Human rights in Hong Kong have rapidly declined since Beijing's crackdown following the 2019 pro-democracy protests, with the Human Rights Measurement Initiative survey ranking Hong Kong close to Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, and near last-place China. The survey, which assesses quality of life and safety from the state, shows a significant shrinkage in civil society, suppression of freedom of speech and assembly, and a decline in freedom of assembly and association, expression, and political participation. Despite a slight improvement in protection from arbitrary arrest, the overall situation is described as 'very bad' with significant risks of torture and ill-treatment. The data reflects China's crackdown on Hong Kong and the impact of the National Security Law, leading to self-censorship among the population to avoid arrest. Local authorities have also used COVID-19 measures to suppress gatherings, and political prisoners have faced harsh treatment without conviction.

Hong Kong's ICAC charged programmer Man Wing-fung with inciting people not to vote in the upcoming district elections, an act made illegal in 2021. They also sought an arrest warrant for political commentator Wong Sai-chak, who resides in Germany, for similar charges related to boycotting the elections. The district elections will be the first since the 'patriots only' amendment, which reduced directly elected representatives to a third. Wong, who has a YouTube channel with 150,000 followers, was charged with three counts under the law and stated he would not travel to countries with extradition treaties with Beijing. Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee warned against election sabotage on the same day. Man was released on bail and the case will resume in January.

The Hong Kong Business Hub in London has launched a startup incubator program to assist new Hong Kong migrants in establishing businesses in the UK. The program offers a minimum of $64,000 in equity investment to successful applicants, with a total investment of over $635,000. The initiative aims to help those who fled Hong Kong after the 2019 crackdown on the pro-democracy movement and are unfamiliar with the UK business environment. The program is supported by the Federation of Small Businesses and the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Co-founders include Puifung Leung, Simon Shen, and Patrick Woo. The program requires applicants to have companies established in 2020 or later, with at least half the shares held by the founding team and one founder being a new migrant from Hong Kong with at least 30% ownership. A referral fee of 1% of the investment amount is required to support the program's operations.

In London's Brick Lane, known for street art, pro-democracy and pro-Chinese government sentiments clashed when slogans extolling 'core socialist values' were painted over existing graffiti. The slogans, which included words like 'Democracy' and 'Freedom,' were soon covered by anti-Chinese Communist Party (CCP) messages. The artist, Wang Hanzheng, also known as Yi Que, claimed his work was not politically charged but aimed to provoke discussion. However, the act sparked controversy and led to cyberbullying and death threats against Yi Que. The incident also overshadowed a tribute to a local artist, and raised questions about respect for existing street art. Political cartoonist Badiucao criticized the act for disrespecting local artists' efforts and for the unintended consequences it had on them.

The article discusses the escalation of China's nationalist outrage, particularly targeting Swedish fashion brand H&M and other Western companies over their stance on sourcing cotton from Xinjiang due to forced labor concerns. The backlash, which includes calls for boycotts, is a response to Western sanctions against China for human rights violations in Xinjiang. The article highlights the tough position foreign businesses in China face, having to choose between supporting Beijing's policies or risking their market position. It also mentions the broader geopolitical implications, with China imposing counter-sanctions and the West, including the EU and the US, taking a firmer stance on human rights issues. The situation suggests a growing divide between China and the West, with significant consequences for international business relations.

Kris Cheng is a journalist based in Hong Kong, specializing in local politics. He has contributed to various prestigious publications, including the Washington Post, Public Radio International, and the Hong Kong Economic Times. Kris holds a Bachelor of Social Science in Sociology from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He is currently serving as the Editorial Director at HKFP, a Hong Kong-based news outlet. His journalistic work is recognized for its focus on political affairs within the region.

Chinese rights lawyer Lu Siwei, who was on his way to the United States, was detained in Laos in July. Despite having the proper travel documents, as confirmed by rights groups, Lu was arrested. His wife has now reported that he has been deported. The article discusses the circumstances of Lu Siwei's detention and subsequent deportation, highlighting concerns about his rights and the legal process. The situation raises questions about the treatment of activists and lawyers in the region, and the international response to such incidents.

Hong Kong is experiencing a significant emigration wave as residents, including Joan Chan, plan to leave due to the Chinese Communist Party's crackdown on the city's autonomy. The National Security Law has silenced civil society, and censorship is spreading. Electoral reforms ensure only 'patriots' govern, marginalizing opposition. Public displays of dissent have been replaced by subtle acts of resistance. The UK expects 150,000 Hongkongers to settle there using the British-National-Overseas-Pass. While Chief Executive Carrie Lam downplays the exodus, some believe Beijing prefers the departure of the discontented, envisioning a Hong Kong without Hongkongers.

China's refusal to recognize the British National Overseas (BNO) passport as a valid travel document for Hong Kongers is a retaliatory measure against the UK's visa scheme allowing BNO holders to become British citizens. The move raises concerns about the freedom and rights of Hong Kong residents, as China's Nationality Law allows Beijing to claim jurisdiction over ethnic Chinese globally. High-profile cases of detention and the forced application of Chinese nationality to dissidents and emigrants illustrate the law's reach. The situation complicates the ability of Hong Kongers to emigrate and the international community's response to China's nationality policies.

Hongkongers have been queuing overnight outside pharmacies, including Watsons owned by Li Ka-shing, due to a shortage of surgical face masks amid the coronavirus outbreak. With over 7,000 cases in China and 10 in Hong Kong, residents are stockpiling masks. Watsons announced a quota system for mask sales, advising against overnight queues to reduce health risks. Customers expressed frustration with the government's response to the crisis, with some criticizing the delay in border closure and insufficient prevention measures.

The Hong Kong government expelled the pro-democracy League of Social Democrats from the Lunar New Year fair in Causeway Bay for displaying political slogans and materials, violating a ban on dry goods aimed at ensuring public safety. Despite attempts to negotiate with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the party's stalls were terminated. The incident reflects ongoing tensions between the government and pro-democracy groups, with the latter accusing the government of political suppression.

Hong Kong police defused a homemade pipe bomb and seized equipment for making explosives in Mong Kok and Sheung Shui, arresting four men aged 21 to 29 on charges including unlawful assembly and possession of explosives. Three of the arrested were students. The police believe the individuals were core members of a hidden group planning attacks on police or their facilities. During the bomb's defusal in Mong Kok, a small explosion occurred, damaging an elevator door.

Matthew Connors, a photography professor at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, was denied entry to Hong Kong on Thursday after covering the ongoing protests last year. He was previously arrested but released without charges. Despite a successful visit in September, his latest attempt to enter was met with a five-hour detention and subsequent deportation to New York. Connors expressed sadness over the situation and its implications for Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement and freedoms. The Immigration Department declined to comment on individual cases, citing adherence to laws and policies. The incident follows the barring of US academic Dan Garrett after his testimony to the US Congressional-Executive Commission on China about the protests.

Two men impersonating plainclothes Hong Kong police officers stole HK$210,000 from a 63-year-old man near Tuen Mun police station. The victim, a construction worker, intended to use the money for property renovation and from a racecourse bet. The suspects are at large, and the case is being investigated by Tuen Mun criminal investigation team six. This incident follows a pattern of similar crimes, including one at the Regal Riverside Hotel in Sha Tin.

A female patient who visited Wuhan, the site of a pneumonia outbreak, tested negative for SARS at Tuen Mun Hospital in Hong Kong. She had an upper respiratory tract infection but did not visit any Wuhan street markets. Another woman who visited Wuhan and went to Tseung Kwan O Hospital also did not show symptoms after preliminary diagnosis. Hongkong Post has suspended Speedpost services to Wuhan and nearby areas.

The City University of Hong Kong conducted searches in staff members' storage areas for 'unauthorised dangerous goods' after suspected petrol bombs and explosives were found on campus. The searches, which took place without staff presence and ahead of the Christmas break, have been criticized by John Tse, head of CityU's staff association, as an invasion of privacy and an overreaction to last month's protests. Academic Benson Wong also questioned the basis of the search and its potential precedent. The university remains on lockdown with heightened security.