Human rights in Hong Kong have rapidly declined since Beijing's crackdown following the 2019 pro-democracy protests, with the Human Rights Measurement Initiative survey ranking Hong Kong close to Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, and near last-place China. The survey, which assesses quality of life and safety from the state, shows a significant shrinkage in civil society, suppression of freedom of speech and assembly, and a decline in freedom of assembly and association, expression, and political participation. Despite a slight improvement in protection from arbitrary arrest, the overall situation is described as 'very bad' with significant risks of torture and ill-treatment. The data reflects China's crackdown on Hong Kong and the impact of the National Security Law, leading to self-censorship among the population to avoid arrest. Local authorities have also used COVID-19 measures to suppress gatherings, and political prisoners have faced harsh treatment without conviction.

Hong Kong's ICAC charged programmer Man Wing-fung with inciting people not to vote in the upcoming district elections, an act made illegal in 2021. They also sought an arrest warrant for political commentator Wong Sai-chak, who resides in Germany, for similar charges related to boycotting the elections. The district elections will be the first since the 'patriots only' amendment, which reduced directly elected representatives to a third. Wong, who has a YouTube channel with 150,000 followers, was charged with three counts under the law and stated he would not travel to countries with extradition treaties with Beijing. Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee warned against election sabotage on the same day. Man was released on bail and the case will resume in January.

Hong Kong's anti-corruption body charged programmer Man Wing-fung and issued an arrest warrant for political commentator Wong Sai-chak for inciting people to boycott the 2023 district elections. The charges stem from posts and videos criticizing the elections as unjust, following restrictive amendments to Hong Kong's election laws. Despite the legal actions, Wong remains defiant, continuing his commentary and criticizing the crackdown as unjust. The case highlights ongoing tensions and the erosion of political freedoms in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong's anti-corruption body charged programmer Man Wing-fung with inciting people not to vote, a crime under a 2021 law. An arrest warrant was also issued for political commentator Wong Sai-chak, who lives in Germany, for similar charges. The charges relate to comments and videos encouraging a boycott of Hong Kong's 2023 district elections, the first since a controversial amendment to the election law. Wong, who has a significant online following, criticized the actions as unjust and vowed to continue his commentary. The case highlights ongoing tensions over political freedoms in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong's Independent Commission Against Corruption charged programmer Man Wing-fung and issued an arrest warrant for political commentator Wong Sai-chak for inciting people to boycott the 2023 district elections. The charges stem from posts and videos criticizing the elections as unjust, following amendments that reduced directly elected representatives. Wong, who resides in Germany, vowed to continue his commentary despite the warrant. The actions are part of broader efforts by Hong Kong's Beijing-friendly government to suppress dissent and ensure high voter turnout to legitimize the elections.

British painter Martin Lever, who spent 36 years in Hong Kong, has launched a new art exhibition titled 'Silent Protest' in London. Lever's work, which captures the political turmoil in Hong Kong, reflects his discontent with the National Security Law and the suppression of freedoms. His paintings feature Hong Kong residents with their mouths covered, symbolizing the silencing of dissent. Lever's exhibition aims to highlight the changes in Hong Kong and provoke thought about the current political climate.

British painter Martin Lever, who spent 36 years in Hong Kong, has launched a new art collection titled 'Silent Protest' in London. Lever's work, which features Hong Kong residents with closed zippers or Chinese national flag face masks over their mouths, critiques the impact of Hong Kong's National Security Law on freedom of expression. Lever, who supported the 2014 Umbrella Movement and was critical of the 2019 protests' handling by then-Chief Executive Carrie Lam, expresses his discontent through his art. His paintings, filled with quotes from Mao Zedong, aim to highlight the irony and the loss of freedoms in Hong Kong. Lever's exhibition will be held at The Crypt Gallery in London from December 15 to 17.

The trial of Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong has implicated two U.S. citizens, Mark Simon and Mark Clifford, who deny allegations of collusion with foreign forces, asserting their actions were standard journalistic practices. The trial, seen as politically motivated by critics, highlights the broader crackdown on press freedom in Hong Kong under the National Security Law. Key figures, including former Apple Daily publisher Cheung Kim-hung, have testified against Lai, who faces severe penalties if convicted. International organizations and advocates have condemned the trial, calling for the release of Lai and his colleagues.

Chinese human rights lawyer Lu Siwei has been deported from Laos to China, where he is now detained in Chengdu's Xindu Detention Center. His wife, Zhang Chunxiao, expressed her distress over the situation, highlighting the lack of transparency and response from Laotian and Chinese authorities. Lu, known for handling politically sensitive cases, was arrested in Laos while attempting to reunite with his family in the U.S. Human rights groups and U.N. experts have condemned the deportation, citing concerns over potential torture and human rights violations Lu may face in China.

In London's Brick Lane, a graffiti controversy erupted as Chinese political slogans extolling 'core socialist values' were painted over existing street art, sparking backlash and counterprotests. The slogans, associated with the Chinese Communist Party, were quickly covered by anti-CCP messages. Wang Hanzheng, the artist behind the slogans, claimed his work was not politically motivated but aimed to provoke discussion. The incident highlighted tensions between pro-democracy supporters and Chinese loyalists, with local artists caught in the crossfire. The event underscored ongoing debates about freedom of expression and the influence of Chinese politics abroad.