Source: New Zealand Police
State Highway One is closed following a serious crash near Moturere this evening.
Police received a report of a two vehicle crash on SH1 near Jellicoe Point at around 7.45pm.
Initial indications suggest there are serious injuries.
The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.
The road is closed between Taupō and Tūrangi, and motorists are advised to expect delays.
ENDS
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.
Released 04/07/2025
With free daily entertainment, spectacular fire shows, and a celebration of local food and culture, the City Renewal Authority and local businesses have made Canberra’s City Centre the hottest spot in town these July school holidays.
From Saturday 5 July to Saturday 19 July 2025, City Walk will feature a 14-metre-wide stage hosting free performances up to five times a day including circus, theatre, musical comedy acts. Each evening is capped off by choreographed fire performances.
During the day, families can enjoy a variety of performances. Week one features the space-themed adventure of Mission to the Moon and the clever, acrobatic comedy of the Circus Firemen. In week two, the stage comes alive with the playful music of Lucky Jim and the renowned high-energy spectacle of Circus Oz ‘Non-Stop’.
After dark, the City Centre will light up with three fire performances. Local amateurs will open the show, followed by the headline display from Flux Entertainment, whose pyrotechnics have captivated audiences nationwide since their appearance on Australia’s Got Talent.
Winter in the City will wrap up in a special edition of The Forage on Saturday 19 July, bringing together Canberra’s best street food, live music, fire performances and shows from Circus Oz. From 12pm to 9pm, City Walk will be filled with the sounds, smells, and tastes of winter.
A marketing campaign highlighting the best of City and Braddon’s hospitality and retail businesses will run alongside the free entertainment program, encouraging Canberrans to enjoy a day or night out and support local traders.
Winter in the City is supported by the City Centre Marketing and Improvements Levy. More program information including show times is available at winter.inthecity.com.au .
Winter in the City
Quotes attributable to Michael Pettersson, Minister for Business, Arts and Creative Industries
“Last year, Winter in the City contributed an estimated $2.72 million to the City Centre’s economy. This is money spent in our local cafes, restaurants, retailers and bars. We hope to see an even greater contribution this year.”
This year’s program of free, world-class entertainment on offer, encourages people to come into the City Centre to shop, eat, and celebrate winter.”
“It’s all about creating a lively, welcoming atmosphere that Canberrans can enjoy and that benefits our city businesses.”
Quotes attributable to Belinda Neame, Founder, The Forage
“The Forage is back for its eleventh year and is teaming up with Winter in the City to bring an unforgettable mid-winter feast to Canberra’s City Centre.”
“This exciting collaboration will transform the city into a hub of sizzling street eats, cosy firepits, and live entertainment. Visitors can explore a curated lineup of food from some of Canberra’s best restaurants and mobile food and beverage vendors.”
– Statement ends –
Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements
UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on the Oral Presentation of the High Commissioner on Ukraine and Interim Report of the Secretary General on Human Rights on Crimea. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.
Thank you, Assistant Secretary-General, for your update on the human rights situation in Ukraine’s temporarily occupied territories.
In June 2024, the European Court of Human Rights found Russia to have committed multiple human rights violations since its illegal annexation of Crimea. In May this year, the Council of Europe urged Russia to restore Ukrainian law in Crimea and end the use of torture and ill-treatment.
There are very concerning reports of civilians being detained and taken across the border into Russia, where they have been convicted on spurious charges. This includes those who work in critical civilian infrastructure, such as the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and journalists.
We note your assessment that targeted use of drones, including attacks that have killed civilians while delivering humanitarian aid, has violated IHL principles of distinction and precaution. Russia must comply with international law. Rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians is needed.
Those responsible must be held to account for the appalling forcible transfer of Ukrainian children, and the enlistment of these children into military patriotic training programmes, potentially then being sent to fight against their own country.
Assistant Secretary-General,
Given Russia’s attempt to erase children’s heritage, what steps can be taken to prevent the long-term erasure of their cultural and national identity?
Source: New Zealand Police
Harts Road is closed following a serious crash this evening.
Police were called to the Harts Road and Leeston and Lake Roads intersection at around 7.40pm after a report of a vehicle colliding with two pedestrians.
There are reports of serious injuries.
The road is closed while emergency services are at the scene.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
Detectives are appealing to the public for help after a man was shot dead in Hammersmith.
Officers need to trace a motorbike used by the suspect, last seen in the Ealing area.
A man has been charged with murder and remains in custody.
Police were called to Claxton Grove, W6 at 23:19hrs on Wednesday, 11 June where two men were treated by the London Ambulance Service for gunshot wounds.
Both were taken to hospital where, despite the best efforts of medical staff, 30-year-old Northolt resident Jordan Oliver Rodney, sadly died on Thursday, 12 June. His next-of-kin continue to be supported by specialist officers.
The second man, also in his 30s, was treated for minor injuries and has since been discharged from hospital.
Jahmel Joseph, 28 (05.12.1996), of Eaton Rise, Ealing, was charged on Saturday, 14 June with murder, attempted murder, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of a prohibited weapon and dangerous driving.
He will next appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday, 2 September.
Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila from the homicide team leading the investigation, said:
“We are working at pace on this investigation, but are asking the public to help us trace what we believe was the motorbike used by the suspect in the shooting.
“The Yamaha MT-09 Tracer motorbike was last seen on CCTV in the Ealing area, near Eaton Rise.
“If you have any recollection of seeing it at any point on the day of the incident, or in the days afterwards, please call the police as soon as possible.”
If anyone has any information that can help, please contact the police as a matter of urgency on 101 quoting 8916/11JUN or visit here.
To remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)
South African Police Service Budget Vote
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday it would probably be known in 24 hours whether the Palestinian militant group Hamas has agreed to accept what he has called a “final proposal” for an Israel-Hamas ceasefire in Gaza.
The president also said he had spoken to Saudi Arabia about expanding the Abraham Accords, the deal on normalization of ties that his administration negotiated between Israel and some Gulf countries during his first term.
Trump said on Tuesday Israel had accepted the conditions needed to finalise a 60-day ceasefire with Hamas, during which the parties will work to end the war.
He was asked on Friday if Hamas had agreed to the latest ceasefire deal framework, and said: “We’ll see what happens, we are going to know over the next 24 hours.”
A source close to Hamas said on Thursday the Islamist group sought guarantees that the new U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal would lead to the end of Israel’s war in Gaza.
Two Israeli officials said those details were still being worked out. Dozens of Palestinians were killed on Thursday in Israeli strikes, according to Gaza authorities.
The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered in October 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking about 250 hostages, Israeli tallies show.
Gaza’s health ministry says Israel’s subsequent military assault has killed over 56,000 Palestinians. It has also caused a hunger crisis, internally displaced Gaza’s entire population and prompted accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice and of war crimes at the International Criminal Court. Israel denies the accusations.
A previous two month ceasefire ended when Israeli strikes killed more than 400 Palestinians on March 18. Trump earlier this year proposed a U.S. takeover of Gaza, which was condemned globally by rights experts, the U.N. and Palestinians as a proposal of “ethnic cleansing.”
ABRAHAM ACCORDS
Trump made the comments on the Abraham Accords when asked about U.S. media reporting late on Thursday that he had met Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman at the White House.
“It’s one of the things we talked about,” Trump said. “I think a lot of people are going to be joining the Abraham accords,” he added, citing the predicted expansion to the damage faced by Iran from recent U.S. and Israeli strikes.
Axios reported that after the meeting with Trump, the Saudi official spoke on the phone with Abdolrahim Mousavi, chief of Iran’s General Staff of the Armed Forces.
Trump’s meeting with the Saudi official came ahead of a visit to Washington next week by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
(Reuters)
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 43-year-old male after he handed himself into police in relation to a hit and run in Leanyer on Friday 27 June 2025.
The white Holden Commodore station wagon has been seized. He is expected to be charged with a number of offences later this evening.
Police would like to thank members of the public who called 131 444 to provide information.
Source: New Zealand Police
Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Brett Humphrey:
Police investigating a missing person’s report in Whanganui are seeking sightings of a vehicle of interest.
Kahukura Dilpreet Wati Woods Gill, known as Kahu, was last seen in the Matahiwi area on Friday 27 June 2025, and he is believed to have been using a white 2002 Mazda Atenza saloon, registration EQR994.
He remains missing, and active enquiries are ongoing to determine his last known movements.
As part of these, Police are seeking sightings of Mr Gill and this white car in the Whanganui/Rangitikei areas between Friday 27 June and Tuesday 1 July.
If you can help, please call 105 or go online to 105.police.govt.nz, using “Update Report,” quoting reference number 250702/3842.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
More than 12,300 pilgrims had darshan at the sacred Amarnath shrine on Thursday, marking a successful start to this year’s Amarnath Yatra, officials said.
On Friday morning, another batch of 6,411 pilgrims departed from Jammu amid unprecedented security arrangements. According to officials, the pilgrims set out from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in two heavily guarded convoys comprising 291 vehicles.
Of the latest batch, 2,789 pilgrims are en route to the Baltal base camp, while 3,622 are heading to the Nunwan base camp near Pahalgam, officials added.
The enthusiasm among the devotees was palpable, as they chanted “Bum Bum Bhole” and “Har Har Mahadev,” unfazed by recent threats. Many yatris said their determination to undertake the pilgrimage was rooted in faith and devotion to Lord Shiva, whose spiritual call they had come to heed.
This year’s Yatra is being held under a tightened security grid in the wake of the brutal April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, where Pakistan-backed militants killed 26 civilians after targeting them based on their religious identity. To prevent any repeat of such incidents, the government has deployed an additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), augmenting the existing presence of the Indian Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, and local police.
All transit camps and the complete pilgrimage route—from Jammu to the cave shrine—are under constant security surveillance, with multi-tier protection in place.
Demonstrating their support, local Kashmiris were among the first to welcome the Yatra. In a heartwarming gesture, residents greeted the first batch of pilgrims with garlands and placards at Qazigund, shortly after they emerged from the Navyug Tunnel into the Valley. The warm reception sent a strong message of solidarity and unity in the face of violence.
The 38-day-long pilgrimage, which began on July 3, will conclude on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan. Devotees can undertake the journey via two routes—either the traditional 46-kilometre trek from Pahalgam or the shorter 14-kilometre Baltal route. The Pahalgam path takes four days to complete and involves stops at Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni, while the Baltal route allows pilgrims to return the same day.
The cave shrine, located 3,888 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas, houses a naturally formed ice stalagmite believed to represent Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, it was inside this cave that Lord Shiva revealed the secret of immortality to Goddess Parvati.
(With agencies inputs)
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
More than 12,300 pilgrims had darshan at the sacred Amarnath shrine on Thursday, marking a successful start to this year’s Amarnath Yatra, officials said.
On Friday morning, another batch of 6,411 pilgrims departed from Jammu amid unprecedented security arrangements. According to officials, the pilgrims set out from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in two heavily guarded convoys comprising 291 vehicles.
Of the latest batch, 2,789 pilgrims are en route to the Baltal base camp, while 3,622 are heading to the Nunwan base camp near Pahalgam, officials added.
The enthusiasm among the devotees was palpable, as they chanted “Bum Bum Bhole” and “Har Har Mahadev,” unfazed by recent threats. Many yatris said their determination to undertake the pilgrimage was rooted in faith and devotion to Lord Shiva, whose spiritual call they had come to heed.
This year’s Yatra is being held under a tightened security grid in the wake of the brutal April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, where Pakistan-backed militants killed 26 civilians after targeting them based on their religious identity. To prevent any repeat of such incidents, the government has deployed an additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), augmenting the existing presence of the Indian Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, and local police.
All transit camps and the complete pilgrimage route—from Jammu to the cave shrine—are under constant security surveillance, with multi-tier protection in place.
Demonstrating their support, local Kashmiris were among the first to welcome the Yatra. In a heartwarming gesture, residents greeted the first batch of pilgrims with garlands and placards at Qazigund, shortly after they emerged from the Navyug Tunnel into the Valley. The warm reception sent a strong message of solidarity and unity in the face of violence.
The 38-day-long pilgrimage, which began on July 3, will conclude on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan. Devotees can undertake the journey via two routes—either the traditional 46-kilometre trek from Pahalgam or the shorter 14-kilometre Baltal route. The Pahalgam path takes four days to complete and involves stops at Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni, while the Baltal route allows pilgrims to return the same day.
The cave shrine, located 3,888 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas, houses a naturally formed ice stalagmite believed to represent Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, it was inside this cave that Lord Shiva revealed the secret of immortality to Goddess Parvati.
(With agencies inputs)
Source: New Zealand Police
A dodgy number plate ended one man’s run in evading his warrants to arrest.
It was part of a successful night for Police in Flat Bush after nabbing two offenders for a range of incidents.
Counties Manukau East Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Rakana Cook, says at about 1am a vehicle was stopped on Hamill Road.
“Officers noticed the number plate had been tampered with and upon speaking to the driver identified him as a wanted person.
“The man had been wanted by Police since September in relation to a number of alleged offences so it was great work by staff to arrest him and hold him to account for those offences.”
A 35-year-old man has been remanded in custody and will reappear on 11 July charged with possession of drug utensils and driving while forbidden.
Thirty minutes earlier, officers had stopped a vehicle travelling on Flat Bush School Road.
Inspector Cook says the driver was identified and found to be in breach of his bail conditions.
“A search of the vehicle also located a head torch and tools.
“A 28-year-old man was arrested for breaching bail and driving related offences.”
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
Source: New South Wales Community and Justice
Firearms safe seized after search
Friday, 4 July 2025 – 4:14 pm.
A 55-year-old woman is facing a court summons for offences under the Firearms Act, with police alleging she was trying to sell a non-compliant gun safe on social media.
Acting on a public tip-off, police conducted a search of a property in southern Tasmania on Friday and seized a firearms safe along with an amount of ammunition that was not stored correctly.
Police allege the safe was non-compliant because it was easily penetrable and had an insufficient locking mechanism.
It is an offence under section 106A of the Firearms Act 1996, to advertise the sale of a firearms safe unless it complies with the requirements under the Act.
Having firearms and ammunition stored correctly in a compliant safe reduces the risk of these items falling into the wrong hands.
More information on storage and safekeeping can be found online at www.fas.police.tas.gov.au
Anyone with information about firearm offences is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.
Source: International Monetary Fund
Strong growth has continued, primarily driven by the expansion of pharmaceutical exports, while domestic demand has been relatively sluggish. Inflation has remained below 2 percent. Public finances and external positions are robust, and the financial system has demonstrated resilience to multiple shocks in recent years. Staff expects growth to moderate in the near term as external demand weakens, and the exceptional pharmaceutical expansion begins to normalize. While direct impacts from U.S. tariffs are expected to be limited, the escalated global trade tensions pose risks to the outlook. In response to increasing geopolitical tensions, early in 2025, the government announced a substantial increase in defense spending.
Subject: Anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), Climate change, Crime, Defense spending, Environment, Expenditure, Financial institutions, Financial sector policy and analysis, Financial sector stability, Fiscal policy, Fiscal stance, Insurance, Labor, Labor markets, Loans, Mortgages
Keywords: Anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), Climate change, Defense spending, Financial sector stability, Fiscal stance, Insurance, Labor markets, Loans, Mortgages, Securities
Source: International Monetary Fund
Strong growth has continued, primarily driven by the expansion of pharmaceutical exports, while domestic demand has been relatively sluggish. Inflation has remained below 2 percent. Public finances and external positions are robust, and the financial system has demonstrated resilience to multiple shocks in recent years. Staff expects growth to moderate in the near term as external demand weakens, and the exceptional pharmaceutical expansion begins to normalize. While direct impacts from U.S. tariffs are expected to be limited, the escalated global trade tensions pose risks to the outlook. In response to increasing geopolitical tensions, early in 2025, the government announced a substantial increase in defense spending.
Subject: Anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), Climate change, Crime, Defense spending, Environment, Expenditure, Financial institutions, Financial sector policy and analysis, Financial sector stability, Fiscal policy, Fiscal stance, Insurance, Labor, Labor markets, Loans, Mortgages
Keywords: Anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), Climate change, Defense spending, Financial sector stability, Fiscal stance, Insurance, Labor markets, Loans, Mortgages, Securities
Source: New Zealand Police
Police have arrested and charged a man following an assault in Whangārei overnight.
An allegation of assault on Walton Street has been under investigation, after a woman approached the Whangārei Police Station at about 1.30am.
Detective Senior Sergeant Michelle Harris, of Whangārei CIB, says an 18-year-old man has been charged with assault with a weapon.
“Police are still investigating this incident, other charges are pending and we are not seeking anyone else,” she says.
“The parties were known to each other and there is no wider risk to the community.”
At the time the woman was transported to hospital and treated for moderate injuries. She has since been released.
“Our investigation began in the early hours of this morning,” Detective Senior Sergeant Harris says.
“The enquiry team has worked closely with the complainant and is very pleased with progress so far.”
Enquiries are continuing.
The 18-year-old man will appear in the Whangārei District Court on 5 July.
Anyone with information that could assist Police is asked to update us online now or call 105.
Please use the reference number 250704/0640.
ENDS.
Nicole Bremner/NZ Police
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
A 28-year-old male has passed away today following a serious assault that occurred during a disturbance in Alice Springs in May.
On 15 May 2025, police attended a large disturbance in the Alice Springs CBD where the male, who was 27-years-old at the time, suffered a serious stab wound to the chest.
Detectives from the Crime Command arrested a 22-year-old male and subsequently charged him with Acts intended to cause serious harm. He first appeared in Alice Springs Local Court on 19 May 2025 and was remanded to reappear on 24 July 2025.
This morning, the male died at Alice Springs Hospital.
Police are in consultation with the Department of Public Prosecutions to determine whether charges are to be upgraded following the victim’s death.
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
More than 1,000 wanted criminals have now been arrested by the Metropolitan Police Service using Live Facial Recognition (LFR), including paedophiles, rapists and violent robbers.
Among these arrests are more than 100 individuals allegedly involved in serious violence against women and girls (VAWG) offences such as strangulation, stalking, domestic abuse, and rape.
The Met is taking the lead in utilising this technology to make London safer, using it to identify and apprehend offenders that pose a significant risk to its communities. Of those arrested, a total of 773 have been charged or cautioned.
These offenders may otherwise have remained unlawfully at large, posing a continued threat to the public and taking up much more officer time to locate them.
LFR is helping to apprehend wanted criminals in London and catch those who are breaking bail conditions without the need for extensive police resources or frequent visits.
Lindsey Chiswick, lead for LFR at the Met and nationally, said:
“This milestone of 1,000 arrests is a demonstration of how cutting-edge technology can make London safer by removing dangerous offenders from our streets.
“Live Facial Recognition is a powerful tool, which is helping us deliver justice for victims, including those who have been subjected to horrendous offences, such as rape and serious assault.
“It is not only saving our officers’ valuable time but delivering faster, more accurate results to catch criminals – helping us be more efficient than ever before.”
Each deployment is made up of an LFR team as well as a number of neighbourhood officers in the vicinity to talk to those identified and make necessary arrests.
LFR interventions don’t always result in arrest. The tool is often used to stop people who are flagged from the watchlist who have conditions imposed by the courts. These might include registered sex offenders and those convicted of stalking, among others.
These interventions are crucial as they are another way of police ensuring people are adhering to their conditions. In turn, communities are kept safer as a result.
The technology allows officers to catch offenders breaking their conditions which otherwise may have gone unnoticed. This is a unique and revolutionary way of policing.
In London, a breach of conditions has been identified 21% of the time.
In total, 93 registered sex offenders have been arrested by Met officers as part of the 1,035 arrests seen since the start of 2024 using LFR.
Case studies
On Friday, 10 January, a police van with LFR was operating in the Denmark Hill area, when cameras alerted officers to 73-year-old David Cheneler as being a registered sex offender. Upon being stopped by officers, he was found to be with a six-year-old girl.
Further checks confirmed he was in breach of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO ), which prevented him from being alone with a child under the age of 14.
He was arrested and taken into custody.
David Cheneler, 73 (05.04.52), of Lewisham, appeared at Kingston Crown Court on Tuesday, 20 May, where he was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.
He pleaded guilty at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 13 January to breaching the conditions of his SOPO, as well as possessing an offensive weapon.
On Friday, 10 January 2025, police were called to a report of a robbery at a restaurant on Uxbridge Road, Hayes.
Adenola Akindutire posed as a buyer of a rolex watch on Facebook marketplace. When he met up with the seller, Akindtire produced a machete, attacked the seller, and stole the watch. The victim, a man in his 30s, sustained life-changing injuries.
Akindutire was then linked to another incident, with similar circumstances, on Monday, 16 December 2024.
Akindutire was released on bail.
On Tuesday, 15 April 2025, Akindtire was stopped during a Live Facial Recognition operation in Stratford and arrested. He produced a false passport in an attempt to evade the arrest.
Comparison with previous custody images confirmed his true identity and he was arrested. Akindutire could have otherwise evaded arrest and still be unlawfully at large if it wasn’t for the LFR alert.
Akindutire, 22 (15.04.2003), of no fixed address, was charged and pleaded guilty to robbery, attempted robbery, grievous bodily harm, possession of a false identity document and two counts of possession of a bladed article when he appeared at Isleworth Crown Court on Wednesday, 14 May 2025.
He is due to be sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on Friday, 22 August 2025.
On Friday, 23 May, an LFR deployment in Dalston Kingsland alerted when Darren Dubarry walked past.
Dubarry was wanted for theft and when searched by officers at the deployment, was in possession of designer clothing which was stolen from Stratford earlier that day.
The use of LFR in this case not only identified a wanted offender but caught him in the act of committing another offence. He was arrested by officers and later charged.
Dubarry, 50 (30.07.1974), of Stewart Road, Stratford, pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods on Saturday, 24 May at East London Magistrates’ Court, where he was issued with a £120 fine, and a £48 victim surcharge.
How does LFR work?
The cameras capture live footage of people passing by and compare their faces against a bespoke watchlist of wanted offenders.
If a match is detected, the system generates an alert. An officer will then review the match and decide if they wish to speak with the individual.
Met officers conduct further checks, such as reviewing court orders or other relevant information, to determine if the person is a suspect.
Importantly, an alert from the system does not automatically result in an arrest – officers make a decision about whether further action is necessary following engagement.
The Met has also implemented robust safeguards in its use of LFR.
For example, if a member of the public walks past an LFR camera and is not wanted by the police, their biometrics are immediately and permanently deleted.
The Met continues to engage with residents and councillors across London.
These sessions provide an open platform for discussion, allowing The Met to explain how LFR works, the intelligence-led process behind deployments, and the safeguards in place to protect people’s rights to privacy.
For more on the Met’s use of LFR, click here: Live Facial Recognition | Metropolitan Police
A new way for Londoners to hear about policing in their area is being rolled out by the Met.
Local officers will use Met Engage to provide crime prevention advice, updates on ongoing incidents and investigations, and information about successful outcomes and operations.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Port of Spain on Thursday, marking the second stop of his ongoing five-nation tour. During his visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold high-level discussions with the top leadership of Trinidad and Tobago to further strengthen bilateral ties.
Historical ties rooted in migration
The bond between India and Trinidad and Tobago traces back to the mid-19th century, when the subcontinent contributed nearly 143,000 indentured workers to Trinidad between 1845 and 1917. The majority hailed from Northern India, particularly from present-day Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Many descendants still take pride in identifying their ancestral villages, districts (Zila), and fiscal units (Pargana).
While these workers originally came for contractual labour lasting three to five years, most chose to stay, with approximately 134,183 Indians ultimately settling and shaping the country’s cultural and social fabric.
Over time, this community has moved beyond its origins in agriculture and indentured labour. Today, people of Indian descent- who make up about 42% of Trinidad and Tobago’s 1.4 million population- are active across sectors including business, law, politics, medicine, and academia. The transformation from indentureship to entrepreneurship reflects not only economic progress but also the enduring cultural and emotional ties with India.
In addition to this historic community, there are also around 500 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in Trinidad and Tobago, many of whom are engaged in business and teaching. Indian presence in the local economy is further strengthened by Indian enterprises like New India Assurance, which operates in the insurance sector. Regular trade fairs showcasing Indian garments, handicrafts, and furniture have also helped popularise Indian products.
The Indian diaspora remains the largest in the Caribbean, noted for its strong cultural identity and economic success. These close cultural and people-to-people ties continue to support the historical relationship between India and Trinidad and Tobago.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: celebrating overseas Indians
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is observed every year on January 9 to acknowledge the contributions of the overseas Indian community in India’s growth story. Since 2015, the PBD Convention is organised every two years, along with theme-based regional conferences in between. These events provide a platform for the diaspora to connect with India through knowledge sharing, investments and collaborations.
The President of Trinidad and Tobago, Christine Carla Kangaloo, was virtually the Chief Guest at the 18th PBD in Bhubaneswar and was conferred the PBSA during India’s Republic Day celebrations in 2025.
During the 17th PBD Convention in Indore in January 2023, High Court Justice Frank Seepersad from Trinidad and Tobago received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA)- India’s highest honour for overseas Indians. Over the years, prominent figures from Trinidad and Tobago like former Prime Ministers Basdeo Panday (2005) and Kamla Persad-Bissessar (2012), as well as former Ministers Winston Dookeran (2017) and Dr. Lenny Krishendath Saith (2010), have also been recipients of the PBSA. The National Council for Indian Culture was similarly honoured in 2008.
The Ministry of External Affairs continues to engage with overseas Indians through various programmes. Among these is the Overseas Citizenship of India scheme, which allows eligible foreign nationals of Indian origin to register for special status and privileges in India. The Know India Programme offers diaspora youth a three-week opportunity to connect with their ancestral homeland and learn about India’s history, culture, economy and scientific achievements through study tours and interactions with experts.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Port of Spain on Thursday, marking the second stop of his ongoing five-nation tour. During his visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold high-level discussions with the top leadership of Trinidad and Tobago to further strengthen bilateral ties.
Historical ties rooted in migration
The bond between India and Trinidad and Tobago traces back to the mid-19th century, when the subcontinent contributed nearly 143,000 indentured workers to Trinidad between 1845 and 1917. The majority hailed from Northern India, particularly from present-day Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Many descendants still take pride in identifying their ancestral villages, districts (Zila), and fiscal units (Pargana).
While these workers originally came for contractual labour lasting three to five years, most chose to stay, with approximately 134,183 Indians ultimately settling and shaping the country’s cultural and social fabric.
Over time, this community has moved beyond its origins in agriculture and indentured labour. Today, people of Indian descent- who make up about 42% of Trinidad and Tobago’s 1.4 million population- are active across sectors including business, law, politics, medicine, and academia. The transformation from indentureship to entrepreneurship reflects not only economic progress but also the enduring cultural and emotional ties with India.
In addition to this historic community, there are also around 500 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in Trinidad and Tobago, many of whom are engaged in business and teaching. Indian presence in the local economy is further strengthened by Indian enterprises like New India Assurance, which operates in the insurance sector. Regular trade fairs showcasing Indian garments, handicrafts, and furniture have also helped popularise Indian products.
The Indian diaspora remains the largest in the Caribbean, noted for its strong cultural identity and economic success. These close cultural and people-to-people ties continue to support the historical relationship between India and Trinidad and Tobago.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: celebrating overseas Indians
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is observed every year on January 9 to acknowledge the contributions of the overseas Indian community in India’s growth story. Since 2015, the PBD Convention is organised every two years, along with theme-based regional conferences in between. These events provide a platform for the diaspora to connect with India through knowledge sharing, investments and collaborations.
The President of Trinidad and Tobago, Christine Carla Kangaloo, was virtually the Chief Guest at the 18th PBD in Bhubaneswar and was conferred the PBSA during India’s Republic Day celebrations in 2025.
During the 17th PBD Convention in Indore in January 2023, High Court Justice Frank Seepersad from Trinidad and Tobago received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA)- India’s highest honour for overseas Indians. Over the years, prominent figures from Trinidad and Tobago like former Prime Ministers Basdeo Panday (2005) and Kamla Persad-Bissessar (2012), as well as former Ministers Winston Dookeran (2017) and Dr. Lenny Krishendath Saith (2010), have also been recipients of the PBSA. The National Council for Indian Culture was similarly honoured in 2008.
The Ministry of External Affairs continues to engage with overseas Indians through various programmes. Among these is the Overseas Citizenship of India scheme, which allows eligible foreign nationals of Indian origin to register for special status and privileges in India. The Know India Programme offers diaspora youth a three-week opportunity to connect with their ancestral homeland and learn about India’s history, culture, economy and scientific achievements through study tours and interactions with experts.
Source: New South Wales Community and Justice
Firearms and 6.2kg of cannabis seized in state’s North-West
Friday, 4 July 2025 – 2:05 pm.
Police have seized about 6.2kg of cannabis, a quantity of cannabis plants and shortened firearms in searches of two properties in the state’s North-West.
Police will allege ‘grow rooms’ and equipment for cannabis production were also located at the properties at Kindred and in Devonport.
The 6.2kg of cannabis seized equates to about 2500 street deals.
A 30-year-old man from the North-West has been arrested and charged with several firearms and drugs offences, including trafficking in cannabis and possessing unregistered firearms.
An initial search of a property at Kindred on Tuesday by officers from the Western Drugs and Firearms Unit, Serious Organised Crime Unit and specialist resources located firearms including a shortened .22 bolt action rifle and a shortened 12-gauge shotgun.
Police also seized two butterfly knives, an automatic knife, 12g of the drug ice, 3.7kg of cannabis, plus cannabis plants and drug utensils.
In a search of a Devonport property, also on Tuesday, police seized a further 2.5kg of cannabis, cannabis plants, and a quantity of meat with security tags attached.
The 30-year-old man appeared in the Burnie Magistrates Court on Wednesday and has been bailed to reappear at a later date.
Source: New Zealand Police
Counties Manukau Police nabbed four prolific shoplifters after allegedly racking up more than $17,000 in unpaid groceries.
Earlier this week Police arrested a 54-year-old man from Manurewa after he was identified as a high risk, recidivist retail crime offender.
Counties Manukau Central Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Warrick Adkin, says officers visited the man at home where he was arrested and charged with 12 counts of shoplifting and burglary.
Inspector Adkin says it’s alleged the man has stolen more $10,000 worth of grocery items and other products in the space of just two months.
“His arrest is a great win for retailers and Police as the offender has allegedly been actively targeting retail stores across Counties Manukau District on a daily basis.”
The man has been remanded in custody and will reappear in Manukau District Court on 18 August.
Inspector Adkin says Police also apprehended a further three people in relation to shoplifting and burglary offences throughout the district in the past six months.
“We have charged the trio, who are family members, with a total of 36 charges.
“We will allege the group stole more than $7000 worth of grocery items.
“It’s really pleasing to have brought four people before the court in relation to these crimes and for them to be held accountable for their actions.”
A 54-year-old man was remanded in custody to reappear in Manukau District Court on 22 July facing charges of shoplifting and burglary.
A 53-year-old woman charged with seven counts of shoplifting will appear in Manukau District Court today.
A 20-year-old woman facing 14 charges of shoplifting will reappear in Manukau District Court on 18 July.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Police
Counties Manukau Police nabbed four prolific shoplifters after allegedly racking up more than $17,000 in unpaid groceries.
Earlier this week Police arrested a 54-year-old man from Manurewa after he was identified as a high risk, recidivist retail crime offender.
Counties Manukau Central Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Warrick Adkin, says officers visited the man at home where he was arrested and charged with 12 counts of shoplifting and burglary.
Inspector Adkin says it’s alleged the man has stolen more $10,000 worth of grocery items and other products in the space of just two months.
“His arrest is a great win for retailers and Police as the offender has allegedly been actively targeting retail stores across Counties Manukau District on a daily basis.”
The man has been remanded in custody and will reappear in Manukau District Court on 18 August.
Inspector Adkin says Police also apprehended a further three people in relation to shoplifting and burglary offences throughout the district in the past six months.
“We have charged the trio, who are family members, with a total of 36 charges.
“We will allege the group stole more than $7000 worth of grocery items.
“It’s really pleasing to have brought four people before the court in relation to these crimes and for them to be held accountable for their actions.”
A 54-year-old man was remanded in custody to reappear in Manukau District Court on 22 July facing charges of shoplifting and burglary.
A 53-year-old woman charged with seven counts of shoplifting will appear in Manukau District Court today.
A 20-year-old woman facing 14 charges of shoplifting will reappear in Manukau District Court on 18 July.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force arrested three people in relation to assaulting police while attending an unrelated incident in Malak last night.
About 6:30pm, Casuarina General Duties police attended a residence in Malak in relation to an ongoing investigation. A group of people were gathered and police initiated enquiries and removed drug paraphernalia from the scene.
A 16-year-old male allegedly attempted to regain possession of the drug paraphernalia and was placed under arrest after he disregarded police directions. The youth resisted arrest and assaulted an officer by biting him. A 48-year-old male and a 55-year-old female from the group then allegedly assaulted the attending police whilst they were affecting the youth’s arrest. Additional police attended the scene, and all three alleged offenders were apprehended.
As a result, one police member had to attend Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH) for treatment, while another member received minor injuries.
The male youth was later charged with two counts of assault police, resist police and furnish false name to a police officer.
The adult male and adult female were both charged with assault police.
All three offenders will appear in Court today.
Acting Senior Sergeant Christopher Humphries said “No one deserves to be assaulted in their line of work no matter the job.
“This behaviour will not be tolerated, and police will arrest those who choose to put the safety of our officers at risk.”
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
NT Police are calling for information following a burglary at a residence in Sadadeen overnight.
Around 7:50am, police received reports that a residence on Mariae Place had been unlawfully entered, with unknown offenders allegedly stealing a set of keys once inside the residence. They subsequently used the keys to steal a red Mitsubishi ASX, which contained a compound bow and arrows belonging to the victim.
The vehicle was later located abandoned on Laver Court, Sadadeen with the arrows inside; however, the compound bow was taken from the vehicle.
The offenders remain outstanding, and investigations are ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25178760. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersnt.com.au.
Source: New Zealand Police
Counties Manukau Police are seeking the public’s help to identify the man in this photo.
We are hoping he can assist with an ongoing enquiry into an altercation near the Burger King in Manukau on the morning of 20 June, and would like to speak with him.
If this is you, or you know who this is, please contact Police via 105 online or by phone and quote file number: 250620/7181.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Police
Litres of Fantasy or GBL, pills and other illegal substances ordered through international online sources and imported into New Zealand to be sold in the local Waikato market have been uncovered in a joint operation by Waikato Organised Crime and New Zealand Customs.
Earlier this year, staff at Police and Customs identified a spike in the importation of GBL and 1,4-B (a drug similar to GBL), and an investigation was launched.
On Tuesday, the Waikato Organised Crime Squad, with assistance from Customs, the Armed Offenders Squad, and other Waikato Police staff executed warrants at two residential addresses and two storage facilities.
A total of 4L of 1,4-B, 129 cannabis plants, 1kg of dried cannabis, 100 BZP pills, and ammunition were located across the properties. This follows a previous seizure of 30L of GBL at the border.
A 40-year-old man and 42-year-old woman were arrested and charged with a variety of offences including importing a Fantasy type substance, supplying a Fantasy type substance, supplying methamphetamine, cultivating cannabis and supplying cannabis.
Detective Inspector Daryl Smith of the Waikato Organised Crime Squad warned those who attempted to buy drugs online that Police and Customs are on to them.
“This investigation sends a message to drug dealers shopping online – you can’t hide behind the internet.”
This week’s warrants also showed the value of the partnership between Customs and NZ Police to tackle international crime syndicates and the importation of illegal drugs into New Zealand, he said.
Customs Investigations Manager Dominic Adams said Customs is committed to identifying and disrupting the smuggling of illicit substances into our country.
“This is another great example of the collaborative work between Customs and Police. These arrests have prevented the distribution of harmful drugs into the Waikato, leaving our communities safer as a result.”
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendan Clift, Lecturer in Law & Justice, UNSW Sydney
The demise of one of Hong Kong’s last major pro-democracy parties, the League of Social Democrats, is the latest blow to the city’s crumbling democratic credentials.
The league is the third major opposition party to disband this year. The announcement coincides with the fifth anniversary this week of the national security law, which was imposed by Beijing to suppress pro-democracy activity.
The loss of this grassroots party, historically populated by bold and colourful characters, vividly illustrates the dying of the light in once-sparkling Hong Kong.
The city is now greyed and labouring under a repressive internal security regime that has crushed civil society’s freedoms and democratic ambitions.
The world witnessed Hong Kong at its brightest during the 2014 Umbrella Movement, when hundreds of thousands of pro-democracy protesters camped out on city streets for several months.
We also saw the brutal sequel in 2019, when paramilitarised police sought to put down further civil unrest and protesters fought back.
Since then, “lawfare” has been the preferred strategy of China’s national government and its Hong Kong satellite. The new approach has included a vast security apparatus and aggressive prosecutions.
When Beijing intervened in July 2020, it was nominally about national security. In reality, the new law was designed and used to bring Hongkongers to heel.
Civil freedoms were further curtailed by a home-grown security law, introduced last year to fill the gaps.
International standards such as the Johannesburg Principles, endorsed by the United Nations, require national security laws to be compatible with democratic principles, not to be used to eliminate democratic activity.
The League of Social Democrats occupied the populist left of the pro-democracy spectrum. It stood apart from contemporaries such as the Democratic Party and the Civic Party, which were dominated by professionals and elites, and have since been disbanded.
The League was most notably represented by the likes of “Long Hair” Leung Kwok-hung– known for his Che Guevara t-shirts and banana-throwing – and broadcaster and journalism academic Raymond Wong Yuk-man, also known as “Mad Dog”.
Despite their rambunctious styles, these men had real political credentials and were repeatedly elected to legislative office. But Leung is now imprisoned for subversion, while Wong has left for Taiwan.
Party leaders such as Jimmy Sham Tsz-kit and Figo Chan Ho-wun were also prominent within the Civil Human Rights Front. It was responsible for the annual July 1 protest march that attracted hundreds of thousands of people every year. The front is yet another pro-democracy organisation that has dissolved.
Sham and Chan have been jailed for subversion and unlawful assembly under the colonial-era Public Order Ordinance, which has been used to prosecute hundreds of activists.
The demise of these diverse organisations are not natural occurrences, but the result of a deliberate authoritarian programme.
Under China, Hong Kong’s political system has been half democratic at best. But it now resembles something from the darkest days of colonialism, with pre-approved candidates, appointed legislators and zero tolerance for critical voices.
The effort to eliminate opposition has seen the pro-independence National Party formally banned and scores of pro-democracy figures jailed after mass trials.
Activists and watchdogs are stymied by the national security law. It criminalises – among other things – engagement and lobbying with international organisations and foreign governments.
Distinctive voices such as law professor Benny Tai Yiu-ting, media mogul Jimmy Lai Chee-ying and firebrand politician Edward Leung Tin-kei have been jailed and silenced, as have many moderates and lesser-known figures.
Then there are the millions of ordinary Hongkongers whose dreams of a liberal and self-governing region under mainland China’s umbrella – as promised in the lead up to the 1997 handover – have been shattered.
Some activists have fled overseas. The more outspoken are the subjects of Hong Kong arrest warrants.
But countless ex-protesters remain in the city, where it is impermissible to speak critically of power, and where mandatory patriotic education may ensure new generations will never even think to speak up.
Much blame lies with the British, who failed to institute democratic elections until the last gasp of their rule in Hong Kong. This was despite the colony tolerating liberalism and habit-forming democratic activity over a longer period.
Now China, after almost three decades in charge, has responded to democratic challenges by defaulting to authoritarian control. Hong Kong can only be grateful it has been spared a Tiananmen-style incident. Nor has it experienced the full genocidal extent of the so-called “peripheries playbook” Beijing has used in Tibet and Xinjiang.
Turmoil and authoritarian swings in the United States and elsewhere give China an opportunity to present as a voice of reason on the international stage.
But we should not forget its commitment to repressive politics at home, nor what its support of belligerent regimes such as Putin’s Russia might mean for Taiwan, the region and the world.
Above all, we should not forget the people, in Hong Kong and elsewhere, who made it their life’s work to achieve democracy only to be rewarded with prison or exile.
Brendan Clift does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Hong Kong’s light fades as another pro-democracy party folds – https://theconversation.com/hong-kongs-light-fades-as-another-pro-democracy-party-folds-260186
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendan Clift, Lecturer in Law & Justice, UNSW Sydney
The demise of one of Hong Kong’s last major pro-democracy parties, the League of Social Democrats, is the latest blow to the city’s crumbling democratic credentials.
The league is the third major opposition party to disband this year. The announcement coincides with the fifth anniversary this week of the national security law, which was imposed by Beijing to suppress pro-democracy activity.
The loss of this grassroots party, historically populated by bold and colourful characters, vividly illustrates the dying of the light in once-sparkling Hong Kong.
The city is now greyed and labouring under a repressive internal security regime that has crushed civil society’s freedoms and democratic ambitions.
The world witnessed Hong Kong at its brightest during the 2014 Umbrella Movement, when hundreds of thousands of pro-democracy protesters camped out on city streets for several months.
We also saw the brutal sequel in 2019, when paramilitarised police sought to put down further civil unrest and protesters fought back.
Since then, “lawfare” has been the preferred strategy of China’s national government and its Hong Kong satellite. The new approach has included a vast security apparatus and aggressive prosecutions.
When Beijing intervened in July 2020, it was nominally about national security. In reality, the new law was designed and used to bring Hongkongers to heel.
Civil freedoms were further curtailed by a home-grown security law, introduced last year to fill the gaps.
International standards such as the Johannesburg Principles, endorsed by the United Nations, require national security laws to be compatible with democratic principles, not to be used to eliminate democratic activity.
The League of Social Democrats occupied the populist left of the pro-democracy spectrum. It stood apart from contemporaries such as the Democratic Party and the Civic Party, which were dominated by professionals and elites, and have since been disbanded.
The League was most notably represented by the likes of “Long Hair” Leung Kwok-hung– known for his Che Guevara t-shirts and banana-throwing – and broadcaster and journalism academic Raymond Wong Yuk-man, also known as “Mad Dog”.
Despite their rambunctious styles, these men had real political credentials and were repeatedly elected to legislative office. But Leung is now imprisoned for subversion, while Wong has left for Taiwan.
Party leaders such as Jimmy Sham Tsz-kit and Figo Chan Ho-wun were also prominent within the Civil Human Rights Front. It was responsible for the annual July 1 protest march that attracted hundreds of thousands of people every year. The front is yet another pro-democracy organisation that has dissolved.
Sham and Chan have been jailed for subversion and unlawful assembly under the colonial-era Public Order Ordinance, which has been used to prosecute hundreds of activists.
The demise of these diverse organisations are not natural occurrences, but the result of a deliberate authoritarian programme.
Under China, Hong Kong’s political system has been half democratic at best. But it now resembles something from the darkest days of colonialism, with pre-approved candidates, appointed legislators and zero tolerance for critical voices.
The effort to eliminate opposition has seen the pro-independence National Party formally banned and scores of pro-democracy figures jailed after mass trials.
Activists and watchdogs are stymied by the national security law. It criminalises – among other things – engagement and lobbying with international organisations and foreign governments.
Distinctive voices such as law professor Benny Tai Yiu-ting, media mogul Jimmy Lai Chee-ying and firebrand politician Edward Leung Tin-kei have been jailed and silenced, as have many moderates and lesser-known figures.
Then there are the millions of ordinary Hongkongers whose dreams of a liberal and self-governing region under mainland China’s umbrella – as promised in the lead up to the 1997 handover – have been shattered.
Some activists have fled overseas. The more outspoken are the subjects of Hong Kong arrest warrants.
But countless ex-protesters remain in the city, where it is impermissible to speak critically of power, and where mandatory patriotic education may ensure new generations will never even think to speak up.
Much blame lies with the British, who failed to institute democratic elections until the last gasp of their rule in Hong Kong. This was despite the colony tolerating liberalism and habit-forming democratic activity over a longer period.
Now China, after almost three decades in charge, has responded to democratic challenges by defaulting to authoritarian control. Hong Kong can only be grateful it has been spared a Tiananmen-style incident. Nor has it experienced the full genocidal extent of the so-called “peripheries playbook” Beijing has used in Tibet and Xinjiang.
Turmoil and authoritarian swings in the United States and elsewhere give China an opportunity to present as a voice of reason on the international stage.
But we should not forget its commitment to repressive politics at home, nor what its support of belligerent regimes such as Putin’s Russia might mean for Taiwan, the region and the world.
Above all, we should not forget the people, in Hong Kong and elsewhere, who made it their life’s work to achieve democracy only to be rewarded with prison or exile.
Brendan Clift does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Hong Kong’s light fades as another pro-democracy party folds – https://theconversation.com/hong-kongs-light-fades-as-another-pro-democracy-party-folds-260186
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendan Clift, Lecturer in Law & Justice, UNSW Sydney
The demise of one of Hong Kong’s last major pro-democracy parties, the League of Social Democrats, is the latest blow to the city’s crumbling democratic credentials.
The league is the third major opposition party to disband this year. The announcement coincides with the fifth anniversary this week of the national security law, which was imposed by Beijing to suppress pro-democracy activity.
The loss of this grassroots party, historically populated by bold and colourful characters, vividly illustrates the dying of the light in once-sparkling Hong Kong.
The city is now greyed and labouring under a repressive internal security regime that has crushed civil society’s freedoms and democratic ambitions.
The world witnessed Hong Kong at its brightest during the 2014 Umbrella Movement, when hundreds of thousands of pro-democracy protesters camped out on city streets for several months.
We also saw the brutal sequel in 2019, when paramilitarised police sought to put down further civil unrest and protesters fought back.
Since then, “lawfare” has been the preferred strategy of China’s national government and its Hong Kong satellite. The new approach has included a vast security apparatus and aggressive prosecutions.
When Beijing intervened in July 2020, it was nominally about national security. In reality, the new law was designed and used to bring Hongkongers to heel.
Civil freedoms were further curtailed by a home-grown security law, introduced last year to fill the gaps.
International standards such as the Johannesburg Principles, endorsed by the United Nations, require national security laws to be compatible with democratic principles, not to be used to eliminate democratic activity.
The League of Social Democrats occupied the populist left of the pro-democracy spectrum. It stood apart from contemporaries such as the Democratic Party and the Civic Party, which were dominated by professionals and elites, and have since been disbanded.
The League was most notably represented by the likes of “Long Hair” Leung Kwok-hung– known for his Che Guevara t-shirts and banana-throwing – and broadcaster and journalism academic Raymond Wong Yuk-man, also known as “Mad Dog”.
Despite their rambunctious styles, these men had real political credentials and were repeatedly elected to legislative office. But Leung is now imprisoned for subversion, while Wong has left for Taiwan.
Party leaders such as Jimmy Sham Tsz-kit and Figo Chan Ho-wun were also prominent within the Civil Human Rights Front. It was responsible for the annual July 1 protest march that attracted hundreds of thousands of people every year. The front is yet another pro-democracy organisation that has dissolved.
Sham and Chan have been jailed for subversion and unlawful assembly under the colonial-era Public Order Ordinance, which has been used to prosecute hundreds of activists.
The demise of these diverse organisations are not natural occurrences, but the result of a deliberate authoritarian programme.
Under China, Hong Kong’s political system has been half democratic at best. But it now resembles something from the darkest days of colonialism, with pre-approved candidates, appointed legislators and zero tolerance for critical voices.
The effort to eliminate opposition has seen the pro-independence National Party formally banned and scores of pro-democracy figures jailed after mass trials.
Activists and watchdogs are stymied by the national security law. It criminalises – among other things – engagement and lobbying with international organisations and foreign governments.
Distinctive voices such as law professor Benny Tai Yiu-ting, media mogul Jimmy Lai Chee-ying and firebrand politician Edward Leung Tin-kei have been jailed and silenced, as have many moderates and lesser-known figures.
Then there are the millions of ordinary Hongkongers whose dreams of a liberal and self-governing region under mainland China’s umbrella – as promised in the lead up to the 1997 handover – have been shattered.
Some activists have fled overseas. The more outspoken are the subjects of Hong Kong arrest warrants.
But countless ex-protesters remain in the city, where it is impermissible to speak critically of power, and where mandatory patriotic education may ensure new generations will never even think to speak up.
Much blame lies with the British, who failed to institute democratic elections until the last gasp of their rule in Hong Kong. This was despite the colony tolerating liberalism and habit-forming democratic activity over a longer period.
Now China, after almost three decades in charge, has responded to democratic challenges by defaulting to authoritarian control. Hong Kong can only be grateful it has been spared a Tiananmen-style incident. Nor has it experienced the full genocidal extent of the so-called “peripheries playbook” Beijing has used in Tibet and Xinjiang.
Turmoil and authoritarian swings in the United States and elsewhere give China an opportunity to present as a voice of reason on the international stage.
But we should not forget its commitment to repressive politics at home, nor what its support of belligerent regimes such as Putin’s Russia might mean for Taiwan, the region and the world.
Above all, we should not forget the people, in Hong Kong and elsewhere, who made it their life’s work to achieve democracy only to be rewarded with prison or exile.
Brendan Clift does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Hong Kong’s light fades as another pro-democracy party folds – https://theconversation.com/hong-kongs-light-fades-as-another-pro-democracy-party-folds-260186
