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EXCLUSIVE: CEO shares personal threats to shut down Hong Kong Watch

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UK based human rights group, Hong Kong Watch, is being urged by Hong Kong authorities to shut down its website after being accused of breaching China’s National Security law

“This is Beijing, really reaching out well beyond its borders to threaten our basic freedoms in the democratic world.”

CEO of Hong Kong Watch, Benedict Rogers, says that they will not remain silent. Despite threats of jail time.

While China heavily restricts the internet on the mainland, Hong Kong does not usually censor the web which allows its residents to access sites that might be critical of Beijing.

Over a month ago, the group realised that their website was blocked. Just two weeks ago Rogers says he received a letter from the Hong Kong Police followed by an email from the Hong Kong National Security Bureau, announcing that the Hong Kong Watch poses “a serious threat” to China’s National Security.

“It demanded we take it [the website] down within 72 hours of receipt of the letters and failure to comply could result in me facing a very heavy fine of HK $100,000 and a potential jail term,”

he tells ticker news.

How is this law justified?

According to Rogers, the Chinese government justifies it under the Draconian National Security Law which includes an extraterrestrial clause that was imposed on Hong Kong two years ago.

“[It] basically says, it doesn’t matter whether you’re in Hong Kong or a resident of Hong Kong. You can be anywhere in the world and be in violation of their National Security Law, so they’re using that against us,” he says.

Hong Kong Watch is the first advocacy group to be targeted by this law.

Even though Benedict Rogers and his family have received many threatening letters over the past few years, the group has made it clear that they will not be silenced by the Hong Kong government.

“We’re certainly not going to comply,” he says, “We’re very grateful that British Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss, made a very strong statement.”

Truss said the Chinese Government and Hong Kong authorities must respect the universal right to freedom of speech, and uphold that right in Hong Kong in accordance with international commitments, including the Joint Declaration.

“Attempting to silence voices globally that speak up for freedom and democracy is unacceptable and will never succeed,”

she said.

The Chinese Government and Hong Kong authorities must respect the universal right to freedom of speech, and uphold that right in Hong Kong in accordance with international commitments, including the Joint Declaration.

Other governments including, Australia, Canada and others have also spoken up for the group.

Why does Beijing want to shut down Hong Kong Watch?

Rogers says one factor could be that the Hong Kong Watch was at the forefront of an effort in the United Kingdom to lobby for the British government to introduce its British National Overseas scheme for Hong Kong.

“We’ve [also] been very much at the forefront of calls for sanctions against Beijing and the Hong Kong government for dismantling Hong Kong’s freedoms. And that’s clearly a red line in their mind under the National Security Law,”

he says.

Currently, Australian journalist Cheng Lei is on trial behind closed doors in China for spy charges and there are concerns for her wellbeing.

Cheng was working for the Chinese state media CGTN and she’s being accused of supplying state secrets, Rogers says this is extremely concerning.

“It’s yet another example of China, not just threatening but arresting and imprisoning not only their own citizens but foreign nationals … Australia has really stood up to China, but the rest of the democratic world needs to do the same and we need to coordinate better our responses to Beijing’s increasing aggression,” he said.

Savannah Pocock contributed to this report.

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New Ticker TV show The Connector launches to bridge Australia-UK

Ticker Studios launches The Connector, hosted by Belinda Coates, enhancing Australia-UK ties through insightful conversations

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Ticker Studios launches The Connector, hosted by Belinda Coates, enhancing Australia-UK ties through insightful conversations

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In Short:
– Ticker Studios launches The Connector, hosted by Belinda Coates, enhancing Australia-UK opportunities through dialogue.
– It comes as Prime Minister Albanese promotes strong ties with London, emphasising cultural and economic connections between the nations.
Ticker Studios launches The Connector, hosted by Belinda Coates, facilitating Australia-UK opportunities through dialogue.
The new show highlights leaders and ideas enhancing connections between the two nations during a pivotal period.It comes as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s efforts to strengthen ties with London underline the partnership’s commercial and cultural importance. With 1.1 million UK-born residents in Australia and A$4.2 trillion in superannuation funds invested in UK infrastructure, these connections grow increasingly vital.

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Belinda Coates brings extensive experience in executive and advisory roles across various sectors. She is driven to reshape industries and create opportunities on both sides of the world.

Ahron Young, CEO of Ticker Studios, stated that now is the ideal time to highlight the talent and capital flowing between Australia and the UK. The Connector aims to spotlight innovators and changemakers bridging industries and borders.

“With so much talent and capital flowing between Australia and the UK, this is exactly the right time to tell these stories. The Connector will spotlight the innovators, leaders, and change-makers building bridges across industries and borders.”

Focus on people

Coates explained the programme’s focus on people, showcasing visionaries shaping the future and exploring collaboration’s role in generating opportunities. The show aims to inspire with stories highlighting resilience, growth, and ambition.

“This show isn’t about dry trade figures or policy—it’s about people. We’ll showcase the visionaries shaping the future in both countries, explore how collaboration sparks opportunity, and inspire audiences with stories of resilience, growth, and shared ambition.”

The Connector will debut on Ticker’s global streaming network this month, with new episodes released weekly. It will feature guest experts from various sectors, addressing relevant topics like housing affordability and building stock revitalisation.


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Big tech’s influence on copyright threatens Australian creators

Michael Miller warns AI’s data exploitation may harm journalists’ rights, reminiscent of past tech threats to Australian media. #bigtech #ai

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Michael Miller warns AI’s data exploitation may harm journalists’ rights, reminiscent of past tech threats to Australian media. #bigtech #ai


News Corp Australasia’s executive chairman, Michael Miller warns that the ambition of AI companies to exploit data without fair compensation may undermine the rights of journalists and artists.

The approach of major tech companies during the digital revolution could resurface, threatening Australian media and content creators if copyright laws are eased.

 


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Man arrested after 100 shots fired in Sydney

Lockdown lifted after 60-year-old man arrested for firing up to 100 shots in Sydney’s Inner West, injuring 16 people

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Lockdown lifted after 60-year-old man arrested for firing up to 100 shots in Sydney’s Inner West, injuring 16 people.

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In Short:
– A 60-year-old man was arrested after a shooting incident in Croydon Park, Sydney.
– Approximately 100 shots were fired, injuring one seriously and 16 others requiring treatment.
Police have reported that a 60-year-old man has been arrested following a shooting incident in Sydney’s Inner West. Approximately 100 shots were fired indiscriminately at passing vehicles, resulting in one serious injury and 16 others requiring treatment.The incident occurred on Sunday evening in Croydon Park. Police responded with a significant presence, locking down the area and conducting a thorough investigation. The arrested man, who has yet to be charged, reportedly fired from a window of a unit.

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Officers found multiple firearms at the scene and confirmed that the man used a high-calibre rifle. Acting Assistant Commissioner Trent King described the situation as horrific and unprecedented in Sydney.

Police are currently investigating the motive behind the shooting and how the suspect obtained the firearms and ammunition. Following the incident, one man was taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in serious condition, while others were treated for minor injuries.

Ongoing Investigations

The crime scene has been established as investigations continue. Roads in the vicinity remain closed, and motorists are advised to find alternative routes. Police have confirmed that no officers were injured during the operation.

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