Activism

Hong Kong’s Extradition Protests: A Fight for Hong Kong’s Sovereignty?

Hong Kong’s Extradition Protests: A Fight for Hong Kong’s Sovereignty?

Aug 4, 2019 – by Features

Cheryl Pui Yau Ip, Foreign Correspondent in Hong Kong, provides an analysis of the extradition protests in Hong Kong and what motivated people to take action.

At the high point of a series of huge rallies, Hong Kong saw up to one million people protesting against the proposed extradition bill. Most recently there was, however, another turn of events following multiple popular rallies in early July; on 27 and 28 July police and protesters clashed as extradition demands have spiralled into demands about human rights and democracy. Despite Carrie Lam (Chief Executive of Hong Kong) admitting the extradition bill is now ‘dead’, it has not been fully withdrawn and so the protesters have continued to fight their cause – and face the dangers that come with it.

The driving force behind the protests is that the extradition bill could allow suspects from Hong Kong to be sent to mainland China to face trial. Those who are protesting against the bill also fear it could lead to arbitrary detentions and unfair trials. Hong Kong was returned to China in 1997 but has kept its own system of justice according to the idea of ‘One Country; Two Systems’. However, some residents in Hong Kong see this bill as the first step to change Hong Kong’s governance back to ‘One Country with One System’ in judicial and political terms. In effect, this extradition bill could cause a merge between the judicial systems of Hong Kong and China – that for so long has been separate.

Some residents in Hong Kong see this bill as the first step to change Hong Kong’s governance back to “One Country with One System” in judicial and political terms.

In terms of the bill’s context, the Hong Kong government initially proposed legal amendments in February that would allow the city to handle case-by-case extradition requests from jurisdictions that it previously did not have agreements with – most notably Taiwan and China. The bill’s proposal was triggered by a murder case in Taiwan involving Chan Tong Kai, a man from Hong Kong, who has been accused of murdering his pregnant girlfriend in Taipei. Chan, however, fled back to Hong Kong where he was arrested and jailed on money-laundering charges, not murder. He only had to face money-laundering charges because Hong Kong does not have an extradition deal agreed with Taiwan, which is why the government have said they wanted to introduce the bill.

Critics meanwhile are protesting against the rushed nature of the bill, which has even been described as an attempt to win over China’s Communist government. Many residents also believe they were not given any forum to discuss the proposed measure. Some Hong Kong citizens argued ‘the government should discuss the bill first instead of introducing it rapidly, especially when the bill involves the judicial system in China – a system which does not promote human rights’. Protesters believe the bill is trying to suppress the concept of democracy and human rights through restricting freedom of speech and this is what has led countries including the United States, United Kingdom, and Taiwan to intervene in its uptake. Taiwan has now stated, because of these potential ramifications, that their government rejects the bill and refuses to handle the murder case through an extradition agreement with Hong Kong.

Having examined the situation, it seems that many residents in Hong Kong are fearful of being extradited to mainland China, especially, because of the differences between the rule of law in Communist China and Hong Kong. The main purpose of the protests, starting on 9 June, are to fight for democracy and to oppose Chinese extradition. Many protesters from Hong Kong describe the bill as a rendition – where suspects accused of a serious crime would be extradited to Communist China and would face their harsh penal system. Joshua Wong Chi Fung, a Pro-Democracy Activist, argued ‘perhaps in the worst scenario, activists might be jailed in mainland China indefinitely,’ despite being Hong Kong residents. Protesters are determined to debate this bill because they believe it could cause further erosion of Hong Kong’s autonomy from mainland China. Most importantly, if the bill was introduced, citizens of Hong Kong may not be able to enjoy to the same standard of free speech. In other words, Communist ideas could gain more agency in Hong Kong, while liberal ideas, debate and protest could decline.

As well as leading to popular protests, the proposed extradition bill has caused clashes between protesters and police, a storming of the Legislative Council by protesters and pressure for Carrie Lam to resign. While protesters have taken to the streets with slogans such as ‘No China Extradition’ and ‘Withdraw the Proposed Ammendment’ , business leaders are also worried. They have raised concerns that this legislation could undermine Hong Kong’s competitiveness, considering the city’s international reputation as a financial hub. The current protests in Hong Kong are not just about a new legislative bill; protesters believe they are a fight for Hong Kong’s democratic sovereignty and that their activity will have ramifications in the years to come.

Celebrating LGBTQ+ History

HAPPY LGBTQ+ history month! As you may know, this February marks the 14th annual celebration of LGBTQ+ history month in the UK, often referred to as ‘LGBT history month’.

It was initially created in 2005 by Sue Sanders and Paul Patrick as part of a Schools OUT UK project. This came in the wake of the abolition of Section 28, which stated that a local authority “shall not intentionally promote homosexuality or publish material with the intention of promoting homosexuality” or “promote the teaching in any maintained school of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship”.

The introduction of the 2003 Employment Equality Regulations was also extremely important, as it prohibited employers from discriminating against employees on grounds of sexual orientation, perceived sexual orientation, religion or belief and age.

Despite these great strides in progress, a result of the painstaking work of activists, this month is still important as there is still so much to do. Research carried out by LGBTQ+ charity group Stonewall found that an estimated 20% of LGBTQ+ people experience a hate crime in the space of one year, whilst around 80% of LGBTQ+ students have not received relevant information on how to have safe sex. Additionally, 42% of trans people are not living in their preferred gender role due to fear that it would threaten their employment status.

Although positive, significant legislation has been passed, clearly, attitudes and actions are far behind.

LGBTQ+ history month differs from its more well-known counterpart of Pride month as it is not only a celebration of queer identities, but specifically focuses on history, and brings visibility to the struggles that the community are still working to overcome. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, this month is incredibly important. It provides an opportunity to learn about important moments of history that are completely absent from the education system, and it also helps community members feel supported and recognised.

With over 1500 nationwide events, there are opportunities for many to actively access tangible queer spaces where individuals will be accepted unconditionally. Here, it is much easier to meet new people with similar experiences than it is in day-to-day life. To just exist within these spaces can be a breath of fresh air, as you’re somewhere you don’t have to experience fear or judgement.

Even if you cannot attend the events yourself, the existence of them is reassuring in itself. The presence of LGBTQ+-centric events gives more visibility online, particularly on social media which can be instrumental in allowing isolated queer youth to feel much less alone. This can be incredibly comforting to those unable to come out to see alternative experiences, one of acceptance, not fear. Most of all, the celebration of LGBTQ+ identities provides hope.

Stonewall Inn, New York
Image: Wikipedia

The most recognisable names in LGBTQ+ activist history are often the more publicised Americans, such as Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official, and Martha P. Johnson who allegedly threw the first brick at the Stonewall riots. However, there are many activists working in the UK even now, such as Lily Madigan, who became the first trans woman to hold the position of Women’s Officer, elected in 2017 to the Labour Party. Visibility for inspirational members of the LGBTQ+ community are now often most prominently in the entertainment industry, such as comedian Sue Perkins, or model Cara Delevingne, helping to normalise queer identities to their audiences.

LGBTQ+ history month is community-driven and promotes solidarity with activists who have paved the way for the liberation of LGBTQ+ people so far, whilst reminding us of the work still to be done. Its function of affirming these marginalised identities is vital to each of us, whether we are ‘out of the closet’ or not.

If you’re struggling with issues relating to sexuality, seek advice from charities such as Stonewall, the LGBT Foundation or get in contact with Wellbeing or local LGBTQ+ positive therapy services.

Gender Activism in Exeter: Dead Women Walking Devon & Reclaim the Night

Two separate women’s rights events have occurred in Exeter over the past couple of weeks: the Dead Women Walking Devon March (25th November) and Reclaim the Night (1st December). Both events, though different in the issues they intend to highlight, are united in their aims of raising awareness of concerns regarding women’s safety.

Both also fall during the UN Women’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, beginning on the 25th November (The UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) and ending on the 10th December (Human Rights Day).

Both events, though different in the issues they intend to highlight, are united in their aims of raising awareness of concerns regarding women’s safety.

Dead Women Walking Devon

On 25th November women marched through the centre of Exeter wearing red ponchos to raise awareness of female victims of domestic violence and the two women who are murdered in the UK every week by a man that they know.

The march, organised by Stop Abuse For Everyone (SAFE), was open only to women, although children were also allowed to participate. It was conducted in silence, with participants handing out leaflets explain the aims of the event to members of the public.

two women are murdered in the UK every week by a man that they know.

Starting at St Sidwell’s Community Centre, the march ended at Northernhay gardens. There, a vigil was held, in which the names of all women killed in the past year by known men were read out in turn.

This event in Devon follows the success of recent marches held in London and Manchester, the first of which took place in 2014. A sister Dead Women Walking March also took place on the 25th November in Manchester.

Reclaim the Night Exeter

The Reclaim the Night march took place on the evening of 1st December, taking a route through the centre of town to rally in Bedford Square at 8pm.

The march, open to all, sought to highlight safety issues surrounding women in public spaces, and encouraged Exeter residents to “[j]oin us in demanding women and girls the right to be safe on our streets”.

The march has become an annual event in Exeter, with similar events taking place in Cornwall, Nottingham and Sheffield.

The Exeter Reclaim the Night team explained the particular relevance of the 2018 event:

“This year’s march was particularly rousing as it saw the launch of Devon and Cornwall Police new approach to sex or gender based hate incidents and hate crimes. The new approach to police recordings will see the police now logging if crimes and incidents were motivated by prejudice or hostility because of sex or gender.”

“It was a busy Saturday evening and the march was seen and heard by onlookers out for dinner and Christmas shopping.”

Describing the event, organisers said that “It was a busy Saturday evening and the march was seen and heard by onlookers out for dinner and Christmas shopping. The march ended in a rally at Bedford Square with speakers, poetry performances and the Devon and Cornwall Police sex and gender hate crime launch.”

‘Look What You Made Me Post’ – The (re)birth of celebrity activism

Taylor Swift’s recent Instagram post urging voter registration for the Tennessee midterm elections shocked many about her sudden engagement with politics. Some reactions were positive, filled with admiration for the pop star, whilst others found Swift’s newfound voice rather absurd, often pointing at her young fan base and career choice to discredit her opinion. Celebrities using social media to express their political opinion is not an unfamiliar concept, so why is one megastar causing so much uproar?

Twitter serves as an accessible outlet for the voices of celebrities such as Chris Evans and Lana del Rey, who have often turned to the platform to express their concerns with the current political climate in the United States. It doesn’t require as much effort as writing and producing a song, as done by Childish Gambino and repeatedly carried out by Bob Dylan. Perhaps it’s a more accessible alternative to creative outlets and can cause as much of a reaction as the next “This is America” or “Hurricane.” However, frequent tweeting about political affairs may often result in a lack of shock value often needed to grab society’s attention.

Furthermore, it provides an alternative to how we digest our information and approach discourse. We no longer have to rely on the mainstream media and localised protests as the main showcase of political opinion. Although the physical acts of rebellion performed by celebrities have died down, there is a certain beauty to the angry voice that has arisen amongst the famed, especially when looking at Taylor Swift’s recent Instagram post.

Swift has always been rather apolitical, choosing the role of the bystander rather than of the activist. However, the current midterm elections in her home state of Tennessee have obviously changed Swift’s approach. Her worries lie with the state senate candidate Marsha Blackburn, who has a rather consistent past of voting against congressional motions that would benefit members of the LGBTQ+ community and help alleviate the burdens often faced by women within society.

Moreover, celebrities aren’t the only ones who know the influential effects of social media activism. Figures such as U.S. President Trump often find themselves using the 280-character count to harness their opinions on a rather impulsive whim. Direct attacks are often seen flying in from all sides, often sparking feuds that mix the political with the personal.

Overall, I congratulate Taylor Swift on her bravery. The transition from silent to vocal will always come with a backlash, and she has handled her critics with grace. Social media has given us a new platform for voicing our concerns. Not only is it making it easier for us to express our dissatisfaction with the actions of certain political leaders, but it forces others to take notice of differing interpretations of what is going on in the world. Whether it’s listening to Kanye West’s enthusiasm for #MAGA, or Danny DeVito’s attempts at encouraging voter registration, we find ourselves exposed to the opinions of our comrades and our foes.

Punk and the Feminist Revolution: An Interview With Pussy Riot

In secondary school, I remember doing a side project called ‘Anarchitecture in the UK’. It was about how communities inspired punk and luckily, being near the Kings Road, we were surrounded by the history of a revolution: Vivienne Westwood had her first store just down the road. More inspiring to me was learning about the sudden appearance of a feminist anarchist group, Pussy Riot, and how they changed everything. Founded in 2011, the group has had rotating members, all influential, all rebellious. The group originally used music and guerilla-style performance art to oppose the current Russian regime, but has since expanded into literature and has a more transcendent ‘collective’. For me, an awkward fifteen-year-old with no plans to rebel anytime soon, Pussy Riot represented a new wave of feminism that empowered me far beyond what I could have expected. For twenty-year-old me, slightly older and wiser me, Pussy Riot represents the fight that is yet to be won. A couple of weeks ago, I had the honour of interviewing Olga Borisova, a member of the Collective, on punk, protesting, and the power of women.

Did you all have a background in art or music when joining the group?

All my youth I was fond of theatre and singing, but activism is different. First of all, it requires resourcefulness, a quick mind and great faith in what you do. Political art is about creation and searching, the formulation of the question. No one can help you with it, only you.

I can imagine you’ve had to sacrifice a great part of your life to do this work. What do you do when you’re not protesting? Is it easy to separate normal life from the fame you have achieved worldwide?

I can not call myself a famous person, but I am proud of our work with Masha (Maria Alyokhina) on her book RIOT DAYS and I believe that it was our first political protest together. Now I am a content manager and almost an international student.

Everyone can be Pussy Riot, everywhere. It is about political movement and action.

The members seem to change every so often; is there a criterion to join Pussy Riot?

I spent a lot of time reflecting on this, so I can tell you my story. Three years ago I used to work in the police force and my first protest action happened when I quit my job because I didn’t want to be part of this system. I then turned into a real activist, I started to participate in protest demonstrations, invented my own actions, went to the courts, participated in media campaigns in support of political prisoners, and collected money for them. One day I met Masha and we started to work on her book. I edited the text we created together to have the structure and the image of a punk manifesto. Everyone can be Pussy Riot, everywhere. It is about political movement and action.

As a contemporary punk band, which groups do you take inspiration from? What artists inspire you?

I really like Public Image Ltd and The Clash, and I really want to mention Archy Marshall (King Krule). I really like him and his music. I think I understand him sometimes.

Your political method of protesting seems to transcend mediums, from art to music to traditional protests methods; was this intentional when you first started?

Pussy Riot was created as a feminist punk group, yes. But as you know a lot happened after. All artists are constantly searching for new things. Nadya continues to make music which is also a form of political protest. We try different forms. Masha and I created a book and then a play of it was staged. After our performance in Moscow, the people who gave us the theatrical space lost it. Because of Pussy Riot, because of this text. Masha and I have been detained many times by police after actions in support of Ukrainian political prisoner Oleg Sentsov, or against the FSB (Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation, successor to the KGB). We protested in the Crimea, Yakutsk, New York and Moscow.

But it is important to tell the world about real problems: about torture, corruption, political murders and repression. It is very significant to have freedom of speech. It can save lives.

The World Cup protest: what would you want readers to know about Russia’s Human Rights record? Do you think by supporting countries like Russia and Qatar in hosting events like the World Cup we are encouraging their behaviour?

I do not support the idea of a boycott, I believe that silence can’t be effective or useful. I believe that such big events are an opportunity to show real Russia to the world. But it is important to tell the world about real problems: about torture, corruption, political murders and repression. It is very significant to have freedom of speech. It can save lives.

Russia – is not Putin. Russia – is us.

How has your fame affected your relationship with Russian authorities? Do you feel that the backing of liberal countries and organisations impacted your ability to protest effectively?

The Russian authorities have exerted a lot of effort to ensure people hate us. But people don’t hate us! We got a lot of support from the world and our goal is to pass it on. Pussy Riot’s case was the first. But now criminal cases like Pussy Riot’s are Russian reality, and at such moments media support is very important because they are afraid of noise, they always want to hide everything, hide themselves. If you were detained, but no one found out about it – it means that they can do anything with you; understanding how important that is, we, first of all, try to use the media resource to help other people. This is how Mediazone was created. Mediazone was created by Masha, Nadya (Nadezhda Tolokonnikova) and Petya (Versilov); it covers topics about the Russian Siloviki (FSB, police, special forces), and writes about the police violence, courts and criminal world in Russia.

I read in an article that you anticipated the Trump election victory – why did you think he would win? Do you think his term has damaged the reputation of the US as a “free nation”?

We do not think about the Trump [sic], but we are in touch with American activists; freedom does not exist if you do not fight for it every day. And we can see it clearly now. People need to remember their history and if someone has achieved freedom for them, it’s not forever. Trump in the presidency is a great opportunity to remind yourself and others that you are free (if you are) and protest for it. I believe that this experience can be useful in a long-term sense.

Do you feel like we’re in the midst of a new wave of feminism, with the #MeToo movement and women’s marches happening all over the world?

The voices have become louder and I admire and enjoy this atmosphere. They are not afraid anymore. But it is a huge difference between Russia and the West. Our situation is much worse. Six months ago, several journalists confessed that they were molested by one deputy during interviews. Many of my friends went to parliament with posters to support girls. But the next day some fans of Putin’s came to defend Slutsky and blame the women. Many female deputies spoke in support of Leonid Slutsky, and their point was: he is an attractive man and his attention should be taken with gratitude. We continue to do what we do. I believe in Russian women!

When I was at school, we had a workshop on the concept of anarchy, and my class and I walked around school in Pussy Riot-esque balaclavas to see the effect it had on other students. Do you feel that the shock factor makes your method of protest more successful?

We believe that the protest should be desperate, sudden and fun. We do not think about “successes” we just do what we like and what we feel is right.

And finally, what can people do to support Pussy Riot?

Share information and take action!

#FashionWeekSoWhite

“Over the years, I have learned that what is important in a dress is the woman who is wearing it,” Yves Saint Laurent, couturier extraordinaire and early diversity champion once said. In the 1970s, the French designer was already pioneering mixed runways and four decades later, it seems we’re only just catching up to the tails of his smoking jacket.

Despite this slow-moving progress, 2015 nonetheless glistened as a revolutionary year for stereotype-shattering firsts. Mariah Idrissi became H&M’s first hijab-wearing model, Jaden Smith brought a face to gender-fluidity in his Louis Vuitton campaign, Ashley Graham was the first plus-size model featured in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue, Jamie Brewer made waves on the New York runway as the first model to appear with Down Syndrome and Rihanna became Dior’s first black spokesperson.

This newfound activism, activated on-screen through viral content, hasn’t translated to the catwalks, however; the visual language of fashion remained as white, youthful, slim and cis-gendered as ever. In Spring-Summer 2016 season, just 0.1 per cent of models were plus-size, 0.06 per cent transgender and 0.05 per cent over 50. More alarming were the racial statistics. Even in London – a city so frequently praised for its colourful cultural mix – 79.1 per cent of models used were white.

Of course, the make-up of every show wasn’t as colourless as this. Zak Posen was praised for his support of the #BlackModelsMatter campaign by almost exclusively employing models of colour, while Yeezy Season 3 was lauded for avoiding white models altogether. Indeed, these might be considered bold steps toward progression, but unfortunately the praise, hype and excitement over this may actually be feeding into the issue: by endorsing these stand-out ‘rarities’ we’re implicitly endorsing the normalisation of whiteness too. As it-girl Jourdan Dunn observed in a recent edition of Elle: “Why can’t it just be the norm to see black models? … It’s still too much of a big thing when this happens.”

With chasing consumers still at the forefront of the luxury market agenda, however, this doesn’t look set to radically change. The emergence of the Asia-Pacific market has seen models from new cultures flood runways to some extent, but ultimately the ‘principle of unattainability’ – a mindset that has stimulated whitening cream and hair relaxant sales as shoppers seek a ‘Western’ look based on dated colonial ideas – still triumphs. “Fashion isn’t about selling real life,” notes Reina Lewis, professor of Cultural Studies at the London College of Fashion. “Even something ostensibly real, like normcore, is only cool when it’s shown on slim, youthful bodies – not on 50 year-olds.” We don’t want catwalks to reflect who we are, but what we could be.

Disability is not an accessory, gender-fluidity is not an embrace of androgyny, and people of colour are not a backdrop to ‘exoticise’ the latest prêt-a-porter offering

Naturally, these perceptions can change. We’ve already seen how easy it was when Twiggy inspired a global trend shift from coveting a curvaceous figure towards a more svelte frame in the 1960s. ‘Trend’. Here we must take caution that efforts to promote diversity are not cast as mere “aesthetic flourish” – a trend to be forgotten next season. Disability is not an accessory, gender-fluidity is not an embrace of androgyny, and people of colour are not a backdrop to ‘exoticise’ the latest prêt-a-porter offering.

Persistence is the only answer; the fashion community cannot be satisfied with a few viral victories. If it continues sewing this new spirit of inclusiveness into every collection, however, we will soon achieve a landscape where diversity is no longer celebrated for its presence or berated for a lack thereof – it’s just there.