Hong Kong Watch Briefing on Human Rights Developments: March 2025
This briefing describes developments in Hong Kong in March 2025 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
JUDICIARY WATCH: RECENT RULINGS AND LEGAL TRENDS
Jimmy Lai concludes testimony in national security trial
Prisoner ordered to pay legal costs after failed challenge to Article 23
Top court upholds activist Tam Tak-chi’s sedition conviction
Top courts overturns convictions of Tiananmen vigil organisers
Court upholds law criminalising incitement of blank votes
Activists to stand trial for alleged unauthorised fundraising
Top court to livestream hearings, excludes national security cases
STATE OF THE RULE OF LAW AND POLICING
Security Chief criticises legal scholar’s Op-Ed on Yuen Long Attack Verdict
Security Chief criticises The Guardian’s Coverage of Jimmy Lai’s appeal ruling
TRANSFORMING CIVIL SOCIETY & EDUCATION
Democratic Party to vote on potential disbandment
Hong Kong Unison announce decision to disband
Upcoming legislative elections amid public dissatisfaction and ICAC warning
Beijing official encourages HKUST to engage in Northern Metropolis development
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND PRESS
Hong Kong passes Cybersecurity Law targeting critical infrastructure
Ex-Meta executive alleges development of censorship tool targeting Hong Kong and Taiwan
DIASPORA & TRANSNATIONAL REPRESSION
Hong Kong National Security police question pro-independence activist Tony Chung’s stepfather
UK exempts BNO passport holders from Electronic Travel Authorisation requirement
UK publishes six-monthly report on Hong Kong
STATE SECURITY AND ECONOMY
Tensions surround CK Hutchison’s Panama ports deal
OTHER NEWS