Hong Kong Watch Briefing on Human Rights Developments: December 2022

This briefing describes developments in Hong Kong in December 2022 focusing on the rapid deterioration of human rights in the city following the introduction of the National Security Law.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

POLITICAL PRISONERS: ARRESTS, CHARGES, & TRIALS

• Beijing Interprets Hong Kong’s National Security Law

• Jimmy Lai Sentenced to Five years for Fraud and NSL Trial Adjourned

• Chow Hang-tung Conviction Overturned

• Chow Hang-tung to Face Trial Without Jury

• Teenager Sentenced for Online Posts

• Man Arrested for Online Posts

• Stand News Sedition Trial to Continue

• Another Ten Sentenced in Relation to PolyU Protest

• Paramedic Jailed for Rioting

• Bail Application of Minor Charged Under National Security Law Rejected

• Tiananmen Vigil Leader Denied Bail

STATE OF THE RULE OF LAW AND POLICING

• Hong Kong Ends COVID-19 Restrictions

• Pro-Beijing Activist Elected to Election Committee

INTERNET FREEDOM IN THE CROSS HAIRS

• Google Refuses to Alter National Anthem Search Results

• Hong Kong Author Xi Xi Passes Away

A GREAT PURGE UNDERWAY

• Human Rights Lawyers Leave Hong Kong

• Vigil Held for Ürümchi Fire Victims in Hong Kong

• Mainland Student in Hong Kong Holds Blank Paper on China's National Constitution Day

STATE SECURITY AND ECONOMY

• Hong Kong Teachers to Study National Security Law

• University Students to Pass National Education Course to Graduate

• 6 Chinese Diplomats Removed from UK

OTHER DEVELOPMENTS

• COVID Test Requirements for Hong Kong Travellers, and Government Response

• WTO Rules in Favour of Hong Kong

• Hong Kong Proposes Crowdfunding Regulations

• “Hello, Hong Kong” Tourism Campaign Launched

• HKETO Bill Introduced

• Hong Kong Protestors Face Deportation from the United States

• Hong Kong Groups Express Solidarity with Mainland Protesters

• Chinese Embassy in London Plans Rejected