Hong Kong Watch Briefing on Human Rights Developments: January 2023

This briefing describes developments in Hong Kong in January 2023 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

  • Jimmy Lai’s International Lawyers Request Urgent Meeting with UK Prime Minister

  • Man Jailed for Posts Calling for Independence and Boycott of COVID-19 Regulations

  • Lester Chong and Nine Others Jailed

  • Helena Wong Released from Prison

  • Six Arrested for Selling “Seditious Books”

  • Woman Sentenced to Three Months in Jail for Chanting “Seditious” Slogans

  • Cardinal Zen Visits Vatican

STATE OF THE RULE OF LAW AND POLICING

  • Overseas Lawyers May be Blocked Within Six Months

  • Beijing and Hong Kong Slam US diplomat’s Criticism of National Security Interpretation

  • Australian Judge Patrick Keane Dismisses Criticism of his Appointment to Court of Final Appeal

  • Lawmakers’ Names Omitted from LegCo Meeting Minutes

  • No Complaint Against Hong Kong Judiciary Upheld in 2022

MEDIA FREEDOM IN THE CROSS HAIRS

  • Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Says People Use Journalism to Pursue Political Aims, Personal Benefit, or “Launder Money”

  • Stand News Trial Begins

  • Citizen News Removes All Online Content

  • The Points Overseas Newspaper Launched

  • Apple Introduces Censorship to Hong Kong

  • Ming Pao Criticised for Comic

  • A GREAT PURGE UNDERWAY

  • Japanese Photographer Denied Entry

  • Hong Kong Magazine Editor Missing and Arrested in China

  • 944 Civil Servants Quit Jobs in Three Months

  • Turnover Rate of 7.4% Among Academic Staff

  • Activist Fined After Failed Legal Bid Against Police

  • Hong Kong Police Watchdog Dismisses Complaint Filed by Protester

STATE SECURITY AND ECONOMY

  • Zheng Yanxiong Appointed Head of China Liaison Office

  • Hong Kong’s Exchange Fund Records US$25.8 billion Loss

  • No Protest Rallies Approved In Last Three Years due to COVID-19 Concerns

  • No Need for COVID-19 Independent Enquiry

  • Next Digital Listing to be Cancelled

  • Hong Kong Retires LeaveHomeSafe COVID-19 Tracing App

  • HK$6 Billion Money Laundering Syndicate Smashed

  • Hong Kong Faces Worker Shortage

  • Hong Kong Talent Scheme Opens

OTHER DEVELOPMENTS

  • US Extends Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Hong Kong Residents

  • UK Publishes Six-Monthly Report on Hong Kong

  • Bar Human Rights Committee (BHRC) of England and Wales Publishes Report on Judicial Independence in Hong Kong

  • Hong Kong to be Reviewed by Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

  • Commonwealth Parliamentary Association disinvites Hong Kong pro-Beijing Lawmakers

  • Task Force Launched To Promote Hong Kong Reopening

  • Cathay Pacific Doubles Number of Flights to Mainland China

  • Over 144,000 Hong Kongers Have Emigrated to UK on BNO Visa

  • Hong Konger Commits Suicide in London


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