Author: Jess Ma

The officials in Guangdong province are committed to enhancing connectivity and strategic industries within the Greater Bay Area, emphasizing the increasing trend of northbound travel by Hong Kong residents. Zhang Hu, an executive vice-governor, highlighted the economic growth of the bay area over the past five years, attributing it to deepened cooperation with Hong Kong and Macau. Zhang described the Greater Bay Area as a top political priority for the province, aiming to transform it into a high-tech economic powerhouse by 2035. The area has seen a significant increase in passenger traffic, with more than 10 million passing through the…

Hong Kong police have arrested 67 people suspected of selling their virtual bank accounts to a money-laundering syndicate, targeting domestic helpers and non-local residents. Chief Inspector Wu Hoi-ling revealed that the arrests were part of an operation against scams resulting in HK$73 million in losses. Criminals are increasingly targeting non-Chinese residents to share bank account details, including foreign domestic workers. Operation Sunlit Sky led to the arrest of 67 suspects, with 52 scam cases and total losses of HK$73 million uncovered. Senior Inspector Chan Wing-yin warned about the rise in virtual bank accounts being used for money laundering and how…

A massive subsidence in Hong Kong’s Sham Shui Po district led to the closure of Hoi Tan Street for a week, as a four-meter deep hole opened up, swallowing pedestrian barriers. The Highways Department estimated the hole to be 12 meters long, eight meters wide, and four meters deep, with no reported injuries. Social media users expressed outrage, with complaints about the city’s road conditions circulating online. An amber rainstorm warning was also in effect, as heavy rain hit the city. Despite the weather conditions, all typhoon signals were lowered as Typhoon Maliksi weakened. The Water Services Department confirmed no…

Arrested under Hong Kong’s national security law, a woman is now facing further accusations for allegedly providing financial support to activist Nathan Law Kwun-chung. The National Security Department spokesperson disclosed that the woman, initially detained for sedition, is believed to have financially aided Law through an online platform, totaling around HK$140,000. This support violates section 21 of the national security law, which criminalizes aiding secession. The law, enacted by Beijing, targets secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces, reflecting a stricter control over dissenting voices in Hong Kong. The suspect is tied to a sedition case related to Facebook…

A recent ruling in Hong Kong has sparked international concern as 14 opposition figures were found guilty of subversion charges related to an unofficial Legislative Council “primary” in 2020. While two individuals were acquitted, the verdict has drawn criticism from the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, and Australia. US and UK consulate spokesmen expressed grave concerns over the guilty verdict, highlighting the prosecution of individuals engaging in normal political activities. The EU called the ruling politically motivated and emphasized the importance of upholding Hong Kong’s autonomy and international legal obligations. The case has raised questions about the city’s commitment…

Lee’s childhood was marked by his mother’s absences due to her time in jail and rehabilitation. Despite the challenges, they were eventually able to reconnect with the help of a social worker. It was crucial for them to have honest communication in order to maintain a healthy relationship. Research conducted by social workers and academics emphasized the importance of explaining the situation to children whose parents are incarcerated. Secrets can lead to trauma and hinder the rebuilding of relationships once the parent returns to society. Visits from family members were highlighted as crucial for inmates’ motivation to change for the…

Hong Kong has strongly denounced the UK-based pressure group, Hong Kong Watch, for its call to impose sanctions on the Chief Executive and five ministers over the newly enacted domestic national security law. The government labeled Hong Kong Watch as an “anti-China organization” and urged the public not to be swayed by its biased remarks. In response to Hong Kong Watch’s report, the government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding national security and condemned the group’s attempt to interfere in local affairs. The UK government’s involvement in sanctioning Hong Kong officials was deemed a violation of Hong Kong’s international obligations. The…

In the ever-evolving landscape of Hong Kong’s legal framework, the delicate balance between national security and individual liberties has been a point of contention. The recent approval of a domestic national security law and subsequent ban on the anthem of the 2019 protests have sparked debates about the government’s approach. The Bar Association’s recommendations during a consultation period aimed at refining the security legislation to prevent any chilling effect on lawful conduct. While some suggestions made it into the law, others, like the requirement of “incitement to violence” for sedition offenses, were not included. The ambiguity surrounding what constitutes a…

Hong Kong’s Chief Justice Andrew Cheung Kui-nung is urging senior barristers to defend the rule of law and ensure equal access to justice beyond their roles as skilled advocates. At the admission ceremony for three new senior counsel, Cheung emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and speaking out against those who undermine it.Secretary of Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok echoed Cheung’s sentiments, stressing the crucial role of a strong independent Bar in preserving Hong Kong’s unique legal system. The new senior counsel members, Benson Tsoi Yat-ming, Frances Lok Man-yin, and Queenie Fiona Lau, each bring expertise in criminal…