sign that press freedom in Hong Kong is being harmed further. Source. Source.

Monday, April 11

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

Activist Max Chung Kin-ping pleads guilty to organizing an unauthorized “Reclaim Yuen Long” march in the 2019 protests after a mob-attack took place at the Yuen Long MTR station, leaving at least 45 people injured. Source.

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

Prominent pro-democracy figure Yeung Sum is released after serving 14 months in prison for participating in an unauthorized National Day protest on October 1, 2019. Yeung urges Hongkongers to “hold fast,” and continue to “speak the truth.” Source.

National security law

Activists in exile

Ted Hui Chi-fung, former pro-democracy lawmaker in self-imposed exile, says the High Court is citing the National Security Law to issue property restraining orders on his wife and mother. Source.

National security prosecutions

Gary Pang Moon Yuen—a 59-year-old pastor charged last week for uttering seditious words at a January 4 court hearing of Chow Hang-tung and for doing an act or acts with a seditious intention through his YouTube channel—is denied bail. Source.

Electoral system overhaul

Former Chief Secretary John Lee Ka-chiu has received enough nominations to stand for the upcoming Chief Executive election. Source.

Tuesday, April 12

Article 23 legislation

Former Chief Secretary and Chief Executive hopeful John Lee Ka-chiu says Article 23 legislation would be one of the priorities of his administration. Source.

Restrictions on the arts

After its removal from public display in Hong Kong, a bronze statue of Liu Xiaobo will go on view on June 4 this year in Taiwan and will stay on the island following a traveling exhibit. Source.

National security prosecutions

Veteran journalist Allan Au Ka-lun, arrested for allegedly conspiring to publish seditious materials in connection with the case of the now-defunct media outlet Stand News, is released on bail. Source.

National security prosecutions

Activist Koo Sze-yiu, aged 75, pleads not guilty to inciting subversion in connection with planning to protest against the Beijing Winter Olympics. Source.

National security law

Two people from the pro-democracy bubble tea shop Royaltea in Mong Kok, including the owner, Jessica Kong, who testified in Tong Ying-kit’s national security trial, are brought to Mong Kok Police Station to assist with an investigation but are not arrested. Source.

Hong Kong 12 case

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

Two students plead guilty to rioting in the siege of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2019: 20-year-old University of Hong Kong (HKU) student Kok Tsz-lun, who is one of the 12 Hong Kong activists captured in mainland Chinese waters while fleeing to Taiwan, and 21-year-old vocational school student Lam Man-nok. Eleven others plead not guilty over the same incident. Source. Source.

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

A 16-year-old accused of rioting and arson is re-arrested after a year on the run. He pleads guilty and says he wasted his youth. Source.

Political pressure on campus activities

National security prosecutions

The City University of Hong Kong (CityU)’s Facilities Management Office sends emails to at least 30 students accusing them of committing various offences and misconduct in connection with a “farewell ceremony” organized by the university’s Students’ Union (CityUSU) on February 14 before its eviction from the campus. Source.

Wednesday, April 13

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

Activist Max Chung Kin-ping, aged 42, is sentenced to 16 months in prison after pleading guilty to organizing an unauthorized “Reclaim Yuen Long” march in the 2019 protests, after a mob-attack took place at the Yuen Long MTR station. The Court says Chung’s use of seditious words in several press conferences shows his intent to break the law and is a factor for additional penalty. Source. Source.

International relations

In its annual report on human rights practices around the world, the U.S. State Department criticizes China of undermining Hong Kong’s autonomy and freedoms and the district electoral process. The Hong Kong government strongly opposes to what it calls inaccurate accusations. Source. Source. Source.

Civil society group disbands

Following the closures of several news outlets and recent arrests of journalists, the 54-year-old Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) will hold an extraordinary general meeting on April 23 and consult its members on whether to disband. Source.

Restrictions on the media

National security prosecutions

The prosecution claims that Stand News, the now-defunct media outlet charged with publishing seditious materials, gave up the right to appear in court. The case is adjourned until May 3. Source.

Disciplining of educators

Anti-ELAB movement

Of the 455 complaints the Education Bureau (EDB) received from 2019 to 2021 against “suspected professional misconduct of teachers,” 344 cases—or 77%—were related to the Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill (Anti-ELAB) protests. The EDB has completed investigations on 311 of the 344 cases. Six teachers were disqualified, and 185 others received reprimand letters, warning letters, written advice, or verbal reminders. Source.

Anti-ELAB movement

Tan Qiyuan, widely known as Nicole, a long-time resident of Hong Kong originally from Guangxi Province, China who was active in the 2019 protests, has been detained in Guangxi and has not been heard from since April 2021. Source.

Thursday, April 14

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

Former district councillor Lester Shum Ngo-fai, one of the 47 pro-democracy figures charged with subversion, is sentenced to six weeks in jail after pleading guilty to contempt of court over a Facebook 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 prosecutions

Pro-democracy singer Tommy Yuen Man-on, charged with doing an act or acts with a seditious intention, remains in detention. The case is adjourned until May 25 and the prosecution may add fraud charges against him. Source.

Anti-ELAB movement prosecutions

A 26-year-old female clerk is sentenced to 24 months of probation after pleading guilty to criminal damage for spraying "721" and "831" on a bridge in November 2021. Source.

National security law

The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury says Hong Kong needs to regulate crowdfunding to prevent money from being used to fund illegal activities and those that endanger national security. Proposed measures include licensing or registering crowdfunding platforms operating in Hong Kong. Source.

Friday, April 15

Political pressure on campus activities

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) severs ties with its students’ union and says it cannot not use any name that includes the words “Hong Kong Polytechnic University.” The students’ union is also asked to move out of the campus by July 15. Source.

Hong Kong related resources

2019 Anti-Extradition Protests

2014 Occupy Movement

Other

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