Hong Kong Watch Briefing on Human Rights Developments: March 2023
This briefing describes developments in Hong Kong in March 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
In the last month, Beijing continued its crackdown on the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong, with the following developments:
National Security Law (NSL) trial of the 47 democrats enters its second month, one of the most significant trials since the NSL was passed.
Veteran union leader Elizabeth Tang is arrested on NSL grounds after visiting her jailed husband, the trade unionist Lee Cheuk-Yan.
Jimmy Lai’s son and his international lawyers call on the United Nations (UN) to seek his release as the UK Government is urged to do more.
Hong Kong police re-arrest Albert Ho, a veteran pro-democracy politician who was out on bail for medical treatment after spending more than a year in detention on a subversion charge under the NSL.
Two arrested for possessing 'seditious' children's books about sheep, believed to be the first arrests for merely owning the books after the publishes were jailed last year.
Founder of independent outlet Free HK Media Alan Keung, known as “Pastor Keung,” is sentenced to eight months behind bars after pleading guilty to selling copies of a “seditious book” at a Lunar New Year fair.
Three former members of a group that organised annual vigils to mark the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown in China jailed on NSL grounds for failing to give police information on members and other data.
National security police have arrested a 48-year-old woman over “acts with seditious intention,” reportedly related to posts on Twitter.
THE STATE OF THE RULE OF LAW AND POLICING
The first protest in two years – a march against a proposed land reclamation and rubbish processing project – takes place under close monitoring by police.
Hong Kong falls in international civic rights index, from a rating of “repressed” to “closed”, the worst rating possible.
Hong Kong Law Society opposes blanket ban on overseas lawyers in national security cases.
A women's rights group cancelled a demonstration at the last minute after police said violent groups might want to join the protest.
Hong Kong Taoist Association cancels parade after meeting with police.
A FREE PRESS IN THE CROSS HAIRS
The screening of Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey, a British horror film due to be released in Hong Kong, has been cancelled, amid fears it may have upset censors protecting President Xi Jinping.
Department store removes artwork with hidden ‘political content’.
Press freedom groups condemn harassment of journalists after Hong Kong Free Press reporter is tailed, with reports of other incidents.
STATE SECURITY AND ECONOMY
Hong Kong political elite are pressed to give up western passports.
Crypto groups expand in Hong Kong in bid to tap mainland China demand.
HSBC and UBS bosses among new chief executive advisory body to steer Hong Kong towards post-Covid recovery.
Hong Kong investors have forced HSBC into a shareholder vote on its structure and strategy, including a potential spin-off of its Asian arm.
OTHER DEVELOPMENTS
Hong Kong to make first ministerial visit to UK since the NSL, with financial services secretary Christopher Hui set to meet UK officials and business representatives in London in April.
The UK government announce a further year of funding for its Hong Kong BNO Welcome Programme for 2023 to 2024, to support Hong Kongers coming to live in the UK under the BNO visa.
Italian supreme court blocks extradition to China.
Forty US senators join push for tougher stance over China's treatment of Hong Kong.
Thousands demand removal of actor Donnie Yen from Oscars ceremony.
Canadian Government announces a public consultation into the adoption of a foreign agents register.
UK statement to UN Human Rights Council condemns Hong Kong’s NSL.