Hong Kong Archives

The Story Behind How A 20 Year Old Hong Kong Cop Became An International Hero

By Raphael Blet

Last month, 20 year old Hong Kong policeman Ifzal Zaffar became a viral star after gaining international media attention after saving a man from killing himself.

Many have called Zaffar a hero.

Zaffar, who joined the police less than a year ago was acclaimed for his act which prevented a Pakistani man from committing suicide.

In addition of risking his own life by climbing on a crane, the constable used his language skills to communicate with the suicidal man and avoided what could have been a tragedy.
Zaffar — a Hongkonger of Pakistani origins — joined the police force less than a year ago through Project Gemstone, an initiative launched in 2013 by the Hong Kong Police Force to enlist members of ethnic minority communities.

For many years, it has been difficult for ethnic minority members to find jobs within the civil service in Hong Kong.

However, such projects have given their fruits and showed how important it is for Hong Kong to culturally diversify its disciplinary forces.

Last week, 12 Nepali males were arrested in Yau Ma Tei on suspicion of taking part in illegal activities.

In order to insure a smooth operation, the police in Yau Tsim Mong called on the help of Niraj Gurung — a 20 year old constable of Nepali origins who’s grandfather served as a Gurkha back in the old days.

Gurung was also recruited through Project Gemstone.

Through the use of his language skills, Gurung was able to avoid the situation to worsen as it was sadly the case in 2009 when a homeless Nepali male was shot dead by police mainly because of cultural and linguistic barriers.

The newly serving officer was able to gain fame after being requested by his superior to hold a press conference in his native language, which was so far uncommon practice for the force.

Such measures are necessary in order to break the barrier between the community and the police and it seems that the government became aware of this undeniable fact.

The presence of South Asians in the police can be traced back to 1862 when William Quin — a Superintendent who previously served in Bombay — decided to recruit police officers from India.

At the time, the recruitment of South Asians was regarded as a way to maintain neutrality during conflicts between Chinese villagers as these officers were unlikely to take a stance due given the cultural distinctions.

Nowadays, their presence is as necessary as before but for a slightly different reason which is that — as Asia’s World City — Hong Kong needs to be representative of its population.

Let’s for once admit it: some government departments have done a great job thanks to initiatives such as Gemstone.

At the same time, ethnic minority recruits have been able to feature their substantial professionalism and proved of the necessity to have them as being fully part of our community.

Overall speaking, let me give credit to the police for their commitment in including ethnic minorities as part of the local community.

Let me also congratulate these officers who made Hong Kong proud of what it is.

Let’s end with a quote from an old police recruitment advertising campaign from the 1980s: “Yau Ma Tei 3am, a fine time to discover yourself”.

RISE NEWS is a grassroots journalism news organization that is working to change the way young people become informed and engaged in the world. You can write for us.

Cover Photo Credit: Ifzal Zaffar/ Flickr (CC By 2.0)

Why Are All These People In Hong Kong Doing Crazy Things On Rooftops?

By Jessie Pang

Recreational trespass, “rooftopping” or urban exploring is the exploration of any open or abandoned space.

Hong Kong has the most skyscrapers in the world.

Hence, it attracts a lot of explorers from all over the world to reach the climax in Hong Kong.

For rooftoppers worldwide, conquering buildings and breaking the rules are the main spirit of this activity, but for rooftoppers in Hong Kong, it’s much more than just a death defying stunt.

Here’s some reasons why they do it:

To redefine their limit

For many rooftoppers, it’s the feeling of empowerment and being on top of the world that the adventure brings. By conquering their own fear, capture stunning images of uninterrupted views and turning these rooftops as their own personal playgrounds, they push themselves beyond own limit.

To recharge from hectic city life

To rooftoppers, everyday is ordinary life — everything is so structured and you have to follow orders. Hence, they want to get away from that.

“Rooftopping is like a getaway from city life to me — Hong Kong is such a fast-paced city with so much pressure and noise,” well known Hong Kong rooftopper Daniel Lau said. “When I’m on a rooftop, everything slows down, you don’t hear anything but wind, all the rush from the ground became like slow-motion.”

To explore the city’s landscape

Symmetry Heaven – Hong Kong China Ferry Terminal.

The world famous breathtaking skyline of the concrete jungle is a must-see for tourists.

But if you’ve lived here your whole life, you’d probably be bored of visting the same places at the exact same spots.

Rooftopping allows rooftoppers to appreciate Hong Kong from a whole new perspective and reconnect with the vibrant city which they consider as a home.

To reclaim the urban space from big business

Photo Credit: Exthetics/ Screengrab (Youtube)

The cost of living and flat price in this dense vertical city of over seven million is among the highest in the world.

As a result, the majority of Hong Kong’s youth still live with their parents in their adulthood without adequate personal space.

Spaces hidden in the famous skyline thus becomes the only ones left to explore for free and sneaking onto rooftops has become a statement of reclaiming the city from big business.

“[The] Roof is for everyone. Pick a book, read on a crane, get some inspirations,” rooftopper William Cheng said.

5. Rooftopping for freedom and disobedience

#hongkong #demonstration #71 #rain

A post shared by AIRIN (@airin.heatscore) on Jul 1, 2013 at 2:09am PDT

The city’s young people are part of a generation who have grown up with the umbrella revolution, worsening economic prospects and increasing worries of eroding individual freedom.

Rooftoppers – like other youngsters- showcase their frustrations by celebrating disobedience.

RISE NEWS is a grassroots journalism news organization that is working to change the way young people become informed and engaged in the world. You can write for us.

What’s Really Wrong With Hong Kong’s Education System?

By Staff Report

By Raphael Blet

Last week, the Education Bureau (EDB) announced that the controversial Primary Three Territory-wide System Assessment (TSA) might be resumed following public consultations.

Parent and teacher groups threatened to “boycott” the TSA, citing an unnecessary pressure given to the students.

Figures showed that out of 112 people surveyed, 86 per cent expressed their concern.

Meanwhile, EDB officials called on members of the public to better understand the TSA, they also said that they received “positive feedback”.

The TSA was temporarily suspended for consultation following a strong opposition from both parents and teachers.

However, public consultations have long been regarded as paper tiger.

So what’s really wrong with Hong Kong’s education system?

Administration, administrators and bureaucracy: a lifelong problem

As we all know, teachers, students and parents are rarely those in charge of deciding for the future of education, the job being given to “officials”.

Presuming that the people in charge of overseeing the education system are “professionals” in the matter, it would be acceptable for us to give them the commands.

After all, when we board an aircraft, we likely trust our pilots.

Well, the reason why we trust our pilots is due to the fact that they know what aviation is all about, thanks to their extensive training.

But, in spite of their passion and extensive knowledge, pilots do not guarantee our journey to be safe.

Why? Well… air traffic controllers also play a huge part in the process.

Only by having air traffic controllers who are professionals of aviation can we guarantee a safe journey. Otherwise, accidents would occur more often.

This analogy is applicable to the education sector.

While teachers are professionals in their field of research, it isn’t sufficient to provide a quality education to students as it is necessary for those in charge of administering it to be professionals of the sector.

Photo Credit: Pat B/ Flickr (CC By 2.0)

Unfortunately, whether it is in Hong Kong or elsewhere, education ministers are rarely issued from the field.

Those who are have usually no teaching experience.

This is indeed the problem currently faced by Hong Kong.

In addition, the territory’s small size makes the problem even more visible.

What we need is administrators who are knowledgeable in the field.

Only then will the problem improve.

When will these administrators understand that they are doing more harm than good to education?

When will they understand that all their policies, reviews and implementations only had counter-effects on students?

It might seem illogical, but the separation of powers should be extended to education. In other words, education should be independent from the administration, so as the judiciary.

Education: a business?

Sadly but truly, education (especially in Hong Kong) has turned into a profit making institution or in other words: a merchandise.

Simply look at the number of education “fairs” held in Hong Kong every year and you will understand.

Education should be treasured, not merchandised.

As we would commonly say for a masterpiece: it is “inestimable”, the only difference being that education should be accessible to all.

In addition to this, many trends have seen the light of day, one of them being pre-school interview preparations for two year olds!

Yes, we are not even talking about interviews, we talk about interview preparation for pre-school entrances.

Is it really the new selling point we want for our education?

The population’s role: we are all responsible

Criticizing the “system is an easy task given the subjectivity of the term. What about self-reflection?

While a significant number of parents and students stand for education (therefore against the current system), another portion seems to accept it as it is while at the same time, briefly complaining about the “system”.

First off, we should remember that there is no offer without demand and the current system only prevails due to the morally inactive state of some people.

It might be harsh for us to reflect on the reality, but we need to assume that some parents care more about prestige than they do about their child’s development and happiness.

Look at tiger mothers: this isn’t due to the so called “system”, it’s all about one’s mentality and greed.

A research conducted by Almudena Sevilla, professor of economics at Queen Mary University of London, revealed that some tiger mums suffered from psychological disorders linked to unhappiness.

On the other hand, some of the students (of all ages) who are currently complaining about the so called “system” of today might be the tiger parents of tomorrow.

Unfortunately, as human beings, we have an instinct of wanting our children to go through the same nonsense that we went through. Some might say: “I’ve gone through this, there is no reason why you can’t”.

That’s the main problem.

We need to be willing to change our own mentality before changing the system. Only by doing so will the system change.

For the time being, those fighting to improve the education of the next generation should continue to raise awareness on the issue and push for changes.

RISE NEWS is a grassroots journalism news organization that is working to change the way young people become informed and engaged in the world. You can write for us.

You can also like our RISE NEWS Hong Kong Facebook page to stay engaged with our local coverage.

Cover Photo Credit: Pat B/ Flickr (CC By 2.0)

Joshua Wong’s Visit To The US Will Do More Harm Than Good, Thanks To His Political Immaturity

By Staff Report

By Raphael Blet

Earlier this month, young activist and Umbrella Revolution leader Joshua Wong visited Washington as part of an event held by a US congressional panel co-chaired by Sen. Marco Rubio.

Not only was Wong’s picture with Rubio of very bad taste, it did also send a clear message to the world that Hong Kong’s pro-independence movements might be backed by the United States.

This is not good as it gives more credibility to those who previously accused Wong and his movement of being America’s puppet.

Such brainless actions provide more grounds justifying the controversial implementation of Article 23 of the Basic Law which would prohibit local political groups from establishing ties with foreign bodies.

Nevertheless, such a measure is unlikely to take place.

Isn’t it paradoxal to advocate ‘self determination’ when at the same time, you are flattering a warmonger who cares about anything but Hong Kong’s well being?

Isn’t it contradictory for a ‘self-determination’ advocate to pose with someone who supported America’s invasion of other countries?

Maybe did the sophomore politician saw in Rubio a figure of peace and unity, in other words: a progressive, a visionary (which Rubio obviously isn’t).

Why not instead meet with Elizabeth Warren, a sincere progressive who is for the people?

Joshua Wong should consider hiring an adviser or make background researches prior to his meetings so as not to come under fire.

The young activist might not know that, but Rubio as well as his fellow colleagues support anything but democracy and freedom: they support wars, conflicts and supranational submission.

Rubio’s only hope being to boost US military presence in the South China Sea by destabilizing the region, including Hong Kong.

One might argue that a photo isn’t necessarily representative.

Well, as we commonly say, ‘a picture speaks a thousand words’.

I am not attacking Wong’s person, I am instead attacking his action by pointing out his lack of political maturity which makes him easily manipulable and corruptible.

Some might perceive Wong’s visit to the US positively and see it as a way to put Hong Kong’s issues on the US agenda.

Alas, with or without Wong, Hong Kong is on the US agenda.

In other words, his visit to Washington will have no positive impact on Hong Kong’s future.

Moreover, most of us understand that foreign interferences of all sorts have led to anything but peace and democracy.

There is no more need for me to remind you about the number of crimes committed by the Bush administration under the name of ‘democracy’, thanks to local facilitators like Joshua Wong.

In addition to this, the panel recommended Congress to ‘seek its support to US non-governmental organisations operating in Hong Kong, which are assisting local civil society and political groups’.

The so called ‘conspiracy theory’ which consisted of saying that American organisations in Hong Kong were used as political and influential tools might be reality.

We have to assume that some American organisations such as the Fulbright Program have a strong influence in Hong Kong, particularly in education.

Since 2012, the US Fulbright program played an important role in the setting-up of university curriculums around the territory and came under criticism by some academics and members of the public, including myself.

Many Hong Kong citizens are aware and opposed to any kind of external interference in Hong Kong’s local affairs.

Unfortunately, it seems that making such a criticism is enough to case us on the other side of the political spectrum, thanks to double standards.

All this to say that YES, there is a US interference in Hong Kong and that it will only do more harm than good.

Joshua Wong should come back to rationalism and stop his nonsensical and harmful actions.

Only by looking at both sides of the coin can we improve the situation.

RISE NEWS is a grassroots journalism news organization that is working to change the way young people become informed and engaged in the world. You can write for us.

You can also like our RISE NEWS Hong Kong Facebook page to stay engaged with our local coverage.

Hongkongers Might Lose Trust In The Judiciary, Thanks To Political Greed

By Contributor

By Raphael Blet

On Tuesday, Justice Thomas Au gave his verdict on the fate of Yau Wai-ching and Baggio Leung, the two mavericks who were disqualified from taking their oath after not following their scripts and using derogatory terms to describe China.

In an unsurprising move, the High Court decided to ban the two pro-independence lawmakers from taking a second oath, ordered them to vacate their LegCo’s premises and requested them to fully reimburse their salary.

This comes a week after Beijing’s interpretation of the Basic Law’s article 104.

The Basic Law’s interpretation has sparked concern amongst members of the judicial profession who saw it as a threat to Hong Kong’s judicial independence.

For some, the High Court’s decision might be seen as influenced by the NPC’s interpretation although the final verdict would probably not have been different even without an interpretation.

Many put the blame on the Chinese government and see in this interpretation a way for them to interfere in Hong Kong’s affairs.

The LegCo building. Photo Credit: Steve Cadman/ Flickr (CC By 2.0)

WRONG: the basic law’s interpretation was in fact done on Hong Kong’s request, as it always did.

The chaos amplified when the Chief Executive decided to challenge the two lawmakers’ oath at the court while this matter could be resolved within the LegCo.

By taking this action, the Chief Executive brought the separation of powers into a vicious circle which has led to more divisions, uncertainties and anger amongst the population.

At first, Beijing did probably not give a toss about those the two young people who probably had an overdose of testosterone at the time… Only when the Chief Executive triggered Beijing’s nerves did Beijing decide to interpret article 104.

While Hong Kong’s rule of law hasn’t changed, the public’s level of trust towards local institutions might be at its lowest.

On the other hand, the Western press currently feasts itself at having another occasion to portray Hong Kong in a negative angle.

Yet, it is indeed laborious to understand who is in charge of the matters given that the three powers have been ingested by what can be labelled as “political greed”.

To sweeten the whole chaos, Hong Kong might now have to deal with by-elections and angry voters who felt betrayed by the two excited young politicians.

On both sides, political greed and dishonesty are to blame.

RISE NEWS is a grassroots journalism news organization that is working to change the way young people become informed and engaged in the world. You can write for us.

You can also like our RISE NEWS Hong Kong Facebook page to stay engaged with our local coverage.

Cover Photo Credit: Simon Cocks/ Flickr (CC By 2.0)

History Under Threat: Could We Be Near The End Of Street Markets In Hong Kong?

By Contributor

By Jessie Pang

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The Millennial Intel In This Story:
-The Central’s Graham Street Market has been in operation for 140 years.
-It has survived Japanese Occupation and decades of urban development but is now in danger of closing because its vendors are being priced out.
– The status of the market has raised questions about the survival of historical significant businesses in the ever modernizing Hong Kong.

It seems nothing has happened.

The Central’s Graham Street Market is still in operation normally ten months after the rumor that “Yesterday was its last day in operation.”

However, the disturbing noise coming from the adjacent construction field indicates that the wet market has been struggling against the city’s redevelopment plan.

The market has survived Japanese Occupation of Hong Kong and previous rounds of urban development for 140 years.

However, the redevelopment plan announced in 2007 by the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) has put it into the edge of sword.

property-agent

“We are afraid that Graham Street will become another Lee Tung Street which have utterly been changed and had no relations with her history,” the spokesperson of Central and Western Concern Group Law Ngar-ning said. “We have discovered three heritage sites, which are believed to be built in late-19th century, within the Graham Street Market area, but they are not reported by the URA. They become extremely vulnerable and may be destroyed at any time.”

Concerns have arisen not only because of the historical values of the street market, but also the survival and relocation of those old residents.

“Although URA guarantees you will be able to find all daily necessities in the new market, the price will rise and the market won’t be as comprehensive as the original one,” said a 60-year-old property agent Mr Lai.

“Only 20 tenants can be relocated in the new market and the rent will be too expensive for them. It’s about $10,000 per inch but each shop is about 300 inches big.”

Currently, 11 vendors are willing to join the Local Fresh Food Shop Arrangement after the redevelopment.

They will have the priority to rent shop spaces at a retail block being built.

But they will have to give up ex-gratia business allowance worth about tens of thousands of dollars and are required to pay rent at market prices, according to the URA spokesman.

graham-street

“What I say is useless. Nobody would bother listening to poor people like us,” Song Yin-wai, a 65-year-old stall owner said. “I don’t even know whether I would be relocated or not.”

Her stall named Marilyn mainly sells small electronic gadgets and women’s bags. Some small lights are switched on all the time to attract customers.

“I have been running this stall for more than ten years. In the past, it was easier to make profits. But now, fewer people are willing to stop by because of the ongoing construction sites and road maintenance,” Song said. “Sometimes the income is not even enough to cover the rent. I have lost around $2,000 for this month.”

Meanwhile, some remains positive towards the redevelopment plan.

“The redevelopment plan won’t affect me as my stall is not within the redevelopment area and won’t be relocated. Actually, it will attract more people to stop by and buy desserts from me,” Wong Tai-jie, a 70-year-old Chinese dessert stall owner said.

“The development plan is good for the community since the streets will become wider, safer, tidier and more hygienic,” said Wong Tze-nin, 24, one of the construction workers, “what’s more, two new residential buildings will also be built alongside the new commercial area.”

According to the URA website, the redevelopment plans will provide 293 residential flats and a total of 44,575 square meter commercial area. It will also include new community facilities for the public and more open space to serve as a green lung for the city.

Over the years, the URA has also taken various measures to maintain the vibrancy of the street market, such as market promotional campaigns, installing electric meters for stall operators and redesigning safer and user-friendlier stalls.

Although the future of Graham Street remains uncertain, the bargaining noise between the shopkeepers and residents tells you life goes on in spite of all the circumstances.

RISE NEWS is a grassroots journalism news organization that is working to change the way young people become informed and engaged in the world. You can write for us.

You can also like our RISE NEWS Hong Kong Facebook page to stay engaged with our local coverage.

Photo Credits: Jessie Pang

This Online Platform Is Revolutionizing Hong Kong Sex Education

By Contributor

By Jessie Pang

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The Millennial Intel In This Story:
-Sex education in Hong Kong is woefully inadequate.
-Traditional Hong Kong culture looks down on casual sex, even in committed relationships.
-A 24 year old millennial named Julia Sun Wai-han is using tech to help young Hong Kongers learn about sex and it is working really well.

“Talking about sex should be as comfortable as talking about food but the experience can be quite scary to young people even though it’s good for them,” Julia Sun Wai-han the 24 year old founder of Sticky Rice Love said.

Sticky Rice Love is the food name of a Chinese rice ball dessert that literally means “sugar will not come off” from dumplings made of boiled sticky rice.

But in this context, it is also an online sex education platform for young people in Hong Kong.

“It is [our] hope to remind people that food and sex are both basic human needs and avoiding the awkwardness people usually face when they refer to a sex health educational website”, Sun said in an interview with RISE NEWS.

Sticky Rice Ball’s platform publishes articles about sex and hosts an online forum for young people to discuss sex anonymously.

It has filled a gap in sex education for young people across the island.

Everyone can post a question which they don’t feel comfortable to ask about on the forum and will receive a prompt reply or advice from volunteers who have received proper sex health training.

A look at the website of Sticky Rice Love. (Screen grab)

Sun’s idea was inspired by her experience as a teaching assistant in a local high school to start the platform.

“Sex education in Hong Kong is really inadequate and lagging behind. Apart from a lack of school hours, resources and the right people to teach students about sex, most people usually hold a traditional and negative view towards sex,” Sun said. “For instance, the best way to avoid pregnancy is to avoid having sex, which is impossible for people in a relationship. Such education has tremendous consequences on the young people. Some still find it uncomfortable to have sex after marriage. Hence, I decided to do something to change it,” Sun said.

Seeing there’s no need for people to meet face to face and the set-up cost is low, Sun found that the Internet is a perfect place to realize her dream.

At first, she was frightened that she might faced viral opposition as people were not familiar with her mission: empowering the youth to make their own choice on sex and relationships.

“Our role is neutral. We are not telling them what’s right or wrong but simply offering them comprehensive information they need and want to know about. It can be quite vague and controversial to some people,” says Sun.

To her surprise, there was overwhelming support from the public and the mainstream media interviewed her about the venture.

A couple enjoying the movie “An Autumn’s Tale” in the Clear Water Bay Film Studio.
Photo: Goooood Secrets

The platform also holds some offline activities, such as visits to some local sex toys shops and co-organized screenings of an X-rated movie to several hundreds people at the Clear Water Bay Film Studio, which is rarely open to the public with Goooood Secrets.

“Both online and offline sex education have advantages,” Sun said. “It’s not about online or offline but more about how you do it.”

Despite the success of the platform, Sun still wants to do more but long-term financial resources remain as a problem.

“I really hope to design interactive online courses on sex education for young people to dig into the topics they are interested in, but it’s hard to do fund-raising as people are not confident in a youth- led organization,” Sun said. “They prefer to back adults or experts more.”

Yet, Sun remains optimistic as the society becomes more and more receptive to the idea of promoting sex education.

For instance, sex secret groups are very popular among high schools and universities and everyone changed their Facebook profile picture to rainbow color watermark to show their support to the legalization of same sex marriage in USA.

“It’s hopeful that young people won’t need our platform and can talk about sex as freely as it should be in the coming future,” Sun said.

RISE NEWS is a grassroots journalism news organization that is working to change the way young people become informed and engaged in the world. You can write for us.

You can also like our RISE NEWS Hong Kong Facebook page to stay engaged with our local coverage.

Cover Photo Credit: Jessie Pang

Hong Kong Slut Walk Draws Many In Effort To Rid City Of Sexual Assault

By Contributor

By Paulus Choy

HONG KONG- “Slut walk” was held for the fifth time at Chater Garden in Central this Sunday, with protesters expressing concerns over recent sexual assaults in Hong Kong.

This event originated from Toronto, where a police officer said women should dress less “slutty” to avoid sexual crimes, sparking outcries and subsequent protests, according to the Hong Kong Slut Walk’s website.

Protests turned into a global movement, with Slut Walks happening in several places including Germany, Korea and now Hong Kong.

America’s very controversial personality Amber Rose, also organised her own Slut Walk, which occurred on 1st October this year.

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The movement encouraged participants to dress in a provocative way, rebelling against social expectations and condemning gender violence on women.

Hong Kong’s Slut Walk organisers Sally Tang and Angie Ng discussed about gender violence before the march began, they talked about recent sexual assaults against women, they pleaded for societal and legal changes to better protect the rights of women.

They talked about a rape case involving an owner of a nursing home and a mentally-challenged girl, as the girl’s evidence was accepted by the Court, the owner was later acquitted.

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Another case they talked about was a pub owner who drugged a girl and allegedly raped her.

He was sentenced to 240 hours of community service, as the judge found him to have an entrepreneurial mind and does not wish to harm his future.

Different concern groups came forth to give speeches, including migrant worker association Gabriella, and several political party-affiliated groups.

The protesters convened at around two in Chater Garden at Central, and started marching towards the High Court, ending their demonstration at Lan Kuai Fong district, which was a famous bar and clubbing spot for Hong Kongers.

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Protesters shouted out pleads during their march, yelling out “my body my choice”,” my dress is not a yes.” and other slogans to express their concerns, which were also shown on their banners.

People of different races and nationalities came out to support: there was an Irish student, who talked about how women in Ireland is stripped of their rights to abortion; there was another student from the US, who came here to support the movement.

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There were speeches as well as live performances throughout the protest; a group of students performed a poem in front of the High Court, some even painted pleads on their bodies, to express their anger.

There were roughly around a hundred people marching through Central.

RISE NEWS is a grassroots journalism news organization that is working to change the way young people become informed and engaged in the world. You can write for us.

You can also like our RISE NEWS Hong Kong Facebook page to stay engaged with our local coverage.

Photo Credits: Paulus Choy

Thousands Protest Against Comments Made By Two Localists

By Contributor

By Paulus Choy

HONG KONG- The newly formed organisation “Against Hong Kong’s independence and the insulting of Chinese”, protested outside the Legco parliament complex yesterday, in response to two politicians’ comments during their oath-taking, with journalists caught in the cross-fire.

The organisation issued a press release saying the two has insulted the Chinese and condemned the two for spreading independence ideas in Hong Kong.

Legco members Baggio Sixtus Leung Chung-hang and Yau Wai-ching called China “Chee-na”, and displayed flags saying “Hong Kong is not China” during their oath-taking on the 12th October.

Hong Kong government has initiated legal actions against the two, pleading that both’s occupied office in Legco is to be vacated, after their court injunctions to prevent both from taking oath was rejected.

As Leung and Yau returned yesterday attempting to redo their oaths, protesters surrounded the complex, expressing their concern against Yau and Leung’s derogatory comments, as well as their promotion independence.

The protest started at around 10 in the morning, as groups started filling up areas around the complex.

The protests included over 300 groups, ranging from concern groups, business unions and district councillors. The legco headquarters was filled with chinese and Hong Kong flags and chants condemning “anti-chinese” sentiments.

A collection of people spoke during the protests, including College professors, union leaders and business figures.

WATCH: Video from the protest

The protest went on without huge confrontations, but was interspersed with a case of disturbance.

HKFP reporter Stanley Leung had his camera taken away, when he was covering the protest according to HKFP reports. He was surrounded by protestors, and later recovered his camera, only to find his memory card stolen.

HKFP released an announcement on their facebook page, condemning acts interfering with their operation.

Photo Essay: Goodbye (For Now) To Hong Kong’s Hipster Paradise Hidden Agenda

The organisers said roughly 16 to 17 thousand people took part in the rally, according to their announcement at noon. The police said around eight thousand people took part.

RISE NEWS is a grassroots journalism news organization that is working to change the way young people become informed and engaged in the world. You can write for us.

You can also like our RISE NEWS Hong Kong Facebook page to stay engaged with our local coverage.

Photo Credits: Henry Wong

Hong Kong Is Already More Independent Than Any EU Country

By Contributor

By Raphael Blet

In a time when the call for independence constantly increases, we need to put the dots on the i’s.

There is nothing wrong with discussing independence and the right to self-determination.

What is necessary for those independence advocates and supporters is to be conscious that sovereignty isn’t the key to independence and self-determination.

I have recently met some Hong Kong people who seemed to show their admiration for the European Union but at the same time, are advocating Hong Kong’s independence.

Isn’t it ironic to admire a supranational force when you advocate self-determination for yourself?

Many Hong Kong independence advocates who have not lived in Europe might not realize that Hong Kong is in fact much more independent than France, Germany or any other EU member state.

Despite not being a sovereign territory, Hong Kong benefits from more independence compared to EU countries like France or Spain. While the Basic Law guarantees Hong Kong’s autonomy, the EU’s Treaty of Lisbon advocates supranational submission.

While Hong Kong controls its borders and trade, EU members don’t as they are mostly signatory of the Schengen agreement which does not allow them to filter humans and goods entering their territory.

At the same time, Hong Kong has an independent judiciary in which Mainland laws do not interfere while European countries have to follow what is known as ‘directives’.

Such directives coming from the two parliaments (in Brussels and Strasbourg) are imposed to the national laws.

This strongly harms the judicial integrity of member states.

This without talking about monetary sovereignty which doesn’t exist in Europe.

When Hong Kong has its own currency, most EU members are depending on a single currency on which they have no control.

Some might refute my arguments with empirical evidence and say that either the two problems are not comparable or that the EU’s constitution was ratified after consulting the people.

This isn’t a valid argument as the Treaty of Lisbon was rejected by the French (54.67%) and Dutch (61.54%) voters who were later forced to accept it despite showing their opposition in the ballots.

All the examples given are enough to assume that Hong Kong has already more autonomy and self-determination compared to EU member countries.

As a ‘European’ who is reluctant in regards to EU institutions, it is even more revolting to see some EU officials commenting about democracy and sovereignty in the world while their own institution is anything but democratic.

Unfortunately, many people will not be willing to assume this reality, their answers being as usual: ‘it’s impossible to make such comparison.’

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Cover Photo Credit: Bernard Spragg. NZ/ Flickr (CC By 2.0)