Hong Kong is marking the 25th anniversary of the return to Chinese rule from Britain
Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit Hong Kong in his first trip outside of mainland China since the start of the pandemic.
Government officials have increased their security arrangements, including a closed-loop system, which has shut down many parts of the city.
Journalists from more than seven outlets have also been banned from covering the ceremony.
“The authorities have made ad hoc and narrow interview arrangements at this important juncture and have put forth vague grounds for refusal, seriously undermining the freedom of the press in Hong Kong.”
Hong kong journalists association
Authorities say the government is “striking a balance” between journalist access and security.
When Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule, Beijing said it would grant 50 years to keep its capitalist system. It also promised to keep some of the freedoms, which are not enjoyed by mainlanders.
But that changed when Beijing imposed its national security law after anti-government protests in 2019.
Drones have also prohibited and political activists have been told not to protest at this week’s ceremony.
Officials say the national security law ensures stability and individual rights and freedoms.
“Concerned governments should avoid these official handover events and not risk legitimizing Beijing’s insults to Hongkongers. Instead, they should publicly show their support for Hong Kong people’s steadfast struggle for human rights.”
HUman rights watch
The U.S. and Britain are among those who are urging Beijing to honour its commitment to freedom in the former British colony.
Costa is a news producer at ticker NEWS. He has previously worked as a regional journalist at the Southern Highlands Express newspaper. He also has several years' experience in the fire and emergency services sector, where he has worked with researchers, policymakers and local communities. He has also worked at the Seven Network during their Olympic Games coverage and in the ABC Melbourne newsroom.
He also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Professional), with expertise in journalism, politics and international relations. His other interests include colonial legacies in the Pacific, counter-terrorism, aviation and travel.
Cybersecurity experts agree its essential to get the basics of protecting your business and customers first.
Regulators around the world are stepping up scrutiny of corporations who have failed to uphold proper cybersecurity protocols.
And on the eve of cybersecurity awareness month, experts are warning that it’s important to get the basics right of protecting your customers – or your own data.
For more, we’re joined by Annie Hagger of Cyber GC, and Sam Fariborz, group manager of cybersecurity services & program at the Kmart Group.
Ukraine has managed to launch successful attacks on key Russian military facilities, leaving experts and analysts baffled by the unexpected outcomes.
These strategic assaults have raised questions about Ukraine’s military capabilities and the effectiveness of its tactics in countering Russian forces.
Ukraine’s recent victories can be attributed to several key factors. First and foremost, the country has significantly improved its intelligence gathering and information warfare capabilities, allowing it to pinpoint vulnerabilities in Russian defenses. This enhanced situational awareness has enabled Ukraine to launch precise and coordinated strikes on critical military installations.
Additionally, Ukraine has received substantial support from international allies, both in terms of military equipment and training. This assistance has bolstered the Ukrainian military’s effectiveness and provided them with advanced weaponry, giving them an edge in their confrontations with Russian forces.
Furthermore, Ukraine’s determination and resilience in the face of adversity cannot be underestimated. The country’s citizens and armed forces have shown unwavering commitment to defending their sovereignty, driving them to devise innovative strategies and tactics to outmaneuver the Russian military.
The world watches with bated breath as Ukraine’s successful attacks continue to unfold, highlighting the evolving nature of modern warfare and the adaptability of smaller nations facing formidable adversaries.
Former Spain manager Jorge Vilda is set to come under scrutiny as part of the ongoing investigation into the ‘kissgate’ controversy involving Luis Rubiales.
The investigation, which has sent shockwaves through the footballing world, centers around an alleged incident where Luis Rubiales, known for his fiery personality, kissed a reporter without her consent during a press conference in 2022. The incident quickly gained attention on social media and was widely condemned.
As part of the probe, authorities are now turning their attention to Jorge Vilda, who was the head coach of the Spanish national women’s team at the time of the incident. It is alleged that Vilda may have had knowledge of the incident or been aware of Rubiales’s behavior during the press conference.
Vilda, a respected figure in women’s football, has denied any wrongdoing and maintains that he had no prior knowledge of Rubiales’s actions. He expressed his shock and disappointment at being dragged into the controversy.
The investigation is being closely followed by football fans and stakeholders alike, as it raises questions about the accountability of individuals in positions of power within the sport. The ‘kissgate’ scandal has already had far-reaching implications for Rubiales, who resigned as the president of the Spanish Football Federation amidst the controversy.