Connect with us
https://tickernews.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/AmEx-Thought-Leaders.jpg

News

Hong Kong police probe organisers of Tiananmen vigil

Published

on

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.

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.”

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Leaders

Resilience and positivity: Emmilia O’Sullivan’s inspiring health journey

Emilia O’Sullivan’s inspiring journey highlights resilience in overcoming life-threatening health challenges and her mission to help others.

Published

on

Emmilia O’Sullivan’s inspiring journey highlights resilience in overcoming life-threatening health challenges and her mission to help others.

In Short

Emmilia O’Sullivan, an award-winning author, has faced severe health challenges since childhood but remains resilient and determined to inspire others through her book, podcast and beyond. She emphasises a positive mindset and actively engages with her medical team while supporting her family during her journey.

Emmilia O’Sullivan, an award-winning author, shared her journey through numerous health challenges starting from childhood.

Born with kidney disease, she had a kidney removed by age two and lived on one kidney until major complications arose at seventeen, requiring a bladder reconstruction and a kidney transplant at twenty-one.

However, shortly after her transplant, she faced a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at twenty-two. Following remission, she discovered rare EBV-driven smooth muscle tumors.

Over the years, Emmilia dealt with various medical issues, including a tumour requiring a craniotomy and a severe bout of sepsis that led to a coma.

Despite these obstacles, Emmilia demonstrates remarkable resilience, emphasising a positive mindset and a strong desire to survive. She actively engages with her medical team, focusing on treatments and timelines, determined to keep moving forward.

Her support system includes her husband and family, and she also plays a reassuring role for them despite her struggles.

Emmilia views her health challenges not as defining elements but as aspects of her life alongside her ambition to inspire younger individuals facing similar issues.

Through her book, & podcast she aims to provide guidance and support for others.

You can find her podcast on social media platforms and her website, ammeliaosullivan.com. Emmilia’s story is a testament to fighting spirit and the pursuit of life goals despite adversity.

Continue Reading

Leaders

Mental health services in Australia face funding and access crisis

Mental health support needs increased funding and resources to combat stigma and ensure affordability in Australia.

Published

on

Mental health support needs increased funding and resources to combat stigma and ensure affordability in Australia.

In Short

Demand for mental health support is rising in Australia, hindered by affordability, resource shortages, and stigma. Shehara Fernando, CEO of Crowned Cross Healthcare, calls for equal prioritisation of mental health services and systemic changes to improve access and reduce stigma.

The demand for mental health support continues to rise as affordability, resource shortages, and societal stigma present significant hurdles.

Shehara Fernando, founder and CEO of Crowned Cross Healthcare, highlighted the pressing need to prioritise mental health services on par with physical health care in Australia. High out-of-pocket costs hinder access, with current Medicare rebates often inadequate for ongoing therapy and specialised treatment.

Resource shortages, particularly of psychologists and psychiatrists, must be addressed through increased training of healthcare professionals and the expansion of telehealth options, which can reach rural populations effectively. Fernando emphasised the need for tailored services for diverse groups facing unique mental health challenges.

Overcoming societal stigma, especially among men, remains critical. Statistics reveal only 15% of Australian men with mental health conditions seek help, with a substantial number dropping out of treatment. Fernando urged public figures to speak openly about mental health, fostering an environment where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength.

Crowned Cross Healthcare aims to deliver quality mental health services and encourages individuals to connect through their website and social media for support and resources. More systemic changes and discussions are vital for improving mental health care access.

Continue Reading

News

Hamas agrees to release Israeli hostages after Trump issues ultimatum amid ceasefire uncertainty

Published

on

Trump and Netanyahu warn of renewed conflict if hostages are not freed by deadline.

Hamas has confirmed it will release three more Israeli hostages as originally planned, reversing an earlier threat to delay their release.

The terror group had warned that it would withhold the captives unless Israel provided compensation for what it claimed were unmet entitlements.

However, under mounting international pressure, Hamas has agreed to proceed with the release.

The announcement comes amid growing tensions, as both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump have made it clear that a failure to release all remaining hostages by Saturday at noon could result in the collapse of the current ceasefire.

Trump, during a press conference, stated that if the deadline is not met, Israel should “cancel it and … let hell break out.”

Netanyahu echoed similar sentiments, reinforcing that Israel would take decisive action if Hamas did not comply.

In a recent meeting, Trump and Netanyahu also discussed the possibility of resettling Palestinians outside of Gaza and even suggested U.S. control over the region—a proposal that has sparked debate among international leaders.

Josh Hasten a Middle East correspondent for JNS, and the co-host of the JNS podcast “Jerusalem Minute” joins Veronica Dudo to discuss.

Continue Reading

Trending Now