Authorities continue to crackdown on political dissent in Hong Kong, as Beijing seeks to crush the city’s democracy movement.
A prominent pro-democracy group in Hong Kong is being investigated by national security police for alleged collusion with foreign forces.
Authorities are reportedly demanding information about the group’s membership, finances and activities.
The letters, according to Reuters, were sent to standing committee members of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China.
The letters accuse the alliance of being “an agent of foreign forces”
If the group doesn’t comply with the request – and fails to provide the information by the September 7 deadline – it could result in a HK$100,000 fine and six months jail.
Alliance vice-chairwoman Chow Hang Tung has told Reuters “it’s ridiculous that the police accused the alliance of being an agent of foreign forces”.
“It has nothing to do with any foreign agents nor has it received any instructions from foreign countries.”
Chow Hang Tung
The group recently laid off staff members, to try to ensure their safety.
Local media has also reported that the group, which has existed for more than 30 years, is headed for closure, due to this intensifying crackdown by authorities.
#BREAKING the national security unit just served @zouxingtong Chow Hang Tung, vice chair of HK Alliance, a letter under #NSL43 demanding her to submit specified materials in relation to the Alliance. pic.twitter.com/s5V2s1WTou
The investigation raises doubts about the future of the annual June 4 rally in Hong Kong, which was banned this year, with authorities citing coronavirus restrictions.
Beijing’s crackdown on Hong Kong
It’s been just over a year since a sweeping national security law was adopted, giving Beijing and local police broad powers.
According to critics, the law is being used to silence dissenting voices, and induce fear in the media and within the pro-democracy movement.
Dozens of pro-democracy figures have been arrested under the law, while independent media is also being suppressed.
Pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily shut down in June, which the UK’s foreign secretary described as a “chilling blow to freedom of expression in Hong Kong”.
Hong Kong’s largest teachers’ union, which was accused by Chinese state media breaching of breaching the national security law, recently announce it is disbanding.
The Professional Teachers’ Union cited “drastic changes in the social and political environment.”
Long-awaited first crewed test flight of the new Starliner space capsule was called off over a technical issue that launch teams could not resolve in time.
Originally scheduled for liftoff from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center, the mission aimed to demonstrate Starliner’s capabilities and certify it for regular crewed flights to the ISS, as reported by Reuters.
Intelligence agencies across Europe have issued warnings of a potential plot orchestrated by Russia aimed at sabotaging key infrastructure and destabilising nations.
On this episode of Hot Shots – Russia could be planning a sabotage across Europe, Trump is facing jail, a painting valued over ten million is discovered and Beoing look to ignite the commercial space race.
Ticker’s Ahron Young & Veronica Dudu join to discuss.
