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Former journalist and Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Gwyneth Ho chose not to submit a mitigation statement that could have reduced her sentence in the city’s largest national security case, the trial of the Hong Kong 47. Ho was charged with conspiring to subvert state power, stemming from her participation in an unofficial primary election in July 2020. The election was intended to help the pro-democracy camp secure a majority in Hong Kong’s legislature, where Ho stood as a pro-democracy candidate. The charge carries a maximum life sentence.
Ho pleaded not guilty but was convicted in May, along with most of her fellow defendants. In the verdict, the judges wrote that she was among the participants with the “most radical political views.” The judges also commented on Ho’s conduct when she testified in court, saying that she had raised objections when things were not done “in accordance with her understanding or instruction.”
The Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong (CFHK) Foundation condemns these verdicts and calls for the immediate release of Hong Kong’s more than 1,800 political prisoners. The CFHK Foundation also reaffirms its commitment to supporting Jimmy Lai, Gwyneth Ho, Joshua Wong and all pro-democracy activists who advocate for justice, media freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.
Read More about Gwyneth Ho here: CFHK Foundation - Hong Kong Political Prisoners Profile
Hong Kong Symposium 2024
On September 12th, the CFHK Foundation will host our second annual Hong Kong Symposium. Held at the U.S. Capitol, the Symposium will feature remarks from members of Congress followed by a series of panel discussions on media freedom in Hong Kong, the city’s growing role as a hub for sanctions evasion, and Hong Kong’s investment in emerging technologies within the context of China’s national strategy & military-civil fusion policy.
To RSVP, please visit the Event Page or email events@thecfhk.org. RSVP required to attend.
Jimmy Lai’s Trial Update
Jimmy Lai's trial is expected to resume on November 20th for further proceedings, including his testimony.
Lai has been imprisoned for over 1,300 days on national security law charges without a verdict. The trial did not begin until he had been held for two years and has been characterised by its sluggish pace. Proceedings were expected to be completed this past spring; instead, the defence has not even started to present its evidence. The CFHK Foundation condemns this appalling delay, one which clearly illustrates the erosion of the rule of law in Hong Kong.
Detailed trial updates available here: Support Jimmy Lai
Hong Kong
As the new school year began this week in Hong Kong, a new curriculum—including teachings on Xi Jinping Thought, and lessons about national security, and pro-Beijing patriotism—must be implemented according to guidelines from the Hong Kong Education Bureau.
Five days after Hong Kong journalist Allan Au had four op-eds ruled “seditious” in a the landmark Stand News trial, his name disappeared from the class schedule at the School of Journalism and Communication at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, where he was scheduled to teach three courses. The only official explanation given is that Au is “on leave”.
Hong Kong’s Immigration Department announced that the Advance Passenger Information (API) system was implemented on Tuesday, enabling the department to “further enhance its passenger clearance” and “prevent undesirables…from boarding flights heading to Hong Kong.” Hong Kong has already barred several individuals from entering before the system was implemented, including journalists Yoshiaki Ogawa and Aleksandra Bielakowska.
🔥Flame of Freedom Blog
Get Real When Dealing with Dictators
This blog is authored by Stephen Vines, a journalist, author, and member of the Advisory Board of the CFHK Foundation.
“China is not averse to bullying when it can get away with it. Yet somehow successive British governments have persuaded themselves that they need to pander to Beijing for the sake of the economy.”
Read More Here.
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