On 7 October in Milan, an evening event with Father Franco Mella will explore the parable of a metropolis deprived of its freedom in the name of “national security”. Meanwhile, following his conviction for organising vigils in memory of Tiananmen, trade unionist Lee Cheuk-yan has been transferred to the isolated Hei Ling Chau prison, with restrictions on visits.
Lawyer Chow Hang-tung and trade unionist Lee Chueuk-yan received the harshest sentences. Five years and two months for former MP Albert Ho. They were charged with “incitement to subversion” for calling for a democratic system. All books and documents relating to the 4 June 1989 massacre in Beijing were also seized.
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”.
The leader of the “Umbrella Movement” – who was due to be released from prison in January 2027 following his first trial for pro-democracy activities – has found himself in the dock facing new charges of “collusion with foreign forces”. He hopes this will at least enable him to avoid a life sentence for a crime of opinion.
The speech that the Hong Kong court prevented the human rights lawyer from delivering at her sentencing hearing following last week’s conviction over the Tiananmen vigils. “The law cannot govern what a person thinks. I have no regrets: whether in prison or out, I will stand alongside those who do not give up.”
The editorial director of AsiaNews comments on the verdict against Chow Hang-tung and Lee Cheuk-yan: “There is a tendency to believe that the cause of freedom in Hong Kong is lost. But we cannot comprehend how the price to be paid for integration with China should be the imprisonment of democratic leaders and the eradication of the pluralism of thought.”
In Hong Kong, the former trade unionist and human rights lawyer have been sentenced. They face up to 10 years in prison under the National Security Law. Amnesty: prisoners of conscience
The activist is currently held at a detention centre over her visa. The UNHCR office in the Thai capital had granted her protection status. Hong Kong authorities accuse her of "subversion" under the territory’s national security law. Her "crime" is membership in the Hong Kong Parliament group of exiles.
In all the reports from Beijing's official media on the 20-year prison sentence handed down on 9 February to the Hong Kong entrepreneur, a public interview from 2019 is deliberately misrepresented. To justify the harsh sentence with words that the founder of Apple Daily never said. Instead, they are silent about what he said that day about the link between his Christian faith and the struggle for freedom and justice.
After five years, the landmark trial under the national security law ended. The founder of Apple Daily was charged with conspiracy and sedition. Chief Executive Lee praised the “severe” sentence that brings “relief to all”. Cardinal Zen was in the courtroom with Lay’s wife. Eight other defendants were also sentenced. Attention now turns to the trials of Chow Hang-tung, Lee Cheuk-yan, and Albert Ho.
After five years in prison and a one-sided trial lasting 156 hearings, the “exemplary” sentence was handed down today to the Catholic entrepreneur, publisher of the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily. The sentence has yet to be determined, but the two offences carry a life sentence. At 78, he will spend his fifth consecutive Christmas in prison. Chief Executive John Lee rejoices. The International Press Association: “Independent information repressed”.
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.
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