Hong Kong security law

Six months in prison also for the sister of the trade unionist arrested in March, wife of Lee Cheuk-yan also in prison. Bail still denied to lawyer Chow Hang-tung, who will not go to trial until the second half of 2024. Meanwhile (as expected) the court moved the calendar back to reject Jimmy Lai's defence objections to the sedition charge.

The authorities heavily guarded the courthouse to back the sedition argument. Lai’s defence raised a procedural point, noting that more than six months lapsed between Apple Daily’s closure and Lai’s indictment. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron calls on Jong Kong to “release Jimmy Lai”, noting that he is a British citizen, jailed for more than a thousand days “in a clear attempt to stop the peaceful exercise of his rights”.

Despite an intense government campaign, just over a quarter of the electorate turned out to vote, a huge drop compared to four years ago when pro-democracy candidates won a landslide. With almost three eligible voters in four staying away, the outcome was unrepresentative. Six people were arrested for peacefully expressing dissent on election day.

A group of prelates from every continent including Cardinals Dolan of New York and India's Baselios Cleemis Thottunkal had called for the immediate release of the Catholic businessman and pro-democracy activist who has been in jail for more than a thousand days. The harsh reply: 'Distorted words aimed at interfering in Hong Kong's internal affairs'. He faces life imprisonment under the controversial National Security Act on 18 December.

In his second 'political' speech, the governor assures that a 'long overdue' law, expected since the return of the former British colony to China, will be enacted next year. More than 280 people have been arrested so far under the draconian law imposed by Beijing. Group of activists promote a protest. The 'Sinicisation' of Hong Kong also in schools and culture.

Jailed on 31 December 2020, Lai will go on trial under the national security law on 18 December after repeated postponements. His son Sebastian is concerned about his health. A group of 67 human rights organisations write to Biden asking him to bar Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee from attending the upcoming APEC summit in San Francisco without Lai’s release. Jailed Lee Cheuk-yan's sister-in-law also goes on to trial for perverting the course of justice.

Police arrested six men and four women, aged 26 to 43, on suspicion of “conspiracy" and "collusion" with a foreign country and external elements endangering national security through their links to a humanitarian fund that saw Card Zen detained and subjected to restrictions.

After the arrest warrant and bounties, the pro-Beijing government's escalation against the eight pro-democracy activists who fled abroad continues. The parents and brother of the young leader of the umbrella movement picked up at dawn with the same methods used in China against dissidents. In the crosshairs the 'tea parties in the UK that encourage condemnation and sanction of China'.

Consistory called for Sept. 30, on the eve of the Synod. Asians include Bishop Sebastian Francis of Penang. Pontiff's "sorrow" over new violence in Holy Land, hope for resumption of "direct dialogue." At Angelus Francis recalls the "things" that God has "hidden" from the wise and revealed to the "little ones" who know how to "welcome" them.

All eight are wanted in connection with alleged violations of the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020. Two are former lawmakers. Aa bounty of around US$ 130,000 is hanging over their heads. As a member of Interpol, China is calling for their extradition. They are accused of demanding Hong Kong's independence and carrying out “illegal activities”.

The pro-democracy web station follows the fate of the Apple Daily newspaper and Stand News website. "Current accounts blocked, impossible to move forward." Since the passage of the National Security Act exactly three years ago, the former British colony has plummeted to 140th place out of 180 countries in freedom of information rankings.

Educational authorities refuse to allow parents to save the Po Yan Oblate Primary School, a historic Catholic school sponsored by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. In September, it might have no first grade and so risks closing in 2026. A declining birth rate and emigration caused by the National Security Law have reduced the number of pupils. Schools unaligned with the Beijing might be the ones that end up on the chopping block.