Hong Kong Watch Briefing on Human Rights Developments: February 2024

This briefing describes developments in Hong Kong in February 2024 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

  • Canadian Parliament holds two hearings on the detention of Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong Watch calls for sanctions

  • United Nations Special Rapporteur on torture warns against evidence secured through torture in the trial of Jimmy Lai

  • Chan Pui-man testifies against Jimmy Lai

  • Chow Hang-tung to serve another 4.5 months in jail

  • Hong Kong National Security Department says Agnes Chow will be pursued for the rest of her life

  • Hong Kong activist Koo Sze-yiu jailed for 9 months over protesting District Council race

  • Court of Final Appeal upholds acquittal of seven democrats

  • US State Department meets with exiled Hong Kongers facing HK$1 million bounties

THE STATE OF THE RULE OF LAW AND POLICING

  • Over 85 organisations issue public statement condemning the Hong Kong government’s consultation process for Article 23 legislation

STATE SECURITY AND ECONOMY

  • US Congressional-Executive Commission on China holds hearing on human rights in China

  • Hong Kong Watch publishes briefing paper on Canadian House of Commons’ Special Committee report into pension fund investment in China

  • Canadian Immigration Committee passes motion to study MPF access for Hong Kongers in Canada

  • German firm BASF to exit Xinjiang after claims of Uyghur forced labour

  • Foreign Direct Investment in China reaches 30-year low

  • More than 40 percent of companies at Goldman Sachs session deem China ‘univestible’

OTHER DEVELOPMENTS

  • International Religious Freedom Summit held in Washington, DC, Hong Kong Watch highlights state of freedom of religion or belief in Hong Kong

  • Lionel Messi stays on sidelines during match in Hong Kong, sparking outrage from the government

Briefing, NewsMegan KhooHR