Hong Kong Watch Briefing on Human Rights Developments: July 2023

This briefing describes developments in Hong Kong in July 2023 focusing on the rapid deterioration of human rights in the city following the introduction of the National Security Law.

Click here to read the full briefing.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

POLITICAL PRISONERS: ARRESTS, CHARGES, & TRIALS

In the last month, Beijing continued its crackdown on the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong, with the following developments:

  • Hong Kong police raid homes of overseas activists and target families.

  • Former chair of disbanded political party Demosisto arrested, along with four others.

  • Ten arrests as police deploy in force on 4th anniversary of the Yuen Long mob attacks.

THE STATE OF THE RULE OF LAW AND POLICING

  • Number of registered voters falls for second year in a row as next District Council election confirmed for December 10.

  • Over 60 other human rights organisations, bar associations, scholars and activists issue joint statement on China’s crackdown on lawyers.

  • The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute calls on The Law Society of Hong Kong and The Hong Kong Bar Association to condemn the issuance of arrest warrants and bounties against eight overseas activists.

A FREE PRESS IN THE CROSS HAIRS

  • Security chief condemns Ming Pao over ‘misleading’ op-ed by Democratic Party chair.

  • Hong Kongers ‘welcome’ to report library books that may endanger national security.

  • Hong Kong press club survey finds that almost 70% of journalists have self-censored, and 83% say conditions have worsened.

  • Hong Kong’s High Court rejects government bid to ban pro-democracy protest song.

STATE SECURITY AND ECONOMY

  • Over 27,000 Hong Kong students left city’s schools last year amid emigration wave.

  • Bill that could close Hong Kong trade offices in US advances in Senate.

  • Work dries up for US consultancies in China after national security raids.

  • Hong Kong’s economy shrinks in second quarter of 2023.

  • Hong Kong stock exchange removes a China-risk section for mainland-incorporated companies in its listing application rules.

OTHER DEVELOPMENTS

  • Chief Executive John Lee barred from APEC summit in US in November.

  • Man charged after attack on Hong Kong protestors in Southampton.

  • Lord Patten calls on British judges to quit Hong Kong’s top court after bounties for dissidents.

  • UK MPs call for sanctions on Hong Kong officials targeting UK-based activists.

  • Démarche of Chinese Ambassador to the UK following arrest warrants and bounties.

  • Canada makes it easier for Hong Kongers to stay and work in Canada.

  • Hong Kong Watch calls on the Canadian Government to investigate the issuing of visas for Hong Kong Police officers to attend the World Police and Fire Games.

Briefing, NewsHarri ThomasHR