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Hong Kong Government Attacks BBC

Writer's picture: CFHK FoundationCFHK Foundation

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Over the weekend, the BBC published a profile of CFHK Foundation Junior Media Manager and Hong Kong’s youngest fugitive, Chloe Cheung, complete with a video interview that has been translated into several languages.  


The Hong Kong government indicated it did not like how much attention Chloe Cheung is receiving after it placed a HK$1 million bounty on her head. (BBC)
The Hong Kong government indicated it did not like how much attention Chloe Cheung is receiving after it placed a HK$1 million bounty on her head. (BBC)

The Hong Kong government was not amused, prompting security chief Chris Tang to accuse the British news outlet of “depriving readers of their right to the truth” by not including the Hong Kong government’s response. China Daily also called into question the objectivity of the BBC’s reporting.  


The suffocation of civic space in Hong Kong intensified as the Democratic Party, Hong Kong's most significant pro-democracy party founded in 1994, indicated it may disband.  


Jimmy Lai’s international lawyers at Doughty Street Chambers said they had been the victims of a concerted campaign of harassment since they began representing him, including threats of violence aimed at their families.


UK - Hong Kong


“What I’m doing right now is colluding with foreign forces,” Chloe Cheung told Sky News’ Yalda Hakim in an interview alongside CFHK Foundation President Mark Clifford, referring to the Hong Kong government’s bounty for her arrest. Both stressed that it is outrageous how little the British government is doing for citizens like Jimmy Lai and UK residents like Chloe, trading values and security for the promise of Chinese cash.  


Mark Clifford and Chloe Cheung put the spotlight on Hong Kong for The World with Yalda Hakim. (Sky News)
Mark Clifford and Chloe Cheung put the spotlight on Hong Kong for The World with Yalda Hakim. (Sky News)

Sebastien Lai told Reuters at that "time is running out" for his father due to his failing health and urged the Trump administration and Keir Starmer should work together to get Jimmy Lai out of prison.  

The New York Times covered the battle over the proposed new Chinese mega-embassy in London, quoting Chloe Cheung’s speech at the protest last week: “This is not just a building; this is an extension of the Chinese Communist Party’s power in the UK,” she said. 

HSBC made clear where its loyalties lie, announcing an intention to cut thousands of UK jobs and invest the savings in China and Hong Kong, where it continues to withhold almost a billion pounds in pension savings from their rightful overseas owners. HSBC boss Georges Elhedery was accused of “shrugging his shoulders” when asked if he was content for the pension situation to continue.  

In an extended video interview with NTD’s Lee Hall, Mark Clifford shared the remarkable story of Jimmy Lai’s life and the reasons why the CCP is so terrified of him.    


 Hong Kong


Hong Kong authorities dialled up use of the National Security Law to seize fugitives’ assets with a court order permitting the requisition of HK$800,000 from the family of wanted ex-lawmaker Ted Hui.


Meanwhile, students at the Chinese University of Hong Kong called off a screening of the Burmese-language film “MA – Cry of Silence” just hours before it was due to take place after officials warned that the showing might break the law.  


Another venue, the Eaton HK Hotel, cancelled the Hong Kong Journalists Association annual fundraiser dinner, giving no reason. Last week, the Regal Hongkong Hotel in Causeway Bay did the same, citing a water leak.  


U.S. - Hong Kong


The Select Committee on the CCP said on X that “the PRC's mega-embassy in the UK raises significant security concerns: from interference and surveillance to risks for sensitive infrastructure like London’s financial services,” prompting a flurry of media coverage.   


Jimmy Lai Biography, 'Troublemaker' Updates


“Lai’s life story is part of the fabric of Hong Kong mythology,” wrote Matthew Brooker for Bloomberg, introducing a Q&A with Jimmy Lai's biographer, Mark Clifford.    


Henry T. (Hank) Edmondson III explored Jimmy Lai’s ability to find freedom despite his confinement for Word on Fire: “Jimmy Lai is an extraordinary individual. He is also in prison and on trial for opposing the Chinese government’s oppression of its citizens.” 


Jimmy Lai Updates


Jimmy Lai’s trial resumed with the judges intervening in an apparent attempt to guide the prosecution away from contradictory arguments over his involvement in the 2019 protests: “You said the defendant wanted international support, that he did not want violence. On the other hand, you said he wanted violence. What’s the prosecution’s case?” Justice Alex Lee asked. 

Justice Susana D’Almada Remedios also highlighted earlier evidence given by Lai in which he said he believed violence would dampen international support for the protests. 

Detailed trial updates are available here: Support Jimmy Lai. 


🔥 Flame of Freedom Blog


This blog is authored by Shannon Van Sant, Strategy and Public Affairs Advisor at the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation.


“It’s hard in a country that succeeds in such control to hear people’s stories. You have to be intrepid, listen to people’s experiences, and tell them to the world. You must give these issues a platform, as I have tried to do. Whether you are a reporter, an NGO, non-profit, or policymaker, you should make religious freedom a priority and at the forefront of the issues you promote, talk about, and engage on.”

Read more here.



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