Hong Kong continues to fall deeper into a Beijing-sized hole of communism with the&nbsp;systematic decimation of democratic freedoms in the former British colony. In a year since the National Security Law was imposed, at least 117 people have been taken into custody for trespassing the basic tenets of what is prohibited under the law.

When the law was still being processed, China’s Communist Party hoped to chastise the pro-democracy revolution that was violently erupting on the streets against Beijing’s increasing role in the semi-autonomous city’s politics.

The sweeping law criminalises an array of acts which authorities perceive as detrimental to national security. The most common charges are subversion, secession, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces. These are extremely serious charges in any country and in Hong Kong, activists could face up to life in prison for supporting democracy.&nbsp;

A slew of arrests made over the last year shed light on the pronounced crisis unfolding in Hong Kong which is tremendously changing the city’s political, legal, and social landscape. Here’s a look at a few defining trends

Jimmy Lai’s arrest

Perhaps the most high-profile arrest in the last year, the outspoken media tycoon’s democratic hopes for the city were quashed when the 73-year-old was sentenced to 14 months in prison in April 2021 for participating in pro-democracy protests that rocked Hong Kong last year.&nbsp;

<img alt="lai" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="21609937-5314-46e1-b518-9ce478f60419" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1_69.jpg" />

Even then, Lai faces six more charges, two of which were imposed under the contentious National Security Law, under which the maximum sentence is for life.

Even now, it is entirely possible for new charges against him to prop up for being a “traitor” in the eyes of Beijing.&nbsp;

Apple Daily’s demise

Jimmy Lai’s Apple Daily, a newspaper that remained critical of Chinese authorities until its last edition was forced into submission after a slew of intimidation tactics which culminated into its closure on June 23.

Before the announcement, 500 police officers raided the daily’s office for articles that didn’t sit well with China.&nbsp;

<img alt="Apple Daily" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bfd51928-4850-4c48-bd5e-ccc1a33309ff" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2_55.jpg" />

Soon after, five executives of the newspaper including chief editor Ryan Law and CEO Cheung Kim-hung were arrested for allegedly “colluding with foreign forces”, a common charge used against democratic voices under the law.

What really butchered the newspaper was the freeze on its assets amounting up to $2.3 million (HK $1.8 mn). Without the funds and in the face of mounting pressure, the newspaper couldn’t continue publishing.

Under the National Security Law, authorities can freeze assets of any person or company that are seen as a security threat without a court order.

The opposition

Unlike the rest of China, Hong Kong allows democratic elections and some degree of freedom of speech to its citizens. While Beijing brewed the draconian law, opposition leaders in Hong Kong convened to initiate the process of primary elections, aimed at amplifying voices of democracy.

<img alt="opposition" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="86d63fd0-31c1-4243-b185-9dde31868bd6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/3_44.jpg" />

But things turned dire soon. In January, 50 of these pro-democracy politicians were arrested in regards to an unofficial vote organised by the opposition to select their best candidates for an election which has remained postponed since then.

Out of the 50 politicians, 47 were charged with conspiracy to commit subversion on February 28 and most of them still remain in detention.

According to Hong Kong authorities, the primary vote marked a “vicious plot” to subvert the government.

Tong Ying-kit

The first person to be arrested under the sweeping law, Tong Ying-kit allegedly rammed his bike into police officers during last year’s violent protests. At the time, Tong was sloganeering in favour of democracy.

<img alt="first arrest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="71a96060-394a-4338-b945-6fdb7ba79fb7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/4_15.jpg" />

Tong’s trial began last week and he was denied bail and the scope of jury, which are becoming the hallmarks of Hong Kong’s National Security Law. He faces charges of terrorism and inciting secession, to which he has pleaded “not guilty”. In addition, the activist may face charges for reckless driving.

<img alt="HK" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a06a65f2-1ec1-4daa-9e96-a560fec1e4db" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/5_9.jpg" />

These are just a few of many voices that are being punished in Hong Kong for protecting the sacred democratic tenet of dissent.

In total, at least 117 people have been arrested based on the law’s provisions over the last year, especially activists, journalists, and students - a worrying trend for the city of Hong Kong, which remained relatively free from the clutches of Chinese Communist Party until the violent protests that altered the course of what now constitutes normal life in the city.

Hong Kong’s Security Bureau believes the law has ended a trail of chaos in the city and has begun the era of “order” again, but the fear instilled in the city's free&nbsp;media and activists signals to the death of democracy.

Hong Kong continues to fall deeper into a Beijing-sized hole of communism with the systematic decimation of democratic freedoms in the former British colony. In a year since the National Security Law was imposed, at least 117 people have been taken into custody for trespassing the basic tenets of what is prohibited under the law.

Hong Kong continues to fall deeper into a Beijing-sized hole of communism with the systematic decimation of democratic freedoms in the former British colony. In a year since the National Security Law was imposed, at least 117 people have been taken into custody for trespassing the basic tenets of what is prohibited under the law. When the law was still being processed, China’s Communist Party hoped to chastise the pro-democracy revolution that was violently erupting on the streets against Beijing’s increasing role in the semi-autonomous city’s politics. The sweeping law criminalises an array of acts which authorities perceive as detrimental to national security. The most common charges are subversion, secession, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces. These are extremely serious charges in any country and in Hong Kong, activists could face up to life in prison for supporting democracy. A slew of arrests made over the last year shed light on the pronounced crisis unfolding in Hong Kong which is tremendously changing the city’s political, legal, and social landscape. Here’s a look at a few defining trends Jimmy Lai’s arrest Perhaps the most high-profile arrest in the last year, the outspoken media tycoon’s democratic hopes for the city were quashed when the 73-year-old was sentenced to 14 months in prison in April 2021 for participating in pro-democracy protests that rocked Hong Kong last year. Even then, Lai faces six more charges, two of which were imposed under the contentious National Security Law, under which the maximum sentence is for life. Even now, it is entirely possible for new charges against him to prop up for being a “traitor” in the eyes of Beijing. Apple Daily’s demise Jimmy Lai’s Apple Daily, a newspaper that remained critical of Chinese authorities until its last edition was forced into submission after a slew of intimidation tactics which culminated into its closure on June 23. Before the announcement, 500 police officers raided the daily’s office for articles that didn’t sit well with China. Soon after, five executives of the newspaper including chief editor Ryan Law and CEO Cheung Kim-hung were arrested for allegedly “colluding with foreign forces”, a common charge used against democratic voices under the law. What really butchered the newspaper was the freeze on its assets amounting up to $2.3 million (HK $1.8 mn). Without the funds and in the face of mounting pressure, the newspaper couldn’t continue publishing. Under the National Security Law, authorities can freeze assets of any person or company that are seen as a security threat without a court order. The opposition Unlike the rest of China, Hong Kong allows democratic elections and some degree of freedom of speech to its citizens. While Beijing brewed the draconian law, opposition leaders in Hong Kong convened to initiate the process of primary elections, aimed at amplifying voices of democracy. But things turned dire soon. In January, 50 of these pro-democracy politicians were arrested in regards to an unofficial vote organised by the opposition to select their best candidates for an election which has remained postponed since then. Out of the 50 politicians, 47 were charged with conspiracy to commit subversion on February 28 and most of them still remain in detention. According to Hong Kong authorities, the primary vote marked a “vicious plot” to subvert the government. Tong Ying-kit The first person to be arrested under the sweeping law, Tong Ying-kit allegedly rammed his bike into police officers during last year’s violent protests. At the time, Tong was sloganeering in favour of democracy. Tong’s trial began last week and he was denied bail and the scope of jury, which are becoming the hallmarks of Hong Kong’s National Security Law. He faces charges of terrorism and inciting secession, to which he has pleaded “not guilty”. In addition, the activist may face charges for reckless driving. These are just a few of many voices that are being punished in Hong Kong for protecting the sacred democratic tenet of dissent. In total, at least 117 people have been arrested based on the law’s provisions over the last year, especially activists, journalists, and students - a worrying trend for the city of Hong Kong, which remained relatively free from the clutches of Chinese Communist Party until the violent protests that altered the course of what now constitutes normal life in the city. Hong Kong’s Security Bureau believes the law has ended a trail of chaos in the city and has begun the era of “order” again, but the fear instilled in the city's free media and activists signals to the death of democracy.

A year of Hong Kong security law: Crackdown on people and the press

Ten pro-democracy activists were sentenced in Hong Kong on Friday to prison terms ranging from 14 months to 18 months over a 2019 protest, the latest in a series of tough punishments that have put much of the Chinese territory’s opposition camp behind bars, with many more awaiting trial.

All of them pleaded guilty this month to organising the protest, which had been banned by the police and took place Oct. 1, China’s National Day. As they led a march on Hong Kong Island, clashes broke out across the city in some of the worst protest violence that year.

Some of those sentenced Friday, including media tycoon Jimmy Lai, labor leader Lee Cheuk-yan and activist Leung Kwok-hung, who is better known as Long Hair, had already been imprisoned after earlier protest convictions. Two of the sentences, given to politicians Sin Chung-kai and Richard Tsoi, were suspended for two years.

Fernando Cheung, a pro-democracy former lawmaker, said Friday that “such severe punishments” sent a message of deterrence to the people of Hong Kong days before an annual June 4 vigil to honour the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. On Thursday, Hong Kong police blocked the event for the second year in a row, citing the coronavirus pandemic.

Also Friday, Hong Kong’s High Court issued an explanation for why it had denied bail to Claudia Mo, a moderate former lawmaker who is among 47 pro-democracy activists charged under a draconian new national security law. Judge Esther Toh cited, among other reasons, “accusations of desperation and loss of human rights and freedom” that Mo had made in interviews and WhatsApp conversations with journalists from international news organizations, including The New York Times.

Activists, academics and others are increasingly wary of speaking to the foreign news media in Hong Kong, where press freedom is enshrined in the local constitution but under growing threat.

The array of cases against Hong Kong’s pro-democracy activists is part of a broad campaign by the Chinese government to subdue political opposition and constrain the dissent that fuelled vast street protests in 2019.

Authorities have been aided in their crackdown by both the security law and more assertive use of what was already on the books.

What is the national security law?

The security law, which Beijing imposed on Hong Kong in June 2020, targets terrorism, subversion, secession and collusion with foreign forces. Its sweeping language, much of which has yet to be tested in courts, gives the authorities new powers to block websites, freeze assets, carry out searches without warrants, dispense with jury trials and hold defendants without bail.

It also allows for defendants in some cases to be tried under mainland law in courts controlled by the ruling Communist Party.

The law has prompted people to seek asylum in Australia, Canada, the United States and elsewhere, and raised fears for the future of Hong Kong’s schools, judicial system and even artistic expression.

Who has been arrested?

More than 10,200 people have been arrested in connection with the anti-government protests, the Hong Kong Department of Justice said in April. Of those, more than 2,500 have been prosecuted and more than 600 convicted on charges including unlawful assembly, arson, rioting, possession of offensive weapons, assaulting a police officer and desecrating the Chinese national flag.

Separately, more than 100 people have been arrested under the security law or by the local police unit that was set up last summer to enforce it. Of those, 57 have been charged, John Lee, the security secretary, said last week.

Along with thousands of ordinary citizens as young as 12, the arrests have swept up some of the city’s most prominent pro-democracy figures, including young activists Joshua Wong and Agnes Chow, Lai, 73, and Martin Lee, 82, a former lawmaker who is known as Hong Kong’s “father of democracy.”

But they have also extended all the way down to district councillors, elected officials who handle neighbourhood-level issues like garbage collection. The District Councils, which have been dominated by the opposition since a landslide election victory in November 2019, are seen as the last formal foothold of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement after all of its supporters in the legislature resigned in protest late last year.

How are the national security cases different?

National security charges can carry life sentences, depending on how serious the courts find the cases to be. The high threshold for bail means that most of those who have been charged are likely to spend months if not years in jail before they go to trial.

The largest set of national security arrests took place in January, when 55 pro-democracy politicians and activists were detained, many in early-morning raids. They had organised or participated in an informal primary election in July in which more than 600,000 people chose pro-democracy candidates to run in the city’s legislative election two months later. That election was postponed by the Hong Kong government soon after the primary and is now scheduled for Dec. 19, by which time new electoral restrictions will be in place.

Of the 55 people arrested, 47 were formally charged in February with conspiracy to commit subversion, a violation of the security law. Prosecutors said the pro-democracy bloc planned to win a majority in the legislature and then “indiscriminately” veto the government budget as a way to force Hong Kong’s leader, Carrie Lam, to resign. Thirty-six of the 47 defendants were denied bail in four days of marathon hearings during which several were hospitalised with exhaustion.

Those charged cover a wide political spectrum, from Leung, an avowed radical, to moderate democrats like barrister Alvin Yeung. Their unifying belief was a desire for universal suffrage in a city where democracy has long been hobbled.

Other national security arrests have included four young activists who were former members of a pro-independence group; Lai, his two sons and several employees of his company, Next Digital; and 11 people suspected of aiding a group of activists who tried to flee to Taiwan by boat last year while facing charges related to the 2019 protests.

Here are some of the cases to watch.

Lai, who was sentenced to 14 months Friday over the Oct. 1 protest, bringing his total prison term to 20 months, still faces additional cases including fraud, aiding an escape attempt and national security charges of collusion with foreign forces. He is also one of 24 activists charged with taking part last year in the banned Tiananmen vigil. Four of the activists charged, including Wong, were sentenced this month to between four and 10 months in prison.

Nine of the 12 activists who tried to escape to Taiwan have been charged in Hong Kong with “perverting the course of justice.” They were detained in mainland China for months after being caught at sea by authorities. Depending on which court they are tried in, they could face up to life imprisonment if convicted.

Trials under the security law are set to begin June 23 with Tong Ying-kit, 24, who prosecutors say collided with police officers while riding a motorcycle with a Hong Kong liberation flag on the back. He was among 10 protesters arrested on suspicion of violating the security law on July 1, the first day it was in effect and the anniversary of Hong Kong’s return from British to Chinese rule in 1997. Tong, who has been in custody since shortly after his arrest, is accused of terrorism and inciting secession. His bid for a jury trial was rejected.

How has the rest of the world responded?

The United States, Britain and other nations have criticised the security law and China’s growing clampdown on Hong Kong. Some countries have dropped extradition agreements with Hong Kong and made it easier for people from the city to emigrate or seek asylum. The United States has also imposed sanctions on Hong Kong and Chinese officials who have led the crackdown.

The Chinese government has rejected criticism of its policies in Hong Kong, framing it as interference in its internal affairs and a tool to increase pressure at a time of growing tension between China and the West.

Ten pro-democracy activists were sentenced in Hong Kong on Friday to prison terms ranging from 14 months to 18 months over a 2019 protest, the latest in a series of tough punishments that have put much of the Chinese territory’s opposition camp behind bars, with many more awaiting trial.

Ten pro-democracy activists were sentenced in Hong Kong on Friday to prison terms ranging from 14 months to 18 months over a 2019 protest, the latest in a series of tough punishments that have put much of the Chinese territory’s opposition camp behind bars, with many more awaiting trial. All of them pleaded guilty this month to organising the protest, which had been banned by the police and took place Oct. 1, China’s National Day. As they led a march on Hong Kong Island, clashes broke out across the city in some of the worst protest violence that year. Some of those sentenced Friday, including media tycoon Jimmy Lai, labor leader Lee Cheuk-yan and activist Leung Kwok-hung, who is better known as Long Hair, had already been imprisoned after earlier protest convictions. Two of the sentences, given to politicians Sin Chung-kai and Richard Tsoi, were suspended for two years. Fernando Cheung, a pro-democracy former lawmaker, said Friday that “such severe punishments” sent a message of deterrence to the people of Hong Kong days before an annual June 4 vigil to honour the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. On Thursday, Hong Kong police blocked the event for the second year in a row, citing the coronavirus pandemic. Also Friday, Hong Kong’s High Court issued an explanation for why it had denied bail to Claudia Mo, a moderate former lawmaker who is among 47 pro-democracy activists charged under a draconian new national security law. Judge Esther Toh cited, among other reasons, “accusations of desperation and loss of human rights and freedom” that Mo had made in interviews and WhatsApp conversations with journalists from international news organizations, including The New York Times. Activists, academics and others are increasingly wary of speaking to the foreign news media in Hong Kong, where press freedom is enshrined in the local constitution but under growing threat. The array of cases against Hong Kong’s pro-democracy activists is part of a broad campaign by the Chinese government to subdue political opposition and constrain the dissent that fuelled vast street protests in 2019. Authorities have been aided in their crackdown by both the security law and more assertive use of what was already on the books. What is the national security law? The security law, which Beijing imposed on Hong Kong in June 2020, targets terrorism, subversion, secession and collusion with foreign forces. Its sweeping language, much of which has yet to be tested in courts, gives the authorities new powers to block websites, freeze assets, carry out searches without warrants, dispense with jury trials and hold defendants without bail. It also allows for defendants in some cases to be tried under mainland law in courts controlled by the ruling Communist Party. The law has prompted people to seek asylum in Australia, Canada, the United States and elsewhere, and raised fears for the future of Hong Kong’s schools, judicial system and even artistic expression. Who has been arrested? More than 10,200 people have been arrested in connection with the anti-government protests, the Hong Kong Department of Justice said in April. Of those, more than 2,500 have been prosecuted and more than 600 convicted on charges including unlawful assembly, arson, rioting, possession of offensive weapons, assaulting a police officer and desecrating the Chinese national flag. Separately, more than 100 people have been arrested under the security law or by the local police unit that was set up last summer to enforce it. Of those, 57 have been charged, John Lee, the security secretary, said last week. Along with thousands of ordinary citizens as young as 12, the arrests have swept up some of the city’s most prominent pro-democracy figures, including young activists Joshua Wong and Agnes Chow, Lai, 73, and Martin Lee, 82, a former lawmaker who is known as Hong Kong’s “father of democracy.” But they have also extended all the way down to district councillors, elected officials who handle neighbourhood-level issues like garbage collection. The District Councils, which have been dominated by the opposition since a landslide election victory in November 2019, are seen as the last formal foothold of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement after all of its supporters in the legislature resigned in protest late last year. How are the national security cases different? National security charges can carry life sentences, depending on how serious the courts find the cases to be. The high threshold for bail means that most of those who have been charged are likely to spend months if not years in jail before they go to trial. The largest set of national security arrests took place in January, when 55 pro-democracy politicians and activists were detained, many in early-morning raids. They had organised or participated in an informal primary election in July in which more than 600,000 people chose pro-democracy candidates to run in the city’s legislative election two months later. That election was postponed by the Hong Kong government soon after the primary and is now scheduled for Dec. 19, by which time new electoral restrictions will be in place. Of the 55 people arrested, 47 were formally charged in February with conspiracy to commit subversion, a violation of the security law. Prosecutors said the pro-democracy bloc planned to win a majority in the legislature and then “indiscriminately” veto the government budget as a way to force Hong Kong’s leader, Carrie Lam, to resign. Thirty-six of the 47 defendants were denied bail in four days of marathon hearings during which several were hospitalised with exhaustion. Those charged cover a wide political spectrum, from Leung, an avowed radical, to moderate democrats like barrister Alvin Yeung. Their unifying belief was a desire for universal suffrage in a city where democracy has long been hobbled. Other national security arrests have included four young activists who were former members of a pro-independence group; Lai, his two sons and several employees of his company, Next Digital; and 11 people suspected of aiding a group of activists who tried to flee to Taiwan by boat last year while facing charges related to the 2019 protests. Here are some of the cases to watch. Lai, who was sentenced to 14 months Friday over the Oct. 1 protest, bringing his total prison term to 20 months, still faces additional cases including fraud, aiding an escape attempt and national security charges of collusion with foreign forces. He is also one of 24 activists charged with taking part last year in the banned Tiananmen vigil. Four of the activists charged, including Wong, were sentenced this month to between four and 10 months in prison. Nine of the 12 activists who tried to escape to Taiwan have been charged in Hong Kong with “perverting the course of justice.” They were detained in mainland China for months after being caught at sea by authorities. Depending on which court they are tried in, they could face up to life imprisonment if convicted. Trials under the security law are set to begin June 23 with Tong Ying-kit, 24, who prosecutors say collided with police officers while riding a motorcycle with a Hong Kong liberation flag on the back. He was among 10 protesters arrested on suspicion of violating the security law on July 1, the first day it was in effect and the anniversary of Hong Kong’s return from British to Chinese rule in 1997. Tong, who has been in custody since shortly after his arrest, is accused of terrorism and inciting secession. His bid for a jury trial was rejected. How has the rest of the world responded? The United States, Britain and other nations have criticised the security law and China’s growing clampdown on Hong Kong. Some countries have dropped extradition agreements with Hong Kong and made it easier for people from the city to emigrate or seek asylum. The United States has also imposed sanctions on Hong Kong and Chinese officials who have led the crackdown. The Chinese government has rejected criticism of its policies in Hong Kong, framing it as interference in its internal affairs and a tool to increase pressure at a time of growing tension between China and the West.

From protester to prisoner: How Hong Kong is stifling dissent

The decision making body at the helm of China’s parliament unanimously approved a plan for reforms in Hong Kong’s electoral system. Reported first by the South China Morning Post, the plan was approved on Tuesday.

China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee approved the plan with a vote of 167-0, SCMP said, citing Tam Yiu-chung, a representative of Hong Kong in the committee.

Earlier on March 22, eight Hong Kong democracy activists detained in China last year for illegally crossing the border were due back in the city after completing jail terms, in a case that drew international attention and concern over their treatment.&nbsp;

They were among 12 activists whose boat was intercepted at sea by mainland authorities in August 2020 allegedly en route to the democratic island of Taiwan.&nbsp; All had faced charges in Hong Kong over the pro-democracy protest movement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/initial-investigation-of-pfizer-vaccines-shows-no-obvious-systemic-factors-hong-kong-says-373816" hreflang="en">Initial investigation of Pfizer vaccines shows no 'obvious systemic factors', Hong Kong says</a>

The activists were arrested under a sweeping national security law Beijing imposed on the Asian financial hub in June 2020 that critics say is aimed at crushing dissent.&nbsp;

Pro-democracy activists began fleeing Hong Kong for democratic Taiwan from the early months of the protests in 2019, most of them legally by air, but some by boat, activists in Taipei have said.&nbsp;

Hong Kong, a former British colony, returned to Chinese rule in 1997 with the guarantee of freedoms not seen on the mainland, including freedom of speech and assembly.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/wuhan-virus-and-the-travails-of-being-a-pro-china-hong-kong-lawmaker-372793" hreflang="en">'Wuhan virus' and the travails of being a pro-China Hong Kong lawmaker</a>

Democracy activists complain that Communist Party rulers in Beijing are whittling away at those freedoms, a charge China rejects.&nbsp;

Since Beijing imposed the national security law on Hong Kong, scores of democracy campaigners have been arrested, some elected legislators have been disqualified and others have fled overseas.&nbsp;

The decision making body at the helm of China’s parliament unanimously approved a plan for reforms in Hong Kong’s electoral system. Reported first by the South China Morning Post, the plan was approved on Tuesday.

The decision making body at the helm of China’s parliament unanimously approved a plan for reforms in Hong Kong’s electoral system. Reported first by the South China Morning Post, the plan was approved on Tuesday. China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee approved the plan with a vote of 167-0, SCMP said, citing Tam Yiu-chung, a representative of Hong Kong in the committee. Earlier on March 22, eight Hong Kong democracy activists detained in China last year for illegally crossing the border were due back in the city after completing jail terms, in a case that drew international attention and concern over their treatment. They were among 12 activists whose boat was intercepted at sea by mainland authorities in August 2020 allegedly en route to the democratic island of Taiwan. All had faced charges in Hong Kong over the pro-democracy protest movement. Also read: Initial investigation of Pfizer vaccines shows no 'obvious systemic factors', Hong Kong says The activists were arrested under a sweeping national security law Beijing imposed on the Asian financial hub in June 2020 that critics say is aimed at crushing dissent. Pro-democracy activists began fleeing Hong Kong for democratic Taiwan from the early months of the protests in 2019, most of them legally by air, but some by boat, activists in Taipei have said. Hong Kong, a former British colony, returned to Chinese rule in 1997 with the guarantee of freedoms not seen on the mainland, including freedom of speech and assembly. Also read: 'Wuhan virus' and the travails of being a pro-China Hong Kong lawmaker Democracy activists complain that Communist Party rulers in Beijing are whittling away at those freedoms, a charge China rejects. Since Beijing imposed the national security law on Hong Kong, scores of democracy campaigners have been arrested, some elected legislators have been disqualified and others have fled overseas.

China's parliament approves plan for electoral reforms in Hong Kong: Report

Germany on Tuesday claimed that China attempted to intimidate Hong Kong residents living in Germany after protests broke out in the semi-autonomous city two years ago. 
 
In a letter to a lawmaker on Tuesday, the German Interior Ministry claimed that China attempted to "influence public opinion in favour of the Chinese government" in the backdrop of protests in Hong Kong. 
 
The letter was sent to the head of the German parliament's human rights committee - Gyde Jensen in response to a request made to fetch further information on the subject. Critics hope that this could pressurise Chancellor Angela Merkel to take a stronger stand against China over reported human rights abuses.

"Since the start of the protests in Hong Kong, increasing attempts by Chinese state actors in Germany to influence public opinion in favour of the Chinese government, as well as actions against supporters of the protests, have been identified," the ministry said in the letter, which was first published in the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper, Reuters reported.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/former-nazi-camp-guard-arrives-in-germany-after-removal-from-us-365077" hreflang="en">Former Nazi camp guard arrives in Germany after removal from US</a> 
 
The letter refers to pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong that took place on August 17, 2019. During the protests, pro-government demonstrators filmed the participants "presumably&nbsp;for the purpose of intimidation".

720 people from Hong Kong have a residency permit in Germany, the letter added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/germany-partially-closes-borders-despite-eu-criticism-363628" hreflang="en">Germany partially closes borders despite EU criticism</a>

Jensen, who is also a member of the liberal Free Democratic Party (FDP) Party told Reuters the following - "It is about time that the German government realised that actors for the Chinese government could pose a threat to exiled Hong Kongers."

"I am unfortunately sceptical that the mechanisms used by our security agencies are sufficient to effectively protect those affected," she said. Reuters reported that a German interior ministry spokesman claimed that they were unaware of the letter, while the Chinese embassy in Berlin did not respond.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Germany on Tuesday claimed that China attempted to intimidate Hong Kong residents living in Germany after protests broke out in the semi-autonomous city two years ago.

Germany on Tuesday claimed that China attempted to intimidate Hong Kong residents living in Germany after protests broke out in the semi-autonomous city two years ago. In a letter to a lawmaker on Tuesday, the German Interior Ministry claimed that China attempted to "influence public opinion in favour of the Chinese government" in the backdrop of protests in Hong Kong. The letter was sent to the head of the German parliament's human rights committee - Gyde Jensen in response to a request made to fetch further information on the subject. Critics hope that this could pressurise Chancellor Angela Merkel to take a stronger stand against China over reported human rights abuses. "Since the start of the protests in Hong Kong, increasing attempts by Chinese state actors in Germany to influence public opinion in favour of the Chinese government, as well as actions against supporters of the protests, have been identified," the ministry said in the letter, which was first published in the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper, Reuters reported. Also read: Former Nazi camp guard arrives in Germany after removal from US The letter refers to pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong that took place on August 17, 2019. During the protests, pro-government demonstrators filmed the participants "presumably for the purpose of intimidation". 720 people from Hong Kong have a residency permit in Germany, the letter added. Also read: Germany partially closes borders despite EU criticism Jensen, who is also a member of the liberal Free Democratic Party (FDP) Party told Reuters the following - "It is about time that the German government realised that actors for the Chinese government could pose a threat to exiled Hong Kongers." "I am unfortunately sceptical that the mechanisms used by our security agencies are sufficient to effectively protect those affected," she said. Reuters reported that a German interior ministry spokesman claimed that they were unaware of the letter, while the Chinese embassy in Berlin did not respond. (With inputs from Reuters)

Berlin claims China attempted to indimidate Hong Kong activists in Germany

The University of Hong Kong has removed prominent pro-democracy activist Benny Tai from his position as an associate law professor at the University. Watch report.

Hong Kong protests: Benny Tai removed over role in protests

Hong Kong's fate shows China's true authoritarianism so the rest of the world should stand up to President Xi Jinping and start to put human rights above financial gain, pro-democracy activist Nathan Law told Reuters.

Your Story: Hong Kong charges 1st person under new 'security law'

In this segment, watch press briefing by Chinese foreign ministry. The briefing focussed on protests in Hong Kong against new security law and the ongoing India-China tensions.

China: 'Western countries trying to smear us will not succeed'

The world should stand up to China over Hong Kong: Nathan Law

China's controversial security law came into force today. More than 300 protesters were detained on the first day alone. By imposing the security law on Hong Kong, China is taking an aim at the very idea of democracy. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how the security law is designed to kill Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement.

Gravitas: How democracy died in Hong Kong

Protests erupted in Hong Kong on the 23rd anniversary of the city's handover to China. Pro-Democracy activists are out on the streets condemning the newly enacted National Security Law. Watch report.

Hong Kong's handover anniversary: Police fire water cannons on protestors, HK Security Law

The war of words between China and the United States has intensified with Beijing now warning of strong countermeasures against any move that damages China's interests. Watch the WION ground report from Hong Kong.

China slams US move to revoke Hong Kong status : US vs China over Hong Kong

China slams US: US drafting sanctions on Chinese firms

Hong Kong police fired pepper ball rounds on Wednesday at protesters in the city's commercial district ahead of a debate in the legislature over a law that bans insulting China's national anthem.

Protests over anthem and security bills in Hong Kong intensifies

Lawmakers in China on May 28 passed legislation that will extend the country's national security law to Hong Kong, an expected move that has prompted large demonstrations in the city and a warning from Washington.

China approves Hong Kong Security Bill: Joshua Wong speaks to WION

Protestors in Hong Kong gathered near the legislative council building in a protest over the debate on a bill that would criminalize insulting or abuse of the Chinese national anthem. Watch report.

Protest over anthem and security bills in Hong Kong

Hong Kong police fire pepper ball rounds at protesters

Taiwan has become a refuge for a small but growing number of pro-democracy protesters fleeing Hong Kong

WION Fineprint: Taiwan promises necessary support to Hong Kong

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Hong Kong's freedom and democracy under threat: Taiwan comes in HK's support

Hong Kong is witnessing protests yet again and protestors in huge numbers gather to call for electoral reforms and also to boycott the Chinese Communist Party in Beijing. The demonstrators started the march towards the nearby legislative council building.

Protests continue in Hong Kong, protestors call for electoral reforms

Hong Kong's protesters have welcomed a new decade via a New Year's Day rally, with tens of thousands joining a pro-democracy march. Though the gathering was largely peaceful, violence broke out in some areas and police fired tear gas. On New Year's Eve, demonstrators had formed human chains that stretched for miles down busy shopping streets. #HongKong #HongKongProtests #HongKongFreshProtests

WION Dispatch: Hong Kong kicks off 2020 fresh protests

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - December 16, 2019

Hong Kong’s metro system stayed shut on Saturday, paralysing transport in the Asian financial hub after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-defy-mask-ban-as-city-grinds-to-halt-253888">a night of chaos</a> in which police shot a teenage boy and pro-democracy protesters torched businesses and metro stations.

Friday's protests across the Chinese-ruled city erupted hours after its embattled leader, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-invokes-emergency-powers-to-quell-escalating-violence-253684">Carrie Lam, invoked colonial-era emergency powers</a> for the first time in more than 50 years to ban the face masks demonstrators use to hide their identities. The night's "extreme violence" justified the use of the emergency law, Beijing-backed Lam said in a television address on Saturday.

"The radical behaviour of rioters took Hong Kong through a very dark night, leaving society today half-paralysed," she said in pre-recorded remarks.

"The extreme violence clearly illustrated that Hong Kong's public safety is widely endangered. That's the concrete reason that we had to invoke emergency law yesterday to introduce the anti-mask law", she added.

But undeterred by the ban and transport shutdown, several hundred protesters, many wearing masks, took to the streets on Saturday, marching through the bustling central district of Causeway Bay, with more protests planned through the weekend.

"We’re not sure what is going to happen later, but we felt we had to get out and show our basic right to wear a mask," said one protester, Sue, 22, who wore a black mask and dark glasses.

"The government needs to learn it can’t squeeze Hong Kong people like this", she added.

The increasingly violent demonstrations that have roiled the city for four months began in opposition to a bill introduced in April that would have allowed extradition to mainland China, but they have since spiralled into a broader pro-democracy movement.

The unrest has plunged Hong Kong into its biggest political crisis since its handover from Britain to China in 1997 under a “one country, two systems” formula that granted it autonomy and broad freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland.

China's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office said on Friday the protests were evolving into a revolution backed by foreign forces and could not continue indefinitely.

Transport shutdown

MTR Corp&nbsp;said its network, which carries about 5 million passengers each day, would remain suspended, while shopping malls and supermarkets also closed, in a new blow for retailers and restaurants in a city on the edge of recession.

"As we are no longer in a position to provide safe and reliable service to passengers in the circumstances, the corporation had no choice but to make the decision to suspend the service of its entire network," it said in a statement.

Protesters <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/violence-reaches-a-once-peaceful-hong-kong-suburb-253867">had set fires at stations</a>, as well as to an empty train, and injured two staff, added MTR, which is known for operating one of the world's most efficient rail networks.

All stations closed late on Friday, stranding passengers and forcing many to walk home, a situation set to worsen during a holiday weekend in the city.

The airport express, one of the most popular routes to the airport, re-opened with restricted service on Saturday, MTR said.

More than a dozen shopping malls, supermarkets, and branches of Bank of China (Hong Kong), Bank of East Asia, and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, which have been targeted by protesters, said they would not open on Saturday.

The 7-Eleven chain of convenience stores said outlets would close at 5 pm.

The ban on face masks, which took effect on Saturday, was ordered under emergency laws allowing authorities to "make any regulations whatsoever" in what they deem to be the public interest.

But the move enraged protesters, who took to the streets to vent their anger, many wearing masks in defiance of the ban.

There were no immediate reports of arrests over the masks.

Demonstrators set fires, hurled petrol bombs at police and burned the Chinese national flag, in a direct challenge to authorities in Beijing.

Police said an officer in Yuen Long, a district in the outlying New Territories that saw fierce clashes in July, had fired a shot in self-defence after a protester threw a petrol bomb at him, setting him on fire.

Media said a 14-year-old boy was shot and the city’s Hospital Authority said his condition was now stable but gave no details.

About 100 demonstrators besieged a branch of the Bank of China (Hong Kong) in the high-end shopping district of Causeway Bay, while across the harbour in the district of Kowloon, protesters smashed the glass storefront of a China Life branch. Police fired volleys of tear gas to disperse protesters in flashpoint districts such as Causeway Bay, Sha Tin and Wong Tai Sin, underscoring the challenges they face as protests show no sign of letting up.

Hospital authorities said 31 people were hurt in Friday's protests, two of them seriously.

Hong Kong’s metro system stayed shut on Saturday, paralysing transport in the Asian financial hub after a night of chaos in which police shot a teenage boy and pro-democracy protesters torched businesses and metro stations.

Hong Kong’s metro system stayed shut on Saturday, paralysing transport in the Asian financial hub after a night of chaos in which police shot a teenage boy and pro-democracy protesters torched businesses and metro stations. Friday's protests across the Chinese-ruled city erupted hours after its embattled leader, Carrie Lam, invoked colonial-era emergency powers for the first time in more than 50 years to ban the face masks demonstrators use to hide their identities. The night's "extreme violence" justified the use of the emergency law, Beijing-backed Lam said in a television address on Saturday. "The radical behaviour of rioters took Hong Kong through a very dark night, leaving society today half-paralysed," she said in pre-recorded remarks. "The extreme violence clearly illustrated that Hong Kong's public safety is widely endangered. That's the concrete reason that we had to invoke emergency law yesterday to introduce the anti-mask law", she added. But undeterred by the ban and transport shutdown, several hundred protesters, many wearing masks, took to the streets on Saturday, marching through the bustling central district of Causeway Bay, with more protests planned through the weekend. "We’re not sure what is going to happen later, but we felt we had to get out and show our basic right to wear a mask," said one protester, Sue, 22, who wore a black mask and dark glasses. "The government needs to learn it can’t squeeze Hong Kong people like this", she added. The increasingly violent demonstrations that have roiled the city for four months began in opposition to a bill introduced in April that would have allowed extradition to mainland China, but they have since spiralled into a broader pro-democracy movement. The unrest has plunged Hong Kong into its biggest political crisis since its handover from Britain to China in 1997 under a “one country, two systems” formula that granted it autonomy and broad freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland. China's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office said on Friday the protests were evolving into a revolution backed by foreign forces and could not continue indefinitely. Transport shutdown MTR Corp said its network, which carries about 5 million passengers each day, would remain suspended, while shopping malls and supermarkets also closed, in a new blow for retailers and restaurants in a city on the edge of recession. "As we are no longer in a position to provide safe and reliable service to passengers in the circumstances, the corporation had no choice but to make the decision to suspend the service of its entire network," it said in a statement. Protesters had set fires at stations, as well as to an empty train, and injured two staff, added MTR, which is known for operating one of the world's most efficient rail networks. All stations closed late on Friday, stranding passengers and forcing many to walk home, a situation set to worsen during a holiday weekend in the city. The airport express, one of the most popular routes to the airport, re-opened with restricted service on Saturday, MTR said. More than a dozen shopping malls, supermarkets, and branches of Bank of China (Hong Kong), Bank of East Asia, and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, which have been targeted by protesters, said they would not open on Saturday. The 7-Eleven chain of convenience stores said outlets would close at 5 pm. The ban on face masks, which took effect on Saturday, was ordered under emergency laws allowing authorities to "make any regulations whatsoever" in what they deem to be the public interest. But the move enraged protesters, who took to the streets to vent their anger, many wearing masks in defiance of the ban. There were no immediate reports of arrests over the masks. Demonstrators set fires, hurled petrol bombs at police and burned the Chinese national flag, in a direct challenge to authorities in Beijing. Police said an officer in Yuen Long, a district in the outlying New Territories that saw fierce clashes in July, had fired a shot in self-defence after a protester threw a petrol bomb at him, setting him on fire. Media said a 14-year-old boy was shot and the city’s Hospital Authority said his condition was now stable but gave no details. About 100 demonstrators besieged a branch of the Bank of China (Hong Kong) in the high-end shopping district of Causeway Bay, while across the harbour in the district of Kowloon, protesters smashed the glass storefront of a China Life branch. Police fired volleys of tear gas to disperse protesters in flashpoint districts such as Causeway Bay, Sha Tin and Wong Tai Sin, underscoring the challenges they face as protests show no sign of letting up. Hospital authorities said 31 people were hurt in Friday's protests, two of them seriously.

Hundreds return to Hong Kong streets as metro, shops shut after violence

Police have fired tear gas in Hong Kong as they face off with protesters at multiple locations in the city. Outside the legislative complex, tear gas engulfed protesters, many of whom were holding umbrellas and wearing helmets and gas masks.

Police fire tear gas at multiple protests in HKong