Hong Kong authorities “Posted posts on Facebook with incitement intention”
Accused of “Promoting hostility between China and Hong Kong”…Up to 7 years imprisonment if convicted
Foreign media warned ahead of 35th anniversary of Tiananmen Square crackdown…suppression of press freedom, ‘[Edaily Bang Seong-hoon Reporter] The first arrest case under the new national security law in Hong Kong has emerged. It is noteworthy as the arrest occurred before the 35th anniversary of the June 4th Tiananmen democracy movement. ‘,
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, ‘According to Bloomberg and other sources on the 28th local time, Hong Kong police arrested six democracy activists on charges of posting posts on social media (SNS) last month on the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen crackdown. They were charged with inciting under the Hong Kong version of the National Security Law implemented since March 23. ‘,
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, ‘The Hong Kong legislature unanimously passed the National Security Law (Article 23 of the Basic Law) containing 39 national security crimes and punishments for them, including acts of national division, subversion, terrorist activities, and collusion with foreign forces. This law, enacted by the Chinese government in 2020, aims to supplement the Hong Kong National Security Law established in response to large-scale anti-government protests in 2019. The law includes the possibility of life imprisonment for crimes such as rebellion and treason. ‘,
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, ‘Hong Kong Security Minister Chris Tang stated, “A woman posted inciting posts on Facebook anonymously with the help of five others to encourage netizens to organize activities that endanger national security just before the upcoming sensitive date” and “the arrested individuals are accused of inciting hostility towards the Hong Kong and Chinese governments.” He further emphasized, “Those who threaten national security should not be under the misconception that they can evade police tracking by remaining anonymous online.” ‘,
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, ‘The woman mentioned by Minister Tang is prominent lawyer and democracy activist Chow Hang Tung, who has been imprisoned in a women’s prison since September 2021. If found guilty, she and the other six individuals could face up to 7 years in prison. ‘,
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, ‘Furthermore, the sensitive date refers to the 35th anniversary of the June 4th Tiananmen democracy movement next month. Therefore, the interpretation is that this arrest was made as a warning. Foreign media and the international community expressed concerns that this arrest could suppress press freedom in Hong Kong. ‘,
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