The fire that broke out in Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po affected buildings surrounded by bamboo scaffolding, which is still used in many construction sites in Hong Kong. The buildings, which reach up to 31 storeys, house many families and elderly couples. Rescuers continue to search for those trapped.
The Special Autonomous Region halted cultural initiatives following a diplomatic row between China and Japan. Chief Executive John Lee reiterated the need to support the central government's position. Although Hong Kongers have not scrapped trips to Japan, US President and Xi Jinping were caught up by the tensions today.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption has arrested two men and one woman on charges of sharing messages urging people to boycott or invalidate their votes in the upcoming legislative elections on 7 December, the second to be held under the ‘patriotic only’ electoral system imposed by Beijing. While 35 MPs will not seek re-election, the government has stepped up activities in the city to increase turnout after the collapse in turnout in 2021.
Reports from the Busan summit are only about trade deals. While the trial of Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung (imprisoned for more than 1,500 days for Tiananmen vigils) is further postponed in Hong Kong, another independent newspaper is closing in Macau, and Radio Free Asia has come to a complete halt, stifled by cuts in US government funding. Is there still room for the fight for freedom in the era of transactional negotiations?
Sebastien Lai spoke to AsiaNews about his father’s ordeal. The 78-year-old Catholic businessman, who fought for democracy in Hong Kong, has been in prison since 2020. Given his poor health as a diabetic, “the fear for his life is very real.” Too many diabetics “have died in that situation in Hong Kong prisons.” The former media owner “is in solitary confinement,” denied the right to attend Mass. US President Donald Trump said that he would speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping about his case and get him released. His mother’s meeting with Pope Leo XIV gave her strength.
Concern is growing around the world about the health of the 77-year-old businessman, a symbol of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement, who has been imprisoned for nearly 1,700 days under China’s national security law. The prosecution began its closing arguments in a trial that has dragged on since December 2023 and could end with a life sentence. The verdict, handed down by three judges specifically selected by the pro-Beijing camp, is expected in October.
