🌊Cardinal Zen in court
Good morning.
You know who’s birthday it was recently? Vivek’s!
If you forgot who Vivek was (and you shouldn’t), he’s one of the original tech masterminds behind HT waaaaay back from when it first started. He still occasionally jumps on board to help when I beg because my tech skills are bad.
And he was also previously a LoTW. And also a whole bunch of other things.
Happy birthday to one of the coolest people in Hong Kong!
— Cyril
Apologies: due to technical errors, High Tide was published late today
On Today’s Tide
Politics | Cardinal Zen in court
COVID | HT’s very useful 0+3 arrivals infographic (please share :( )
Society | COVID hospitals, camps might become transitional housing
Events
Behind the paywall:
Politics | $70mil frozen from protest fund
Economy | HK exports drop - first time since pandemic
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Zen out in court
Cardinal Zen, alongside four other high up members of the now-disbanded 612 Humanitarian Fund (Denise Ho, Margaret Ng, Sze Ching-Wee, Cyd Ho and Hui Po-Keung) appeared in court yesterday.
The six were arrested by National Security Police in May for their roles in the pro-democracy fund which took donations to help the arrested or injured during the 2019 protests.
However, they are not charged against the NSL, instead they are only charged with “failing to apply for registration or exemption from registration of a society within the specified time limit" which carries a maximum punishment of a $10,000 fine.
Although the accused crime is relatively minor, the involvement of Cardinal Zen, one of the highest ranking Catholic clerics in the world, has put this case in the spotlight.
The prosecution brought forth a plethora of evidence that showed the group’s money being used to further the protestor’s cause - such as funds allegedly being used to purchase audio equipment for demonstrations in London and Geneva.
The defense argued that this was ‘irrelevant’ to the case as the defendents were not accused against the NSL. However, Judge Yim said she would allow the prosecution to proceed with the evidence, as “politics can be neutral” and promised the group would not be judged on their political stance.
The defense said that their main arguments will revolve around debating whether the fund should be legally considered a society.
All defendants have pleaded not guilty.
COVID in Hong Kong
COVID-19 in Hong Kong
New cases: 4034 (188 imported)
Total cases: 1,749,534
New deaths: 12
Total deaths: 10,128
Compulsory Testing locations: 56
Day 1 of 0+3
Yesterday 6am saw (hopefully) final end of hotel quarantine. The airport was immediately swarmed with returning Hong Kongers who chose to stay abroad instead of staying several days in a very small room where alcohol may or may not be banned (my hotel banned all alcoholic drinks…I definitely complied).
At the same time, flights out of Hong Kong have skyrocketed by 400% as holidaygoers take long-delayed trips knowing they can come back easily.
But what exactly do you have to do in the ‘+3’ medical observation days? And how many PCR tests do you need to do? (It’s more than just the 3 days!) - we’ve made an infographic:
Live in a COVID camp
The government is allegedly giving serious consideration to transforming COVID isolation camps and hospitals into transitional housing for those waiting for public housing.
While no concrete plans have been made, sources say facilities with independent toilets will be earmarked - this makes it so hospitals such as the Kai Tak cruise terminal COVID facility will likely be first to transform.
Events and deals
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Ponte Orchestra 2022 Season
Our friends at Ponte Choir and Orchestra have announced their 2022 season starting with two concerts in October - Moment: Music and Mindfulness Concert and International Ponte Music Festival: Concerto Competition (Grand Finale).
Moment: Music and Mindfulness is a collaboration between Ponte and music therapist Howard Ho which uses narration and carefully selected classical pieces to combine arts and mindfulness.
Where: Tsuen Wan Town Hall
When: 8 Oct, 8pm
Cost: $180-350 (student and senior discounts applicable)
Official media partner: ReThink HK returns 5-6 Oct
HT is proud to once again be a media partner for ReThink - HK’s biggest and most exciting sustainability conference. This year’s conference invites more than 300 expert speakers to share their visions and insights, covering important topics like economic progression while coexisting with nature harmoniously, efficient use of resources, transformation to a low-carbon society, and circular economy for future generations.
For more local events, check out yesterday’s High Tide.
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