Hong Kong Watch Briefing on Human Rights Developments: September 2024

This briefing describes developments in Hong Kong in September 2024 focusing on the rapid deterioration of human rights in the city following the imposition of the National Security Law and the passage of Safeguarding National Security Ordinance.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

POLITICAL PRISONERS: ARRESTS, CHARGES & TRIALS

  • Stand News editors receive 21 months and 11 months in prison under sedition laws

  • First two convictions under Article 23 legislation: Jail sentences for wearing, writing and posting ‘seditious’ pro-democracy slogans

  • Jimmy Lai’s international legal team files appeal with United Nations and former Next Digital executives file challenge against BDO amid reports Mr Lai is denied Holy Communion

  • Beijing-backed newspaper seeking to bar jury in libel case filed by Jimmy Lai

  • Hong Kong 47 democrats mitigation pleas conclude

  • Detained activist Owen Chow sentenced to appeal conviction for ‘carrying an unauthorised article out of prison’

  • ‘Grandpa Chan’ has a case to answer for displaying protest banners at Hong Kong park

  • Hong Konger receives eight weeks’ imprisonment for insulting China’s national anthem during volleyball game

THE STATE OF THE RULE OF LAW AND POLICING

  • General Union of Hong Kong Speech Therapists required to pay HK$116,000 to government on national security grounds

  • UK releases latest six-monthly report on Hong Kong

STATE SECURITY AND ECONOMY

  • Lord Patten of Barnes receives response from HSBC and Standard Chartered on releasing Hong Kongers’ MPF savings

  • Members of British Parliament urge Foreign Secretary to challenge participation of Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee in British Chamber of Commerce Summit

  • US releases updated Business Advisory on Hong Kong

  • US House of Representatives passes Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Certification Act

OTHER NEWS

  • Taiwan deports two PRC nationals for harassing people at protest organised by Hong Kong Outlanders on China’s National Day

Briefing, NewsMegan KhooHR