Former Hong Kong protester challenges travel ban in bid to study law
A former Hong Kong protester has lodged a judicial challenge against prison authorities' decision to bar him from studying law in the United Kingdom on national security grounds, even after he completed his prison sentence for offences committed during the
2019 anti-government unrest
To Kai-wa on Wednesday sought a judicial review after the Correctional Services Department forbade him from leaving Hong Kong during his post-release supervision by citing his failure to 'demonstrate sincere remorse and reflection' or undergo 'full rehabilitation and
deradicalisation '.
The 28-year-old, who was not subject to
a new legal restriction barring the early discharge of national security offenders, was released in October 2024 after serving two-thirds of his sentence.
But he was placed under 22-month supervision and ordered not to leave the city without the approval of the department's supervision case review committee before the supervision period ended in August 2026.
In January this year, the applicant asked for permission to travel after receiving a conditional offer to enrol in a law degree programme at the University of Birmingham.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South China Morning Post
34 minutes ago
- South China Morning Post
Civil servants in Hong Kong have to move with the times
Hong Kong's civil service has, with justification, been described by the government as the backbone of the administration, helping develop and execute policies while providing public services. But the need for the more than 173,000 civil servants to perform well and provide good value for money is as important now as it has ever been, as the city faces new challenges and a big budget deficit. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has championed a 'result-oriented' approach for the government and is determined civil servants will also meet high standards. Lee recently revealed plans to introduce a new accountability system for the civil service to complement the existing one for principal officials. There are, as yet, few details. But he said underperforming senior bureaucrats may face a pay freeze or other punitive measures. The aim is to improve leadership and policy implementation. It is a welcome development. Hong Kong's civil servants had their pay frozen for a year in April as part of measures to tackle the deficit, but rises for individuals are still possible within the pay bands. Civil servants are well paid and enjoy job security and generous fringe benefits. Their pay structure is rigid and outdated. There is much room for reform. Public servants already undergo annual appraisals to identify outstanding and underperforming individuals. Those falling short are given support to help them improve. There is a mechanism for the retirement of persistent underperformers. But a more rigorous and sophisticated system is needed to enhance accountability and ensure standards are raised. The new arrangements must be carefully structured, with clear objectives, to ensure they are transparent and fair. The system should include assessment of much-needed collaboration between different branches of the service as well as performance within departments. Lee has highlighted the need for reform of the bureaucracy in his policy addresses. Steps taken include amending the civil service code and introducing new awards for high performers. The civil service needs to modernise to improve efficiency, embrace new technology, and better meet the needs of the community. The new accountability system will help, but the process of reform must continue.
South China Morning Post
an hour ago
- South China Morning Post
‘Summer Davos' debate: is China's yuan ready to challenge US dollar dominance?
As global confidence in the US dollar erodes in the wake of Washington's 'Liberation Day' tariffs , economists at the Annual Meeting of the New Champions debated whether China's yuan could emerge as a credible alternative to challenge the world's dominant currency. US President Donald Trump's sweeping 'reciprocal tariffs' on allies and adversaries alike marked 'another step in the process of diminishing the role of the dollar as a global reserve currency,' said Diana Choyleva, senior fellow of Chinese Economy at the Asia Society Policy Institute, at the World Economic Forum event – also known as 'Summer Davos'. The dollar's status is increasingly under threat due to the reluctance of other countries – especially China – to fully rely on the US currency, as well as the rise of digital currencies, stablecoins and alternative global payment systems, and economic mismanagement in Washington, Choyleva said. On Thursday, the US Dollar index – which tracks the strength of the greenback's status against a basket of other major currencies - fell below 97, its lowest point since March 2022. Amid growing doubts about the dollar, Choyleva said the yuan could offer a more promising alternative compared to the euro. 'China is actively trying to create a separate financial sphere of influence with the yuan at its centre.'
South China Morning Post
2 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
Trump says US signed agreement with China, offering no details
US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the United States had signed an agreement with China a day earlier, offering no further details. 'Everybody, everybody wants to make a deal and have a part of it, right? I know [US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer] and [Commerce Secretary] Howard [Lutnick] and [Treasury Secretary] Scott [Bessent] are working overtime, making deals with other countries,' he said. 'You remember a few months ago, the press was saying, Do you really have anybody of any interest? Well, we just signed with China yesterday, right?' 'We are starting to open up China, things that could have never happened,' he added. Trump made the comment during remarks at a White House event aimed at promoting a government spending bill that he wants lawmakers to pass by July 4, America's Independence Day. More to follow...
