The Cost of Being a Youth in Hong Kong
(Context: 12 Hong Kongers were arrested on 23 August 2020 while trying to flee to Taiwan via boat. They were sentenced in secret proceedings in Mainland China.)
1/ The fear of being "disappeared" in the opaque and frequently abusive legal system of mainland #China sparked last year's #antiELAB protests, and what's happening to these 12 #HongKong residents shows that our concerns have been legitimate. #Save12HKYouths
2/ The #HongKong government insisted back then that the legal rights of the alleged offenders (such as #PresumptionOfInnocence, open trial, legal representation) would be protected and that there would be follow-up arrangements for post-surrender visits.
3/ Yet, NONE of these happened. The Secretary for Security #JohnLee now claimed that the #HongKong government has no rights to intervene and can't even guarantee the defendants' right to choose their own counsel.
4/ While #HongKong's Chief Secretary #MatthewCheung simply asked the public to "respect the Chinese judicial procedures".
2/ Getting stopped and searched by the @hkpoliceforce on a school day.
3/ Getting tackled to the ground for showing up in front of a neighbouring school. (Video embedded in link)
4/ Getting zip-tied and arrested for NO apparent reason.
5/ Getting attacked by pro-government thug while peacefully forming a human chain to show solidarity with pro-democracy activists. (Video embedded in link)
6/ Being subjected to disciplinary actions for singing and holding peaceful sit-ins OUTSIDE the school.
7/ Being threatened with arrests at school over "disrespect" for the national anthem.
8/ Being put under heightened exam stress over a "controversial" question which the authorities deemed "inappropriate" and "seriously hurt the feelings and dignity of the Chinese people."
9/ Being threatened with punishment for having a political stance and taking part in activities DISLIKED by the authorities.