SUBSCRIBE NOW

SIGHT

Be informed. Be challenged. Be inspired.

Fire in packed Hong Kong building kills five, dozens in hospital

Hong Kong Reuters A fire broke out in a densely populated residential building in Hong Kong’s bustling Kowloon district on Wednesday, killing five people and injuring 35 others, the city’s hospital authority and fire services said. People inside the 16-storey building waved towels at windows to signal for rescue, broadcaster RTHK said, adding that the […]

New Hong Kong security law comes into force amid fears for freedoms

Hong Kong, China Reuters A new national security law came into force in Hong Kong on Saturday despite growing international criticism that it could erode freedoms in the China-ruled city and damage its international financial hub credentials. The law, also known as Article 23, took effect at midnight, days after Hong Kong’s pro-Beijing lawmakers passed […]

Hong Kong passes security law which critics say further threatens freedoms

Hong Kong, China Reuters Hong Kong lawmakers on Tuesday unanimously passed a new national security bill within two weeks of it being presented, fast-tracking a major piece of legislation that critics say further threatens the China-ruled city’s freedoms. The package, known as Article 23, punishes offences including treason, sabotage, sedition, the theft of state secrets, […]

Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai pleads not guilty in national security trial

Media tycoon Jimmy Lai, founder of Apple Daily, looks on as he leaves the Court of Final Appeal by prison van, in Hong Kong, China, on 1st February, 2021

Hong KongReuters Hong Kong pro-democracy tycoon Jimmy Lai pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to all charges against him in a high-profile national security trial that could see the city’s leading critic of the Chinese Communist Party jailed for life. Media tycoon Jimmy Lai, founder of Apple Daily, looks on as he leaves the Court of […]

Security tight ahead of landmark trial for leading Hong Kong democrat

A supporter waves the Union Jack flag outside the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts during the national security trial of media mogul Jimmy Lai, founder of Apple Daily, in Hong Kong, China on 18th December, 2023

Hong Kong, ChinaReuters A landmark national security trial for leading China critic Jimmy Lai opened in Hong Kong on Monday amid tight security, with the pro-democracy activist battling charges that he colluded with foreign forces, including the United States. Queues formed outside the West Kowloon Law Court building the night before the closely anticipated trial, […]

China clampdown on Hong Kong in spotlight as leading democrat goes on trial

Media mogul Jimmy Lai, founder of Apple Daily, leaves the Court of Final Appeal by prison van in Hong Kong, China, on 9th February, 2021

Hong Kong, ChinaReuters A long-awaited national security trial opens in Hong Kong on Monday for leading China critic and media tycoon Jimmy Lai, who faces possible life imprisonment on charges he colluded with foreign forces, including the United States. Foreign envoys, business people and legal scholars will be watching the trial closely, saying it looms […]

Hong Kong ‘patriots only’ election falls flat with record low turnout

Posters encouraging people to vote in the District Council Election are seen at a polling station in Hong Kong, China, on 10th December, 2023

Hong Kong, ChinaReuters A “patriots only” district election in Hong Kong that barred opposition democrats from the ballot sheet amid a national security squeeze had a record low voter turnout of 27.5 per cent as many voters spurned what was seen as an undemocratic poll.  The sharp slide in turnout since the last such election […]