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.
Click here to read the full briefing.
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