In a rare move, Wikipedia announced the global banning of a user engaged in trolling, doxxing, and intimidating Hong Kong journalists. The Hong Kong Journalists Association reported harassment of reporters, their families, and employers. Police Chief Raymond Siu Chak-yee urged victims to report such incidents for impartial handling regardless of background. The association revealed that alleged ‘patriots’ sent anonymous complaints to journalists’ contacts, including family members, employers, landlords, and charitable organizations. This targeting spanned over months, causing distress to those involved. Commissioner of Police Raymond Siu says the force will handle the case impartially. Photo: Dickson Lee Source link

Hong Kong strongly condemns the US Congress for meddling in its internal affairs by passing legislation to potentially close Hong Kong’s diplomatic offices in the country. The recent bills were part of ‘China week’, where various legislation targeting Beijing’s influence was passed in the House. These actions have been labeled as fact-twisting and a violation of international norms by Hong Kong authorities. The bills will need to pass the Senate before reaching President Joe Biden’s desk. This move by the US has been met with strong resistance and condemnation from Hong Kong government officials. The city sees it as a…

The Hong Kong Housing Authority recently approved the Home Ownership Scheme sales arrangement for this year, offering approximately 7,132 subsidised homes at a 30% discount on market values. Families with newborns or elderly members will have priority for these flats, expected to be completed by 2027. The pricing mechanism and attractiveness of these subsidised flats are under the spotlight. With prices ranging from HK$1.43 million to HK$4.67 million, the flats will vary in size from 186 to 510 sq ft across different locations in Kowloon, New Territories, and Lantau Island. The discount rate is determined based on a family’s budget…

The city of Hong Kong is gearing up to host mainland Chinese athletes who participated in the Paris Olympics at three public events from August 29 to 31. The events include a gala show and demonstrations in various sports like badminton, gymnastics, and table tennis. Tickets for these events will go on sale on Thursday, priced at HK$20 each, with a limit of two tickets per person per session. Although the athletes joining the delegation have not been disclosed, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu expressed gratitude to the central government for their support. The recent success of mainland athletes at…

The recent departure of British judge David Neuberger from an advisory board of an international media freedom group highlights the mounting pressure faced by foreign judicial figures in Hong Kong, according to scholars. Neuberger, who also serves as a non-permanent judge in Hong Kong, cited concerns about potential distractions from his role as chairman of the High Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom, prompting his resignation. Neuberger’s involvement in sensitive cases, including the conviction of media tycoon Jimmy Lai and opposition lawmakers, has drawn criticism from human rights activists. Former governor Chris Patten criticized the court’s decision, calling…

The Urban Renewal Authority (URA) has unveiled its latest site adjacent to a larger-scale project set to transform housing blocks designated for civil servants into over 3,000 residential units. Mike Kwan Yee-fai, URA’s general manager for planning and design, highlighted the long-term benefits of the upcoming development, emphasizing improved connectivity and revitalization of the area. Despite facing financial challenges, Kwan refrained from speculating on future project sizes and revenues. The URA is planning to present acquisition proposals to affected stakeholders after government approval, with the redevelopment targeted for completion by 2033-34, offering 230 units averaging 50 square meters each. While…

Sky One, located in the northern New Territories, will offer 672 places at an average monthly rent of HK$3,500 for eligible residents aged 18 to 30. The first group of tenants will move in as early as October 1, with amenities like a gym room and common areas available. Applicants will be considered based on factors like current living environment and family background, aiming to provide affordable housing for young people. The average room size is 291 sq ft, suitable for up to two people, with rental costs expected to range from HK$3,400 to HK$3,700. One applicant mentioned the convenience…

The Society for Community Organisation (SoCO) highlighted the need for care teams to visit high-risk groups during the current heatwave. The Observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 35.4 degrees, the highest this year, attributing it to light winds caused by a weather system over southern China. Noting the impact of extreme heat, SoCO emphasized the importance of addressing the needs of vulnerable communities, especially those living in subdivided units without proper ventilation or cooling. The Observatory issued a “very hot weather warning” as temperatures soared. Experts advised the public, especially the elderly, to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to…

The Challenges Faced by Young Singles in Hong Kong’s Housing Market In Hong Kong, the number of non-elderly one-person applicants for public rental flats aged below 30 has decreased from 66,500 in 2017 to 38,600 in 2022. However, a survey revealed that 52% of these young singles hold a tertiary degree or above, highlighting the education level of this demographic. Despite their qualifications, many young graduates struggle to meet the income threshold required for rental home allocation, which stands at HK$12,940 a month. To address this challenge, authorities are considering adjusting the proportion of public rental housing and subsidised flats…

Hong Kong authorities have issued over 5,000 fire safety warnings after inspecting around 700 high-risk old buildings following a deadly blaze in April. The Fire Services Department has stepped up enforcement actions, issuing notices primarily for smoke doors not being properly closed. Deputy chief fire officer Yung Kam-hung emphasized the importance of human factors in fire safety, urging everyone to keep smoke doors closed to prevent disasters. The tragic fire at New Lucky House highlighted the issue of non-compliant buildings, prompting the government to improve enforcement measures. Yung reported that 700 out of 1,000 targeted buildings had been inspected, with…