Hong Kong is the focus of the Chinese Communist Party since the country was released from Great Britain. But they are not free to decide their own future because China demands the country throw off their Independence and come under the ownership of the CCP.
The CCP has been intimidating liberty activists like media mogul Jimmy Lai , who says what he is going through in Hong Kong is ‘the first stage of the cold war between the US and China’, as seen in the following video:
WHAT HAPPENS TO HONG KONG IS COMING TO US JIMMY LAI WARNS
And now PayPal is helping the CCP to smash any remaining dissent in Hong Kong- sealing the fate of people who are resisting the regime by debanking them.
US is also experiencing warnings from PayPal month for wrong behavior, which should serve as a warning.
Hong Kong shares the idea of freedom with the US, so the CCP passed oppressive laws against pro-democracy activism.
To bring the Hong Kongers under control, the CCP passed the ‘national security law’, and here is what it is all about.
“In 2020, China introduced a wide-ranging new national security law (NSL) for Hong Kong, making it easier to prosecute protesters and reducing the city’s autonomy,” according to the BBC, who reported:
Critics called it “the end of Hong Kong”, but what exactly does the law entail and what has changed since it was introduced?
What is this law all about?
Hong Kong was always meant to have a security law, but could never pass one because it was so unpopular. So this is about China stepping in to ensure the city has a legal framework to deal with what it sees as serious challenges to its authority.
The details of the law’s 66 articles were kept secret until after it was passed. It criminalizes any act of:
- secession – breaking away from the country
- subversion – undermining the power or authority of the central government
- terrorism – using violence or intimidation against people
- collusion with foreign or external forces
What provisions fall under the law?
The law came into effect at 23:00 local time on 30 June 2020, an hour before the 23rd anniversary of the city’s handover to China from British rule.
It gives Beijing powers to shape life in Hong Kong it has never had before.
Its key provisions include:
- Crimes of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces are punishable by a maximum sentence of life in prison
- Damaging public transport facilities can be considered terrorism
- Those found guilty will not be allowed to stand for public office
- Companies can be fined if convicted under the law
- This office can send some cases to be tried in mainland China – but Beijing has said it will only have that power over a “tiny number” of cases
- In addition, Hong Kong will have to establish its own national security commission to enforce the laws, with a Beijing-appointed adviser
- Hong Kong’s chief executive will have the power to appoint judges to hear national security cases, raising fears about judicial autonomy
- Importantly, Beijing will have power over how the law should be interpreted, not any Hong Kong judicial or policy body. If the law conflicts with any Hong Kong law, the Beijing law takes priority
- Some trials will be heard behind closed doors.
- People suspected of breaking the law can be wire-tapped and put under surveillance
- Management of foreign non-governmental organizations and news agencies will be strengthened
- The law will also apply to non-permanent residents and people “from outside [Hong Kong]… who are not permanent residents of Hong Kong“.
What has changed in Hong Kong since the law was introduced?
Hundreds of protestors, activists, and former opposition lawmakers have been arrested since the law came into force.
HERE COMES PAYPAL
And now PayPal is helping them:
Voice Of America reported on Friday about the deplatforming:
One of Hong Kong’s last remaining pro-democracy activist groups has had its account with online payments processor PayPal terminated.
The League of Social Democrats says that PayPal, a multinational financial technology company headquartered in California and Nebraska, sent an email stating it can no longer provide its services to the activist group.
The group said PayPal Hong Kong Limited had sent an email on Sept. 19 about the termination and that it hasn’t been able to accept any new donations since.
The text of PayPal’s email sent to the League of Social Democrats in September has been seen by VOA. It outlines the termination and says the decision is “final.”
“Unfortunately, upon review of your account, we have determined there to be excessive risks involved. Therefore, we will no longer be able to provide our services to you. While we wish you the best of success in your future business endeavors, we respectfully ask that you seek another payment solution to process transactions on your behalf,” part of the email read.
Founded in 2006, the League of Social Democrats is one of the last functioning activist organizations in Hong Kong. Over the years, several of its core members have served jail terms after pressure from authorities over the group’s ideology and activism.
Although the league is still active, in today’s Hong Kong, civil society and activist groups are a rarity amid a political crackdown. At least 50 have shut down in the last two years, fearing the risks of violating a Beijing-imposed national security law.
Avery Ng, the group’s former chairman, said the group feels “helpless” after PayPal’s decision.
“We feel helpless and [that there is] not much we can do. The political situation and pressure cause corporations to stop providing even basic normal services to opposition parties, further hindering basic fundraising activities.
For more information on Jimmy Lia- check out this movie:
