Hong Kong Watch Briefing on Human Rights Developments: May 2024

This briefing describes developments in Hong Kong in May 2024 focusing on the rapid deterioration of human rights in the city following the introduction of the National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Bill.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

POLITICAL PRISONERS: ARRESTS, CHARGES & TRIALS

  • International lawmakers ask Hong Kong court to summon them as witnesses in trial of Jimmy Lai

  • 47 international parliamentarians and public figures condemn verdict in the trial of 47 democrats in Hong Kong

  • First individuals arrested under Article 23 legislation for posting allegedly seditious content on social media

THE STATE OF THE RULE OF LAW AND POLICING

  • Hong Kong court bans pro-democracy anthem ‘Glory to Hong Kong’

  • Hong Kong authorities urge schools to bolster national security education curriculum 

  • Hong Kong government begins increasing government appointments to Social Workers Registration Board 

  • UK Parliament commemorates World Press Freedom Day, exploring state of free press in Hong Kong

STATE SECURITY AND ECONOMY

  • Hong Kongers who have fled to the UK are being denied access to over £3 billion in savings

OTHER DEVELOPMENTS

  • Over 210,000 Hong Kongers apply for UK’s BNO visa, according to new government figures

  • UK government urged to sanction six Hong Kong officials in response to passage of Article 23 and increasing transnational repression

  • Government of Canada urged to take action on transnational repression of Hong Kongers in Canada

  • Government of Canada urged to address root cause of Hong Kong Pathway backlog issue

  • Hong Kong Watch responds to Special Committee on the Canada-People’s Republic of China Relationship’s report on investment funds and human rights violations in the PRC

Briefing, NewsMegan KhooHR