The appeal lodged by the Bishop Emeritus of Hong Kong and the other four trustees of the Fund in Defence of Protesters – who in 2022 (after being briefly detained by the police) were fined for breaching company regulations – has been dismissed. Margaret Ng announces a further appeal: “Freedom of association is at stake”.
Hong Kong authorities want to strike a blow at pro-democracy moderates, says Ernest Ng, expert in public policy. The 47 are back in court tomorrow. Freedom of association and the right to organise under International Labour Convention have been violated. Restrictions are expected for Hong Kong’s election law.
At the general audience, Francis asks to pray for the journey that begins on Friday. In Myanmar, "aspirations for peace must not be stifled by violence". Before knowing Jesus, he said, "we really did not know how to pray: what words, what feelings and what languages were appropriate for God."
Defendants are seeking bail. Yesterday’s hearing lasted well into the night and was suspended when four defendants had to be hospitalised for exhaustion. For the prosecution, democracy is a crime. Pro-democracy advocates slam the trial for violating human rights. EU sees the procedure as the end of political pluralism.
The accused were arrested in January for organising and taking part in a primary held in July 2020 designed to win the upcoming election. Card Joseph Zen and Lee Cheuk-yan were present in the courthouse where the accused were arraigned. For US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, “Political participation and freedom of expression should not be crimes.” Beijing wants to severely punish Jimmy Lai, Benni Tai and Joshua Wong.
A Christian's mission, Francis said at the Angelus, is "ignite little lights in people's hearts; be little lamps of the Gospel that bring a little love and hope ". In Lent a "fast" from gossip. A prayer for children suffering from rare diseases.
Commentary on the Gospel of the 2nd Sunday of Lent B (Mark 9, 2-10).
'Towards an ever wider we ': the theme of the World Migrant's Day
The theme from Ps 103: 3: "He forgives all your sins". A guide "to offer some suggestions to allow parishes and Christian communities to prepare themselves to live the initiative 24 hours for the Lord.”
They were arrested in January for organizing and taking part in the July primary. A repeat of the Jimmy Lai case is feared. The group includes Benny Tai, strategist of the electoral campaign. Accused of "wanting to win the election". Chinese university students’ union banned.
The Court motivation for the rejection of latest bail request by the democracy tycoon. His commitment not to use the internet and to limit contact overlooked. The legal foundations of the city have been subverted. Links between Lai and the “Stand with Hong Kong” pressure group rejected.
Chinese authorities: The city must be run by "patriots". The risk of disqualification before and after the vote. Carrie Lam: The central government intervened to avoid political chaos. District councillors already targeted. The postponement of the elections is a ploy to prevent the Democrats from winning.
This year's work program for Catholics has been drawn up by bishops and the Patriotic Association. Deepen the history of the Party, the Long March, Socialism, aligning with the leadership of Xi Jinping. A Theological Forum on Sinicization is also planned. More than a "pastoral" program, it is a political program in which the "independent and autonomous Church" is exalted.
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