Hong Kong Speech Therapists Union Ordered to Surrender HK$116,000 Assets for National Security Reasons
A union of Hong Kong speech therapists, whose board members were previously jailed for sedition, has been directed to forfeit HK$116,000 in assets due to national security concerns. The city’s justice department declared that the union’s funds were utilized to jeopardize national security. The High Court judge Andrew Chan, known for presiding over national security cases, issued the order to seize the union’s funds based on his familiarity with the case from prior bail proceedings for its members.
Background of the Case
The General Union of Hong Kong Speech Therapists, a part of the disbanded Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions, faced legal repercussions when five of its executive committee members were sentenced to 19 months in prison for publishing illustrated books that were deemed to have a seditious nature. The books, which depicted allegorical stories of sheep and wolves, were interpreted as reflecting the events of the 2019 anti-extradition bill protests, the detention of twelve Hong Kong fugitives by Chinese authorities, and a strike staged by Hong Kong medics during the early stages of the Covid-19 outbreak.
National Security Concerns
The act of publishing and distributing the “sheep village” children’s books was highlighted as a significant instance of endangering national security by Senior Counsel Anthony Chan representing the Department of Justice. Additionally, the union was accused of engaging in activities that posed risks to national security, including advocating for political purposes and promoting Hong Kong independence through unlawful means. Lorie Lai, the chairperson of the union, had reportedly stated in a 2020 interview about setting up platforms in various institutions to discuss issues related to governmental power.
Legal Proceedings
The union’s registration was revoked around the same time as the implementation of the Beijing-imposed security law, leading to the initiation of legal proceedings to seize the union’s assets under the national security regulations. Judge Chan, familiar with the case, issued the forfeiture order amounting to HK$116,000, after deducting liquidation fees. The court’s decision was based on the grounds that the union’s activities were in violation of the new security legislation, replacing the colonial-era sedition law with harsher penalties.
Implications and Consequences
The case of the Hong Kong speech therapists’ union serves as a stark reminder of the tightening grip on civil society organizations and the implications of expressing dissenting views under the national security law. The forfeiture of assets and imprisonment of members signify the repercussions faced by individuals and groups engaging in activities deemed detrimental to national security interests. The broader impact of such actions on freedom of expression and advocacy for social issues raises concerns about the shrinking space for dissent in the city.
Subheadings:
1. Legal Proceedings and National Security Concerns
2. Impact on Civil Society Organizations
3. Upholding National Security at the Expense of Freedom
In conclusion, the recent ruling against the Hong Kong Speech Therapists Union underscores the challenges faced by civil society organizations in navigating the restrictive legal landscape under the national security law. The forfeiture of assets and imprisonment of members signify the consequences of engaging in activities deemed seditious or endangering national security. As the city grapples with increasing scrutiny and control over dissenting voices, the case serves as a cautionary tale for those advocating for social change in Hong Kong.