The HRIC Daily Brief is a daily selection of news stories and commentary related to human rights in China, drawn from Chinese- and English-language news and online media sources that we monitor daily. In addition to headlines and source links, HRIC also provides English translation of Chinese headlines.

Thursday, August 04, 2016

Access to Justice (司法公正)

Zhou Shifeng: Chinese law firm founder jailed for subversion
中国维权律师抓捕:锋锐律师周世锋判囚七年
British Broadcasting Corporation, August 4, 2016
EN: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-36972206
CH: http://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/simp/china/2016/08/160804_china_activist_lawyers

Related:
Mass Crackdown on Chinese Lawyers, Defenders and International Reactions: A Brief Chronology
Human Rights in China, August 3, 2016
http://www.hrichina.org/en/mass-crackdown-chinese-lawyers-defenders-and-international-reactions-brief-chronology

Man held in China “does not know he has baby”
British Broadcasting Corporation, August 3, 2016
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36961908

Most prominent cases in China by lawyers now in custody
South China Morning Post, August 3, 2016
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/1998703/most-prominent-cases-china-lawyers-now-custody

China claims rights lawyers and dissidents are part of vast American conspiracy in 4-minute video
China Change, August 3, 2016
https://chinachange.org/2016/08/03/china-claims-rights-lawyers-and-dissidents-are-part-of-vast-american-conspiracy-in-4-minute-video/

Access to Information (信息公开)

Chinese authorities block reporting from Larung Gar as demolition proceeds
Radio Free Asia, August 3, 2016
http://www.rfa.org/english/news/tibet/proceeds-08032016134518.html

Purged Chinese political magazine to fight back “all the way”
Radio Free Asia, August 3, 2016
http://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/china-magazine-08032016133115.html

Scrutinizing China’s official statistics: The puzzling case of unemployment data
The Diplomat, August 4, 2016
http://thediplomat.com/2016/08/scrutinizing-chinas-official-statistics-the-puzzling-case-of-unemployment-data/

Citizen Participation (公民参与)

Worker unrest spreads to the luxury goods and services sector
China Labor Bulletin, August 3, 2016
http://www.clb.org.hk/content/worker-unrest-spreads-luxury-goods-and-services-sector

Government Accountability (政府问责)

Four staff punished over cover-up at Guangdong nuclear plant after guideline breach
South China Morning Post, August 4, 2016
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/1999064/four-staff-punished-breaching-guidelines-nuclear

Former Nanjing Party chief stands trial for bribery
Xinhua News, August 3, 2016
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-08/03/c_135560857.htm

ICTs and Human Rights (信息技术与人权)

Internet use in China on the rise
Deutsche Welle, August 3, 2016
http://www.dw.com/en/internet-use-in-china-on-the-rise/a-19445291

Hong Kong (香港)

Undue caution? Joshua Wong blasts Hong Kong officials over hold-ups in Demosisto party registration and mailings
South China Morning Post, August 3, 2016
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/1999067/undue-caution-joshua-wong-blasts-hong-kong-officials-over

Video: China propaganda video bashing him “laughable,” says Occupy leader Joshua Wong
Hong Kong Free Press, August 3, 2016
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2016/08/03/video-china-propaganda-video-bashing-laughable-says-occupy-leader-joshua-wong/

Hong Kong restricts election candidates, renewing fears of lost rights
The New York Times, August 4, 2016
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/04/world/asia/hong-kong-independence-elections.html

【短片:選舉論壇】人大釋法?超區候選人逐個表態 ([Video: Forum on LegCo election] Should there be an NPC interpretation of the Basic Law? District Council functional constituency candidates express their opinions)
Ming Pao, August 4, 2016
http://news.mingpao.com/ins/instantnews/web_tc/article/20160804/s00001/1470274615165

港法律界選委發聲明 反對立會選舉政治審查 (Hong Kong’s Election Committee Legal Subsector issues statement disapproving political censorship in LegCo election procedure)
British Broadcasting Corporation, August 3, 2016
http://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/trad/china/2016/08/160803_hongkong_election_lawyers

陳文敏:我看不到香港法律有賦予選舉主任這權力去決定候選人簽署的聲明是否真確 (Johannes Chan: I cannot see that Hong Kong’s laws endow the power to Electoral Affairs Commission Returning Officer to determine whether candidate’s declaration is truthful)
InMedia HK, August 3, 2016
http://www.inmediahk.net/node/1043810

香港立法会选举7人资格遭取消 被指反加深青年港独情绪 (7 disqualified from Hong Kong’s LegCo election, some think that may intensify young people’s sentiments for Hong Kong independence)
Radio Free Asia, August 3, 2016
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/gangtai/yf2-08032016110626.html

Author demands payment from Lee Po after Causeway Bay Books "trashed" 20,000 works
与铜锣湾书店合作作家指李波丢弃其书 要求赔偿
South China Morning Post, August 4, 2016
EN: http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education-community/article/1998846/causeway-bay-books-accused-mass-purge-wake
CH: http://www.nanzao.com/sc/hk-macau-tw/156539d9c1c71e4/tong-luo-wan-shu-dian-huo-ban-zuo-jia-zhi-li-bo-diu-qi-qi-shu-yao-qiu-pei-chang

Opinion and Editorial (观点和社论)

Is China cracking down on dissent?
Al Jazeera, August 4, 2016
http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/insidestory/2016/08/china-cracking-dissent-160804050715119.html

Why the Hong Kong independence debate is vital for the city’s democracy
Hong Kong Free Press, August 3, 2016
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2016/08/03/hong-kong-independence-debate-vital-citys-democracy/

Wednesday, August 03, 2016

Access to Justice (司法公正)

Rights groups denounce court ruling against Chinese activist
Voice of America, August 2, 2016
http://www.voanews.com/content/rights-groups-denounce-court-ruling-against-chinese-activist/3445329.html

Chinese activist Hu Shigen jailed for subversion
中国维权律师抓捕:家庭教会长老胡石根颠覆罪囚七年半
British Broadcasting Corporation, August 3, 2016
EN: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-36961431
CH: http://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/simp/china/2016/08/160803_china_activist_lawyers_trial

Related:
Mass Crackdown on Chinese Lawyers, Defenders and International Reactions: A Brief Chronology
Human Rights in China, July 29, 2016
http://www.hrichina.org/en/mass-crackdown-chinese-lawyers-defenders-and-international-reactions-brief-chronology

709大案首人被判 网友三不王宇“认罪” (First person sentenced from 709 Crackdown, netizens organize “three negations” campaign in response to Wang Yu’s “confession”)
Voice of America, August 2, 2016
http://www.voachinese.com/a/news-first-person-of-709-case-went-trial-and-sentenced-20160802/3445343.html

Related:
时事大家谈: 赵威王宇“认错”,当局镇压下的维权律师 (Current Affairs Discussion: Zhao Wei and Wang Yu’s “confessions”—rights defenders under the authorities repression)
Voice of America, August 2, 2016
http://www.voachinese.com/a/io-20160802-china-rights-lawyers-submissions/3445458.html

Access to Information (信息公开)

海淀区公开85部门决算 (Haidian district makes public final accounts for 85 departments)
Beijing Morning Post, July 29, 2016
http://www.morningpost.com.cn/2016/0730/1460323.shtml

云南千余亩橡胶林被铲, 村民诉政府信息公开胜诉 (Villager wins suit to compel government to make public legal basis for forcible removal of 1000 mu of rubber plantation)
Beijing Times, July 31, 2016
http://china.huanqiu.com/article/2016-07/9245139.html

南通政府信息公开案件大幅增长, 去年受理此类一审案件437件 (Nantong, Jiangsu OGI cases increase substantially, with 437 last year)
Jiangsu Online, August 1, 2016
http://jsnews.jschina.com.cn/system/2016/07/31/029299748.shtml

China is using Hong Kong’s media to broadcast its smear campaigns
Quartz, August 1, 2016
http://qz.com/747918/hong-kong-media-has-become-beijings-new-go-to-spot-for-forced-confessions-and-fake-interviews/

The tussle over China’s history and the “Five Heroes of Langya Mountain”
The Wall Street Journal, August 2, 2016
http://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2016/08/02/the-tussle-over-chinas-history-and-the-five-heroes-of-langya-mountain/

Citizen Participation (公民参与)

中国拟再收紧对NGO管控 (China to further tighten control on NGOs)
Deutsche Welle, August 2, 2016
http://www.dw.com/zh/中国拟再收紧对ngo管控/a-19443350

Related:
民政部关于公开征求《社会团体登记管理条例》(修订草案征求意见稿)意见的通知 (Ministry of Civil Affairs issues notice on release of Revised Registration Regulations for Social Groups for public comment)
Ministry of Civil Affairs, August 1, 2016
http://www.gov.cn/xinwen/2016-08/01/content_5096611.htm

Artist Ai Weiwei posts videos satirizing “released" rights lawyer Wang Yu’s controversial interview
Hong Kong Free Press, August 2, 2016
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2016/08/02/artist-ai-weiwei-posts-videos-satirising-released-rights-lawyer-wang-yus-controversial-interview/

Government Accountability (政府问责)

最高检7月公布大要案信息28条 (Supreme People's Procuratorate makes public general information on 28 major cases)
Legal Daily, July 31, 2016
http://www.legaldaily.com.cn/index_article/content/2016-07/31/content_6742527.htm

Communist Youth League to overhaul key structures ahead of Communist Party congress
South China Morning Post, August 3, 2016
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/1998362/communist-youth-league-overhaul-key-structures-ahead

ICTs and Human Rights (信息技术与人权)

广西梧州网警:渲染地震恐怖气氛将追究法律责任 (Guangxi Wuzhou Internet police: Those who exaggerated earthquake’s terrifying atmosphere by shaking camera while filming will be investigated for legal responsibility)
Sina News, July 31, 2016
http://news.sina.com.cn/c/2016-07-31/doc-ifxunuyk4224872.shtml

China’s “white-hat” hackers fear dark times after community founder is detained
The Wall Street Journal, August 1, 2016
http://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2016/08/01/chinas-white-hat-hackers-fear-dark-times-after-community-founder-is-detained/

National Security & Counterterrorism (国家安全和反恐)

广西开展史上最大规模反恐实兵实弹演习 (Guangxi commences largest-scale counterterrorism drills in history, with live bullets and real soldiers)
China News, July 31, 2016
http://www.chinanews.com/tp/hd2011/2016/07-31/661907.shtml

新疆制定《自治区实施〈反恐怖主义法〉办法》 (Xinjiang enacts Autonomous Region Counterterrorism Law Implementing Measures)
Radio France Internationale, July 31, 2016
http://rfi.my/2ayBNuR

Hong Kong (香港)

Critics see China's fingerprints all over the turmoil at Hong Kong's anti-corruption authority
Global Voices, August 2, 2016
https://globalvoices.org/2016/08/02/critics-see-chinas-fingerprints-all-over-the-turmoil-at-hong-kongs-anti-corruption-authority/

“The dark shadow of the Stars and Stripes”: Beijing blasts Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong as a pro-independence advocate backed by the U.S.
South China Morning Post, August 2, 2016
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/1998329/beijing-blasts-hong-kong-radical-joshua-wong-pro

Hong Kong bans pro-independence candidates from running in elections
Radio Free Asia, August 2, 2016
http://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/elections-08022016123007.html

Related:
Crackdown raises profile of Hong Kong independence activists
港独人士被禁选事件继续发酵
The Financial Times, August 2, 2016
EN: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/6fd1c606-57cb-11e6-9f70-badea1b336d4.html
CH: http://www.ftchinese.com/story/001068759

本土悍將梁天琦被禁止參選揚言“只剩革命一途” (Bold localist fighter Edward Leung disqualified from LegCo elections, says “only the means of revolution is left”)
Radio France Internationale, August 3, 2016
http://trad.cn.rfi.fr/中國/20160803-本土悍將梁天琦被禁止參選揚言“只剩革命一途”

獨媒記者被拒進場 選管會:暫時接受唔到網媒 (Hong Kong In-media journalist rejected from Electoral Affairs Commission premises to gather news, for being Internet media)
InMedia HK, August 2, 2016
http://www.inmediahk.net/node/10437917

Opinion and Editorial (观点和社论)

Hu Shigen: The prominent yet obscure political prisoner
China Change, August 2, 2016
https://chinachange.org/2016/08/02/hu-shigen-the-prominent-yet-obscure-political-prisoner/

Drawing the news: Black Friday “confessions”
China Digital Times, August 2, 2016
http://chinadigitaltimes.net/2016/08/drawing-news-black-friday-confessions-trials/

質疑基本法不等同不擁護(文:劉進圖) (Former Ming Pao chief editor Kevin Lau: Questioning of Basic Law does not mean rejection of it)
Ming Pao, August 3, 2016
http://news.mingpao.com/ins/instantnews/web_tc/article/20160803/s00022/1470209121554

【立會選舉】陳文敏質疑選舉主任權力 憂開「危險先例」 釋法衝擊司法制度 ([LegCo election] Johannes Chan questions EAC Returning Officer’s power, worries that “dangerous example” is made, and an eventual interpretation of the law would shake the judicial system)
Ming Pao, August 3, 2016
http://news.mingpao.com/ins/instantnews/web_tc/article/20160803/s00001/1470191620367

Tuesday, August 02, 2016

Access to Justice (司法公正)

China frees Wang Yu, human rights lawyer, after videotaped confession
维权律师王宇取保候审,疑被迫拍摄认罪视频
The New York Times, August 2, 2016
EN: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/02/world/asia/human-rights-lawyer-is-released-in-china-after-videotaped-confession.html
CH: http://cn.nytimes.com/china/20160802/human-rights-lawyer-is-released-in-china-after-videotaped-confession/

Related:
滕彪:"王宇悔罪"意在打击维权群体 (Teng Biao: Purpose of “Wang Yu’s confession” is to strike rights groups)
Radio Free Asia, August 1, 2016
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/renquanfazhi/zl-08012016152527.html

“Joint Statement from 709 Victims’ Families: Release Our Family Members, Refuse Attempts to Divide Us, Monitor the Trials, and Acquit the Detained Activists”
709家属:709家属联合声明:释放家属,拒绝分化,关注庭审,维权无罪
Human Rights in China, August 1, 2016
EN: http://www.hrichina.org/en/citizens-square/joint-statement-709-victims-families-release-our-family-members-refuse-attempts
CH: http://www.hrichina.org/chs/gong-min-yan-chang/709jia-shu-709jia-shu-lian-he-sheng-ming-shi-fang-jia-shu-ju-jue-fen-hua-guan-zhu

国际特赦忧任全牛遭酷刑 律所主任被变相非法拘禁 (Amnesty International concerned that Ren Quanniu might be tortured, director of his law firm illegally detained in disguise)
Radio Free Asia, August 1, 2016
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/renquanfazhi/xl3-08012016104028.html

Prominent Chinese human rights advocates to go on trial in Tianjin a year after sweeping crackdown
South China Morning Post, August 2, 2016
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/1997893/prominent-chinese-human-rights-advocates-go-trial

Related:
Chinese activist Zhai Yanmin found guilty of subversion
中国维权律师抓捕:天津法院裁定翟岩民煽动颠覆有罪
British Broadcasting Corporation, August 2, 2016
EN: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-36950011
CH: http://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/simp/china/2016/08/160802_china_activist_lawyers_trial

Mass Crackdown on Chinese Lawyers, Defenders and International Reactions: A Brief Chronology
Human Rights in China, July 29, 2016
http://www.hrichina.org/en/mass-crackdown-chinese-lawyers-defenders-and-international-reactions-brief-chronology

Detention of top Chinese scientist a blow for national security, says lawyer
South China Morning Post, August 1, 2016
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/1997708/detention-top-chinese-scientist-blow-national-security-says-lawyer

Tibetan monk who died was tortured, says niece who fled China
Reuters, July 29, 2016
http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2016/07/29/tibetan-monk-who-died-was-tortured-says-niece-who-fled-china/

提高社会公众对改革的认同度和参与度 (Raising public approval of and participation in reform)
People's Procuratorate Daily, July 29, 2016
http://newspaper.jcrb.com/2016/20160729/20160729_001/20160729_001_6.htm

砀山虐童母亲被撤销监护资格 (Dangshan, Anhui: Custody of daughter revoked from abusive mother)
People’s Court Daily, July 29, 2016
http://rmfyb.chinacourt.org/paper/html/2016-07/29/content_114611.html

Access to Information (信息公开)

China “tightening up on use of South Korean stars in TV dramas”, sources say, in wake of missile shield row
South China Morning Post, August 2, 2016
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/1998090/china-tightening-use-south-korean-stars-tv-dramas-sources-say

The art of saying nothing at all: Learn how to communicate like the Chinese government
Quartz, August 1, 2016
http://qz.com/666292/the-art-of-saying-nothing-at-all-learn-how-to-communicate-like-the-chinese-government/

Citizen Participation (公民参与)

民政部就慈善组织公开募捐管理办法征求意见 (Ministry of Civil Affairs seeks public comments on Management Measures for Public Donations for Charitable Organizations)
Legal Daily, July 29, 2016
http://www.legaldaily.com.cn/government/content/2016-07/29/content_6741968.htm

China proposes tightening grip on NGOs
Reuters, August 1, 2016
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-ngos-idUSKCN10D087

Government Accountability (政府问责)

《保护司法人员依法履行法定职责规定》 (Regulations on the Protection of Justice System Personnel in the Lawful Discharge of their Duties)
People's Procuratorate Daily, July 29, 2016
http://newspaper.jcrb.com/2016/20160729/20160729_002/20160729_002_1.htm

How China's anti-corruption intersects with the South China Sea
The Diplomat, August 2, 2016
http://thediplomat.com/2016/08/how-chinas-anti-corruption-intersects-with-the-south-china-sea/

Hong Kong (香港)

Hong Kong Indigenous’ Edward Leung disqualified from Legco elections
梁天琦被取消參選立法會資格
South China Morning Post, August 2, 2016
EN: http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/1998201/hong-kong-indigenous-edward-leung-disqualified-legislative
CH: http://www.nanzao.com/tc/hk-macau-tw/1564a9e9a704d5f/liang-tian-qi-bei-qu-xiao-can-xuan-li-fa-hui-zi-ge

Related:
本土民主前線就梁天琦被拒參選之聲明 (Statement by Hong Kong Indigenous’ Edward Leung regarding disqualification from LegCo election)
InMedia HK, August 2, 2016
http://www.inmediahk.net/node/1043783

提倡“公投決定香港前途”5人獲准參選反映篩選標準全無章法 (5 advocates of “determining Hong Kong’s future by referendum” qualified for LegCo election—pre-selection logic can hardly be derived)
Radio France Internationale, August 2, 2016
http://trad.cn.rfi.fr/政治/20160802-提倡“公投決定香港前途”5人獲准參選反映篩選標準全無章法

Edward Leung alters stance, signs new election declaration form
Hong Kong Economic Journal, July 29, 2016
http://www.ejinsight.com/20160729-edward-leung-alters-stance-and-signs-new-election-declaration-form/

The Edward Leung question: How does a mainland immigrant become a HK localist?
Hong Kong Free Press, July 31, 2016
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2016/07/31/edward-leung-question-mainland-immigrant-become-hk-localist/

内地与香港特区就改进完善通报机制进行第二轮磋商 (Hong Kong and Mainland in round 2 of talks to improve reciprocal notification mechanism)
Legal Daily, July 29, 2016
http://epaper.legaldaily.com.cn/fzrb/content/20160729/Articel01008GN.htm

内地警方向香港移交重大抢劫杀人犯罪嫌疑人 (Mainland police hand over major robbery homicide suspect to Hong Kong)
Legal Daily, July 29, 2016
http://epaper.legaldaily.com.cn/fzrb/content/20160729/Articel02005GN.htm

HK Economic Journal should restore outspoken writer’s column, says letter from employees
Hong Kong Free Press, August 2, 2016
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2016/08/02/hk-economic-journal-restore-outspoken-writers-column-says-letter-employees/