View source for Timeline of the 2019–2020 Hong Kong protests (July 2020)

{{short description|July events of the 2019–2020 pro-democracy demonstrations in Hong Kong}}
{{use Hong Kong English|date=July 2020}}
{{EngvarB|date=July 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}}
{{Timeline of the 2019-2020 Hong Kong protests}}{{2019–2020 Hong Kong protests sidebar}}
The month of July 2020 in the [[2019–2020 Hong Kong protests]] began with a turning point in the evolution of the protests, brought about by the [[2020 Hong Kong national security law|Hong Kong national security law]]. The law, which had been passed by the [[Standing Committee of the National People's Congress]] of China on 30 June and come into effect on the same day, was widely seen as having the purpose of curbing opposition, in a broad sense, against the [[Communist Party of China|Chinese Communist Party]] in the city. The law had direct relevance to the protests, as it prescribes harsh penalties for the tactics that protesters had commonly used.<ref name="nytimes_20200630">{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/30/world/asia/hong-kong-security-law-explain.html|title=Harsh Penalties, Vaguely Defined Crimes: Hong Kong's Security Law Explained|first=Javier C.|last=Hernández|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=2020-06-30|access-date=2020-08-02|archive-date=4 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704002815/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/30/world/asia/hong-kong-security-law-explain.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Nevertheless, sizeable protests erupted throughout the city on occasion of the [[Hong Kong 1 July marches|1 July protests]] the next day, resulting in about 370 arrests, including at least ten on charges under the new law. The Hong Kong government, faced with the task of implementing a law that had been drafted and promulgated without substantial involvement by its own officials,<ref name="nytimes_20200630"/> was seen widely, including in the academic<ref name="science_aaas_20190701">{{Cite web|last=Normile|first=Dennis|date=2020-07-01|title=Hong Kong universities rattled by new security law|url=https://www.science.org/content/article/hong-kong-universities-rattled-new-security-law|access-date=2020-07-05|website=[[Science (journal)|Science AAAS]]|language=en|archive-date=7 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707225135/https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/07/hong-kong-universities-rattled-new-security-law|url-status=live}}</ref> and media sectors,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/14/hong-kongs-national-security-laws-are-designed-to-make-the-media-self-censor|title=Hong Kong's national security laws are designed to make the media self-censor|first=Tom|last=Grundy|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=2020-07-14|access-date=2020-08-04|archive-date=4 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804115237/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/14/hong-kongs-national-security-laws-are-designed-to-make-the-media-self-censor|url-status=live}}</ref> as being unable to draw a clear demarcation line between which acts would constitute punishable offences under the law, and which would not. The vagueness of the law,<ref name="nytimes_20200630"/> while refused by the city's police chief,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3092038/national-security-law-legislation-already-having-deterrent|title=National security law: legislation already having deterrent effect, Hong Kong police chief tells CCTV in rare state television appearance|first=Tony|last=Cheung|work=[[South China Morning Post]]|date=2020-07-06|access-date=2020-08-04|archive-date=30 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730222806/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3092038/national-security-law-legislation-already-having-deterrent|url-status=live}}</ref> was seen by pro-democrats and observers as a deliberate device to amplify its deterrence effect.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2020/08/scmp-hong-kong-china-media/614719/|title=A newsroom at the edge of autocracy|first=Timothy|last=McLaughlin|work=[[The Atlantic]]|date=2020-08-01|access-date=2020-08-04|archive-date=4 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804164758/https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2020/08/scmp-hong-kong-china-media/614719/|url-status=live}}</ref>
While the law immediately created a [[chilling effect]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3091703/national-security-law-liberate-hong-kong-revolution-our|title=National security law: is chanting 'Liberate Hong Kong; revolution of our times' now illegal? City's lawyers aren't so sure|first1=Jeffie|last1=Lam|first2=Lok-kei|last2=Sum|first3=Kimmy|last3=Chung|work=[[South China Morning Post]]|date=3 July 2020|access-date=9 August 2020|archive-date=10 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810134444/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3091703/national-security-law-liberate-hong-kong-revolution-our|url-status=live}}</ref> smaller protests continued into the month. During these, protesters sometimes used inventive means to adapt, such as holding up blank sheets of paper, or singing the protest anthem [[Glory to Hong Kong]] with numbers instead of lyrics.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3960846|title=Hongkongers use creativity against new security law|work=[[Taiwan News]]|first=Ching-Tse|last=Cheng|date=6 July 2020|access-date=5 September 2020}}</ref> The month ended with major suppression activities by the local government, including the arrest of four student activists and a ban on twelve pan-democratic candidates for the legislative council election in September. In justifying the disqualifications, the Hong Kong government stated that the candidates had intended to breach the national security law once elected.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/29/hong-kong-student-activists-arrested-under-new-security-law|title=Hong Kong: 12 pro-democracy candidates banned under security law|first=Verna|last=Yu|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=2020-07-30|access-date=2020-08-02|archive-date=2 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802012717/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/29/hong-kong-student-activists-arrested-under-new-security-law|url-status=live}}</ref> On 31 July, the Hong Kong government announced that the election would be deferred by a year due to the worsening of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong|COVID-19 crisis]].
Already before the disqualifications of opposition candidates, there were calls by pro-democrats in Hong Kong and their sympathizers abroad for increasing international pressure on China to change its politics regarding Hong Kong. Furthermore, there were calls on Western countries to provide safe havens for protesters through temporary residence and to create pathways for immigration. Several Western countries took steps to respond to the latter requests, as the United Kingdom had already done earlier, with these steps being sharply criticized by mainland Chinese officials. In relation to non-governmental activism, it was noted internationally that the security law expressly states (in its Article 38) that it also applies to non-Hong Kong permanent residents located outside of Hong Kong.
== Events ==
=== 1 July ===
==== National Security Law comes into effect====
The [[2020 Hong Kong national security law|Hong Kong national security law]] came into effect 23:00 on 30 June, which criminalized advocating "secession", "subversion", "terrorism", and "collusion" of the Chinese government.<ref>{{cite web|last=Regan|first=Helen|date=29 June 2020|title=China passes sweeping Hong Kong national security law: report|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/29/china/hong-kong-national-security-law-passed-intl-hnk/index.html|access-date=17 September 2023|publisher=[[CNN]]|archive-date=1 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701113134/https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/29/china/hong-kong-national-security-law-passed-intl-hnk/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Police continued to use the coronavirus law, which aimed at discouraging public assembly, to ban the [[July 1 marches|annual July 1 march]].
==== Marches against National Security Law ====
{{commons category|Demonstrations against extradition bill, July 2020}}
[[File:DSCF1672 (50068508551).jpg|thumb|Many citizens on [[Russell Street, Hong Kong|Russell Street]] in [[Causeway Bay]] held high the Five Demands gesture sign and displayed the flag of [[Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times|Liberate Hong Kong]], which was alleged to have the meaning of Hong Kong independence]]
Despite police ban, tens of thousands of protesters showed up, alongside heavy police presence, to Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, Tin Hau and lingered in the area for almost six hours to voice their objection against the newly implemented national security law.<ref name="cnn_20200701">{{Cite web|first1=Helen|last1=Regan|first2=Joshua|last2=Berlinger|title=Protests break out in Hong Kong as first arrest made under new security law|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/01/china/hong-kong-national-security-law-july-1-intl-hnk/index.html|access-date=2020-07-03|website=CNN|date=2020-07-01 |archive-date=3 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703111338/https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/01/china/hong-kong-national-security-law-july-1-intl-hnk/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Police used a water cannon to disperse protesters.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/world/hong-kong-police-fire-water-cannon-to-disperse-protests/2020/07/01/dcc021b2-a825-4f54-952f-8015ac40e8b9_video.html |title=Hong Kong police fire water cannon to disperse protests |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |access-date=3 July 2020 |archive-date=3 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703080430/https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/world/hong-kong-police-fire-water-cannon-to-disperse-protests/2020/07/01/dcc021b2-a825-4f54-952f-8015ac40e8b9_video.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
Police made more than 370 arrests, of which it said 10 were for offences related to the new national security law.<ref name="cnn_20200701"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/01/hong-kong-protesters-arrested-as-security-law-comes-into-effect|title=Hong Kong: hundreds arrested as security law comes into effect|first1=Helen|last1=Davidson|first2=Lily|last2=Kuo|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=2020-07-01|access-date=2023-07-30}}</ref> Authorities said that seven police officers were injured, with one having been stabbed in the arm while taking arrest action. Police condemned the stabbing and said that no by-standers had come forward to help the stabbed officer.<ref name="cnn_20200701"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/01/hong-kong-security-law-180-arrests-tear-gas-pepper-balls-and-water-cannon-as-protesters-ignore-police-ban/|title=Hong Kong security law: 370 arrests, tear gas, pepper balls and water cannon as protesters ignore police ban|first=Jennifer|last=Creery|work=[[Hong Kong Free Press]]|date=2020-07-01|access-date=2023-09-15}}</ref> In the evening, a person suspected of having perpetrated the stabbing was escorted off a flight bound for [[London]] at [[Chek Lap Kok Airport]] by airport police.<ref name=bbc2july>{{Cite news|date=2020-07-02|title=US passes HK sanctions as nations condemn new law|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-53259656|access-date=2020-07-02|archive-date=3 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703214100/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-53259656|url-status=live}}</ref>
An anonymous woman who held up a blank sheet of paper near a police cordon gained wider attention.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/03/the-hong-kong-girl-with-the-blank-protest-placard/|title=The Hong Kong girl with the blank protest placard|first=Michelle|last=Ng|work=[[Hong Kong Free Press]]|date=3 July 2020|access-date=29 July 2023}}</ref> This [[Blank piece of paper|method of protest]], not new in itself, was taken up by other protesters in the following days to avoid the use of the slogan [[Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times]] which the government had said was illegal,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/06/security-law-hong-kong-police-arrest-8-at-blank-placard-silent-protest/|title=Security law: Hong Kong police arrest 8 at 'blank placard' silent protest|first=Tom|last=Grundy|work=[[Hong Kong Free Press]]|date=6 July 2020|access-date=29 July 2023}}</ref> and in 2022 during protests triggered by COVID-19 restrictions in mainland China, which led the latter to be colloquially referenced as [[2022 COVID-19 protests in China|White Paper Protests]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-63778871|title=China's protests: Blank paper becomes the symbol of rare demonstrations|first=Matt|last=Murphy|work=[[BBC News]]|date=28 November 2022|access-date=29 July 2023}}</ref><gallery>
File:Andrew Wan Siu-kin arrested by riot police 20200701.png|At 1 pm, [[Democratic Party (Hong Kong)|Democratic Party]] member [[Andrew Wan]] was pressed on the ground by police officers, and then he was arrested by a rope.
File:Nationalsecuritylaw (50067808318).jpg|At noon, the police were advancing along [[Great George Street, Hong Kong|Great George Street]] and East Point Road, and for the first time raised a purple warning flag.
File:DSC3624 (50068776857).jpg|On [[Causeway Road]] between [[Hong Kong Central Library]] and [[Victoria Park (Hong Kong)|Victoria Park]], demonstrators formed an umbrella array.
File:7.1 Police shoot the people on the bridge 20200701.png|During the dispersal of [[Causeway Road]], the police repeatedly fired pepper ball guns at the people and reporters on the flyover.
File:Banner (50068367116).jpg|Someone spread out a large straight flag on the tramway off CNT Center in [[Wan Chai]], saying "We really love Hong Kong."
File:DSCF8271 (50068623862).jpg|Police water cannon vehicles fired water jets on [[Hennessy Road]] in [[Wan Chai]] to disperse crowds and reporters.
File:Hong Kong IMG 2159 (50067808413).jpg|The glass of a watch shop on [[Russell Street, Hong Kong|Russell Street]] was damaged by a pepper ball gun fired by the police.
File:DSC3927 (50069637587).jpg|At around 7:30 pm, the police surrounded [[Times Square (Hong Kong)|Times Square]], and a large number of citizens were arrested in the underground covered square.
</gallery>
==== UK response to the National Security Law ====
Prime Minister [[Boris Johnson]] declared in the [[House of Commons]] that the Hong Kong National Security Law was a "clear and serious breach" of the 1984 [[Sino-British Joint Declaration]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-07-01|title=UK makes citizenship offer to Hong Kong residents|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-53246899|access-date=2020-07-03|archive-date=1 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701143437/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-53246899|url-status=live}}</ref>
Johnson also announced plans to extend UK residency rights to [[British National (Overseas)]] of Hong Kong passport holders and their dependents who would be permitted to apply for five-year visas to reside in the UK, including the right to work and study without restrictions. After five years they can, under normal British nationality law, apply for [[settled status]] and then subsequently for citizenship.<ref name="bbc2july" />
=== 2 July ===
==== International responses ====
The [[United States Congress]] unanimously passed the [[Hong Kong Autonomy Act]] after Senate approval seven days earlier, on 25 June.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-02|title=Congress Unanimously Passes Hong Kong Autonomy Act|url=https://yoho.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congress-unanimously-passes-hong-kong-autonomy-act|access-date=2020-07-03|website=Congressman Ted Yoho|language=en|archive-date=3 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703091521/https://yoho.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congress-unanimously-passes-hong-kong-autonomy-act|url-status=live}}</ref>
The Australian government began drafting a Hong Kong safe haven pathway for pro-democracy Hong Kong protesters. Australian Prime Minister [[Scott Morrison]] stated that offering support to threatened Hong Kong people was "very consistent with who we are as a people and very consistent practically with the views that we've expressed."<ref>{{Cite web|author=ROD McGUIRK|agency=Associated Press|title=Australia may offer safe haven to Hong Kong residents|url=https://www.heraldbulletin.com/news/nation_world/australia-may-offer-safe-haven-to-hong-kong-residents/article_9564e661-9364-56d4-b8f2-e034977f381a.html|access-date=2020-07-04|website=Herald Bulletin|language=en|archive-date=4 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704062552/https://www.heraldbulletin.com/news/nation_world/australia-may-offer-safe-haven-to-hong-kong-residents/article_9564e661-9364-56d4-b8f2-e034977f381a.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Bagshaw|first=Eryk|date=2020-07-02|title=Australia set to offer safe haven visas to Hong Kong residents|url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/australia-set-to-offer-safe-haven-visas-to-hong-kong-20200702-p558c9.html|access-date=2020-07-04|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en|archive-date=4 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704064728/https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/australia-set-to-offer-safe-haven-visas-to-hong-kong-20200702-p558c9.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== Other developments ====
Democracy activist [[Nathan Law]] announced that he had left Hong Kong for an undisclosed location, out of safety concerns.<ref>{{cite web |title=Leading democracy campaigner Nathan Law leaves Hong Kong |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/02/leading-democracy-campaigner-nathan-law-leaves-hong-kong |last1=Graham-Harrison |first1=Emma |last2=Yu |first2=Verna |date=2 July 2020 |website=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=2 July 2020 |archive-date=2 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702190239/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/02/leading-democracy-campaigner-nathan-law-leaves-hong-kong |url-status=live }}</ref> Days later it became known that he was in London.<ref>{{cite web |title=Activist and ex-lawmaker Nathan Law drops out of election race after fleeing Hong Kong |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/08/breaking-activist-and-ex-lawmaker-nathan-law-drops-out-of-election-race-after-fleeing-hong-kong/ |last=Ho |first=Kelly |date=8 July 2020 |website=Hong Kong Free Press |access-date=10 August 2020 }}</ref>
=== 3 July ===
==== Hong Kong government actions ====
A man arrested on 1 July became the first person being charged of "breaching the national security law", articles 21 and 22 and of terrorism, article 24.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Presse|first=AFP-Agence France|title=Hong Kong Police Charge First Person Under New Security Law|url=https://www.barrons.com/news/hong-kong-police-charge-first-person-under-new-security-law-01593763206|access-date=2020-07-03|website=www.barrons.com|language=en-US|archive-date=3 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703214228/https://www.barrons.com/news/hong-kong-police-charge-first-person-under-new-security-law-01593763206|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The [[Education Bureau|Hong Kong Education Bureau]] sent a late night [https://applications.edb.gov.hk/circular/upload/EDBC/EDBC20011E.pdf notice] to all schools in Hong Kong demanding that the newly enacted national security legislation will be taught and enforced in all public and private schools, including special education schools, in every single grade level starting in Kindergarten. The Bureau will support developing curriculum and assessment, the notice stated, and requests all stake holders – educators, administrators, social workers – work together to "enhance national identity".<ref>{{Cite web|last=香港財經時報|date=2020-07-04|title=教育局發通告 {{!}} 要求中小學幼稚園認識國安法 {{!}} 學校須教國家安全重要性|url=https://www.businesstimes.com.hk/articles/128038/教育局-幼稚園-國安法-基本法-憲法-一國兩制-國民身分認同.htm|access-date=2020-07-04|website=香港財經時報|language=zh-HK|archive-date=7 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707012918/https://www.businesstimes.com.hk/articles/128038/%E6%95%99%E8%82%B2%E5%B1%80-%E5%B9%BC%E7%A8%9A%E5%9C%92-%E5%9C%8B%E5%AE%89%E6%B3%95-%E5%9F%BA%E6%9C%AC%E6%B3%95-%E6%86%B2%E6%B3%95-%E4%B8%80%E5%9C%8B%E5%85%A9%E5%88%B6-%E5%9C%8B%E6%B0%91%E8%BA%AB%E5%88%86%E8%AA%8D%E5%90%8C.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== International response against National Security Law ====
The government of Canada [https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2020/07/canada-takes-action-following-passage-of-national-security-legislation-for-hong-kong.html announced] that it would suspend its extradition agreement with Hong Kong in response to the provisions of the Hong Kong national security law.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-07-03|title=Canada says it will suspend its extradition treaty with Hong Kong|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-canada-idUSKBN24420I|access-date=2020-07-03|archive-date=4 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704014839/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-canada-idUSKBN24420I|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Canada|first=Global Affairs|date=2020-07-03|title=Canada takes action following passage of National Security Legislation for Hong Kong|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2020/07/canada-takes-action-following-passage-of-national-security-legislation-for-hong-kong.html|access-date=2020-07-04|website=gcnws|archive-date=4 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704044756/https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2020/07/canada-takes-action-following-passage-of-national-security-legislation-for-hong-kong.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Furthermore, [[Canada]] is considering a "pathway to citizenship", a priority point system, to accept young (18–23 years old), university-bound students who have been participating in the pro-democracy protests. The eligibility of applicants of the scheme could be limited to those between the age of 18–35.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.saltwire.com/opinion/national-perspectives/john-ivison-ottawa-cautiously-considers-opening-canadas-doors-to-hongkongers-fleeing-their-tiananmen-moment-469487/|title=Ottawa cautiously considers opening Canada's doors to Hongkongers fleeing their 'Tiananmen moment'|first=John|last=Ivison|date=2020-07-04|access-date=2020-07-05|website=www.saltwire.com|archive-date=5 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705034859/https://www.saltwire.com/opinion/national-perspectives/john-ivison-ottawa-cautiously-considers-opening-canadas-doors-to-hongkongers-fleeing-their-tiananmen-moment-469487/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Japanese legislators were asking the Japanese government to cancel the summit and state visit of [[Xi Jinping]]. The draft resolution stated that [[Japan]] should not ignore the worsening situation and should take a stance to show support to the Hong Kong pro-democracy citizens.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Submission|first=Internal|date=2020-07-03|title=LDP lawmakers want Xi's Japan state visit canceled over Hong Kong|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/07/03/national/ldp-cancel-japan-visit-china-xi/|access-date=2020-07-04|website=The Japan Times|language=en-US|archive-date=4 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704085856/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/07/03/national/ldp-cancel-japan-visit-china-xi/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=LDP moves to have Xi's visit called off {{!}} NHK WORLD-JAPAN News|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200703_07/|access-date=2020-07-04|website=NHK WORLD|language=en|archive-date=4 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704044453/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200703_07/|url-status=live}}</ref>
A total of 27 countries' governments condemned the national security law: [[Australia]], [[Austria]], [[Belgium]], [[Belize]], [[Canada]], [[Denmark]], [[Estonia]], [[Finland]], [[France]], [[Iceland]], [[Ireland]], [[Germany]], [[Japan]], [[Latvia]], [[Liechtenstein]], [[Lithuania]], [[Luxembourg]], [[Marshall Islands]], [[Netherlands]], [[New Zealand]], [[Norway]], [[Palau]], [[Slovakia]], [[Slovenia]], [[Sweden]], [[Switzerland]], and the [[United Kingdom|U.K]].{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}
Global climate and human rights advocacy group [https://www.now.world/ NOW!] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210192114/https://www.now.world/ |date=10 December 2019 }} launched #FridaysForFreedom in support of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement. Participants are asked to stand in front of their country's Chinese embassy and consulate with related Hong Kong signage.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Fridays For Freedom - Launch|url=https://www.now.world/fridays_for_freedom_launch|access-date=2020-07-04|website=NOW!|language=en|archive-date=30 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930195012/https://www.now.world/fridays_for_freedom_launch|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==== International support for National Security Law ====
At the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, 53 countries voiced their support for the national security law, with 27 countries voicing opposition. The list of supporting countries as uncovered by [[Axios (website)|Axios]] comprised: [[China]], [[Antigua and Barbuda]], [[Bahrain]], [[Belarus]], [[Burundi]], [[Cambodia]], [[Cameroon]], [[Central African Republic]], [[Comoros]], [[Republic of the Congo|Congo-Brazzaville]], [[Cuba]], [[Djibouti]], [[Dominica]], [[Egypt]], [[Equatorial Guinea]], [[Eritrea]], [[Gabon]], [[The Gambia|Gambia]], [[Guinea]], [[Guinea-Bissau]], [[Iran]], [[Iraq]], [[Kuwait]], [[Laos]], [[Lebanon]], [[Lesotho]], [[Mauritania]], [[Morocco]], [[Mozambique]], [[Myanmar]], [[Nepal]], [[Nicaragua]], [[Niger]], [[North Korea]], [[Oman]], [[Pakistan]], [[State of Palestine|Palestine]], [[Papua New Guinea]], [[Saudi Arabia]],  [[Sierra Leone]], [[Somalia]], [[South Sudan]], [[Sri Lanka]], [[Sudan]], [[Suriname]], [[Syria]], [[Tajikistan]], [[Togo]], [[United Arab Emirates|UAE]], [[Venezuela]], [[Yemen]], [[Zambia]] and [[Zimbabwe]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lawler|first=Dave|title=The 53 countries supporting China's crackdown on Hong Kong|url=https://www.axios.com/countries-supporting-china-hong-kong-law-0ec9bc6c-3aeb-4af0-8031-aa0f01a46a7c.html|access-date=2020-07-04|website=Axios|date=3 July 2020 |language=en|archive-date=4 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704233520/https://www.axios.com/countries-supporting-china-hong-kong-law-0ec9bc6c-3aeb-4af0-8031-aa0f01a46a7c.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== Other developments ====
The [[State Council of the People's Republic of China|State Council]] of China appointed [[Zheng Yanxiong]] as director of the [[Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region|National Security Office]].<ref>{{cite web |title=China appoints hard-line Hong Kong security chief |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-53275405 |website=BBC News |access-date=10 August 2020 |date=3 July 2020 |archive-date=8 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808025036/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-53275405 |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== 4 July ===
==== Hong Kong public libraries censor pro-democracy literature ====
Freedom of  press, of publication, and of information are guaranteed by [[Hong Kong Basic Law]] Article 27,<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |url=https://www.basiclaw.gov.hk/en/basiclawtext/images/basiclaw_full_text_en.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=6 July 2020 |archive-date=6 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706214352/https://www.basiclaw.gov.hk/en/basiclawtext/images/basiclaw_full_text_en.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> but according to multiple newspapers and confirmed by the [[Leisure and Cultural Services Department]] (LCSD) of Hong Kong in a query by [[RTHK]], various libraries in Hong Kong have begun reviewing their collections for items deemed violating the national security law. Such books will not be available on the catalog for reference or for borrowing in the meantime.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1535778-20200704.htm |title=Error - RTHK |access-date=4 July 2020 |archive-date=4 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704201751/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1535778-20200704.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> An [[Agence France-Presse|AFP]] reporter was unable to locate books written by activist [[Joshua Wong]], pro-democratic lawmaker [[Tanya Chan]] and local scholar [[Chin Wan]] at a local library branch in the afternoon of 4 July.<ref name="AFP_20200704_libraries">{{Cite web|date=2020-07-04|title=Hong Kong libraries pull books by territory's pro-democracy activists in wake of China security law|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20200704-hong-kong-libraries-pull-books-by-territory-s-pro-democracy-activists-in-wake-of-china-security-law|access-date=2020-07-04|website=France 24|language=en|archive-date=4 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704203753/https://www.france24.com/en/20200704-hong-kong-libraries-pull-books-by-territory-s-pro-democracy-activists-in-wake-of-china-security-law|url-status=live}}</ref> The library staff said that the collection of books was not large, and that not all books by those authors involved are reviewed.  The RTHK article rendered a statement by LCSD which said that the collections of the Hong Kong Public Library must comply with the provisions of and not violate Hong Kong laws. However, according to the [[International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions|IFLA]]/[[UNESCO]] Public Library Manifesto 1994<ref>{{Cite web|title=IFLA -- IFLA/UNESCO Public Library Manifesto 1994|url=https://www.ifla.org/publications/iflaunesco-public-library-manifesto-1994|access-date=2020-07-05|website=www.ifla.org|archive-date=11 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711201731/https://www.ifla.org/publications/iflaunesco-public-library-manifesto-1994|url-status=live}}</ref> mentioned in the [https://www.hkpl.gov.hk/en/about-us/intro/intro.html LCSD Public Library page], the collections and services of public libraries "should not be subject to any ideological, political or religious censorship, [...]".  In addition to the possibility of violating the Manifesto, foreign media were also alarmed by the removal of such books and expressed concerns that Hong Kong's speech and academic freedom would be under pressure.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-04|title=Hong Kong libraries pull books by territory's pro-democracy activists in wake of China security law|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20200704-hong-kong-libraries-pull-books-by-territory-s-pro-democracy-activists-in-wake-of-china-security-law|access-date=2020-07-05|website=France 24|language=en|archive-date=4 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704203753/https://www.france24.com/en/20200704-hong-kong-libraries-pull-books-by-territory-s-pro-democracy-activists-in-wake-of-china-security-law|url-status=live}}</ref> In fact, although many university presidents had jointly announced support for the national security law on 1 June,<ref>{{Cite web|last=聯合新聞網|date=2020-06-02|title=港大學校長聲明立場有別 學者：對國安法無共識 {{!}} 聯合新聞網：最懂你的新聞網站|url=https://udn.com/news/story/121127/4607443|access-date=2020-07-05|website=聯合新聞網|language=zh-Hant-TW|archive-date=5 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705135323/https://udn.com/news/story/121127/4607443|url-status=live}}</ref> a month before the details were announced, and although they vowed to protect academic freedom at the universities, many university professors expressed concern when interviewed by [[Science (journal)|Science]] magazine.<ref name="science_aaas_20190701"/> As for local bookstores, the books removed from the library are still on sale in parts of Hong Kong. In the bookstores of Mong Kok and Causeway Bay,  some bookstore staff explained that these books were older and may only have fewer reprints. In one of the bookstores in [[Mong Kok]], a collection of "Rebellion under Tyranny" published by the Chinese Christian Church, the words "Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of Our Times" on the back cover of the book were covered by adhesive tape.<ref>{{Cite web|last=馬煒傑|first=梁煥敏|date=2020-07-04|title=國安法｜圖書館下架黃之鋒著作 書店仍售政治書遮「光復香港」字|url=https://www.hk01.com/社會新聞/494009/國安法-圖書館下架黃之鋒著作-書店仍售政治書遮-光復香港-字|access-date=2020-07-05|website=香港01|language=zh-HK|archive-date=4 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704164258/https://www.hk01.com/%E7%A4%BE%E6%9C%83%E6%96%B0%E8%81%9E/494009/%E5%9C%8B%E5%AE%89%E6%B3%95-%E5%9C%96%E6%9B%B8%E9%A4%A8%E4%B8%8B%E6%9E%B6%E9%BB%83%E4%B9%8B%E9%8B%92%E8%91%97%E4%BD%9C-%E6%9B%B8%E5%BA%97%E4%BB%8D%E5%94%AE%E6%94%BF%E6%B2%BB%E6%9B%B8%E9%81%AE-%E5%85%89%E5%BE%A9%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF-%E5%AD%97|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== DNA samples taken from arrestees ====
[[South China Morning Post]] reported that the 10 individuals arrested and charged of violating the newly enacted national security law have had their hair and saliva [[DNA]] samples taken by the police.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-04|title=National security law: police take DNA samples from arrested protesters and their lawyer wants to know why|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3091835/national-security-law-police-take-dna-samples-arrested|first=Kanis|last=Leung|access-date=2020-07-06|website=[[South China Morning Post]]|language=en|archive-date=5 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705034806/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3091835/national-security-law-police-take-dna-samples-arrested|url-status=live}}</ref> Citing Police Force Ordinance 59C(2a), police claimed it is within the law that they collect these 10 arrestees' DNA samples. However, 59C states that the police is only authorized to collect non-intimate samples when two conditions are simultaneously met: one, that they suspect that "the person from whom the non-intimate sample is to be taken has committed a serious arrestable offence", and two, that they believe "the sample will tend to confirm or disprove the commission of the offence by that person"[59C(2b)]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hong Kong e-Legislation|url=https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/hk/cap232!en?INDEX_CS=N|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901120629/https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/hk/cap232%21en?INDEX_CS=N|archive-date=1 September 2020|access-date=2020-07-05|website=www.elegislation.gov.hk}}</ref> It is unclear how the possessions of pro-democracy verbiage flags, flyers, and stickers can be classified as "serious arrestable offense", nor was it necessary to prove that the alleged offence was committed by the person (from whom the DNA sample was taken) in this case.<ref>{{Cite web|title=DNA samples collected from arrested people: Hong Kong Police|url=https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/265670328/dna-samples-collected-from-arrested-people-hong-kong-police|access-date=2020-07-05|website=Big News Network.com|language=en|archive-date=5 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705034725/https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/265670328/dna-samples-collected-from-arrested-people-hong-kong-police|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=國安法被捕者扣留期間取 DNA 樣本 律師質疑時警員回應：如有不滿可司法覆核 {{!}} 立場報道 {{!}} 立場新聞|url=https://thestandnews.com/politics/%E5%9C%8B%E5%AE%89%E6%B3%95%E8%A2%AB%E6%8D%95%E8%80%85%E6%89%A3%E7%95%99%E6%9C%9F%E9%96%93%E5%8F%96-dna-%E6%A8%A3%E6%9C%AC-%E5%BE%8B%E5%B8%AB%E8%B3%AA%E7%96%91%E6%99%82%E8%AD%A6%E5%93%A1%E5%9B%9E%E6%87%89-%E5%A6%82%E6%9C%89%E4%B8%8D%E6%BB%BF%E5%8F%AF%E5%8F%B8%E6%B3%95%E8%A6%86%E6%A0%B8/|access-date=2020-07-05|website=立場新聞 Stand News|language=en|archive-date=5 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705034915/https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/%E5%9C%8B%E5%AE%89%E6%B3%95%E8%A2%AB%E6%8D%95%E8%80%85%E6%89%A3%E7%95%99%E6%9C%9F%E9%96%93%E5%8F%96-dna-%E6%A8%A3%E6%9C%AC-%E5%BE%8B%E5%B8%AB%E8%B3%AA%E7%96%91%E6%99%82%E8%AD%A6%E5%93%A1%E5%9B%9E%E6%87%89-%E5%A6%82%E6%9C%89%E4%B8%8D%E6%BB%BF%E5%8F%AF%E5%8F%B8%E6%B3%95%E8%A6%86%E6%A0%B8/|url-status=live}}</ref> According to Hong Kong lawyer [[:zh:駱應淦|Lawrence Lok Ying-kam]] who specializes in criminal cases, Hong Kong police is not authorized to take sample in this case, and he speculated that the main purpose of extracting DNA is to intimidate the arrestees.<ref>{{Cite web|title=眾新聞 {{!}} 警方取國安法被捕人DNA樣本 倘定罪可永久存檔|url=https://www.hkcnews.com/article/31594/國安法-香港警隊-31610/警方取國安法被捕人dna樣本-倘定罪可永久存檔|access-date=2020-07-05|website=眾新聞|language=zh|archive-date=5 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705101049/https://www.hkcnews.com/article/31594/%E5%9C%8B%E5%AE%89%E6%B3%95-%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF%E8%AD%A6%E9%9A%8A-31610/%E8%AD%A6%E6%96%B9%E5%8F%96%E5%9C%8B%E5%AE%89%E6%B3%95%E8%A2%AB%E6%8D%95%E4%BA%BAdna%E6%A8%A3%E6%9C%AC-%E5%80%98%E5%AE%9A%E7%BD%AA%E5%8F%AF%E6%B0%B8%E4%B9%85%E5%AD%98%E6%AA%94|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== 5 July ===
==== Discrepancies between Chinese and English versions of the national security law ====
[https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/hk/cap5!en-zh-Hant-HK.pdf The Official Languages Ordinance] of Hong Kong has always granted equal legal status to legislation in both Chinese and English.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hong Kong e-Legislation|url=https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/checkconfig/checkClientConfig.jsp?applicationId=RA001|access-date=2020-07-06|website=www.elegislation.gov.hk|archive-date=20 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820021817/http://www.legislation.gov.hk/blis_pdf.nsf/6799165D2FEE3FA94825755E0033E532/C8A3B2AECFB759D5482575EF0017A5D5/$FILE/CAP_542_e_b5.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> When the [https://www.gld.gov.hk/egazette/pdf/20202444e/es220202444136.pdf Chinese version] of the National Security Law passed on 30 June in Beijing, there was no complete, Hong Kong official English version immediately available on the government website;<ref>{{Cite web|title=Beijing's National Security Law Brings Mainland Repression to Hong Kong|url=https://thediplomat.com/2020/07/beijings-national-security-law-brings-mainland-repression-to-hong-kong/|access-date=2020-07-06|website=thediplomat.com|language=en-US|archive-date=6 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706154253/https://thediplomat.com/2020/07/beijings-national-security-law-brings-mainland-repression-to-hong-kong/|url-status=live}}</ref> only a 3-paragraph on the first page of the Chinese version footnoting the official English name of the law was gazetted on the website,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.gld.gov.hk/egazette/pdf/20202444e/es220202444136.pdf |title=Promulgation of National Law 2020 | publisher=gld.gov.hk |access-date=12 May 2022 |archive-date=1 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701015733/https://www.gld.gov.hk/egazette/pdf/20202444e/es220202444136.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> and a separate [http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/download/English_translation_of_the_Law_of_the_People's_Republic_of_China_on_Safeguarding_National_Security_in_the_Hong_Kong_Special_Administrative_Region.doc English version]{{dead link|date=November 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} published via GoogleDoc on  [[Xinhua News Agency|Xinhua]] official website.<ref>{{Cite web|title=English translation of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region - Xinhua {{!}} English.news.cn|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-07/01/c_139178753.htm|access-date=2020-07-06|website=www.xinhuanet.com|archive-date=1 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701014611/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-07/01/c_139178753.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>  Discrepancies between the two versions begin to surface after days of analyzing and comparing the two. Lawyer Alan Wong Hok-ming pointed out a few "poor translations" from article 9, 10, and 29, for example, where the word "Universities" were added in the English version that was not found in the Chinese version.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-05|title=Chinese version of national security law to prevail over English one|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3091894/national-security-law-chinese-version-prevail-over|first=Cannix|last=Yau|access-date=2020-07-06|website=[[South China Morning Post]]|language=en|archive-date=6 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706231821/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3091894/national-security-law-chinese-version-prevail-over|url-status=live}}</ref>  When asked by [[South China Morning Post]], the [[Department of Justice (Hong Kong)|Department of Justice]] confirmed that Chinese would be the official language of the new law because "it was a national law enacted by the [[Standing Committee of the National People's Congress|standing committee]] [of [[National People's Congress]] in Beijing]". [[Hong Kong Basic Law|Basic Law]] Committee member Priscilla [[Priscilla Leung|Leung Mei-fun]] also defended the government's decision of Chinese prevailing over English, but legal experts questioned the legality of such claim. For example, English-speaking judges of Hong Kong who can't read Chinese may not be able to uphold justice when the law was not gazetted officially in English, and the court cannot assume English-speaking-only citizens' knowledge of the Chinese version, a former assistant solicitor general of the colonial-era Legal Department Michael Blanchflower stated.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-04|title=Hong Kong urged to release official English version of new security law|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3091786/hong-kong-government-should-release-official-english|first1=Gary|last1=Cheung|first2=Lok-kei|last2=Sum|first3=Chris|last3=Lau|access-date=2020-07-06|website=[[South China Morning Post]]|language=en|archive-date=6 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706233139/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3091786/hong-kong-government-should-release-official-english|url-status=live}}</ref>  To some, the discrepancies between Chinese and the unofficial English version of the law played well into the on-going judges selection debate. In fact, although Carrie Lam rejected calls to use only Chinese nationals to preside over cases and brushed it off as "unrealistic",<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-06-23|title=Carrie Lam says she will not hand-pick judges for national security cases|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3090218/national-security-law-hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-rejects|first1=Lok-kei|last1=Sum|first2=Gary|last2=Cheung|access-date=2020-07-06|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|archive-date=6 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706205020/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3090218/national-security-law-hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-rejects|url-status=live}}</ref>  one day later, Zhang Yong, vice-chairman of the [[Legislative Affairs Commission]] of the [[Standing Committee of the National People's Congress|National People's Congress Standing Committee]], made statements that superseded those of Lam, through voicing his concerns<ref>{{Cite web|title=法工委：沒一刀切禁外籍法官 稱司法獨立非指法院管轄權 法律界斥置香港險境 - 20200624 - 要聞|url=https://news.mingpao.com/pns/%e8%a6%81%e8%81%9e/article/20200624/s00001/1592936945614/%e6%b3%95%e5%b7%a5%e5%a7%94-%e6%b2%92%e4%b8%80%e5%88%80%e5%88%87%e7%a6%81%e5%a4%96%e7%b1%8d%e6%b3%95%e5%ae%98-%e7%a8%b1%e5%8f%b8%e6%b3%95%e7%8d%a8%e7%ab%8b%e9%9d%9e%e6%8c%87%e6%b3%95%e9%99%a2%e7%ae%a1%e8%bd%84%e6%ac%8a-%e6%b3%95%e5%be%8b%e7%95%8c%e6%96%a5%e7%bd%ae%e9%a6%99%e6%b8%af%e9%9a%aa%e5%a2%83|access-date=2020-07-06|website=明報新聞網 - 每日明報 daily news|language=zh-hant|archive-date=7 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707033919/https://news.mingpao.com/pns/%E8%A6%81%E8%81%9E/article/20200624/s00001/1592936945614/%E6%B3%95%E5%B7%A5%E5%A7%94-%E6%B2%92%E4%B8%80%E5%88%80%E5%88%87%E7%A6%81%E5%A4%96%E7%B1%8D%E6%B3%95%E5%AE%98-%E7%A8%B1%E5%8F%B8%E6%B3%95%E7%8D%A8%E7%AB%8B%E9%9D%9E%E6%8C%87%E6%B3%95%E9%99%A2%E7%AE%A1%E8%BD%84%E6%AC%8A-%E6%B3%95%E5%BE%8B%E7%95%8C%E6%96%A5%E7%BD%AE%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF%E9%9A%AA%E5%A2%83|url-status=live}}</ref> that judges heading national security cases should be Chinese nationals only to avoid justice being compromised by "dual allegiance" because of their foreign nationality.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-05|title=How the national security law strikes at Hong Kong's judicial independence|url=https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3091580/how-national-security-law-strikes-heart-hong-kongs-judicial|first=Michael|last=Blanchflower|access-date=2020-07-06|website=[[South China Morning Post]]|language=en|archive-date=7 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707005918/https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3091580/how-national-security-law-strikes-heart-hong-kongs-judicial|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== Boycott Mulan movement ====
The #[[BoycottMulan]] [[hashtag]] has begun to resurface in [[Thailand]]. Concurrent with the recent South Korea protest on 1 July demanding that the film Mulan be scrapped,<ref>{{Cite web|last=이민지|date=2020-07-01|title=Students, civic groups boycott 'Mulan' in support of Hong Kong protests|url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20200701009600315|access-date=2020-07-06|website=Yonhap News Agency|language=en|archive-date=2 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702141851/https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20200701009600315|url-status=live}}</ref> Thai users have been trending #BoycottMulan to show solidarity with the Hong Kong pro-democracy protest movement against China's national security law.<ref>{{Cite web|title=#BoycottMulan trends as actress Liu Yifei's post supporting 'police brutality' in Hong Kong resurfaces|url=https://meaww.com/boycott-mulan-thailand-yifei-liu-mulan-hong-kong-protests-internet-reactions-security-law|access-date=2020-07-06|website=meaww.com|date=6 July 2020 |language=en|archive-date=6 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706071743/https://meaww.com/boycott-mulan-thailand-yifei-liu-mulan-hong-kong-protests-internet-reactions-security-law|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-05|title=#BoycottMulan Gains Traction in Thailand|url=https://www.cbr.com/boycottmulan-hashtag-trends-in-thailand/|access-date=2020-07-06|website=CBR|language=en-US|archive-date=8 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708161857/https://www.cbr.com/boycottmulan-hashtag-trends-in-thailand/|url-status=live}}</ref> To many, [[Hua Mulan|Mulan]], the legendary female warrior who disguised as a man to join the army in the place of her father, symbolizes a freedom fighter against oppression.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-03|title=#BoycottMulan trends in Thailand in support of Hong Kong dissidents|url=https://www.thaienquirer.com/15201/boycottmulan-trends-in-thailand-in-support-of-hong-kong-dissidents/|access-date=2020-07-06|website=Thai Enquirer|language=en-US|archive-date=6 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706180355/https://www.thaienquirer.com/15201/boycottmulan-trends-in-thailand-in-support-of-hong-kong-dissidents/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-09-20|title=Hong Kong protesters see Mulan as freedom fighter tarnished by Disney, but whose side was she really on? |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/09/20/hong-kong-protesters-see-mulan-as-freedom-fighter-tarnished-by-disney-but-whose-side-was-she-really-on/|website=Hong Kong Free Press|language=en-US}}</ref> The hashtag #BoycottMulan began last year in August when pro-China naturalized American citizen [[Liu Yifei]] posted on Twitter that she supported the [[Hong Kong]] police. Days later, [[Twitter]] reportedly shut down more than 200,000 "#SupportMulan" accounts.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Davis|first=Rebecca|date=2019-08-22|title=China Uses Disney's 'Mulan' to Attack Hong Kong Protests|url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/disney-mulan-crystal-liu-yifei-hong-kong-twitter-facebook-china-1203309089/|access-date=2020-07-06|website=Variety|language=en|archive-date=8 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708001116/https://variety.com/2019/film/news/disney-mulan-crystal-liu-yifei-hong-kong-twitter-facebook-china-1203309089/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Here's What to Know About the Mulan Boycott|url=https://time.com/5653973/mulan-boycott-liu-yifei/|access-date=2020-07-06|magazine=Time|archive-date=23 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190823044253/https://time.com/5653973/mulan-boycott-liu-yifei/|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== 6 July ===
==== Blank sheet protests ====
A "Lunch with You" event took place at [[International Finance Centre (Hong Kong)|IFC]] mall in [[Central, Hong Kong|Central]]. Pixelated slogans, along with white sheets of paper, were held up. Police arrived later and conducted stop and search.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bostock|first=Bill|title=Hong Kong activists are holding up blank signs because China now has the power to define pro-democracy slogans as terrorism|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/hong-kong-activists-blank-signs-avoid-china-national-security-law-2020-7|access-date=2020-07-06|website=Business Insider|archive-date=6 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706193205/https://www.businessinsider.com/hong-kong-activists-blank-signs-avoid-china-national-security-law-2020-7|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/150393/First-'lunch-with-you'-protest-since-security-law |title=First 'lunch with you' protest since security law |access-date=6 July 2020 |archive-date=7 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707011529/https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/150393/First-%27lunch-with-you%27-protest-since-security-law |url-status=live }}</ref>
Protected by Hong Kong Basic Law Article 27 to peaceful assembly, demonstration, and processions,<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |url=https://www.legco.gov.hk/yr05-06/english/panels/se/papers/se1101cb2-1224-1e.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=7 July 2020 |archive-date=30 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030060825/https://www.legco.gov.hk/yr05-06/english/panels/se/papers/se1101cb2-1224-1e.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> many gathered in the [[apm (Hong Kong)|apm]] mall in [[Kwun Tong]] with blank sheets to protest the National Security Law's restrictions to the freedom of expression,<ref name="TSN06">{{Cite web|title=【特寫】「舉白紙」的人 — 中年婦舉紙挑戰界線被捕 中學生嘆似返大陸 {{!}} 立場人語 {{!}} 立場新聞|url=https://thestandnews.com/politics/%E7%89%B9%E5%AF%AB-%E8%88%89%E7%99%BD%E7%B4%99-%E7%9A%84%E4%BA%BA-%E4%B8%AD%E5%B9%B4%E5%A9%A6%E8%88%89%E7%B4%99%E6%8C%91%E6%88%B0%E7%95%8C%E7%B7%9A%E8%A2%AB%E6%8D%95-%E4%B8%AD%E5%AD%B8%E7%94%9F%E5%98%86%E4%BC%BC%E8%BF%94%E5%A4%A7%E9%99%B8/|access-date=2020-07-06|website=立場新聞 Stand News|language=en|archive-date=6 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706184657/https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/%E7%89%B9%E5%AF%AB-%E8%88%89%E7%99%BD%E7%B4%99-%E7%9A%84%E4%BA%BA-%E4%B8%AD%E5%B9%B4%E5%A9%A6%E8%88%89%E7%B4%99%E6%8C%91%E6%88%B0%E7%95%8C%E7%B7%9A%E8%A2%AB%E6%8D%95-%E4%B8%AD%E5%AD%B8%E7%94%9F%E5%98%86%E4%BC%BC%E8%BF%94%E5%A4%A7%E9%99%B8/|url-status=live}}</ref> following a viral news article from 1 July about a girl who held up a blank placard while watching police round up protesters nearby.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=2020-07-02|title=香港「舉白紙的少女」 揭抗國安法最沈痛、最無奈、最有力的吶喊 {{!}} 中國|url=https://newtalk.tw/news/view/2020-07-02/429907|access-date=2020-07-06|website=新頭殼 Newtalk|language=zh-TW|archive-date=6 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706190357/https://newtalk.tw/news/view/2020-07-02/429907|url-status=live}}</ref> Police entered the shopping mall by force and arrested three middle-aged women on charges of "obstructing the police".<ref name="TSN06" /> A total of 8 were arrested on various charges.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-06|title=Security law: Hong Kong police arrest 8 at 'blank placard' silent protest|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/06/security-law-hong-kong-police-arrest-8-at-blank-placard-silent-protest/|first=Tom|last=Grundy|access-date=2020-07-06|website=[[Hong Kong Free Press]]|language=en-GB|archive-date=29 December 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201229034235/https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/06/security-law-hong-kong-police-arrest-8-at-blank-placard-silent-protest/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=6 July 2020|title=apm靜默行動抗議國安法警舉紫旗/|work=Post852|url=https://www.post852.com/308661/|url-status=live|access-date=6 July 2020|archive-date=6 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706194702/https://www.post852.com/308661/}}</ref>
==== RTHK interview with US Consul General ====
[[Hanscom Smith]], US Consul General to Hong Kong and Macau, said it was a "tragedy" to use the national security law to "erode fundamental freedoms and to create an atmosphere of coercion and self-censorship".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-06|title=Hong Kong police granted sweeping powers under security law|url=https://apnews.com/89281c2fa942831fffa3fcf166544c78|access-date=2020-07-06|website=AP NEWS|archive-date=6 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706191050/https://apnews.com/89281c2fa942831fffa3fcf166544c78|url-status=live}}</ref> He stated in a [[RTHK]] [[podcast]] that it was the opaque handling of the law that didn't follow Hong Kong legislative processes that created uncertainty in the society.  When questioned by the host how he justified other countries such as the US also have similar national security legislation, Smith stated that the US was a democratic country that followed legislative protocols with checks and balances, and Beijing had none.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://podcast.rthk.hk/podcast/item.php?pid=922&eid=163058 |title=Podcast One: Money Talk - Hanscom Smith: US Consul General to Hong Kong and Macau |access-date=6 July 2020 |archive-date=6 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706181315/https://podcast.rthk.hk/podcast/item.php?pid=922&eid=163058 |url-status=live }}</ref> Hours later, Hong Kong government stated its disagreement with Smith's position, and Chief Secretary of Administration [[Matthew Cheung]] and Secretary for Security John Lee<ref>{{Cite web|last=GovHK|title=GovHK: Mr John Lee Ka-chiu, SBS, PDSM, PMSM, JP, Secretary for Security|url=https://www.gov.hk/en/about/govdirectory/po/ss.htm|access-date=2020-07-06|website=www.gov.hk|language=en|archive-date=7 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707113229/https://www.gov.hk/en/about/govdirectory/po/ss.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> will meet with Smith to express their concerns.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1536138-20200706.htm?spTabChangeable=0 |title=錯誤 - RTHK |access-date=6 July 2020 |archive-date=6 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706181313/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1536138-20200706.htm?spTabChangeable=0 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==== Review and removal of pro-democracy books from schools ====
The Hong Kong [[Education Bureau]] ordered schools to review and remove items from their curriculum and libraries that violate the newly enacted national security law, unless these books are to "positively teach" students. The Education Bureau further reaffirmed to [[Reuters]] that because schools are the "gatekeepers" for their teaching resources, therefore school management and teachers should review "all teaching materials, including books" that may violate the national security law.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-07-06|title=Hong Kong schools should not provide material against new law, government says|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-books-idUSKBN24717K|access-date=2020-07-07|archive-date=7 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707231618/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-books-idUSKBN24717K|url-status=live}}</ref> Many school principals requested for more details and clarity. A [[Baptist University in Hong Kong|Baptist University]] lecturer pointed out in a [[South China Morning Post]] interview, "books written by political leaders such as [[Nelson Mandela]] and [[Mahatma Gandhi]] [involving organising civil disobedience acts] may also be banned," under the vague directive.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-06|title=Schools told to remove books that might break Hong Kong national security law|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3092043/national-security-law-hong-kong-schools-told-remove-books|access-date=2020-07-07|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|archive-date=8 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708025717/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3092043/national-security-law-hong-kong-schools-told-remove-books|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== 7 July ===
==== Article 43 implementation rules effective immediately ====
[[File:政府官員立法會聯席委員會後見傳媒 20200707.png|thumb|Secretary for Justice [[Teresa Cheng (politician)|Teresa Cheng]] and Secretary for Security [[John Lee (government official)|John Lee]] meet with reporters after attending the joint meeting]]
Details have been vague in the newly Beijing-enacted national security law. Effective midnight of 7 July, the Article 43 Implementation Rules listed  seven details ranging from freezing assets, limiting travels, to granting more power to police to conduct searches without warrants.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Implementation Rules for Article 43 of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region gazetted|url=https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/06/P2020070600784.htm?fontSize=1|access-date=2020-07-06|website=www.info.gov.hk|archive-date=6 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706223927/https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/06/P2020070600784.htm?fontSize=1|url-status=live}}</ref> Under Article 37, Hong Kong [[Hong Kong Basic Law|Basic Law]] prohibits "unlawful search of a citizen's person".<ref name=":2" /> However, lawyer and Hong Kong [[Executive Council of Hong Kong|Executive Council]] member [[Ronny Tong]] Ka-wah speculated that not requiring warrants before conducting searches can expedite arrest and "prevent evidence from being destroyed meanwhile".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1536150-20200706.htm?spTabChangeable=0 |title=錯誤 - RTHK |access-date=6 July 2020 |archive-date=7 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707074619/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1536150-20200706.htm?spTabChangeable=0 |url-status=live }}</ref> The rules continue to grant police power to ask social media platforms for user details whom they deem as national security threats.<ref>{{Cite web|title=WhatsApp 暫停處理港警索用戶資料要求 莫乃光憂長遠社交平台企業撤港 {{!}} 立場報道 {{!}} 立場新聞|url=https://thestandnews.com/politics/whatsapp-%E6%9A%AB%E5%81%9C%E8%99%95%E7%90%86%E6%B8%AF%E8%AD%A6%E7%B4%A2%E7%94%A8%E6%88%B6%E8%B3%87%E6%96%99%E8%A6%81%E6%B1%82-%E8%8E%AB%E4%B9%83%E5%85%89%E6%86%82%E9%95%B7%E9%81%A0%E7%A4%BE%E4%BA%A4%E5%B9%B3%E5%8F%B0%E4%BC%81%E6%A5%AD%E6%92%A4%E6%B8%AF/|access-date=2020-07-06|website=立場新聞 Stand News|language=en|archive-date=7 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707025350/https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/whatsapp-%E6%9A%AB%E5%81%9C%E8%99%95%E7%90%86%E6%B8%AF%E8%AD%A6%E7%B4%A2%E7%94%A8%E6%88%B6%E8%B3%87%E6%96%99%E8%A6%81%E6%B1%82-%E8%8E%AB%E4%B9%83%E5%85%89%E6%86%82%E9%95%B7%E9%81%A0%E7%A4%BE%E4%BA%A4%E5%B9%B3%E5%8F%B0%E4%BC%81%E6%A5%AD%E6%92%A4%E6%B8%AF/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Facebook]] (and its subsidiary [[WhatsApp]]), [[Google]], [[Twitter]], and [[Telegram (software)|Telegram]] so far all expressed their refusal to comply while awaiting international consensus regarding the legality of the law.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-05|title=Exclusive: Telegram to temporarily refuse data requests from Hong Kong courts amid security law 'terrorism' fears|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/05/exclusive-telegram-to-temporarily-refuse-data-requests-from-hong-kong-courts-amid-security-law-terrorism-row/|access-date=2020-07-06|website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP|language=en-GB|archive-date=5 July 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200705181449/https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/05/exclusive-telegram-to-temporarily-refuse-data-requests-from-hong-kong-courts-amid-security-law-terrorism-row/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Lovejoy|first=Ben|date=2020-07-06|title=WhatsApp and Telegram won't give user data to Hong Kong|url=https://9to5mac.com/2020/07/06/whatsapp-and-telegram/|access-date=2020-07-06|website=9to5Mac|language=en-US|archive-date=6 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706194712/https://9to5mac.com/2020/07/06/whatsapp-and-telegram/|url-status=live}}</ref> In an interview with [[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]], Yaqiu Wang, a China researcher with the nonprofit [[Human Rights Watch]], stated that the law could be "easily abused by authorities to punish people for peacefully expressing critical views of the Chinese or Hong Kong government."<ref>{{Cite web|title=WhatsApp and Telegram won't give Hong Kong user data to Chinese authorities in response to 'easily abused' security law|url=https://fortune.com/2020/07/06/facebook-whatsapp-telegram-hong-kong-user-data-privacy-china/|access-date=2020-07-06|website=Fortune|language=en|archive-date=6 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706233830/https://fortune.com/2020/07/06/facebook-whatsapp-telegram-hong-kong-user-data-privacy-china/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the same article, [[Julian Gewirtz]], a China expert and then-research fellow at [[Harvard University|Harvard]], worried that companies which have been comfortably operating in Hong Kong are now suddenly burdened by the vague and legally ambiguous law.
==== IPAC for no Hong Kong extradition ====
The [[Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China]] (IPAC) is a newly formed organization of 34 legislators from 16 democratic countries [the numbers since increased] dedicated to safeguarding international rules based order, upholding human rights, promoting trade fairness, strengthening security, protecting national integrity.<ref>{{Cite web|title=About|url=https://www.ipac.global/about/|access-date=2020-07-06|website=www.ipac.global|language=en|archive-date=30 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630233335/https://www.ipac.global/about/|url-status=live}}</ref> Its first campaign is to convince countries not to allow extraditions to Hong Kong and to suspend extradition treaties with Hong Kong.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ho|first=Kelly|date=2020-07-07|title=Security law: Global coalition of legislators campaign to axe extradition treaties with Hong Kong|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/07/security-law-global-coalition-of-legislators-campaign-for-no-extradition-to-hong-kong/|access-date=2020-07-07|website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP|language=en-GB}}</ref> Their website listed [[Australia]], [[Czech Republic|Czechia]], [[France]], [[Germany]], the [[Netherlands]], [[New Zealand]], the [[United Kingdom]] and the [[United States]] as IPAC member countries that have extradition treaties with Hong Kong. Overall, Hong Kong has extradition treaties with 39 territories. Canada had suspended its extradition treaty on 3 July<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-suspending-extradition-treaty-hong-kong-over-security-law-1.5636479 |title=Canada suspends extradition treaty with Hong Kong over new security law |access-date=7 July 2020 |archive-date=7 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707135730/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-suspending-extradition-treaty-hong-kong-over-security-law-1.5636479 |url-status=live }}</ref> and Australia did so on 9 July.
==== Australia enhanced travel warning ====
Australian government's official travel website updated its warning to travellers and to Australian passport holders residing in Hong Kong, advising the latter group: "If you're concerned about the new law, reconsider your need to remain in Hong Kong."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hong Kong Travel Advice & Safety {{!}} Smartraveller|url=https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/china|access-date=2020-07-08|website=www.smartraveller.gov.au|archive-date=14 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214145233/https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/china|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== 8 July ===
==== Converting a hotel into the National Security Office ====
The official Beijing-led [[Office for Safeguarding National Security of the CPG in the HKSAR|National Security office]] was inaugurated in [[Causeway Bay]], a Hong Kong protest hotspot, inside a 4-star hotel.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-08|title=New head of Beijing security office in Hong Kong pledges to protect rights|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3092246/hong-kong-national-security-law-new-beijing-office-opens|access-date=2020-07-08|website=[[South China Morning Post]]|language=en|archive-date=8 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708065252/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3092246/hong-kong-national-security-law-new-beijing-office-opens|url-status=live}}</ref> The inaugural ceremony was held at 8am with water-filled barricades and heavy police presence.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-08|title=Hong Kong inaugurates Beijing's national security office|url=https://apnews.com/eb3f2b5cd676049d67d468153da0d9d6|access-date=2020-07-08|website=AP NEWS|archive-date=8 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708061413/https://apnews.com/eb3f2b5cd676049d67d468153da0d9d6|url-status=live}}</ref> The public only learned of the arrangement the day before. Since about midnight heavy barricades were moved in, and the [[emblem of the People's Republic of China]] was placed on the front of the hotel entrance. During the ceremony reporters were not allowed through the barricades. The hotel, formerly known as [[Metropark Hotel Causeway Bay Hong Kong|MetroPark hotel]] managed by China's state-owned China Travel Service, has had a "construction in progress" sign for several days now, and its website is currently down for "maintenance",<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hong Kong Hotel {{!}} Metropark Hotel Causeway Bay Hong Kong|url=http://www.metroparkhotelcausewaybay.com/eng/|access-date=2020-07-08|website=www.metroparkhotelcausewaybay.com|archive-date=10 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710130213/http://www.metroparkhotelcausewaybay.com/eng/|url-status=live}}</ref> and according to [[Hong Kong Free Press]], it's been down for about a week.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Wong|first=Rachel|date=2020-07-08|title=Hong Kong hotel transformed into national security office|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/08/hong-kong-hotel-transformed-into-national-security-office/|access-date=2020-07-08|website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP|language=en-GB|archive-date=8 July 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200708062449/https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/08/hong-kong-hotel-transformed-into-national-security-office/|url-status=live}}</ref>  The office is leased for at least six months, and is termed "the most luxurious Chinese Communist Party office" by The News Lens.<ref>{{Cite web|last=編輯|first=TNL|date=2020-07-08|title=「最豪華中共辦公室」：駐港國安公署開幕，將不受港府管轄、自行收集分析情報|url=https://www.thenewslens.com/article/137417|access-date=2020-07-08|website=The News Lens 關鍵評論網|language=zh-Hant-TW|archive-date=8 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708154313/https://www.thenewslens.com/article/137417|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== Protest anthem banned in schools ====
Hours after the National Security office was unveiled, and only one day after Carrie Lam's public statement reaffirming that the National Security law "will not undermine human rights and freedoms",<ref>{{Cite web|title=Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo meeting (with video)|url=https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/07/P2020070700447.htm?fontSize=1|access-date=2020-07-08|website=www.info.gov.hk|archive-date=8 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708100452/https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/07/P2020070700447.htm?fontSize=1|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Education Bureau]] minister [[Kevin Yeung]] stated in a written response that pro-democracy protest-related activities such as forming human chains or chanting songs – specifically the protest anthem [[Glory to Hong Kong]] – are banned in all schools.  Human chains, or the [[Baltic Way]], is a peaceful political demonstration originated in 1989 by Baltic's pro-independence wishing to secede from the Communist Soviet Union.<ref>{{Cite web|title=History|url=http://www.thebalticway.eu/en/history/|access-date=2020-07-08|website=www.thebalticway.eu|language=en-US|archive-date=23 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623100602/http://www.thebalticway.eu/en/history/|url-status=live}}</ref>  On the other hand, "[[Glory to Hong Kong]]", possibly inspired by "[[Songs from Les Misérables|Do You Hear The People Sing]]" from [[Les Misérables (2019 film)|Les Misérables]], was a made-in-Hong-Kong, crowd-sourced, did-it-yourselves "protest anthem"<ref>{{Cite web|title='Glory to Hong Kong': anthem born of turmoil turns into music of hope|url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Life-Arts/Life/Glory-to-Hong-Kong-anthem-born-of-turmoil-turns-into-music-of-hope2|access-date=2020-07-08|website=Nikkei Asian Review|language=en-GB|archive-date=9 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200709081741/https://asia.nikkei.com/Life-Arts/Life/Glory-to-Hong-Kong-anthem-born-of-turmoil-turns-into-music-of-hope2|url-status=live}}</ref> that became world famous during the year-long protest movement.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Singing Hong Kong's new protest anthem|work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-asia-china-49688548/glory-to-hong-kong-singing-a-new-protest-anthem|access-date=2020-07-08|language=en|archive-date=20 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220144230/https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-asia-china-49688548/glory-to-hong-kong-singing-a-new-protest-anthem|url-status=live}}</ref>  Whereas Article 27 of Hong Kong Basic Law guarantees citizens' freedom of speech, of "assembly, of procession and of demonstration", Yeung concluded that children's right to free expression "is not absolute"<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1536522-20200708.htm |title=Error - RTHK |access-date=8 July 2020 |archive-date=11 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711005727/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1536522-20200708.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> and requested that schools take action to prevent such "violations" from occurring.<ref>{{Cite web|title=楊潤雄：學校絕不應讓學生在校內奏唱播放《榮光》 有責任制止學生拉人鏈 {{!}} 立場報道 {{!}} 立場新聞|url=https://thestandnews.com/politics/%E6%A5%8A%E6%BD%A4%E9%9B%84-%E5%AD%B8%E6%A0%A1%E7%B5%95%E4%B8%8D%E6%87%89%E8%AE%93%E5%AD%B8%E7%94%9F%E5%9C%A8%E6%A0%A1%E5%85%A7%E5%A5%8F%E5%94%B1%E6%92%AD%E6%94%BE-%E6%A6%AE%E5%85%89-%E6%9C%89%E8%B2%AC%E4%BB%BB%E5%88%B6%E6%AD%A2%E5%AD%B8%E7%94%9F%E6%8B%89%E4%BA%BA%E9%8F%88/|access-date=2020-07-08|website=立場新聞 Stand News|language=en|archive-date=8 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708084209/https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/%E6%A5%8A%E6%BD%A4%E9%9B%84-%E5%AD%B8%E6%A0%A1%E7%B5%95%E4%B8%8D%E6%87%89%E8%AE%93%E5%AD%B8%E7%94%9F%E5%9C%A8%E6%A0%A1%E5%85%A7%E5%A5%8F%E5%94%B1%E6%92%AD%E6%94%BE-%E6%A6%AE%E5%85%89-%E6%9C%89%E8%B2%AC%E4%BB%BB%E5%88%B6%E6%AD%A2%E5%AD%B8%E7%94%9F%E6%8B%89%E4%BA%BA%E9%8F%88/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== Legality of the Legislative Council primaries ====
[[Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs]] Erick Tsang stated in an interview with [[Oriental Daily News|Oriental Daily]] News that the organizer of the primaries and the candidates may be in breach of National Security Law articles 20, 22, and 29.<ref>{{Cite web|title=曾國衞：牽頭搞泛民初選 戴耀廷或違國安法|url=https://orientaldaily.on.cc/cnt/news/20200709/00176_034.html|access-date=2020-07-09|website=東方日報|language=zh-hk|archive-date=9 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200709064039/https://orientaldaily.on.cc/cnt/news/20200709/00176_034.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Whereas [[Hong Kong Basic Law]] article 26 guarantees citizens and permanent residents of Hong Kong "the right to vote and the right to stand for election in accordance with [the Basic] law,"<ref>{{Cite web|title=Full Text of the Constitution and the Basic Law - chapter (3)|url=https://www.basiclaw.gov.hk/en/basiclawtext/chapter_3.html|access-date=2020-07-09|website=www.basiclaw.gov.hk|archive-date=5 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191005082639/https://www.basiclaw.gov.hk/en/basiclawtext/chapter_3.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Tsang warned citizens to pay heed to the potential violations of the "Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirement and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F), commonly known as social-distance regulation, to avoid citations and arrests.<ref>{{Cite web|title=COVID-19 Thematic Website, Together, We Fight the Virus, Frequently Asked Questions on New Requirements to Reduce Gatherings|url=https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/social_distancing-faq.html|access-date=2020-07-09|website=www.coronavirus.gov.hk|language=en|archive-date=14 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714032922/https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/social_distancing-faq.html|url-status=live}}</ref>  Pro-democracy legislators historically constituted less than half of the [[Legislative Council of Hong Kong|Legislative Council]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-09-02|title=Explained: how Hong Kong's Legislative Council has evolved|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education-community/article/2012978/explained-how-hong-kongs-legislative-council-has|access-date=2020-07-09|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|archive-date=29 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329034505/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education-community/article/2012978/explained-how-hong-kongs-legislative-council-has|url-status=live}}</ref> In the wake of the year-long pro-democracy movement and after the record turnout and the landslide win<ref>{{Cite web|last=Cheng|first=Kris|date=2019-11-25|title=Hong Kong District Council election: Democrats take control of 17 out of 18 councils in landslide victory|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2019/11/25/hong-kong-district-council-election-democrats-take-control-17-18-councils-landslide-victory/|access-date=2020-07-09|website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP|language=en-GB|archive-date=31 July 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200731003455/https://hongkongfp.com/2019/11/25/hong-kong-district-council-election-democrats-take-control-17-18-councils-landslide-victory/|url-status=live}}</ref> in November's [[District councils of Hong Kong|District Council]] [[2019 Hong Kong local elections|election]], pro-democracy candidates began to emerge and vowed to take over more than half of the  [[2020 Hong Kong legislative election|70-seat Legislative Council election]] in September. It is hoped that this primary and its result would strategies their win against the pro-China majority party. In an earlier interview with the [[Stand News]], [[Benny Tai]], the organizer of this year's primary and a [[University of Hong Kong|Hong Kong University]] assistant professor in law, expressed that he is mentally ready for police disruption at polling stations, and he anticipated that the Hong Kong government will use any excuse to disqualify these pro-democracy candidates, both before and after the September election, something that the government has done in the past.<ref>{{Cite web|title=民主派 7月 11、12 日初選 冀全港 200 票站 17 萬人投票 {{!}} 立場報道 {{!}} 立場新聞|url=https://thestandnews.com/politics/%E6%B0%91%E4%B8%BB%E6%B4%BE-7%E6%9C%88-11-12-%E6%97%A5%E5%88%9D%E9%81%B8-%E5%86%80%E5%85%A8%E6%B8%AF-200-%E7%A5%A8%E7%AB%99-17-%E8%90%AC%E4%BA%BA%E6%8A%95%E7%A5%A8/|access-date=2020-07-09|website=立場新聞 Stand News|language=en|archive-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722225124/https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/%E6%B0%91%E4%B8%BB%E6%B4%BE-7%E6%9C%88-11-12-%E6%97%A5%E5%88%9D%E9%81%B8-%E5%86%80%E5%85%A8%E6%B8%AF-200-%E7%A5%A8%E7%AB%99-17-%E8%90%AC%E4%BA%BA%E6%8A%95%E7%A5%A8/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== Hong Kong University Students' Union "Fear Not" statement ====
The [[University of Hong Kong|Hong Kong University]] management began "cleaning up" protest banners and posters on campus.<ref>{{Cite web|title=港大凌晨清除連儂牆「光時」等文宣 校方稱為保校園整潔 學生會：明顯因國安法 {{!}} 立場報道 {{!}} 立場新聞|url=https://thestandnews.com/politics/%E6%B8%AF%E5%A4%A7%E5%87%8C%E6%99%A8%E6%B8%85%E6%8B%86%E9%80%A3%E5%84%82%E7%89%86%E5%A4%96%E6%96%87%E5%AE%A3-%E6%A0%A1%E6%96%B9%E6%8C%87%E4%BF%9D%E6%8C%81%E6%A0%A1%E5%9C%92%E6%95%B4%E6%BD%94-%E5%AD%B8%E7%94%9F%E6%9C%83-%E6%98%8E%E9%A1%AF%E9%87%9D%E5%B0%8D%E5%9C%8B%E5%AE%89%E6%B3%95/|access-date=2020-07-11|website=立場新聞 Stand News|language=en|archive-date=12 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712083158/https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/%E6%B8%AF%E5%A4%A7%E5%87%8C%E6%99%A8%E6%B8%85%E6%8B%86%E9%80%A3%E5%84%82%E7%89%86%E5%A4%96%E6%96%87%E5%AE%A3-%E6%A0%A1%E6%96%B9%E6%8C%87%E4%BF%9D%E6%8C%81%E6%A0%A1%E5%9C%92%E6%95%B4%E6%BD%94-%E5%AD%B8%E7%94%9F%E6%9C%83-%E6%98%8E%E9%A1%AF%E9%87%9D%E5%B0%8D%E5%9C%8B%E5%AE%89%E6%B3%95/|url-status=live}}</ref> They argued that while there is a designated "[[Lennon Wall (Hong Kong)|Lennon Wall]]" space for free speech, the slogans "[[Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times|Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of our Times]]", and "[[Hong Kong independence|Hong Kong Independence]]" violated the newly Beijing-enacted National Security Law. In addition, they claimed that the structural poles and columns adjacent to the designated space were not part of the agreed space and therefore they, while respecting students' freedom of speech, would continue to periodically clean up any wordings deemed inappropriate or illegal.<ref>{{Cite web|title=港大連儂牆旁柱 「光時」「港獨」文宣被清 - 20200710 - 教育|url=https://news.mingpao.com/pns/%e6%95%99%e8%82%b2/article/20200710/s00011/1594319529368/%e6%b8%af%e5%a4%a7%e9%80%a3%e5%84%82%e7%89%86%e6%97%81%e6%9f%b1-%e3%80%8c%e5%85%89%e6%99%82%e3%80%8d%e3%80%8c%e6%b8%af%e7%8d%a8%e3%80%8d%e6%96%87%e5%ae%a3%e8%a2%ab%e6%b8%85|access-date=2020-07-11|website=明報新聞網 - 每日明報 daily news|language=zh-hant|archive-date=11 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711074851/https://news.mingpao.com/pns/%E6%95%99%E8%82%B2/article/20200710/s00011/1594319529368/%E6%B8%AF%E5%A4%A7%E9%80%A3%E5%84%82%E7%89%86%E6%97%81%E6%9F%B1-%E3%80%8C%E5%85%89%E6%99%82%E3%80%8D%E3%80%8C%E6%B8%AF%E7%8D%A8%E3%80%8D%E6%96%87%E5%AE%A3%E8%A2%AB%E6%B8%85|url-status=live}}</ref> In response, on 8 July, the [[Hong Kong University Students' Union]] published a declaration on their Facebook page, with the title "Statement that the Hong Kong University Students' Union fears not of the National Security Law". In addition to restating their earlier opposition to the National Security Law, they also proclaimed that the insertion of the word "Universities" in the discrepant English version of the National Security Law had "dealt a blow" to the university's "[i]nstitutional autonomy and academic freedom". The statement concluded with a vow to "fight against malignancy."<ref>{{Cite web|title=【港版國安法】無懼惡法掀白色恐怖 港大學生會發聲明誓與港人同行守護香港|url=https://hk.appledaily.com/local/20200709/463ELRZBRCTEGMOWFIDOF5PAAA/|access-date=2020-07-11|website=Apple Daily 蘋果日報|language=zh-hk|archive-date=11 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711120354/https://hk.appledaily.com/local/20200709/463ELRZBRCTEGMOWFIDOF5PAAA/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== Protest-related journalism award ====
[[Agence France-Presse|AFP]] photographer Anthony Wallace's coverage on the Hong Kong protest between June and December 2019 won this year's Ville de Perignan Remi Ochlik Award in the [[Visa pour l'Image]] International Festival of Photojournalism.  The title of his winning work was "Opposing Views", in which a photograph captured during "Occupy Airport"<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hong Kong Protesters Occupy The City's Airport In 'Summer Of Discontent'|url=https://www.npr.org/2019/07/26/745662446/hong-kong-protesters-occupy-the-citys-airport-in-summer-of-discontent|access-date=2020-07-08|website=NPR.org|date=26 July 2019 |language=en|archive-date=8 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708215409/https://www.npr.org/2019/07/26/745662446/hong-kong-protesters-occupy-the-citys-airport-in-summer-of-discontent|url-status=live|last1=Sant |first1=Shannon Van }}</ref> and a young man being pinned down by police in a protest were featured.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Opposing Views|url=https://www.visapourlimage.com/en/festival/exhibitions/points-de-vue-opposes|access-date=2020-07-08|website=Visa pour l’image|language=en|archive-date=8 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708215418/https://www.visapourlimage.com/en/festival/exhibitions/points-de-vue-opposes|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== 9 July ===
==== Australia suspends Hong Kong extradition treaty ====
[[Australia]] suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong (which has been in place since 1993) and offered to extend visas by five years for Hong Kong residents currently in the country, and opening a pathway to permanent residency for up to 10,000 people working and studying in Australia. The government has also warned the more than 100,000 Australians in Hong Kong that they "may be at increased risk of detention on vaguely defined national security grounds. You could break the law without intending to. If you're concerned about the new law, reconsider your need to remain in Hong Kong".<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-53344013 |title=National security law: Australia suspends Hong Kong extradition treaty |work=BBC News |date=9 July 2020 |access-date=9 July 2020 |archive-date=9 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200709052822/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-53344013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Extradition Treaty with Hong Kong {{!}} Prime Minister of Australia|url=https://www.pm.gov.au/media/extradition-treaty-hong-kong|access-date=2020-07-09|website=www.pm.gov.au|archive-date=10 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710000305/https://www.pm.gov.au/media/extradition-treaty-hong-kong|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-09|title=Australia suspends Hong Kong extradition treaty, extends Hong Kongers' visas after security law imposed|url=https://apnews.com/eccca27001bdcd81a1b5eff596ec5c22|access-date=2020-07-09|website=AP NEWS|archive-date=9 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200709065314/https://apnews.com/eccca27001bdcd81a1b5eff596ec5c22|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== 10 July ===
==== Police raid Pan-democratic primaries polling office ====
[[File:鍾劍華和鍾庭耀見記者 20200710.png|thumb|At 1 am, [[Robert Chung]] (right), Chairman of the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute, and Chung Kim-wah (left), Deputy Chief Executive, met with reporters]]
Police raided the offices of the [[Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute]] (PORI), a polling firm that was working with the [[pan-democracy camp]], the night before the pan-democracy camp's primaries for the upcoming legislative election.<ref>Lung, Natalie; Marlow, Iain. "[https://www.bloombergquint.com/politics/hong-kong-police-raid-pollster-working-with-democracy-movement Hong Kong Police Raid Pollster Working With Democracy Movement] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711053852/https://www.bloombergquint.com/politics/hong-kong-police-raid-pollster-working-with-democracy-movement |date=11 July 2020 }}", [[BloombergQuint]]. 10 July 2020. Retrieved 11 July 2020.</ref>  According to [[Hong Kong Free Press]], police accused the organization for "dishonest use of computers", claiming that someone named "Tony Mike" told pro-Beijing state-run newspaper [[Wen Wei Po]] on Thursday that PORI does not erase interviewees' personal data collected from past surveys, claiming that the data had been hacked and leaked.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Grundy|first=Tom|date=2020-07-10|title=Hong Kong police raid office of pro-democracy camp primary election co-organisers PORI|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/10/breaking-hong-kong-police-raid-office-of-pro-democracy-camp-primary-election-co-organisers-pori-seize-pcs/|access-date=2020-07-11|website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP|language=en-GB|archive-date=10 July 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200710141531/https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/10/breaking-hong-kong-police-raid-office-of-pro-democracy-camp-primary-election-co-organisers-pori-seize-pcs/|url-status=live}}</ref> Although with a court warrant, the organizer and a team of PORI lawyers refused the police's request to hand over all the computer units.<ref>{{Cite web|title=誰令社會不安全？誰令社會對立更難舒緩？ {{!}} 鍾劍華 {{!}} 立場新聞|url=https://thestandnews.com/politics/%E8%AA%B0%E4%BB%A4%E7%A4%BE%E6%9C%83%E4%B8%8D%E5%AE%89%E5%85%A8-%E8%AA%B0%E4%BB%A4%E7%A4%BE%E6%9C%83%E5%B0%8D%E7%AB%8B%E6%9B%B4%E9%9B%A3%E8%88%92%E7%B7%A9/|access-date=2020-07-11|website=立場新聞 Stand News|language=en|archive-date=12 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712235654/https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/%E8%AA%B0%E4%BB%A4%E7%A4%BE%E6%9C%83%E4%B8%8D%E5%AE%89%E5%85%A8-%E8%AA%B0%E4%BB%A4%E7%A4%BE%E6%9C%83%E5%B0%8D%E7%AB%8B%E6%9B%B4%E9%9B%A3%E8%88%92%E7%B7%A9/|url-status=live}}</ref> As a result, police stayed at the premise for several hours, going through each computer unit and writing down notes for further investigation.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-10|title=Police raid office of pollsters involved in coming opposition primary|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3092742/hong-kong-police-raid-office-poll-organisers-involved|access-date=2020-07-11|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|archive-date=10 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710150224/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3092742/hong-kong-police-raid-office-poll-organisers-involved|url-status=live}}</ref> Police also gave an oral promise that the taken data will not be used for other investigations (such as those protest-related).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hong Kong police search pollster's office days after security law introduced|url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/13536315|access-date=2020-07-11|website=The Asahi Shimbun|language=en|archive-date=11 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711091915/http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/13536315|url-status=live}}</ref> No equipment was taken, and no arrests were made. Due to this incident, the primaries originally scheduled to begin at 9am the next day have been postponed till 12 noon.
=== 11 July ===
==== Day one of two first Pan-democratic primaries ====
[[File:Hong Kong democrats’ primary election queue in Tin Shui Estate 20200711.png|thumb|More than 400 people in Tin Shui Village, [[Tin Shui Wai]], were waiting to vote during the peak afternoon]]
With the original 2-day total estimated voter turnout being 170,000,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-12|title=Traditional opposition parties, localists face off as over 610,000 vote in primary|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3092828/long-queues-second-day-weekend-primary-hongkongers-choose|access-date=2020-07-14|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|archive-date=14 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714072159/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3092828/long-queues-second-day-weekend-primary-hongkongers-choose|url-status=live}}</ref> over 220,000 Hong Kongers cast their ballots on the first day at over 250 polling stations throughout Hong Kong in hope to unseat the pro-Beijing establishment party, the [[Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong|DAB]], in the [[Legislative Council of Hong Kong|Legislative Council]] election in September.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-11|title=Long queues as 229,000 Hongkongers vote on first day of democrats' primaries - organisers|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/11/long-queues-as-hongkongers-cast-ballots-in-first-day-of-democrats-primaries/|access-date=2020-07-14|website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP|language=en-GB|archive-date=14 July 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200714131610/https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/11/long-queues-as-hongkongers-cast-ballots-in-first-day-of-democrats-primaries/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== Anti-national security law protest march in Paris, France ====
Hundreds of pro-democracy protesters took to the street in Paris to voice their opposition against the imposition of the national security law in Hong Kong.<ref>{{Cite web|last=ENGO|first=Joël Didier|title=Première marche contre la loi sur la sécurité nationale de Hong Kong|url=https://blogs.mediapart.fr/joel-didier-engo/blog/090720/premiere-marche-contre-la-loi-sur-la-securite-nationale-de-hong-kong|date=2020-07-09|access-date=2020-07-13|website=Club de Mediapart|language=fr|archive-date=28 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828162149/https://blogs.mediapart.fr/joel-didier-engo/blog/090720/premiere-marche-contre-la-loi-sur-la-securite-nationale-de-hong-kong|url-status=live}}</ref> The protest was organized by AfricaHongKongFrance (AHKF), a newly formed alliance group of Hong Kongers and Africans living in France, Cerveaux non disponibles, a French media outlet, and Mouvement Yoallahsuuren led by Mimo Dia Leydimen.  Participants included French senator [[André Gattolin]], French supporters, Africans, Uyghurs, Taiwanese, East Turkestan Asians and Hong Kongers living or studying in France.<ref name="appledaily_20200712">{{Cite web|title=【港版國安法】巴黎反港版國安法遊行 籲全球團結聲討中國獨裁|url=https://hk.appledaily.com/international/20200712/M3PQK2I5BHNESCO7JIHNP55ZTA/|date=2020-07-12|access-date=2020-07-13|website=[[Apple Daily]] 蘋果日報|language=zh-hk|archive-date=13 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713044154/https://hk.appledaily.com/international/20200712/M3PQK2I5BHNESCO7JIHNP55ZTA/|url-status=live}}</ref> In a promotional YouTube video published on its website, AHKF announced that this peaceful march was a "call upon all the [[Yellow vests movement|Yellow Vests]], sympathisers, to all the political refugees, exiled, the outraged, the weak and the mad people to pressure [French President] [[Emmanuel Macron]] and make him condemn firmly and immediately China [...]".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Africa Hong Kong France – Sans Respect, il ne peut y avoir de Justice|url=https://www.ahkf.org/|date=n.d.|access-date=2020-07-13|language=fr-FR|archive-date=13 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713044157/https://www.ahkf.org/|url-status=live}}</ref> Many participants were seen holding up blank sheets of paper as their "silent slogan".<ref>{{Cite web|title=France: Hundreds march against Hong Kong security law in Paris – Media Autoresponder – You Be The Judge|url=https://mediaautoresponder.com/2020/07/12/france-hundreds-march-against-hong-kong-security-law-in-paris/|date=2020-07-12|access-date=2020-07-13|language=en-US|archive-date=13 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713044204/https://mediaautoresponder.com/2020/07/12/france-hundreds-march-against-hong-kong-security-law-in-paris/|url-status=live}}</ref> In his Facebook page, Mimo Dia Leydimen stressed the importance of solidarity with African brothers and sisters under the increasing totalitarian Chinese presence in Africa after launching its "Belt and Road" initiatives.<ref name="appledaily_20200712"/> The march began at [[Place de la Bastille]] and ended at [[Place de la République|Place de la Republique]]. The event ended peacefully with police presence throughout the march.
=== 12 July ===
==== Day two of primaries ====
[[File:Hong Kong democrats’ primary election in Cityone Shatin queue 20200712.jpg|thumb|A polling station in [[City One|City One Shatin]] was put into operation, and more than 100 citizens had lined up in the morning ]]
In total, over 610,000 voters participated in the primaries, almost four times greater than the original estimate by the pollster organization.<ref>{{cite web|date=12 July 2020|title=Hong Kong elections: traditional opposition parties, localists face off as more than 610,000 residents cast primary ballots|url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/hong-kong-elections-long-queues-052645784.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAM8jaFDEInavu2yZvSvXJTYkG2yeunSXTMBuTYh0mxasKvfF3e29bL6vZNcfbja1xmIjPIbHR1Um066JGrfFi6q5FMQbwj-5Ax92l4dD4kOVGWDGCTxtUf6uAFkDz37aCd63VCzOMByqtUvMtAdww_e4LJa0d4E18FZLqFkziTXw|access-date=12 July 2020|website=The Guardian|archive-date=12 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712174139/https://sg.news.yahoo.com/hong-kong-elections-long-queues-052645784.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAM8jaFDEInavu2yZvSvXJTYkG2yeunSXTMBuTYh0mxasKvfF3e29bL6vZNcfbja1xmIjPIbHR1Um066JGrfFi6q5FMQbwj-5Ax92l4dD4kOVGWDGCTxtUf6uAFkDz37aCd63VCzOMByqtUvMtAdww_e4LJa0d4E18FZLqFkziTXw|url-status=live}}</ref> The high turnout should serve as "proxy referendum against the national security law", said a pro-democracy candidate Eddie Chu as reported by BBC.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-07-12|title=Hong Kong pro-democracy vote draws thousands|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-53382219|access-date=2020-07-14|archive-date=14 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714083829/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-53382219|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== Protest march in Tokyo, Japan ====
Hundreds of Taiwanese, Hong Kongers, Uyghurs, Mongolians, and Tibetans living in Japan took to the streets to voice their opposition against the Communist Chinese government.<ref>{{Cite web|title=日本團體遊行支持香港示威者|url=https://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/htm/japan-rally-07122020094744.html|access-date=2020-07-13|website=Radio Free Asia|language=zh-yue|archive-date=15 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715160336/https://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/htm/japan-rally-07122020094744.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=東京人遊行撐香港 高舉「光時」旗幟 促日政府叫停習近平訪日 {{!}} 立場報道 {{!}} 立場新聞|url=https://thestandnews.com/international/%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E4%BA%BA%E9%81%8A%E8%A1%8C%E6%92%90%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF-%E9%AB%98%E8%88%89-%E5%85%89%E6%99%82-%E6%97%97%E5%B9%9F-%E4%BF%83%E6%97%A5%E6%94%BF%E5%BA%9C%E5%8F%AB%E5%81%9C%E7%BF%92%E8%BF%91%E5%B9%B3%E8%A8%AA%E6%97%A5/|access-date=2020-07-13|website=立場新聞 Stand News|language=en|archive-date=13 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713085601/https://www.thestandnews.com/international/%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E4%BA%BA%E9%81%8A%E8%A1%8C%E6%92%90%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF-%E9%AB%98%E8%88%89-%E5%85%89%E6%99%82-%E6%97%97%E5%B9%9F-%E4%BF%83%E6%97%A5%E6%94%BF%E5%BA%9C%E5%8F%AB%E5%81%9C%E7%BF%92%E8%BF%91%E5%B9%B3%E8%A8%AA%E6%97%A5/|url-status=live}}</ref> The organizer of this joint protest, Japan Uyghur Association and [[Stand with Hong Kong]], denounced the increasing hostile intimidation and militant tactics of the Communist party to its neighboring regions and urged the Japanese government to scrap Xi Jinping's scheduled state visit.<ref>{{Cite web|title=反中團體東京大遊行 日人籲台日聯手撐香港 {{!}} 國際 {{!}} 中央社 CNA|url=https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202007130004.aspx|access-date=2020-07-13|website=www.cna.com.tw|language=zh-Hant-TW|archive-date=12 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712233544/https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202007130004.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-12|title=反中團體東京大遊行 日人籲台日聯手撐香港|url=https://www.worldjournal.com/7042400/article-%e5%8f%8d%e4%b8%ad%e5%9c%98%e9%ab%94%e6%9d%b1%e4%ba%ac%e5%a4%a7%e9%81%8a%e8%a1%8c-%e6%97%a5%e4%ba%ba%e7%b1%b2%e5%8f%b0%e6%97%a5%e8%81%af%e6%89%8b%e6%92%90%e9%a6%99%e6%b8%af/|access-date=2020-07-13|website=世界新聞網|language=zh-TW|archive-date=13 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713070204/https://www.worldjournal.com/7042400/article-%E5%8F%8D%E4%B8%AD%E5%9C%98%E9%AB%94%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E5%A4%A7%E9%81%8A%E8%A1%8C-%E6%97%A5%E4%BA%BA%E7%B1%B2%E5%8F%B0%E6%97%A5%E8%81%AF%E6%89%8B%E6%92%90%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF/|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== 13 July ===
==== "Primaries may breach national security law" ====
Both the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong<ref name="July 2020">{{Cite web|last=July 2020|first=Joel Khalili 15|title=VPN companies flee Hong Kong over new China security laws|url=https://www.techradar.com/news/vpn-companies-flee-hong-kong-over-new-china-security-laws|access-date=2020-07-15|website=TechRadar|language=en|archive-date=16 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716091522/https://www.techradar.com/news/vpn-companies-flee-hong-kong-over-new-china-security-laws|url-status=live}}</ref> and Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam denounced the democratic primaries as a possible breach of the national security law.<ref>{{Cite web|title=香港中联办发言人：严厉谴责反对派策动非法"初选"破坏立法会选举公平 决不允许外部势力操控香港政治事务|url=http://www.locpg.gov.cn/jsdt/2020-07/13/c_1210700891.htm|access-date=2020-07-14|website=www.locpg.gov.cn|archive-date=14 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714075240/http://www.locpg.gov.cn/jsdt/2020-07/13/c_1210700891.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Primaries may breach security law|url=http://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2020/07/20200713/20200713_205128_252.html|access-date=2020-07-14|website=Hong Kong's Information Services Department|language=zh-hk|archive-date=14 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714091504/https://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2020/07/20200713/20200713_205128_252.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== 14 July ===
==== International response: US President signed Hong Kong Autonomy Act and executive order on Hong Kong Normalization ====
Passed unanimously first by the [[United States House of Representatives|House of Representative]] on 25 June and on 2 July by the [[United States Senate|Senate]], US President [[Donald Trump]] signed the [[Hong Kong Autonomy Act]] into law, ending Hong Kong's preferential treatment as an autonomous region.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Trump signs Hong Kong sanctions bill in blow for China|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2020/07/14/trump-hong-kong-china-sanctions-361636|first=Sabrina|last=Rodriguez|date=2020-07-14|access-date=2020-07-17|website=[[Politico]]|language=en|archive-date=14 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714230326/https://www.politico.com/news/2020/07/14/trump-hong-kong-china-sanctions-361636|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-14|title=Trump announces he's signed Hong Kong Autonomy Act – here's what it does|url=https://americanmilitarynews.com/2020/07/trump-announces-hes-signed-hong-kong-autonomy-act-heres-what-it-does/|access-date=2020-07-14|language=en-US|archive-date=14 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714230331/https://americanmilitarynews.com/2020/07/trump-announces-hes-signed-hong-kong-autonomy-act-heres-what-it-does/|url-status=live}}</ref> This bill has a 90-day window for the [[United States Secretary of State|Secretary of State]] to impose sanctions on "a foreign person [who] is materially contributing to, has materially contributed to, or attempts to materially contribute to the failure of the Government of China to meet its obligations under the [[Sino-British Joint Declaration|Joint Declaration]] or the [[Hong Kong Basic Law|Basic Law]]".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Toomey|first=Pat|date=2020-06-29|title=S.3798 - 116th Congress (2019-2020): Hong Kong Autonomy Act|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/3798|access-date=2020-07-14|website=www.congress.gov|archive-date=29 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629022819/https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/3798|url-status=live}}</ref> Trump also signed into law an executive order detailing 14 actions to stop treating Hong Kong as a special and independent region.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The President's Executive Order on Hong Kong Normalization|url=https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/presidential-actions/presidents-executive-order-hong-kong-normalization/|access-date=2020-07-15|language=en-US|archive-date=20 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120202114/https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/presidential-actions/presidents-executive-order-hong-kong-normalization/|via=[[NARA|National Archives]]|work=[[whitehouse.gov]]|url-status=live}}</ref> The normalization measures include that Hong Kong SAR passport holders will be treated the same as Chinese passport holders, scientific and technical cooperation between the [[Chinese University of Hong Kong]] and the [[United States Geological Survey]] – which had previously expired – will not be renewed, and Hong Kong police training in the United States will be ended.  In a press conference, Trump stated that Hong Kong people's "freedoms have been taken away" when China enacted its national security law in Hong Kong, and that because of that, "Hong Kong will now be treated the same as mainland China" by the United States.<ref>{{Cite web|title=President Trump Announces Signing of Hong Kong Autonomy Act {{!}} C-SPAN.org|url=https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4892675/president-trump-announces-signing-hong-kong-autonomy-act|access-date=2020-07-14|website=www.c-span.org|language=en-us|archive-date=18 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718193117/https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4892675%2Fpresident-trump-announces-signing-hong-kong-autonomy-act|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== VPN companies relocating Hong Kong servers ====
Virtual Private Networks, [[Virtual private network|VPNs]], allow users to create secured connections to another network over the Internet, protect one's browsing history and passwords, and shield users from other suspicious public [[Wi-Fi|WIFI]] activities.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hoffman|first=Chris|title=What Is a VPN, and Why Would I Need One?|url=https://www.howtogeek.com/133680/htg-explains-what-is-a-vpn/|access-date=2020-07-15|website=How-To Geek|date=18 April 2018 |language=en-US|archive-date=14 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714190959/https://www.howtogeek.com/133680/htg-explains-what-is-a-vpn/|url-status=live}}</ref> Two [[Virtual private network|VPN]] providers, Tunnel Bear and Private Internet Access (PIA), have announced on the 13th and the 14th, respectively, that they will remove their physical servers from Hong Kong to protect their users' privacy in light of the uncertainty created by Beijing's national security law in Hong Kong.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-14|title=Private Internet Access shuts down VPN servers in Hong Kong due to new national security law|url=https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/blog/private-internet-access-shuts-down-vpn-servers-in-hong-kong-due-to-new-national-security-law/|access-date=2020-07-15|website=Private Internet Access Blog|language=en-US|archive-date=15 July 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200715063854/https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/blog/private-internet-access-shuts-down-vpn-servers-in-hong-kong-due-to-new-national-security-law/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-13|title=TunnelBear Removes Hong Kong Servers|url=https://www.tunnelbear.com/blog/tunnelbear-removes-hong-kong-servers-to-safeguard-vpn-network-infrastructure/|access-date=2020-07-15|website=The TunnelBear Blog|language=en|archive-date=15 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715230327/https://www.tunnelbear.com/blog/tunnelbear-removes-hong-kong-servers-to-safeguard-vpn-network-infrastructure/|url-status=live}}</ref> Both companies stressed that they do not store personal identifiable information, and that, more than ever, it is imperative to continue providing service to Hong Kong users.<ref>{{Cite web|title=VPN Providers Disable Servers in Hong Kong to Protect Users from China's Security Law|url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/vpn-providers-disable-servers-in-hong-kong-to-protect-users-from-chinas|access-date=2020-07-15|website=PCMAG|language=en|archive-date=16 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716000751/https://www.pcmag.com/news/vpn-providers-disable-servers-in-hong-kong-to-protect-users-from-chinas|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=July 2020|first=Paul Wagenseil 15|title=Two top VPNs just pulled out of Hong Kong — here's why|url=https://www.tomsguide.com/news/vpns-leave-hong-kong|access-date=2020-07-15|website=Tom's Guide|date=15 July 2020 |language=en|archive-date=15 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715214551/https://www.tomsguide.com/news/vpns-leave-hong-kong|url-status=live}}</ref> Other VPN providers, such SurfSharks, are watching the situation closely and expressed that they would immediately shut down VPN servers located in Hong Kong if they ever received "requirements from authorities to start logging user activity".<ref name="July 2020"/>
=== 15 July ===
==== New York Times to move Asia headquarters from Hong Kong to South Korea ====
''[[The New York Times]]'' announced that it will move its Asia headquarters' digital team of journalists, approximately one third of its staff, from Hong Kong to [[Seoul]], [[South Korea]], in response to the uncertainty created by the national security law.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Contributor|first=A. T.|date=2020-07-15|title=New York Times moving some staff out of Hong Kong|url=https://asiatimes.com/2020/07/new-york-times-moving-some-staff-out-of-hong-kong/|access-date=2020-07-15|website=Asia Times|language=en-US|archive-date=15 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715052918/https://asiatimes.com/2020/07/new-york-times-moving-some-staff-out-of-hong-kong/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Times said that securing work permits for its workers has become increasing challenging recently, and while that was commonplace in China, it has never been an issue in Hong Kong.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Grundy|first=Tom|date=2020-07-15|title=New York Times to move a third of Hong Kong staff to Seoul, citing security law and visa trouble|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/15/new-york-times-to-move-a-third-of-hong-kong-staff-to-seoul-citing-security-law-and-visa-trouble/|access-date=2020-07-15|website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP|language=en-GB|archive-date=3 May 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210503145648/https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/15/new-york-times-to-move-a-third-of-hong-kong-staff-to-seoul-citing-security-law-and-visa-trouble/|url-status=live}}</ref> One such journalist is Chris Buckley, who has been working out of the Hong Kong office after Chinese authorities in May declined to renew his work visa and thus effectively expelled him from his 24-year stationing in China. Hong Kong, a special administrative region (SAR) that guarantees its people the freedom of press according to Basic Law article 27, has declined to approve Buckley's work visa application to work in Hong Kong without giving a specific reason.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hong Kong: New York Times reporter Chris Buckley denied visa / IFJ|url=https://www.ifj.org/media-centre/news/detail/category/press-releases/article/hong-kong-new-york-times-reporter-chris-buckley-denied-visa.html|access-date=2020-07-18|website=www.ifj.org|language=en|archive-date=17 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717125735/https://www.ifj.org/media-centre/news/detail/category/press-releases/article/hong-kong-new-york-times-reporter-chris-buckley-denied-visa.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Hong Kong Expels New York Times Correspondent Amid Ongoing Media War|url=https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/expels-07162020141802.html|access-date=2020-07-18|website=Radio Free Asia|language=en|archive-date=18 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718095230/https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/expels-07162020141802.html/|url-status=live}}</ref>  The Times reiterated that it will continue to maintain a large presence in Hong Kong and has "every intention of maintaining our coverage of Hong Kong and China", but it feels the need to form contingency plans and diversify its geographical spread amid the new national security law reality.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-07-15|title=New York Times to move part of Hong Kong office to Seoul|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-security-media-idUSKCN24G08T|access-date=2020-07-15|archive-date=15 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715103058/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-security-media-idUSKCN24G08T|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== International response: Czechia ready to withdraw from Hong Kong extradition agreement ====
[[Czech Republic|Czechia]] (or Czech Republic) and Hong Kong established their extradition agreement in 2014. However, citing Article 38 of the newly enacted national security law, that the law "shall apply to offences...committed against the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region from outside the Region by a person who is not a permanent resident of the Region", Czech is now mulling to terminate the agreement.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-15|title=The Senate intends to call on the government to terminate one of the treaties with Hong Kong|url=https://tekdeeps.com/the-senate-intends-to-call-on-the-government-to-terminate-one-of-the-treaties-with-hong-kong/|access-date=2020-07-18|website=Tek Deeps|language=en-US|archive-date=18 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718095253/https://tekdeeps.com/the-senate-intends-to-call-on-the-government-to-terminate-one-of-the-treaties-with-hong-kong/|url-status=usurped}}</ref> "The question of the possibility of abusing extradition for the political prosecution of persons who have expressed their dissenting position in the [[Czech Republic]] is something for which we should consider whether to withdraw from this extradition agreement", according to Minister [[Tomáš Petříček (politician)|Petříček]]. He further stressed that China's signal to step above Hong Kong will not "go unanswered".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-15|title=Czech Senate to call for withdrawal from Hong Kong extradition treaty following new security law - Prague, Czech Republic|url=https://news.expats.cz/weekly-czech-news/czech-senate-to-call-for-withdrawal-from-hong-kong-extradition-treaty-following-new-security-law/|access-date=2020-07-18|website=Expats.cz Latest News & Articles - Prague and the Czech Republic|language=en-US|archive-date=18 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718090054/https://news.expats.cz/weekly-czech-news/czech-senate-to-call-for-withdrawal-from-hong-kong-extradition-treaty-following-new-security-law/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== Protest-related journalism award ====
[[South China Morning Post]] journalist Dayu Zhang won this year's [[Lorenzo Natali Journalism Prize|Lorenzo Natali Media]] Grand Prize with his work titled "The 'thin yellow line' standing between Hong Kong police and protestors".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ec.europa.eu/international-partnerships/lnp_en |title=Lorenzo Natali Media Prize |date=27 January 2020 |access-date=27 July 2020 |archive-date=17 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717021043/https://ec.europa.eu/international-partnerships/lnp_en |url-status=live }}</ref> The 8-minute long video captured moments of a community group of elderly seeking to defuse tensions between protestors and police in the summer of the pro-democracy protests in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-16|title=Post video team wins 2020 Lorenzo Natali Media Prize for Hong Kong protests film|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3093400/hong-kong-protests-south-china-morning-post-video-team|access-date=2020-07-19|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|archive-date=20 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720025947/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3093400/hong-kong-protests-south-china-morning-post-video-team|url-status=live}}</ref> The Lorenzo Natali Media Prize was launched in 1992 to recognize and celebrate excellence in reporting on sustainable development issues. It was named after Lorenzo Natali, a precursor of European development policy. Today, the Lorenzo Natali Media Prize help create a platform supporting journalism for sustainable development. The Prize also "gives a voice to those whose vital message is often overlooked or ignored."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Union|first=European|date=2020-07-15|title=Lorenzo Natali Media Prize: 2020 winners announced|url=https://europeansting.com/2020/07/15/lorenzo-natali-media-prize-2020-winners-announced/|access-date=2020-07-19|website=The European Sting - Critical News & Insights on European Politics, Economy, Foreign Affairs, Business & Technology - europeansting.com|language=en|archive-date=19 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719222617/https://europeansting.com/2020/07/15/lorenzo-natali-media-prize-2020-winners-announced/|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== 16 July ===
==== Taiwan officials left Hong Kong, refused to sign "One China" declaration in work visa renewal ====
The [[Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Hong Kong]] (TECO) serves as an unofficial embassy for Taiwanese living in or working in Hong Kong. In light of the recent enactment of the national security law, the [[Hong Kong]] government has asked multiple Taiwan officials to sign a 4-point declaration before their work visa can be granted.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Vicky|title=Taiwan official quits HK over 'political obstacles' - RTHK|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1538321-20200717.htm?|access-date=2020-07-18|website=news.rthk.hk|language=en-gb|archive-date=18 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718053713/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1538321-20200717.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> However, at least three of five top TECO officials have refused to sign such document and thus returned to Taiwan due to expired work visa.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-17|title=Taiwan official leaves Hong Kong after refusing to sign 'One China' statement - report|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/17/taiwan-official-leaves-hong-kong-after-refusing-to-sign-one-china-statement-report/|access-date=2020-07-18|website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP|language=en-GB|archive-date=17 July 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200717142302/https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/17/taiwan-official-leaves-hong-kong-after-refusing-to-sign-one-china-statement-report/|url-status=live}}</ref> Point 1 of the document, as reported by Up Media, stated that TECO must promise to "acknowledge the 'One China' policy, the Hong Kong Basic Law, and all Hong Kong laws, and TECO must not interfere with Hong Kong's internal affairs, must not hurt Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, and must not embarrass the Hong Kong government."<ref>{{Cite web|title=【獨家】香港一中切結書曝光 劈頭就列一中原則「別讓港府尷尬」 -- 上報 / 調查|url=https://www.upmedia.mg/news_info.php?SerialNo=91830|access-date=2020-07-18|website=www.upmedia.mg|archive-date=17 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717165155/https://www.upmedia.mg/news_info.php?SerialNo=91830|url-status=live}}</ref> While the relationship between Taiwan and China has always been precarious, there was a period of time when such endorsement-type document was not required between 2008 and 2016, during the presidency of [[Kuomintang|KMT]] politician [[Ma Ying-jeou]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-17|title=Three in Taiwan's Hong Kong office forced out over 'one-China' declaration|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3093705/head-taiwans-hong-kong-office-two-colleagues-forced-leave-after|access-date=2020-07-18|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|archive-date=18 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718101149/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3093705/head-taiwans-hong-kong-office-two-colleagues-forced-leave-after|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite not having enough top officials on site in Hong Kong, TECO stated that their service remains intact and committed to both Taiwanese in Hong Kong and Hong Kongers seeking Taiwan support.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-18|title=HK office in 'one China' standoff - Taipei Times|url=https://taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2020/07/18/2003740117|access-date=2020-07-18|website=taipeitimes.com|archive-date=18 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718101152/https://taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2020/07/18/2003740117|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== 17 July ===
==== UK judge statement on Hong Kong Final Court of Appeal ====
The President of the [[Supreme Court of the United Kingdom|UK Supreme Court]], The Right Hon Lord Reed of Allermuir, issued a statement titled "Role of UK judges on the [[Court of Final Appeal (Hong Kong)|Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal]]".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Court|first=The Supreme|title=Role of UK judges on the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal - The Supreme Court|url=https://www.supremecourt.uk/news/role-of-uk-judges-on-the-hong-kong-court-of-final-appeal.html|access-date=2020-07-19|website=www.supremecourt.uk|archive-date=19 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719222734/https://www.supremecourt.uk/news/role-of-uk-judges-on-the-hong-kong-court-of-final-appeal.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The statement began with a summarized history of Hong Kong and UK's pre- and post-1997 judiciary agreements. Then the statement listed two current concerns that the court has, one concern being the vacant Final Appeal court judge position and the second being the challenge of upholding of Hong Kong judicial independence with the new national security law. Since 1997, Hong Kong and UK agreed that the House of Lords would provide two serving Law Lords to sit on the newly created Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal, and Article 82 of [[Hong Kong Basic Law|Basic Law]] requires that judges could be invited "from other common law jurisdictions to sit on the Court of Final Appeal".<ref name="basiclaw.gov.hk">{{Cite web|title=Full Text of the Constitution and the Basic Law - chapter (4)|url=https://www.basiclaw.gov.hk/en/basiclawtext/chapter_4.html#section_4|access-date=2020-07-19|website=www.basiclaw.gov.hk|archive-date=20 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720020006/https://www.basiclaw.gov.hk/en/basiclawtext/chapter_4.html#section_4|url-status=live}}</ref> "Other common law jurisdictions" refers to [[Australia]] or [[Canada]], according to the statement. However, since the retirement of one of the two Final Court of Appeal judges earlier this year Hong Kong has not yet filled this vacancy, and no one has been scheduled to take the seat until the end of the year, creating a judicial vacuum.  The second concern is the potential erosion of judicial independence by the national security law. Article 85 of Basic Law states that the courts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region "shall exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference. Members of the judiciary shall be immune from legal action in the performance of their judicial functions."<ref name="basiclaw.gov.hk"/> Lord Reed concluded his statement casting doubt whether "judges of the Supreme Court can continue to serve as judges in Hong Kong will depend on whether such service remains compatible with judicial independence and the rule of law."<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-07-17|title=UK top court says it is assessing UK judges' position in Hong Kong appeal court|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-hong-kong-security-britain-judges-idUKKCN24I1NZ|access-date=2020-07-19|archive-date=19 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719224752/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-hong-kong-security-britain-judges-idUKKCN24I1NZ|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-18|title=UK judges' future on Hong Kong's top court cast into doubt|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3093726/uk-judges-future-hong-kongs-top-court-cast-doubt|access-date=2020-07-19|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|archive-date=19 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719175003/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3093726/uk-judges-future-hong-kongs-top-court-cast-doubt|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== Deutsche Bank moves its Asia-Pacific headquarters to Singapore ====
[[Deutsche Bank]] announced that it is moving its Asia-Pacific region headquarters from Hong Kong to [[Singapore]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-17|title=Deutsche Bank Asia CEO picks Singapore in snub to Hong Kong|url=https://themalaysianreserve.com/2020/07/17/deutsche-bank-asia-ceo-picks-singapore-in-snub-to-hong-kong/|access-date=2020-07-18|website=The Malaysian Reserve|language=en-US|archive-date=18 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718080830/https://themalaysianreserve.com/2020/07/17/deutsche-bank-asia-ceo-picks-singapore-in-snub-to-hong-kong/|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== 18 July ===
==== National security law: China removed mobile music game Cytus II over its music director's personal coded "separatist" song ====
The song, titled "Telegraph 1344 7609 2575", has been posted by Wilson "Ice" Lam since March on his personal [[SoundCloud]] account.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-20|title=Rayark sound director resigns due to pressure from China over his personal politics|url=https://www.vg247.com/2020/07/20/china-politics-games/|access-date=2020-07-24|website=VG247|archive-date=24 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724112820/https://www.vg247.com/2020/07/20/china-politics-games/|url-status=live}}</ref> Chinese internet users discovered and figured out that the secret Morse code translates to "Liberate Hong Kong, the revolution of our times" in Chinese, an alleged banned slogan under the new national security law.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Davidson|first=Helen|date=2020-07-22|title=Cytus II game removed in China over links to pro-Hong Kong morse code message|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/22/cytus-ii-game-removed-in-china-over-links-to-pro-hong-kong-morse-code-message|access-date=2020-07-29|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=29 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729155422/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/22/cytus-ii-game-removed-in-china-over-links-to-pro-hong-kong-morse-code-message|url-status=live}}</ref> Although [[SoundCloud]], same as [[YouTube]], [[Facebook]], and [[Twitter]], is illegal in China due to the country's [[Firewall (computing)|firewall]], and while punishment to those illegal Internet users is largely unknown, China decided to remove the game [[Cytus|Cytus II]], of which Lam is the music director. Lam, in response, resigned immediately from the game company Rayark Games, claimed sole responsibility of the song and stood by his political beliefs.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-07-21|title=Secret Morse code tune sees game removed in China|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-53488011|access-date=2020-07-24|archive-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722231817/https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-53488011|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== 19 July ===
==== More uncertainty and confusion in the financial industry amid national security law ====
Two days after Deutsche Bank' s decision to leave Hong Kong, [[Reuters]] reported that at least four global banks are now scrutinizing their clients for their anti-government ties, coincidentally on the same day where two government organizations issued statements reassuring financial stability amid national security law.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Financial Secretary - My Blog - Safeguarding Hong Kong's stability and prosperity|url=https://www.fso.gov.hk/eng/blog/blog20200719.htm|access-date=2020-07-21|website=www.fso.gov.hk|language=en|archive-date=24 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724145520/https://www.fso.gov.hk/eng/blog/blog20200719.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Whereas the main role of the Hong Kong [[Financial Secretary (Hong Kong)|Financial Secretary]] is to assist the Chief Executive in overseeing financial and economic policies, Hong Kong [[Securities and Futures Commission]] (SFC) is an independent statutory body set up in 1989 to regulate Hong Kong's securities and futures markets. HK Financial Secretary [[Paul Chan Mo-po|Paul Chan]] penned a letter to HKSFC Chief Executive Officer Ashley Alder on 17 July, stating that the national security law is "NOT intended to affect the way they conduct business, engage in market activities or allocate their capital."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://webb-site.com/codocs/FStoSFC200717.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=21 July 2020 |archive-date=1 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901120536/https://webb-site.com/codocs/FStoSFC200717.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Two days later Alder affirmed that the many practices and activities shall remain unaltered and that "all related regulations will be administered by the SFC in the same manner as before the advent of the NSL."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sfc.hk/web/EN/news-and-announcements/policy-statements-and-announcements/policy-statement-the-sfc.html |title=Policy Statement by the Securities and Futures Commission &#124; Securities & Futures Commission of Hong Kong |access-date=21 July 2020 |archive-date=1 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901120545/https://www.sfc.hk/web/EN/news-and-announcements/policy-statements-and-announcements/policy-statement-the-sfc.html |url-status=live }}</ref>  Contrary to what these two government organizations claimed, Reuters on the same day reported that bankers at [[Credit Suisse|Credit Suisse Group AG]] (CSGN.S), [[HSBC]] Holdings Plc (HSBA.L), [[Julius Baer Group|Julius Baer Gruppe]] AG (BAER.S) and [[UBS|UBS Group AG]] (UBSG.S) are now vetting their clients’ public and private social media dating as far back as 2014 during the [[Umbrella Movement]] to check for their pro-democracy stance. According to Reuters, at least three wealth managers in Hong Kong say they are worried about the regulatory and reputation risks to their banks if charges are made against their pro-democracy clients. A top executive at a regional wealth manager also said that his firm's risk and compliance team prepared a list of top 10 Hong Kong individuals identified in local media as pro-democracy sympathisers within a couple of days of the enactment of the law on 1 July.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-07-19|title=Hong Kong national security laws shouldn't harm banks' operations, regulator says|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-security-regulator-idUSKCN24K0F2|access-date=2020-07-21|archive-date=21 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721102136/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-security-regulator-idUSKCN24K0F2|url-status=live}}</ref> It is worth noting that even before the enactment of the national security law, in November 2019, pro-Beijing [[HSBC]] had already terminated Spark Alliance HK's protest relief fund account, citing "money laundering" concerns in an effort to cut ties with pro-democracy protest organizations.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-11-18|title=HSBC to close corporate account being used to support Hong Kong protesters|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3038281/hsbc-close-corporate-account-being-used-support-hong-kong|access-date=2020-07-21|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|archive-date=1 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101173230/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3038281/hsbc-close-corporate-account-being-used-support-hong-kong|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-12-20|title=HSBC distances itself from police crackdown on protest fundraiser accused of money laundering|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3042928/hong-kong-legal-experts-question-basis-freezing-hk70|access-date=2020-07-21|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|archive-date=21 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721230304/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3042928/hong-kong-legal-experts-question-basis-freezing-hk70|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== Yuen Long 721 anniversary march ====
Grassroot anti-government/pro-independence organization [https://www.tswconnection.com/ TSWConnection] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626064810/https://www.tswconnection.com/ |date=26 June 2020 }} (Tin Shui Wai) marched within [[Yuen Long District|Yuen Long]] in protest of last year's [[2019 Yuen Long attack|Yuen Long Attack]], the prolonged delay of police response at the time, and the lack of prosecution of these attackers after one year.<ref>{{Cite web|title=天水連線4成員遊行被截停 警方舉藍旗警告 - RTHK|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1538697-20200719.htm?|access-date=2020-07-22|website=news.rthk.hk|language=zh-tw|archive-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722184954/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1538697-20200719.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> A bigger, district-wide march request was submitted earlier but police had declined to issue "letter of no objection", citing pandemic concerns. As a result, the four TSWConnection founding members marched on their own around [[Yuen Long]]. 15 minutes into the march police began stop-and-search and pepper sprayed reporters and nearby onlookers in the midst of chaos. The 4-person group continued through various parts of [[Yuen Long District|Yuen Long]] where numerous citizens joined chanting and holding signs such as "corrupted cops", "police brutality" and "justice not served". The purple police warning sign "you may be breaching the national security law now" was held up by police twice in an attempt to disperse the crowd.<ref>{{Cite web|last=楊婉婷|first=陳蕾蕾, 蔡正邦, 梁子傑, 余睿菁, 陳康智, 黎靜珊|date=2020-07-19|title=元朗遊行｜天水連線4區議員 涉嫌組織未經批准集結被捕|url=https://www.hk01.com/突發/499800/元朗遊行-天水連線4區議員-涉嫌組織未經批准集結被捕|access-date=2020-07-22|website=香港01|language=zh-HK|archive-date=20 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720055526/https://www.hk01.com/%E7%AA%81%E7%99%BC/499800/%E5%85%83%E6%9C%97%E9%81%8A%E8%A1%8C-%E5%A4%A9%E6%B0%B4%E9%80%A3%E7%B7%9A4%E5%8D%80%E8%AD%B0%E5%93%A1-%E6%B6%89%E5%AB%8C%E7%B5%84%E7%B9%94%E6%9C%AA%E7%B6%93%E6%89%B9%E5%87%86%E9%9B%86%E7%B5%90%E8%A2%AB%E6%8D%95|url-status=live}}</ref> After about 8 hours, 17 people were ticketed, 7 of which were district councilors, for violating "social distance ordinance 599G".<ref>{{Cite web|title=元朗 721 一年遊行 警噴椒舉「紫旗」 4 區議員被指非法集結被捕 {{!}} 立場報道 {{!}} 立場新聞|url=https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/%E5%85%83%E6%9C%97-721-%E4%B8%80%E5%B9%B4%E9%81%8A%E8%A1%8C-%E8%AD%A6%E5%99%B4%E6%A4%92%E8%88%89-%E7%B4%AB%E6%97%97-4-%E5%8D%80%E8%AD%B0%E5%93%A1%E8%A2%AB%E6%8C%87%E9%9D%9E%E6%B3%95%E9%9B%86%E7%B5%90%E8%A2%AB%E6%8D%95/|access-date=2020-07-22|website=立場新聞 Stand News|language=en|archive-date=27 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200827031842/https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/%E5%85%83%E6%9C%97-721-%E4%B8%80%E5%B9%B4%E9%81%8A%E8%A1%8C-%E8%AD%A6%E5%99%B4%E6%A4%92%E8%88%89-%E7%B4%AB%E6%97%97-4-%E5%8D%80%E8%AD%B0%E5%93%A1%E8%A2%AB%E6%8C%87%E9%9D%9E%E6%B3%95%E9%9B%86%E7%B5%90%E8%A2%AB%E6%8D%95/|url-status=live}}</ref> Even though Public Order Ordinance 245 clearly states that "public meetings attended by not more than 50 persons, public meetings conducted in private premises attended by no more than 500 persons or public processions attended by not more than 30 persons do not require notification",<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.police.gov.hk/info/doc/licensing/general/en/gnnp_en.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=22 July 2020 |archive-date=12 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012113716/https://www.police.gov.hk/info/doc/licensing/general/en/gnnp_en.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> police arrested the four TSWConnection members for "unlawful assembly".
=== 20 July ===
==== International response: United Kingdom suspends Hong Kong extradition treaty and extends China weapon embargo to Hong Kong ====
Due to "China's failure to live up to [its] international obligations with respect to Hong Kong", [[United Kingdom]] has suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong, immediately and indefinitely, and extended its arms embargo - which has been in place with China since 1989 - to Hong Kong. It also confirmed plans for a path to UK citizenship for around three million Hong Kongers.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-53476811 |title=UK suspends extradition treaty with Hong Kong |work=BBC News |date=20 July 2020 |access-date=20 July 2020 |archive-date=20 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720162016/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-53476811 |url-status=live }}</ref> In his concluding remarks, Foreign Secretary [[Dominic Raab]] reiterated that these responses are "reasonable and proportionate".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hong Kong and China: Foreign Secretary's statement in Parliament, 20 July 2020|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/hong-kong-and-china-foreign-secretarys-statement-in-parliament|access-date=2020-07-22|website=GOV.UK|date=20 July 2020 |language=en|archive-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722080651/https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/hong-kong-and-china-foreign-secretarys-statement-in-parliament|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== Prominent South Korea tech company Naver to move out of Hong Kong ====
To avoid China gaining access to its user information under the national security law, [[Naver Corporation|Naver]] is moving its data center from Hong Kong to Singapore.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-21|title=Naver confirms move of data centre from Hong Kong to Singapore|url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3094084/national-security-law-naver-moves-data-centre-hong-kong|access-date=2020-07-22|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|archive-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722003316/https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3094084/national-security-law-naver-moves-data-centre-hong-kong|url-status=live}}</ref> User information has been deleted since earlier this month and the Hong Kong servers were reformatted. China government has not requested information from Naver, and no user information has been leaked, according to Naver.<ref>{{Cite web|last=김수연|date=2020-07-20|title=Naver moving oversea data center from Hong Kong to Singapore|url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20200720011700320|access-date=2020-07-22|website=Yonhap News Agency|language=en|archive-date=20 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720163856/https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20200720011700320|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== 21 July ===
==== Yuen Long 721 anniversary mall protest ====
[[File:民主黨721記者會瞬即被大批防暴警包圍 20200721.png|thumb|At 4 pm, [[Democratic Party (Hong Kong)|Democratic Party]] [[Lam Cheuk-ting]] and [[Andrew Wan]], together with the 2 injured in the 721 incident, a total of 4 people pulled up a banner of 'Police and criminals colluded and released murderers']]
[[File:DSCF8936 (50137362333).jpg|thumb|Police cordoned off [[Yoho Mall]]]]
In defiance of potential persecution under the national security law, hundreds of citizens gathered in [[Yuen Long District|Yuen Long]]’s [[Yoho Mall|YOHO mall]] and MTR exits to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the [[2019 Yuen Long attack|Yuen Long mob attack]]. In the attack, 45 train-riding commuters of all ages were beaten by white-shirt Yuen Long residents holding various sizes of sticks. Over 50 attackers have been identified by various channels such as RTHK<ref>{{Cite web|title=港台電視 31 Hong Kong Connection - 721 Yuen Long Nightmare|url=https://www.rthk.hk/tv/dtt31/programme/hkce/episode/597483?lang=en|access-date=2020-07-23|website=www.rthk.hk|language=en|archive-date=26 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726051222/https://www.rthk.hk/tv/dtt31/programme/hkce/episode/597483?lang=en|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=港台電視 31 鏗鏘集 - 7.21誰主真相|url=https://www.rthk.hk/tv/dtt31/programme/hkcc/episode/691469|access-date=2020-07-23|website=www.rthk.hk|language=zh-hant|archive-date=23 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723033145/https://www.rthk.hk/tv/dtt31/programme/hkcc/episode/691469|url-status=live}}</ref> and legislative council member Lam Cheuk-ting, who was also beaten by the mob last year,<ref>{{Cite web|title=稱見樣影片早公開警沒索取 林卓廷：他們不想查 - 20200720 - 港聞|url=https://news.mingpao.com/pns/%e6%b8%af%e8%81%9e/article/20200720/s00002/1595183448389/%e7%a8%b1%e8%a6%8b%e6%a8%a3%e5%bd%b1%e7%89%87%e6%97%a9%e5%85%ac%e9%96%8b%e8%ad%a6%e6%b2%92%e7%b4%a2%e5%8f%96-%e6%9e%97%e5%8d%93%e5%bb%b7-%e4%bb%96%e5%80%91%e4%b8%8d%e6%83%b3%e6%9f%a5|access-date=2020-07-23|website=明報新聞網 - 每日明報 daily news|language=zh-hant|archive-date=23 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723152628/https://news.mingpao.com/pns/%E6%B8%AF%E8%81%9E/article/20200720/s00002/1595183448389/%E7%A8%B1%E8%A6%8B%E6%A8%A3%E5%BD%B1%E7%89%87%E6%97%A9%E5%85%AC%E9%96%8B%E8%AD%A6%E6%B2%92%E7%B4%A2%E5%8F%96-%E6%9E%97%E5%8D%93%E5%BB%B7-%E4%BB%96%E5%80%91%E4%B8%8D%E6%83%B3%E6%9F%A5|url-status=live}}</ref> yet to this day only 7 of them were charged and none of those have been tried.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Riot Police Detain Politician For Holding up Banner in Hong Kong Protest|url=https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/hongkong-protest-07212020130639.html|access-date=2020-07-23|website=Radio Free Asia|language=en|archive-date=23 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723010551/https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/hongkong-protest-07212020130639.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On the 21st of each month after the attack MTR would purposely close off Yuen Long station, citing security risk.<ref>{{Cite web|title=信報即時新聞 -- 元朗站明日下午2時關閉|url=http://www2.hkej.com/instantnews/current/article/2308987/%E5%85%83%E6%9C%97%E7%AB%99%E6%98%8E%E6%97%A5%E4%B8%8B%E5%8D%882%E6%99%82%E9%97%9C%E9%96%89|access-date=2020-07-23|website=信報即時新聞|archive-date=23 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723010601/http://www2.hkej.com/instantnews/current/article/2308987/%E5%85%83%E6%9C%97%E7%AB%99%E6%98%8E%E6%97%A5%E4%B8%8B%E5%8D%882%E6%99%82%E9%97%9C%E9%96%89|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=因應公眾活動 西鐵線屯門元朗站下午起關閉 (10:14) - 20190921 - 港聞|url=https://news.mingpao.com/ins/%e6%b8%af%e8%81%9e/article/20190921/s00001/1569031866195/%e5%9b%a0%e6%87%89%e5%85%ac%e7%9c%be%e6%b4%bb%e5%8b%95-%e8%a5%bf%e9%90%b5%e7%b7%9a%e5%b1%af%e9%96%80%e5%85%83%e6%9c%97%e7%ab%99%e4%b8%8b%e5%8d%88%e8%b5%b7%e9%97%9c%e9%96%89|access-date=2020-07-23|website=即時新聞|archive-date=23 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723010552/https://news.mingpao.com/ins/%E6%B8%AF%E8%81%9E/article/20190921/s00001/1569031866195/%E5%9B%A0%E6%87%89%E5%85%AC%E7%9C%BE%E6%B4%BB%E5%8B%95-%E8%A5%BF%E9%90%B5%E7%B7%9A%E5%B1%AF%E9%96%80%E5%85%83%E6%9C%97%E7%AB%99%E4%B8%8B%E5%8D%88%E8%B5%B7%E9%97%9C%E9%96%89|url-status=live}}</ref> While the station remained largely open today many exits were closed. Whereas a year ago it allegedly took the police force 39 minutes to arrive at the crime scene after hundreds of 999 calls,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theinitium.com/article/20190723-hongkong-yuenlong-incident-timeline/|title=元朗無差別襲擊事件重組：警察在白衣人離開一分鐘後到場|date=2019-07-23|access-date=2020-07-23|website=theinitium.com|archive-date=15 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190915073217/https://theinitium.com/article/20190723-hongkong-yuenlong-incident-timeline/|url-status=live}}</ref> today riot police in full gear came out in droves to enforce the social distance ordinance and disperse the crowd.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-21|title=Hong Kong police swarm border town on anniversary of protest attack|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20200721-hong-kong-police-swarm-border-town-on-anniversary-of-protest-attack|access-date=2020-07-23|website=France 24|language=en|archive-date=23 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723041037/https://www.france24.com/en/20200721-hong-kong-police-swarm-border-town-on-anniversary-of-protest-attack|url-status=live}}</ref>  Among those who protested were four individuals dressed in mob outfits, one of them carrying a watermelon,<ref>{{Cite web|last=自由時報電子報|date=2020-07-21|title=元朗事件周年港人cosplay白衣人、西瓜佬 諷港警「放生凶徒」 - 國際 - 自由時報電子報|url=https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/world/breakingnews/3235476|access-date=2020-07-23|website=自由電子報|language=zh-Hant-TW|archive-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722023655/https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/world/breakingnews/3235476|url-status=live}}</ref> symbolizing the well-identified attacker [https://zh.wikipedia.org/zh-hk/%E9%99%B3%E5%BF%97%E7%A5%A5_(%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF) Jacky Chan]. Numerous people also held up blank pieces of paper, and many more chanted "no show on 721", implying the lack of police presence last year and the lack of investigation for a whole year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theinitium.com/article/20200721-hongkong-yuenlong-incident-one-year-tracing/?code=IjIwMjAwNzIxLWhvbmdrb25nLXl1ZW5sb25nLWluY2lkZW50LW9uZS15ZWFyLXRyYWNpbmci:1jxhyO:tfe4RC9QWLP2fOVNtyUnEUkMgWQ|title=追蹤721真相的親歷者們：我不僅僅想知道誰打我|date=2020-07-21|access-date=2020-07-23|website=theinitium.com|archive-date=23 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723010551/https://theinitium.com/article/20200721-hongkong-yuenlong-incident-one-year-tracing/?code=IjIwMjAwNzIxLWhvbmdrb25nLXl1ZW5sb25nLWluY2lkZW50LW9uZS15ZWFyLXRyYWNpbmci:1jxhyO:tfe4RC9QWLP2fOVNtyUnEUkMgWQ&utm_medium=copy|url-status=live}}</ref> From around 5pm to midnight in [[Yoho Mall|YOHO mall]] and MTR area police stop-and-searched over 150 citizens, arrested 5 individuals for various charges and ticketed 96 people for breaking social distance ordinance (599G).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Large number of police patrol Yuen Long areas - RTHK|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1539032-20200721.htm?archive_date=2020-07-21|access-date=2020-07-23|website=news.rthk.hk|language=en-gb|archive-date=23 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723033741/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1539032-20200721.htm?archive_date=2020-07-21|url-status=live}}</ref> There was several uses of pepper spray inside YOHO mall in addition to a point-blank close-range pepper-ball shooting at a man on the street,<ref>{{Cite news|date=21 July 2020|title=【721事件】警方元朗疑射胡椒球彈擊中一名男子 舉藍旗警告人群散去|work=The Headline News|url=https://hd.stheadline.com/news/realtime/hk/1825489/%E5%8D%B3%E6%99%82-%E6%B8%AF%E8%81%9E-721%E4%BA%8B%E4%BB%B6-%E8%AD%A6%E6%96%B9%E5%85%83%E6%9C%97%E7%96%91%E5%B0%84%E8%83%A1%E6%A4%92%E7%90%83%E5%BD%88%E6%93%8A%E4%B8%AD%E4%B8%80%E5%90%8D%E7%94%B7%E5%AD%90-%E8%88%89%E8%97%8D%E6%97%97%E8%AD%A6%E5%91%8A%E4%BA%BA%E7%BE%A4%E6%95%A3%E5%8E%BB|url-status=live|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-date=23 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723011758/https://hd.stheadline.com/news/realtime/hk/1825489/%E5%8D%B3%E6%99%82-%E6%B8%AF%E8%81%9E-721%E4%BA%8B%E4%BB%B6-%E8%AD%A6%E6%96%B9%E5%85%83%E6%9C%97%E7%96%91%E5%B0%84%E8%83%A1%E6%A4%92%E7%90%83%E5%BD%88%E6%93%8A%E4%B8%AD%E4%B8%80%E5%90%8D%E7%94%B7%E5%AD%90-%E8%88%89%E8%97%8D%E6%97%97%E8%AD%A6%E5%91%8A%E4%BA%BA%E7%BE%A4%E6%95%A3%E5%8E%BB}}</ref> to which although the police denied hours after,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Police deny claims of Yuen Long pepper ball shooting - RTHK|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1539186-20200722.htm?archive_date=2020-07-22|access-date=2020-07-23|website=news.rthk.hk|language=en-gb|archive-date=23 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723034042/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1539186-20200722.htm?archive_date=2020-07-22|url-status=live}}</ref> the incident was captured by a car dashboard camera, refuting the denial.<ref>{{Cite web|title=【721 一年】警稱開槍射頭指控不實 黃子悅：兩義工目睹過程 胡椒球在眼邊擦過 {{!}} 立場報道 {{!}} 立場新聞|url=https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/721-%E4%B8%80%E5%B9%B4-%E8%AD%A6%E7%A8%B1%E9%96%8B%E6%A7%8D%E5%B0%84%E9%A0%AD%E6%8C%87%E6%8E%A7%E4%B8%8D%E5%AF%A6-%E9%BB%83%E5%AD%90%E6%82%85-%E5%85%A9%E7%BE%A9%E5%B7%A5%E7%9B%AE%E7%9D%B9%E9%81%8E%E7%A8%8B-%E8%83%A1%E6%A4%92%E7%90%83%E5%9C%A8%E7%9C%BC%E9%82%8A%E6%93%A6%E9%81%8E/|access-date=2020-07-23|website=立場新聞 Stand News|language=en|archive-date=27 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200827031812/https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/721-%E4%B8%80%E5%B9%B4-%E8%AD%A6%E7%A8%B1%E9%96%8B%E6%A7%8D%E5%B0%84%E9%A0%AD%E6%8C%87%E6%8E%A7%E4%B8%8D%E5%AF%A6-%E9%BB%83%E5%AD%90%E6%82%85-%E5%85%A9%E7%BE%A9%E5%B7%A5%E7%9B%AE%E7%9D%B9%E9%81%8E%E7%A8%8B-%E8%83%A1%E6%A4%92%E7%90%83%E5%9C%A8%E7%9C%BC%E9%82%8A%E6%93%A6%E9%81%8E/|url-status=live}}</ref> While Article 27 of Hong Kong Basic Law guarantees freedom of press,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Full Text of the Constitution and the Basic Law - pda - chapter (3)|url=https://www.basiclaw.gov.hk/pda/en/basiclawtext/chapter_3.html|access-date=2020-07-23|website=www.basiclaw.gov.hk|archive-date=23 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723010554/https://www.basiclaw.gov.hk/pda/en/basiclawtext/chapter_3.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and 599G(4) exempt "Group gathering at a place of work for the purposes of work",<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hong Kong e-Legislation|url=https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/checkconfig/checkClientConfig.jsp?applicationId=RA001|access-date=2020-07-23|website=www.elegislation.gov.hk|archive-date=20 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820021817/http://www.legislation.gov.hk/blis_pdf.nsf/6799165D2FEE3FA94825755E0033E532/C8A3B2AECFB759D5482575EF0017A5D5/$FILE/CAP_542_e_b5.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> at least 17 of the ticketed were journalists covering the story on site.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ho|first=Kelly|date=2020-07-22|title=Hong Kong police search and fine protesters and journalists as dozens mark a year since Yuen Long mob attack|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/22/hong-kong-police-search-and-fine-journalists-as-dozens-mark-1-year-since-yuen-long-mob-attack/|access-date=2020-07-23|website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP|language=en-GB|archive-date=11 August 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200811040857/https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/22/hong-kong-police-search-and-fine-journalists-as-dozens-mark-1-year-since-yuen-long-mob-attack/|url-status=live}}</ref> Police later filed 6 complaints with [[Hong Kong Journalists Association]] (HKJA) against various web media and their journalists for untruthful and biased reporting, but HKJA slammed back by accusing the police for obstructing freedom of press, for targeting volunteer and (not salaried) student journalists, and for fining and imposing fear on journalists working at the scene.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Police abused powers by fining reporters, says HKJA - RTHK|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1539303-20200722.htm?archive_date=2020-07-22|access-date=2020-07-23|website=news.rthk.hk|language=en-gb|archive-date=23 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723041519/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1539303-20200722.htm?archive_date=2020-07-22|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=眾新聞 {{!}} 【稱違限聚令】警方自行定義「記者」票控網媒學生報 記協：無法律基礎|url=https://www.hkcnews.com/article/32211/票控網媒記者-學生媒體-限聚令-32211/【稱違限聚令】警方自行定義「記者」票控網媒學生報-記協：無法律基礎|access-date=2020-07-23|website=眾新聞|language=zh|archive-date=18 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818144723/https://www.hkcnews.com/article/32211/%E7%A5%A8%E6%8E%A7%E7%B6%B2%E5%AA%92%E8%A8%98%E8%80%85-%E5%AD%B8%E7%94%9F%E5%AA%92%E9%AB%94-%E9%99%90%E8%81%9A%E4%BB%A4-32211/%E3%80%90%E7%A8%B1%E9%81%95%E9%99%90%E8%81%9A%E4%BB%A4%E3%80%91%E8%AD%A6%E6%96%B9%E8%87%AA%E8%A1%8C%E5%AE%9A%E7%BE%A9%E3%80%8C%E8%A8%98%E8%80%85%E3%80%8D%E7%A5%A8%E6%8E%A7%E7%B6%B2%E5%AA%92%E5%AD%B8%E7%94%9F%E5%A0%B1-%E8%A8%98%E5%8D%94%EF%BC%9A%E7%84%A1%E6%B3%95%E5%BE%8B%E5%9F%BA%E7%A4%8E|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== International response: US Secretary of State met with Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Nathan Law ====
In a rather historic meeting with [[United States Secretary of State|US Secretary of State]] [[Mike Pompeo|Michael Pompeo]] in [[London]], exiled Hong Kong pro-democracy activist [[Nathan Law]] discussed the looming threat of the pro-Beijing government's intervention in the upcoming September legislative election, for which over 600,000 Hong Kong citizens voted in the primaries two weeks ago.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pompeo meets with Hong Kong activist in London {{!}} NHK WORLD-JAPAN News|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200722_09/|access-date=2020-07-24|website=NHK WORLD|language=en|archive-date=24 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724080754/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200722_09/|url-status=live}}</ref> Law urged the world to keep an eye on this election as the government will use every excuse to disqualify candidates, delay the election, or suppress voter turnouts.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-22|title=Pompeo meets Hong Kong's last governor Chris Patten and activist Nathan Law|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3094163/pompeo-meets-hong-kongs-last-governor-chris-patten-and|access-date=2020-07-24|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|archive-date=24 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724080753/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3094163/pompeo-meets-hong-kongs-last-governor-chris-patten-and|url-status=live}}</ref> There are two reasons that make this 20-minute meeting unique: first, the location of the meeting—the US ambassador's residence [[Winfield House]] at Regent's Park in London—traditionally only receives distinguished guests such as Queen Elizabeth and other royal family members.<ref>{{Cite web|title=US Ambassador's Residence in London, Winfield House|url=https://uk.usembassy.gov/our-relationship/our-ambassador/ambassadors-residence/|access-date=2020-07-24|website=U.S. Embassy & Consulates in the United Kingdom|language=en-US|archive-date=24 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724082738/https://uk.usembassy.gov/our-relationship/our-ambassador/ambassadors-residence/|url-status=live}}</ref> Law, as a 27-year-old exile, invited to hold meetings at Winfield House, with the US Secretary of State, is truly unusual. The second reason is the fact that both and former Hong Kong CEO [[Leung Chun-ying as Chief Executive of Hong Kong|CY Leung]] and current CEO [[Carrie Lam as Chief Executive of Hong Kong|Carrie Lam]] have not had the chance to meet with any US cabinet members. That the meeting with Law was arranged at the request of the State department, and that it took place right after Pompeo met with former HK governor [[Chris Patten]], are evidence of Pompeo's support of the Hong Kong pro-democracy movement against [[China]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=自由時報電子報|date=2020-07-22|title=龐皮歐親自敲定「一對一」會晤 羅冠聰：凸顯美對中強硬立場 - 國際 - 自由時報電子報|url=https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/world/breakingnews/3236230|access-date=2020-07-24|website=自由電子報|language=zh-Hant-TW|archive-date=24 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724080754/https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/world/breakingnews/3236230|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== International response: Taiwan denied Hong Kong officials work visas ====
The [[Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office]] (HKETCO) serves as an unofficial Hong Kong representative office in Taiwan since December 2011 that strives to promote economic, trade and cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Taiwan. However, after Hong Kong government refused work visa to Taiwan [[Taiwan Economic and Cultural Offices|TECO]] officials last week unless they sign a newly imposed "One China" declaration, this week HKETCO confirmed that at least two of the 13 staff have had their work visa denied and have returned to Hong Kong.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-21|title=台灣拒向2名港府駐台北人員發簽證需離境|url=https://www.singtao.ca/4378530/2020-07-21/news-%E5%8F%B0%E7%81%A3%E6%8B%92%E5%90%912%E5%90%8D%E6%B8%AF%E5%BA%9C%E9%A7%90%E5%8F%B0%E5%8C%97%E4%BA%BA%E5%93%A1%E7%99%BC%E7%B0%BD%E8%AD%89%E9%9C%80%E9%9B%A2%E5%A2%83/?variant=zh-hk|access-date=2020-07-22|website=Sing Tao Daily 星島日報加拿大|language=zh-TW|archive-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722003446/https://www.singtao.ca/4378530/2020-07-21/news-%E5%8F%B0%E7%81%A3%E6%8B%92%E5%90%912%E5%90%8D%E6%B8%AF%E5%BA%9C%E9%A7%90%E5%8F%B0%E5%8C%97%E4%BA%BA%E5%93%A1%E7%99%BC%E7%B0%BD%E8%AD%89%E9%9C%80%E9%9B%A2%E5%A2%83/?variant=zh-hk|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-07-21|title=Taiwan rejects permits for two Hong Kong officials as visa row escalates|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-security-taiwan-idUSKCN24M1YG|access-date=2020-07-22|archive-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722002606/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-security-taiwan-idUSKCN24M1YG|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== ProtonVPN donates to Hong Kong pro-democracy relief fund ====
While many businesses are now rethinking their Hong Kong strategy amid national security law, Swiss-based [[ProtonVPN]] has been adamant about Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement. ProtonVPN had issued a statement in May to support Hong Kong's digital freedom as national security law loomed.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-05-22|title=ProtonVPN supports Hong Kong's right to digital freedom with free VPN|url=https://protonvpn.com/blog/hong-kong-security-law/|access-date=2020-07-21|website=ProtonVPN Blog|language=en-US|archive-date=21 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721231923/https://protonvpn.com/blog/hong-kong-security-law/|url-status=live}}</ref> Today they announced their fundraising campaign to donate half of their July and August proceeds to support Hong Kong's pro-democracy organizations.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-21|title=We're giving half our revenue from Hong Kong to defend democracy|url=https://protonvpn.com/blog/hongkong/|access-date=2020-07-21|website=ProtonVPN Blog|language=en-US|archive-date=21 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721231921/https://protonvpn.com/blog/hongkong/|url-status=live}}</ref> In their declaration, Proton blamed Hong Kong's governing body effectively destroyed the idea of an autonomous, democratic Hong Kong by enacting a Beijing-backed security law, and as a result, "the Great Firewall of China can now be extended to Hong Kong, and protesters can now be arbitrarily detained and subject to criminal prosecution." Proton cited a 3000% surge of traffic since 6 July, the day the national security law's details were implemented.<ref>{{Cite web|title=ProtonVPN 宣布捐香港業務一半收益 予 612 基金及攬炒團隊 {{!}} 立場報道 {{!}} 立場新聞|url=https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/protonvpn-%E5%AE%A3%E5%B8%83%E6%8D%90%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF%E6%A5%AD%E5%8B%99%E4%B8%80%E5%8D%8A%E6%94%B6%E7%9B%8A-%E4%BA%88-612-%E5%9F%BA%E9%87%91%E5%8F%8A%E6%94%AC%E7%82%92%E5%9C%98%E9%9A%8A/|access-date=2020-07-21|website=立場新聞 Stand News|language=en|archive-date=21 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721185625/https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/protonvpn-%E5%AE%A3%E5%B8%83%E6%8D%90%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF%E6%A5%AD%E5%8B%99%E4%B8%80%E5%8D%8A%E6%94%B6%E7%9B%8A-%E4%BA%88-612-%E5%9F%BA%E9%87%91%E5%8F%8A%E6%94%AC%E7%82%92%E5%9C%98%E9%9A%8A/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=瑞士 VPN 公司撐港人 - Proton 將捐出七、八月收益聲援香港抗爭活動|url=https://hk.xfastest.com/?p=63060|access-date=2020-07-21|website=XFastest Media HK|language=zh-HK|archive-date=1 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901120546/https://hk.xfastest.com/63060/protonvpn-stand-with-hong-kong/|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== 22 July ===
==== International response: United Kingdom's Hong Kong BNO path to UK citizenship details revealed ====
[[Home Secretary|UK Home Secretary]] [[Priti Patel]] announced that starting 1 January 2021, Hong Kong citizens born before 1 July 1997, can apply for the British Nationals Overseas ([[British National (Overseas) passport|BNO]]) passport and settle in the UK. Citizenship can be applied after staying for 5 years.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-22|title=Britain unveils details of citizenship offer for Hongkongers|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3094298/britain-unveils-details-citizenship-offer-hongkongers-bno|access-date=2020-07-23|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|archive-date=23 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723012704/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3094298/britain-unveils-details-citizenship-offer-hongkongers-bno|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs|UK Foreign Secretary]] [[Dominic Raab]] reiterated that "the UK is keeping its word: we will not look the other way on Hong Kong, and we will not duck our historic responsibilities to its people."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Home Secretary announces details of the Hong Kong BN(O) Visa|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/home-secretary-announces-details-of-the-hong-kong-bno-visa|access-date=2020-07-23|website=GOV.UK|language=en|archive-date=23 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723012706/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/home-secretary-announces-details-of-the-hong-kong-bno-visa|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== 23 July ===
==== Avast moves its VPN servers out of Hong Kong ====
[[Avast]], a Czech-based online privacy company that offers [[Avast SecureLine VPN]], AVG Secure VPN and [[HMA (VPN)|HMA]], will move their VPN servers from Hong Kong and their internet traffic will be rerouted via [[Taiwan]] and [[Singapore]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-23|title=Avast Relocates Hong Kong Based VPN Servers {{!}} Avast (Avast)|url=https://www.companynewshq.com/company-news/technology-company-news/avast-relocates-hong-kong-based-vpn-servers-avast/|access-date=2020-07-24|website=CompanyNewsHQ|language=en-US|archive-date=24 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724091218/https://www.companynewshq.com/company-news/technology-company-news/avast-relocates-hong-kong-based-vpn-servers-avast/|url-status=live}}</ref> The company will continue to monitor "for measures including the potential use of wiretaps and surveillance by the authorities" under the national security law, as it hopes to re-open for business in Hong Kong once the enforcement of the new law is fully evaluated.
====International response: US Secretary of State gave China policy statement addressing Hong Kong's crisis====
Amid heightened US-China diplomatic tensions,<ref>{{Cite news|title=The Latest On The U.S. And China's Strained Relations|url=https://www.npr.org/2020/07/25/895329180/the-latest-on-the-u-s-and-chinas-strained-relations|access-date=2020-07-29|website=NPR.org|language=en|archive-date=29 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729091159/https://www.npr.org/2020/07/25/895329180/the-latest-on-the-u-s-and-chinas-strained-relations|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-24|title=Mike Pompeo comes to O.C., rails against China at Nixon Library|url=https://www.ocregister.com/mike-pompeo-comes-to-o-c-rails-against-china-at-nixon-library|access-date=2020-07-29|website=Orange County Register|language=en-US|archive-date=1 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901120544/https://www.ocregister.com/2020/07/23/mike-pompeo-comes-to-o-c-rails-against-china-at-nixon-library/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[United States Secretary of State|US Secretary of State]] [[Mike Pompeo]] gave a speech at [[Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum|Nixon Library]] on China strategies of the United States for the near future.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Jennifer Hansler|title=Pompeo blasts Beijing as deadline nears for China to shutter Houston consulate|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/23/politics/pompeo-china-nixon-library-speech/index.html|access-date=2020-07-29|website=CNN|date=23 July 2020 |archive-date=29 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729085154/https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/23/politics/pompeo-china-nixon-library-speech/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the speech, Pompeo gave a brief history and international expectations of the diplomatic relations between US and China, whose foundations were laid in the era of president Nixon almost 50 years ago. Pompeo said that, instead of hope, there was now "repression in Hong Kong and in Xinjiang". He further highlighted how in the past several months "Hong Kongers [have been] clamoring to emigrate abroad as the CCP tightens its grip on that proud city", and how the world has watched "this [new] China walk away from their promises to the world on Hong Kong...".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Communist China and the Free World's Future|url=https://www.state.gov/communist-china-and-the-free-worlds-future/|access-date=2020-07-29|website=United States Department of State|language=en-US|archive-date=29 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729101237/https://www.state.gov/communist-china-and-the-free-worlds-future/|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== 27 July ===
==== International response: Japan may send cross-party observers to Hong Kong legislative election ====
A group of Japanese lawmakers are considering going to [[Hong Kong]] in September to oversee Hong Kong's legislative election process, fearing China's newly enacted national security law will infringe on Hong Kong's electoral independence and fairness.  Group member former Defense Minister [[Gen Nakatani]] stated that the legislative election should "reflect the will of the people and must be held in a fair manner so that it can be recognized by the international society".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://jen.jiji.com/jc/i?g=eco&k=2020072700162 |title=Japan Interparty Group May Send Observers to Hong Kong Poll - JIJI PRESS |access-date=29 July 2020 |archive-date=29 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729103438/https://jen.jiji.com/jc/i?g=eco&k=2020072700162 |url-status=live }}</ref>  Politician [[Shiori Yamao]] along with other members are also proposing various ways to aid Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters from China's tightening grip by ways such as relaxing visa requirements and refusing to "assist investigations of those suspected of violating the security law".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Submission|first=Internal|date=2020-07-27|title=Japan cross-party group may send election observers to Hong Kong|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/07/27/national/politics-diplomacy/japan-lawmakers-election-observers-hong-kong/|access-date=2020-07-29|website=The Japan Times|language=en-US|archive-date=29 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729090817/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/07/27/national/politics-diplomacy/japan-lawmakers-election-observers-hong-kong/|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== 28 July ===
====International response: New Zealand suspends Hong Kong extradition treaty ====
[[New Zealand]] suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong and military and dual-use goods and technology exports from New Zealand to Hong Kong will now be treated in the same way as New Zealand treats such exports to China.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-53562437 |title=New Zealand suspends Hong Kong extradition treaty |work=BBC News |date=28 July 2020 |access-date=28 July 2020 |archive-date=28 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728011704/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-53562437 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=New Zealand suspends extradition treaty with Hong Kong|url=http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-zealand-suspends-extradition-treaty-hong-kong|access-date=2020-07-29|website=The Beehive|language=en|archive-date=30 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730092836/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-zealand-suspends-extradition-treaty-hong-kong|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== Pro-democracy tenured law professor fired by HKU ====
[[Benny Tai]], a [[Academic tenure|tenured]] associate professor of law at Hong Kong University, was convicted of public nuisance for his lead in the 2014 Hong Kong's pro-democracy [[Umbrella Movement|umbrella movement]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-07-28|title=HK university fires professor who led protests|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-53567333|access-date=2020-07-29|archive-date=29 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729091545/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-53567333|url-status=live}}</ref> While on bail during appealing that decision, Tai helped organise Hong Kong's first ever pro-democratic legislative council election primaries in July with over 610,000 Hongkongers participating.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hong Kong elections: Beijing accuses Occupy protest leader Benny Tai of breaking national security law through primary poll|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3093175/hong-kong-elections-beijing-issues-strongest-condemnation|work=[[South China Morning Post]]|first1=Kimmy|last1=Chung|first2=Chris|last2=Lau|date=2020-07-14|access-date=2020-08-02|archive-date=14 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714123612/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3093175/hong-kong-elections-beijing-issues-strongest-condemnation|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref> The pro-government HKU Council voted 18–2 to fire Tai, thereby overturning a previous recommendation by the HKU Senate.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-28|title='End of academic freedom': University of Hong Kong to fire pro-democracy activist and law prof. Benny Tai|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/28/breaking-hong-kong-university-to-fire-pro-democracy-activist-and-law-prof-benny-tai-source/|access-date=2020-07-29|website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP|language=en-GB|archive-date=28 July 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200728145906/https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/28/breaking-hong-kong-university-to-fire-pro-democracy-activist-and-law-prof-benny-tai-source/|url-status=live}}</ref> Tai's lawyer expressed his discontent with the "disappointing political decision of the Council" and Tai stated in his [[Facebook]] page that he will appeal the decision and fight to protect [[academic freedom]] in Hong Kong University.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-07-28|title=Hong Kong University sacks veteran democracy activist|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-security-idUSKCN24T1VN|access-date=2020-07-29|archive-date=30 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730075430/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-security-idUSKCN24T1VN|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== China oversteps into Hong Kong judiciary independence ====
Hong Kong's [[Department of Justice (Hong Kong)|Department of Justice]] homepage states that under "the principle of '[[One country, two systems|One Country, Two Systems]]' which is enshrined in the [[Hong Kong Basic Law|Basic Law]], Hong Kong enjoys independent judicial power including the power of final adjudication. It remains [[List of national legal systems|a common law jurisdiction]] within China."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Department of Justice - Home|url=https://www.doj.gov.hk/eng/index.html|access-date=2020-07-29|website=www.doj.gov.hk|archive-date=28 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728050020/https://www.doj.gov.hk/eng/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Article 85 of [[Hong Kong Basic Law]] states that the courts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region "shall exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference,"<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web|title=Full Text of the Constitution and the Basic Law - chapter (4)|url=https://www.basiclaw.gov.hk/en/basiclawtext/chapter_4.html#section_4|access-date=2020-07-29|website=www.basiclaw.gov.hk|archive-date=20 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720020006/https://www.basiclaw.gov.hk/en/basiclawtext/chapter_4.html#section_4|url-status=live}}</ref> and Article 82 of [[Hong Kong Basic Law|Basic Law]] requires that judges could be invited "from other common law jurisdictions" such as [[Australia]], [[Canada]], and the [[United Kingdom|UK]], to sit on the Court of Final Appeal.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>  However, in today's press conference in [[Beijing]], a mere 10 days after the [[Supreme Court of the United Kingdom|UK Supreme Court]] president penned a statement<ref>{{Cite web|last=Court|first=The Supreme|title=Role of UK judges on the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal - The Supreme Court|url=https://www.supremecourt.uk/news/role-of-uk-judges-on-the-hong-kong-court-of-final-appeal.html|access-date=2020-07-29|website=www.supremecourt.uk|archive-date=19 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719222734/https://www.supremecourt.uk/news/role-of-uk-judges-on-the-hong-kong-court-of-final-appeal.html|url-status=live}}</ref> expressing concerns over Hong Kong's judiciary independence after enacting the national security law, China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson [[Wang Wenbin]] declared that China – not Hong Kong – has decided that "the Hong Kong SAR will suspend its agreements on surrendering fugitive offenders with [[Canada]], [[Australia]] and the [[United Kingdom|UK]]."<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-07-28|title=China says Hong Kong to suspend crime-related agreements with UK, Canada, Australia|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCAKCN24T0UZ|access-date=2020-07-29|archive-date=29 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729020810/https://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCAKCN24T0UZ|url-status=dead}}</ref>  In addition to ending Hong Kong's extradition agreements, China – not Hong Kong – has decided that the Hong Kong SAR "will suspend its agreements on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters with Canada, Australia and the UK."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on July 28, 2020|url=https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/t1801757.shtml|access-date=2020-07-29|website=www.fmprc.gov.cn|archive-date=29 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729023134/https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/t1801757.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-07-28|title=China hits back in Hong Kong extradition row|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-53562437|access-date=2020-07-29|archive-date=28 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728011704/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-53562437|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== 29 July ===
==== National security law: four student ex-members of a now-disbanded pro-democracy group arrested ====
The group, Studentlocalism, announced on 30 June late night that it had disbanded its Hong Kong division and launched it overseas, right before the national security law took effect on 1 July.<ref>{{Cite web|title=學生動源鍾翰林疑被警方國家安全處人員帶走 現場警：我哋係國安隊 {{!}} 立場報道 {{!}} 立場新聞|url=https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/%E5%AD%B8%E7%94%9F%E5%8B%95%E6%BA%90%E9%8D%BE%E7%BF%B0%E6%9E%97%E8%A2%AB%E8%AD%A6%E6%96%B9%E5%9C%8B%E5%AE%B6%E5%AE%89%E5%85%A8%E8%99%95%E4%BA%BA%E5%93%A1%E5%B8%B6%E8%B5%B0-%E7%8F%BE%E5%A0%B4%E8%AD%A6-%E6%88%91%E5%93%8B%E4%BF%82%E5%9C%8B%E5%AE%89%E9%9A%8A/|access-date=2020-07-30|website=立場新聞 Stand News|language=en|archive-date=26 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200826131416/https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/%E5%AD%B8%E7%94%9F%E5%8B%95%E6%BA%90%E9%8D%BE%E7%BF%B0%E6%9E%97%E8%A2%AB%E8%AD%A6%E6%96%B9%E5%9C%8B%E5%AE%B6%E5%AE%89%E5%85%A8%E8%99%95%E4%BA%BA%E5%93%A1%E5%B8%B6%E8%B5%B0-%E7%8F%BE%E5%A0%B4%E8%AD%A6-%E6%88%91%E5%93%8B%E4%BF%82%E5%9C%8B%E5%AE%89%E9%9A%8A/|url-status=live}}</ref> At around 9pm police arrested four ex-members, aged 16 to 21 years, for allegedly participating in and inciting secession,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-29|title=4 ex-members of pro-independence student group arrested on suspicion of 'inciting secession' under Hong Kong's security law|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/29/breaking-pro-independence-student-group-leader-arrested-on-suspicion-of-inciting-secession-under-hong-kongs-security-law/|access-date=2020-07-29|website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP|language=en-GB|archive-date=29 July 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200729160128/https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/29/breaking-pro-independence-student-group-leader-arrested-on-suspicion-of-inciting-secession-under-hong-kongs-security-law/|url-status=live}}</ref> reportedly based on the group's overseas branch essay on 25 July titled "Confronting Chinese Nationalism and Constructing Hong Kong Nationalism".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-29|title=Teenagers among first arrested under new Hong Kong national security law|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-30/hong-kong-teenagers-first-arrested-china-national-security-law/12505574|access-date=2020-07-29|website=www.abc.net.au|language=en-AU|archive-date=29 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729213208/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-30/hong-kong-teenagers-first-arrested-china-national-security-law/12505574|url-status=live}}</ref> Whereas [[Hong Kong Basic Law]] Article 27 guarantees Hong Kong citizens' freedom of speech,<ref name=":3" /> the national security law article 38 grants Hong Kong police and officers sweeping, albeit controversial, powers to investigate and arrest anyone – overseas and local alike – who expresses different opinions.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Allen-Ebrahimian|first=Bethany|title=With new security law, China outlaws global activism|url=https://www.axios.com/china-hong-kong-law-global-activism-ff1ea6d1-0589-4a71-a462-eda5bea3f78f.html|access-date=2020-07-29|website=Axios|date=7 July 2020 |language=en|archive-date=30 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730002108/https://www.axios.com/china-hong-kong-law-global-activism-ff1ea6d1-0589-4a71-a462-eda5bea3f78f.html|url-status=live}}</ref><gallery>
File:學生動源前成員在大圍新村被帶走 20200728.png|Studentlocalism former member Yanni Ho arrested in [[Tai Wai]]
File:Police search home in Tai Wai New Village 20200728.png|Police officers searched the [[Studentlocalism]] former member's apartment
File:Police bring the items leave in Tai Wai New Village 20200728.png|Plainclothes police officers take away items in Tai Wai New Village
File:Police vehicle entry to MOS Police Station 20200728.png|Police car carrying Yanni Ho arrived at Ma On Shan Police Station
File:Tin Sum Police Station Outside police 20200728.png|The large number of police officers on guard at the Tin Sum Police Station
File:Mr. LI Kwai Wah, Steve see the press 20200728.png|Senior Superintendent of the National Security Department of the [[Hong Kong Police Force|Hong Kong Police]] Li Kwai-wah met with reporters at night
</gallery>
=== 30 July ===
==== International response: EU response package ====
EU concluded its month-long meeting on the Hong Kong agenda on 28 July, during which the Council expressed grave concerns regarding the Hong Kong national security law and set out five major action steps to be taken in the future to help Hong Kong defend its autonomy.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hong Kong: Council expresses grave concern over national security law|url=http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2020/07/28/hong-kong-council-expresses-grave-concern-over-national-security-law/|access-date=2020-08-03|website=www.consilium.europa.eu|language=en|archive-date=3 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803215836/https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2020/07/28/hong-kong-council-expresses-grave-concern-over-national-security-law/|url-status=live}}</ref> Today EU published the detailed version. Some of the recommendations include suspending sensitive technologies and equipment sales, such as those used for civil suppression or cyber surveillance, to Hong Kong, increasing academic exchange with and scholarships to pro-democracy HK university programs, suspending new negotiations with Hong Kong, and closely monitoring pro-democracy activists' trials.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/45225/st09872-re01-en20.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=3 August 2020 |archive-date=7 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807050347/https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/45225/st09872-re01-en20.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== 31 July ===
==== Hong Kong disqualifies Opposition candidates====
[[File:Joshua Wong Chi-fung response to DQ 20200731.png|thumb|[[Joshua Wong]] speaks to the media after he and other candidates are disqualified on 30 July]]
Hong Kong authorities have disqualified 12 pro-democracy candidates from upcoming [[Hong Kong Legislative Council|Legislative Council]] elections.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-53593187 |title=Hong Kong bars 12 opposition candidates from election |work=BBC News |date=30 July 2020 |access-date=30 July 2020 |archive-date=1 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901120645/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-53593187 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Lester Shum, a candidate for the District Council (Second), told the media today that his nomination was declared invalid by the Returning Officer. In addition, four [[Civic Party]] candidates [[Dennis Kwok]], [[Kwok Ka-ki]], [[Alvin Yeung]] and [[Tat Cheng|Cheng Tat-hung]] were disqualified from running for the election. In addition, [[Tiffany Yuen]], [[Fergus Leung]] and [[Alvin Cheng]] from [[Hong Kong Island (1998 constituency)|Hong Kong Island]], [[Ventus Lau]] and [[Gwyneth Ho]] from [[New Territories East (1998 constituency)|New Territories East]], [[Joshua Wong]] from [[Kowloon East (1998 constituency)|Kowloon East]] and [[Kenneth Leung]] from the [[Accountancy (constituency)|accountancy constituency]] also said that they received a formal notification from the Returning Officer that their nomination was invalid.
Hong Kong government immediately issued a press release, expressing its approval and support for the Returning Officer's decision on the invalidity of the nomination of the 12 nominees. Hong Kong government stated for those supports democratic self-determination or support for [[Hong Kong independence]] as a future option to handle the Hong Kong system; seeks foreign governments or political organizations to interfere in the affairs of the SAR; in principle, opposes the National People's Congress Standing Committee's enactment of the [[2020 Hong Kong national security law|Hong Kong national security law]] and included in Annex III of the Basic Law and promulgated and implemented in Hong Kong; stated that it intends to exercise the power of legislators to veto any government's legislative proposals, appointments, funding applications and budgets without discrimination after ensuring a majority in the Legislative Council. Those who force the government to accept certain political demands and refuse to recognize the People's Republic of China's sovereignty over the Hong Kong and the constitutional status of the Hong Kong as a local administrative region of the People's Republic of China are impossible to sincerely support the [[Hong Kong Basic Law|Basic Law]], so it is impossible to perform the duties of a member of the Legislative Council.<ref>{{Cite web|date=30 July 2020|title=【立法會選舉】12名民主派參選人被DQ 楊岳橋 郭榮鏗 黃之鋒 岑敖暉 何桂藍提名無效|url=https://hk.appledaily.com/local/20200730/WPAHP37ZKV3M55VOPMM4YPV4FY/ |archivedate=2020-08-20 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820123705/https://hk.appledaily.com/local/20200730/WPAHP37ZKV3M55VOPMM4YPV4FY/|website=[[Apple Daily]]}}</ref>
==== Hong Kong postpones legislative council election by a year ====
[[File:Carrie Lam see the press 20200731.png|thumb|Chief Executive [[Carrie Lam]] took advantage of the severity of the epidemic and announced the use [[Emergency Regulations Ordinance|Emergency Regulation Ordinance]] to [[Postponement of the 2020 Hong Kong legislative election|postpone the election of the Legislative Council]] on 5 September by one year until 6 September next year]]
Hong Kong has postponed the Legislative Council elections that had been scheduled for September by a year, citing public health concerns in view of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong|COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=LegCo General Election postponed for a year|url=https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/31/P2020073100898.htm#:~:text=The_Hong_Kong_Special_Administrative,a_year_to_September_5,|access-date=2020-07-31|website=www.info.gov.hk|archive-date=1 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901120644/https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/31/P2020073100898.htm#:~:text=The_Hong_Kong_Special_Administrative,a_year_to_September_5,|url-status=live}}</ref> In response the UK issued a statement urging Hong Kong and China to not use COVID-19 "as a pretext to further undermine the autonomy of Hong Kong."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Foreign Office statement on postponement of Hong Kong elections|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-office-statement-on-postponement-of-hong-kong-elections|access-date=2020-07-31|website=GOV.UK|language=en|archive-date=1 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901120618/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-office-statement-on-postponement-of-hong-kong-elections|url-status=live}}</ref> The United States also condemned the postponement, stating that "this action undermines the democratic processes and freedoms that have underpinned Hong Kong's prosperity."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Forgey|first=Quint|title=White House condemns Hong Kong election delay after Trump suggests postponing U.S. election|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2020/07/31/white-house-condemns-hong-kong-election-delay-389504|access-date=2020-07-31|website=POLITICO|date=31 July 2020 |language=en|archive-date=1 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901120645/https://www.politico.com/news/2020/07/31/white-house-condemns-hong-kong-election-delay-389504|url-status=live}}</ref> While Lam had used emergency powers to postpone the election, she said that these would not allow her to handle questions surrounding the four-year term limit stipulated in Article 69 of the Hong Kong Basic Law. On Lam's request to mainland authorities, on 11 August a unanimous decision to support an extension of incumbency was issued by the [[Standing Committee of the National People's Congress]] of mainland China.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/08/11/beijing-decides-current-hong-kong-lawmakers-can-remain-on-until-postponed-election/|title=Beijing decides current Hong Kong lawmakers can remain on until postponed election|work=[[Hong Kong Free Press]]|first=Kelly|last=Ho|date=11 August 2020|access-date=18 August 2020|archive-date=11 August 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210811035923/https://hongkongfp.com/2020/08/11/beijing-decides-current-hong-kong-lawmakers-can-remain-on-until-postponed-election/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== Six pro-democracy Hong Kong overseas activists wanted ====
Hong Kong police has issued six arrest warrants to Hongkongers for allegedly "inciting secession and collusion with foreign forces."<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-07-31|title=Arrest warrants issued for six Hong Kong democracy activists: CCTV|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-security-exiles-idUSKCN24W2FB|access-date=2020-07-31|archive-date=31 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731170339/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-security-exiles-idUSKCN24W2FB|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Nathan Law 'wanted for national security crimes' - RTHK|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1541164-20200731.htm?|access-date=2020-07-31|website=news.rthk.hk|language=en-gb|archive-date=9 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809070717/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1541164-20200731.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The six activists are [[Nathan Law]] (currently in England seeking asylum),<ref>{{Cite news|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=2020-07-14|title=Hong Kong activist Nathan Law moves to Britain and vows fight will continue|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/14/hong-kong-activist-nathan-law-moves-to-britain-and-vows-fight-will-continue|access-date=2020-07-31|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=1 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801120304/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/14/hong-kong-activist-nathan-law-moves-to-britain-and-vows-fight-will-continue|url-status=live}}</ref> Wayne Chan Ka-kui (currently in Amsterdam),<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-06-11|title=Hong Kong protesters added to police wanted list after going missing|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3088541/hong-kong-protests-activist-facing-charges-flees|access-date=2020-07-31|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|archive-date=8 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808131551/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3088541/hong-kong-protests-activist-facing-charges-flees|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Honcques Laus]] (currently in England seeking asylum),<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kong|first=Dimsumdaily Hong|date=2020-07-30|title=Honcques Laus, ex-member of Studentlocalism seeks political asylum in U.K.|url=https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/honcques-laus-ex-member-of-studentlocalism-seeks-political-asylum-in-u-k/|access-date=2020-07-31|website=Dimsum Daily|language=en-US|archive-date=1 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901120547/https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/honcques-laus-ex-member-of-studentlocalism-seeks-political-asylum-in-u-k/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Samuel Chu]] (a US citizen), [[Simon Cheng]] (currently in England seeking asylum after being detained and allegedly tortured by China earlier),<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-07-01|title=UK asylum for consulate worker 'tortured in China'|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-53252533|access-date=2020-07-31|archive-date=25 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725143118/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-53252533|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Ray Wong]] (who had been granted asylum in Germany in 2018).<ref>{{Cite news|last=Khan|first=Natasha|date=2019-05-22|title=Hong Kong Activist Granted Asylum by Germany: 'I Had No Choice'|language=en-US|work=Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/hong-kong-activist-granted-asylum-by-germany-i-had-no-choice-11558512287|access-date=2020-07-31|issn=0099-9660|archive-date=1 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801214128/https://www.wsj.com/articles/hong-kong-activist-granted-asylum-by-germany-i-had-no-choice-11558512287|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== Germany suspends extradition treaty with Hong Kong over rights infringement ====
[[Germany]] suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong<ref>{{Cite web|last=Amt|first=Auswärtiges|title=Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on the postponement of the elections in Hong Kong|url=https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/newsroom/news/maas-postponement-elections-hong-kong/2372740|access-date=2020-07-31|website=German Federal Foreign Office|language=en|archive-date=8 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808014154/https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/newsroom/news/maas-postponement-elections-hong-kong/2372740|url-status=live}}</ref> in response to Hong Kong government's disqualifying 12 opposition candidates, its legislative election postponement, and China's arrest warrants of Hong Kong overseas exiles using the controversial national security law.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Day|first=Kate|date=2020-07-31|title=Germany suspends extradition agreement with Hong Kong|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/germany-suspends-extradition-agreement-with-hong-kong/|access-date=2020-07-31|website=POLITICO|archive-date=1 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801011609/https://www.politico.eu/article/germany-suspends-extradition-agreement-with-hong-kong/|url-status=live}}</ref>
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{2019 Hong Kong protests|state=expanded}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Timeline of the 2019-2020 Hong Kong protests (July 2020)}}
[[Category:Timeline of the 2019–2020 Hong Kong protests]]
[[Category:Lists of protests]]
[[Category:July 2020 events in China]]
[[Category:2020 timelines]]