Hong Kong Watch Briefing on Human Rights Developments: May 2023

This briefing describes developments in Hong Kong in May 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

  • The Hong Kong government has allocated an extra HK$5 billion to its national security “special fund” in the last financial year.

  • Pillar of Shame statue commemorating Tiananmen Square Massacre is seized as evidence for national security trial.

  • Hong Kong’s high court rejects attempt by Jimmy Lai’s lawyers to have his NSL trial dismissed.

THE STATE OF THE RULE OF LAW AND POLICING

  • One of Hong Kong's biggest pro-democracy groups, the Civic Party, has voted to disband.

  • Hong Kong passes law to restrict foreign lawyers from national security cases.

  • Democratically-elected seats to be slashed to 20% for local Hong Kong elections.

  • Hong Kong sees overall crime rise by almost 50% in first quarter of 2023.

A FREE PRESS IN THE CROSS HAIRS

  • Tiananmen Square books are removed from Hong Kong libraries in run-up to anniversary.

  • More than 100 leading journalists and editors from around the world have signed an open letter calling for the immediate release of Jimmy Lai.

  • Decades-old political cartoon column is scrapped by Ming Pao following government criticism.

  • Son of Jimmy Lai criticises UK Government for inaction.

  • Hong Kong is ranked 140th in RSF’s press freedom index, trailing behind Colombia and Cameroon.

  • Hong Kong foreign press club will seek legal advice and contact government before commenting on issues of press freedom.

STATE SECURITY AND ECONOMY

  • HSBC has fought off an attempt by its biggest shareholder, the Chinese insurer Ping An, to break up the bank.

  • UK’s tax department is giving Hong Kong refugees’ financial details to China.

OTHER DEVELOPMENTS

  • US consultancy Mintz's executives leave Hong Kong after China raid.

  • First UK ministerial trip to Hong Kong since 2018.

  • South Korean NGO says Chinese officials visited office after they awarded rights prize to detained Hong Kong Tiananmen activist.

  • UK MPs urge minister to do more to free Hong Kongers’ trapped savings.

  • The US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations passed a resolution condemning Beijing’s destruction of Hong Kong’s democracy and rule of law.

  • UK’s six-monthly report on Hong Kong restates that 'China remains in non-compliance' with the Sino-British Joint Declaration.

Briefing, NewsHarri ThomasHR