關於 italy senate ，我們在網路上蒐集到這些相關的討論、資訊與評價

0223紐約時報

*【Covid-19實時更新】
#持續一年多的疫情，美國的最新統計，有50萬人死於新冠病毒。這數字意味著死於Covid-19的美國人，比第一次世界大戰，第二次世界大戰和越南戰爭戰場上罹難的人數還要多。
#拜登總統和副總統賀錦麗在白宮南草坪的陽台上，在燭光的圍繞下，沉默追思，悼念美國在疫情中死亡的50萬人民，拜登敦促謹記亡者，並團結抗疫。
#強森表示，英國將在兩週內重新開放學校，但酒館和餐館仍將暫時關閉。首相強森說：“在每個階段，我們的決定將取決於數據而不是日期。” 依計劃，目前的冠狀病毒限制將分四個步驟，希望酒吧和餐館要到五月能被允許提供室內服務。
#白宮官員周一表示，近期極端天氣而推遲的疫苗將在本周中旬交付。
#紐約州州長古莫宣布，在將近一年的時間之後，紐約市將重新開放電影院。但
劇院須以最大容量的25％運作，每次放映不得超過50人，要強制戴口罩，劇院必須為顧客分配座位，以確保適當的社交距離。
#FDA發布與新冠病毒變異相關的疫苗、診斷和治療指南，FDA針對冠狀病毒變種的疫苗、診斷和治療產品發布了新的指導方針。
#佛奇說，抗病毒藥物將是與Covid展開下一階段戰鬥的關鍵。
#奈及利亞宣布疫情結束。自2020年4月以來，奈及利亞官方從未報告過一例冠狀病毒病例。根據政府數據，自大流行開始以來，奈及利亞僅發生509例陽性病例，其中21例死亡。幾乎沒有人相信這些數字是可信的。但這符合總統John Magufuli所稱大流行已經“結束”的聲明。
#西班牙周一報告了今年以來最低的確診。自去年12月底開始，該國推廣疫苗，已發放了超過300萬劑疫苗。西班牙衛生部稱，上週末，新確診病例為20,849例，儘管如此，西班牙衛生緊急中心負責人FernandoSimón表示，這是令人鼓舞的趨勢線，但還不至於推動“過度放鬆”封鎖措施。
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/02/22/world/covid-19-coronavirus

*【全球疫情現好轉跡象】
世界各地的新病例、住院和死亡人數在熱點地區大幅放緩，其中美國、英國、南非等六個國家降幅顯著。專家將這一進展歸因於人們的防護措施、病毒的季節性以及高感染群體自然免疫力的增強。在全美死亡人數逼近50萬大關之際，世界看到了走出疫情的希望。
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/02/22/world/coronavirus-world-turnaround.html

*【數據顯示阿斯特捷利康疫苗正在發揮預期效用】
英國一項研究發現，只需接種一劑阿斯利康或輝瑞疫苗，就可以避免大多數與新冠相關的住院治療。蘇格蘭的早期數據顯示，阿斯利康疫苗降低了高達94%的住院率；輝瑞疫苗降低了85%的住院風險，隨著時間流逝，保護性有所降低。
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/22/world/covid-astrazeneca-vaccine.html

*【極寒天氣中，死在卧室、汽車和後院裡的德州人】
極寒天氣導致大範圍、長時間的停電和斷水，加上由於對低溫天氣下的安全問題缺乏認識，已有至少58人因一氧化碳中毒、車禍、溺水、房屋火災和體溫過低而死亡。
https://cn.nytimes.com/usa/20210222/texas-deaths-winter-storm/

*【緬甸抗議者無懼暴力鎮壓，舉行全國大罷工】
儘管軍方發出措辭嚴厲的警告，部署了路障、裝甲車，甚至狙擊手，週一仍有數百萬人參加反對政變的全行業大罷工。兩名抗議者遭到槍擊的命運未能阻止數百個城鎮的人們繼續表達異議，公務員、銀行家、醫生和電信運營商的加入使國家幾乎無法正常運轉。跟據一個追蹤組織的數據，截至週一，已有超過560人被拘。
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/22/world/asia/myanmar-general-strike.html

*【中國建起了「防火長城」，俄羅斯為什麼不這麼做？】
如何應對互聯網問題暴露了克里姆林宮面臨的兩難境地：是冒著引發公眾反彈的風險進一步加強互聯網審查，還是繼續試圖通過保持某種開放社會的表象來控制公眾的不滿。
https://cn.nytimes.com/world/20210222/russia-internet-censorship/

*【兩黨參議院從安全性漏洞方向開始對國會暴動案進行審查】
在眾議院領導人研擬組建9/11式的委員會，來調查1月6日發生在國會大廈的襲擊案之際，由參議員組成的兩黨小組正加緊進行一系列調查聽證會，以審查當時未能阻止川普支持者暴行的安全漏洞。參議院委員會聯合舉行聽證會，詢問在襲擊中負責保衛國會大廈的官員，當副總統和參眾兩院議員都聚集在國會大廈的時候，國會員警和哥倫比亞特區員警部隊的成員的召集增援是否延遲。
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/22/us/politics/senate-hearing-capitol-riot.html

*【美國最高法院裁定允許檢察官獲得川普稅單】
在與紐約檢察官長達數年的法律交鋒中，這名前總統最終遭遇失敗。知情人士透露，法院發出命令後，檢方調查人員將可從為川普處理稅單的會計事務所收集資料。這些納稅記錄將有助於調查川普及其公司可能存在的各種金融犯罪。
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/22/us/politics/supreme-court-trump-taxes-financial-records.html

*【最高法院不審理賓州郵寄選票案】
法院的簡短命令沒有理由駁回此案，實際上，這標誌著最高法院關於選舉的訴訟結束。法官Clarence Thomas，Samuel A. Alito Jr.和Neil M. Gorsuch表示異議，稱法院應該使用它為未來的選舉提供指導。反對派法官承認，此案中涉及的選票數量太少，無法影響拜登總統在該州的勝利。
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/22/us/politics/supreme-court-pennsylvania-ballots.html

*【NASA公開火星影片】
這是首次有影片從火星發回地球，記錄了「毅力號」上週四登陸火星時的場景。兩顆星球之間沒有網路連接，數據傳送需要通過軌道航天器，因此影片抵達地球需要一定時間。
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/22/science/mars-landing-nasa-video.html

*【紐西蘭基督城地震十週年】
2011年，紐西蘭第二大城市發生地震，摧毀了曾有8000戶居民的住宅區，造成185人死亡。因被認為不適合居住，該地塊已被政府買下。如今這裡正在被大自然重新開墾，滿眼綠意中，除了褪色的燈柱和斑駁的道路標記，幾乎沒有人類過去的痕跡。
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/21/world/australia/christchurch-new-zealand-quake-red-zone.html

*【聯合國車隊在剛果遇襲，義大利大使等三人身亡】
襲擊事件發生在世界糧食計劃署車隊前往該國東部一所學校途中，遇害者還包括義大利大使館的另一名官員和糧食計劃署的一名司機。事件震驚了全球外交界，引發各國譴責。
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/22/world/africa/italy-ambassador-killed-congo-ambush.html

*【林鄭月娥公開接種科興疫苗，香港計劃本週展開大規模接種運動】
香港為其750萬人口訂購了750萬劑輝瑞、阿斯特捷利康和科興疫苗，但公眾對接種越來越猶豫。一項調查顯示，超過一半的受訪者不打算接種疫苗，更大比例的居民表示，他們不會選擇科興疫苗。與林鄭和其他許多世界領導人不同，習近平尚未公開接種疫苗，中國外交部也拒絕透露相關消息。
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/22/world/hong-kongs-top-leader-is-inoculated-ahead-of-a-mass-vaccination-campaign.html

*【美國逮捕墨西哥毒梟「矮子」之妻】
Emma Coronel Aispuro已被調查了至少兩年，她被控幫助丈夫經營價值數十億美元的犯罪帝國，還曾在丈夫2014年入獄後，密謀策劃挖出地道助其越獄。「矮子」於2019年因策劃一場巨型毒品走私案在布魯克林被判終身監禁。
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/22/us/el-chapo-emma-coronel-aispuro.html

【謠言注意：軍事獨裁】有在川粉社團裡的應該都會看到這篇，內容講述川普將動員軍隊清剿他的反對者。

在世界各國的歷史中，大選不符當政者預期，就搞軍政府不少見，但在美國這個老牌民主國家發生的話，真的會在歷史上記上一筆，就繼續看下去吧：

WARNING, HEADS UP!!!! 警告，預備!!!

Dear Patriots, 親愛的愛國者們，

Some of you may recognize my name. I have daily briefing with POTUS and have posted here before a handful of times as a “helper”.

你們當中可能認得我的名字。我每天都與POTUS (美國總統)作簡報，並數次在此以「協助人」之名發文。

What I’m about to disclose is the most important post you’ll read before the inauguration. Q will not post here again, at least not for a while. The operation is ongoing but must run silent at this point. Once we wind down you will not hear from Q again. Don’t let this worry or upset you. We are in perhaps the most critical juncture of American history.

我現在彼露的事是在總統就職典禮日前最重要的訊息，Q有一段時間不會再在此發文了。行動正在進行中，但現時必須安静地進行。當行動完成後，你們將不會再聽到Q的消息。你們不用擔心或憂慮。我們正處在美國歷史上最重要的路口。

POTUS is fully aware of the gravity of this time period. We have prepared from before 2015 for this exact moment. I am not asking for faith in us. Q should have already used logic, reason, and multiple proofs to establish our credibility.

POTUS 完全了解這段時期的關鍵性。我們從2015年已經為此刻作準備。我們不需要你的信念，Q的信譽已經用邏輯，理由和無數的證據去建立了。

What happens this week will change history. We are asking you, for now, to stay in your homes and do NOT under any circumstances interfere with the operation. You’ll soon see things unfold that many would think impossible. POTUS is insulated and 100% safe. Our plan is almost complete.

這個星期發生的事將會改變歷史。我們懇請大家，在這段時間內，留在家中，無論任何情況下都不要阻礙行動的進行。你們很快就看到很多不可思議的事。POTUS 正被保護着並100%安全。我們的計劃差不多完成了。

The DS has already lost. Everything you’re seeing in the MSM and on Twitter is a last-ditch attempt. Why has Kamala not yet left the senate? Where is Joe? Where is Joe really? Hunter has turned himself in.

深層國家已經失敗了。你們在主流傳媒和推特所看到的一切都是垂死掙扎。為甚麼賀錦麗還不離開眾議院？敗登在哪裏？敗登真正地在哪裏？亨特已經自首了。

We asked you at the beginning to prepare. Your role is crucial, and your task is to help the population deal with that is about to be revealed. Those patriots who have been here from the start will understand and recognize this directive.

我請你們作好準備，你們的角色很重要，你們的任務是幫助其他人去面對將會被揭露的真相。愛國者們都明白這些指令。

Remember, it is always darkest before the dawn. Do not believe the MSM over the next week. Do not, for a single minute give them any credence. We have legally won this election and what comes next is the greatest mop up job in the history of the world.

記住這是黎明前最黑暗的時候。不要相信主流傳媒，一分鐘都不要相信。我們已合法地取得大選的勝利，下一步是世界歷史中最偉大的清剿任務。

Patriots, we thank you. We could not have gotten here without you. Now is our time. Hold the line. You will receive no further message on this channel from us until the operation is over. At that point, the entire world will know.

愛國者們，我們感謝你。現在是我們最重要的一刻，請耐心等待。在行動結束前你不會再得到我們更多的訊息。到那時候，全世界都明白發生了甚麼事。

Thank you and God bless. Pray for us, POTUS, and the United States of America. We are in the most dangerous phase and the stakes could not be higher. Military takedowns and arrests begin this wknd and will continue forward for the next 13 days/nights. Some international raids have already started. Italy has also been found complicit in our election fraud.

願神保祐，請為我們，美國總統和美國祈禱。我們正處於最危險的階段。這星期將有軍事攻擊和抓捕，持續13個日與夜。一些國際行動已經開始，意大利也參與了大選舞弊。

Everyone will be getting emergency alerts on their phones, tv's, radios & internet. It will override all other broadcasts and could last for several hours at a time. Do not to be scared of what's coming as it is for the safety of our nation for this to unfold.

每個人都會在電話，電視，收音機和互聯網收到緊急警報廣播。此廣播每節可長達數小時。不要害怕，這些真相的彼露有助我們國家的安全。

DO NOT travel to any large cities (especially Philadelphia) for the rest of the month. Military operations will be taking place in many of the major corrupt cities. People will start rioting once this intel breaks thinking Trump is a military dictator. He only has 13 days to put this dog down.

這個月都不要去任何大城市 (尤其是費城)，軍事行動正在各罪惡之城進行。各種暴亂或會發生，川普會被認為是軍事獨裁者，他將有13天的時間平定暴亂。

The implementation of the Insurrection Act began after the raid on the Capitol and was marked by Trump's broadcast to the people to disband and return home. This broadcast wound up being blocked, for the most part, by the media. Nevertheless, his address fulfilled the requirements to initiate the Act.

上星期華盛頓國會的騷亂中，川普已呼籲民眾保持冷静及回家，這個廣播雖然被主流媒體封鎖，但仍然滿足了引用反叛亂法的前設條件，所以反叛亂法已經開始生效了。

Marines and National Guard troops are being moved as needed for the riots that will start after the national release of the intel. The intel will be dropped for everyone to see and hear in loops that will be several hours long. The system was just checked by the FCC a few days ago alerting ALL media that they cannot block the flow of intel under federal regs.

當真相/情報在緊急系統中開始廣播，暴亂就會發生。海軍和國民警衛軍已經部署妥當，預備應付暴亂。當緊急系統的情報廣播在進行中，媒體不能封鎖它。

Trump will be moved continuously like a chess piece from now until the 20th in order to avoid any retaliation against him and family.

為免被報復，川普和家人會不斷移動踪跡直至20號為止。

Trump had to exhaust ALL other means legally before this operation could commence. He gave everyone a fair chance to come clean and they refused.

在軍事行動開始前，川普已經遵循一切合法的途徑去解決，他曾試圖將公平的機會給予每一位，讓他們自首，但都遭到拒絕。

His press release of a "smooth transition" did not include the word, "concede" as he has no plans to do so. Rather, there will be a smooth transition of power to his new cabinet, staff and Vice President, General Flynn.

他在新聞稿中提到「順暢地過渡」，但沒有用「認輸」一詞，他絕對不會！他指的是順暢地把政權過渡到他的新內閣人員，職員及副總統，費林將軍。

The rally in DC was an awesome event! The raids on the Capitol all started with BLM and Antifa members (many from the Philly area) and included Capitol police or those posing as Capitol police. Every day, new info is pouring forth to support this. They opened up the barricades and doors to the Capitol and let them in.

在DC舉行的集會多麽棒啊！當日的騷亂是由黑命貴和安提法組織成員所引發的，也包括了首都警察和冒充首都警察的人參與其中。每天都新證據湧現，證明是他們拉開鐵欄杆，把國會大門打開，讓人潮湧入。

It appears there were some Special Ops members dressed as Trump supporters who went in with the crowd of protesters that were able to secure 20+ laptops w/hard drives with data regarding sex trafficking intel from both, Pelosi and Schumer's offices.

看似有數位特務人員打扮成川普支持者隨着群眾進入國會，並把20部手提電腦，連着裝有犯罪證據的硬盤，從佩洛西和舒默的辦公室内拿出來了。我在Mewe 看到，似是真實的Q的訊息。

WARNING, HEADS UP!!!! 警告，預備!!!

Dear Patriots, 親愛的愛國者們，

Some of you may recognize my name. I have daily briefing with POTUS and have posted here before a handful of times as a “helper”.

你們當中可能認得我的名字。我每天都與POTUS (美國總統)作簡報，並數次在此以「協助人」之名發文。

What I’m about to disclose is the most important post you’ll read before the inauguration. Q will not post here again, at least not for a while. The operation is ongoing but must run silent at this point. Once we wind down you will not hear from Q again. Don’t let this worry or upset you. We are in perhaps the most critical juncture of American history.

我現在彼露的事是在總統就職典禮日前最重要的訊息，Q有一段時間不會再在此發文了。行動正在進行中，但現時必須安静地進行。當行動完成後，你們將不會再聽到Q的消息。你們不用擔心或憂慮。我們正處在美國歷史上最重要的路口。

POTUS is fully aware of the gravity of this time period. We have prepared from before 2015 for this exact moment. I am not asking for faith in us. Q should have already used logic, reason, and multiple proofs to establish our credibility.

POTUS 完全了解這段時期的關鍵性。我們從2015年已經為此刻作準備。我們不需要你的信念，Q的信譽已經用邏輯，理由和無數的證據去建立了。

What happens this week will change history. We are asking you, for now, to stay in your homes and do NOT under any circumstances interfere with the operation. You’ll soon see things unfold that many would think impossible. POTUS is insulated and 100% safe. Our plan is almost complete.

這個星期發生的事將會改變歷史。我們懇請大家，在這段時間內，留在家中，無論任何情況下都不要阻礙行動的進行。你們很快就看到很多不可思議的事。POTUS 正被保護着並100%安全。我們的計劃差不多完成了。

The DS has already lost. Everything you’re seeing in the MSM and on Twitter is a last-ditch attempt. Why has Kamala not yet left the senate? Where is Joe? Where is Joe really? Hunter has turned himself in.

深層國家已經失敗了。你們在主流傳媒和推特所看到的一切都是垂死掙扎。為甚麼賀錦麗還不離開眾議院？敗登在哪裏？敗登真正地在哪裏？亨特已經自首了。

We asked you at the beginning to prepare. Your role is crucial, and your task is to help the population deal with that is about to be revealed. Those patriots who have been here from the start will understand and recognize this directive.

我請你們作好準備，你們的角色很重要，你們的任務是幫助其他人去面對將會被揭露的真相。愛國者們都明白這些指令。

Remember, it is always darkest before the dawn. Do not believe the MSM over the next week. Do not, for a single minute give them any credence. We have legally won this election and what comes next is the greatest mop up job in the history of the world.

記住這是黎明前最黑暗的時候。不要相信主流傳媒，一分鐘都不要相信。我們已合法地取得大選的勝利，下一步是世界歷史中最偉大的清剿任務。

Patriots, we thank you. We could not have gotten here without you. Now is our time. Hold the line. You will receive no further message on this channel from us until the operation is over. At that point, the entire world will know.

愛國者們，我們感謝你。現在是我們最重要的一刻，請耐心等待。在行動結束前你不會再得到我們更多的訊息。到那時候，全世界都明白發生了甚麼事。

Thank you and God bless. Pray for us, POTUS, and the United States of America. We are in the most dangerous phase and the stakes could not be higher. Military takedowns and arrests begin this wknd and will continue forward for the next 13 days/nights. Some international raids have already started. Italy has also been found complicit in our election fraud.

願神保祐，請為我們，美國總統和美國祈禱。我們正處於最危險的階段。這星期將有軍事攻擊和抓捕，持續13個日與夜。一些國際行動已經開始，意大利也參與了大選舞弊。

Everyone will be getting emergency alerts on their phones, tv's, radios & internet. It will override all other broadcasts and could last for several hours at a time. Do not to be scared of what's coming as it is for the safety of our nation for this to unfold.

每個人都會在電話，電視，收音機和互聯網收到緊急警報廣播。此廣播每節可長達數小時。不要害怕，這些真相的彼露有助我們國家的安全。

DO NOT travel to any large cities (especially Philadelphia) for the rest of the month. Military operations will be taking place in many of the major corrupt cities. People will start rioting once this intel breaks thinking Trump is a military dictator. He only has 13 days to put this dog down.

這個月都不要去任何大城市 (尤其是費城)，軍事行動正在各罪惡之城進行。各種暴亂或會發生，川普會被認為是軍事獨裁者，他將有13天的時間平定暴亂。

The implementation of the Insurrection Act began after the raid on the Capitol and was marked by Trump's broadcast to the people to disband and return home. This broadcast wound up being blocked, for the most part, by the media. Nevertheless, his address fulfilled the requirements to initiate the Act.

上星期華盛頓國會的騷亂中，川普已呼籲民眾保持冷静及回家，這個廣播雖然被主流媒體封鎖，但仍然滿足了引用反叛亂法的前設條件，所以反叛亂法已經開始生效了。

Marines and National Guard troops are being moved as needed for the riots that will start after the national release of the intel. The intel will be dropped for everyone to see and hear in loops that will be several hours long. The system was just checked by the FCC a few days ago alerting ALL media that they cannot block the flow of intel under federal regs.

當真相/情報在緊急系統中開始廣播，暴亂就會發生。海軍和國民警衛軍已經部署妥當，預備應付暴亂。當緊急系統的情報廣播在進行中，媒體不能封鎖它。

Trump will be moved continuously like a chess piece from now until the 20th in order to avoid any retaliation against him and family.

為免被報復，川普和家人會不斷移動踪跡直至20號為止。

Trump had to exhaust ALL other means legally before this operation could commence. He gave everyone a fair chance to come clean and they refused.

在軍事行動開始前，川普已經遵循一切合法的途徑去解決，他曾試圖將公平的機會給予每一位，讓他們自首，但都遭到拒絕。

His press release of a "smooth transition" did not include the word, "concede" as he has no plans to do so. Rather, there will be a smooth transition of power to his new cabinet, staff and Vice President, General Flynn.

他在新聞稿中提到「順暢地過渡」，但沒有用「認輸」一詞，他絕對不會！他指的是順暢地把政權過渡到他的新內閣人員，職員及副總統，費林將軍。

The rally in DC was an awesome event! The raids on the Capitol all started with BLM and Antifa members (many from the Philly area) and included Capitol police or those posing as Capitol police. Every day, new info is pouring forth to support this. They opened up the barricades and doors to the Capitol and let them in.

在DC舉行的集會多麽棒啊！當日的騷亂是由黑命貴和安提法組織成員所引發的，也包括了首都警察和冒充首都警察的人參與其中。每天都新證據湧現，證明是他們拉開鐵欄杆，把國會大門打開，讓人潮湧入。

It appears there were some Special Ops members dressed as Trump supporters who went in with the crowd of protesters that were able to secure 20+ laptops w/hard drives with data regarding sex trafficking intel from both, Pelosi and Schumer's offices.

看似有數位特務人員打扮成川普支持者隨着群眾進入國會，並把20部手提電腦，連着裝有犯罪證據的硬盤，從佩洛西和舒默的辦公室内拿出來了。

【Joshua Wong speaking to the Italian Senate】#意大利國會研討會演說 —— 呼籲世界在大學保衛戰一週年後與香港人站在同一陣線

中文、意大利文演說全文：https://www.patreon.com/posts/44167118

感謝開創未來基金會（Fondazione Farefuturo）邀請，讓我透過視像方式在意大利國會裡舉辦的研討會發言，呼籲世界繼續關注香港，與香港人站在同一陣線。

意大利作為絕無僅有參與一帶一路發展的國家，理應對中共打壓有更全面的理解，如今正值大學保衛戰一週年，以致大搜捕的時刻，當打壓更為嚴峻，香港更需要世界與我們同行。

為了讓各地朋友也能更了解香港狀況，我已在Patreon發佈當天演說的中文、英文和意大利文發言稿，盼望在如此困難的時勢裡，繼續讓世界知道我們未曾心息的反抗意志。

【The Value of Freedom: Burning Questions for Hong Kongers】

Good morning. I have the privilege today to share some of my thoughts and reflections about freedom, after taking part in social activism for eight years in Hong Kong. A movement calling for the withdrawal of the extradition law starting from last year had escalated into a demand for democracy and freedom. This city used to be prestigious for being the world’s most liberal economy, but now the infamous authoritarian government took away our freedom to election, freedom of assembly, freedom of expression and ideas.

Sometimes, we cannot avoid questioning the cause we are fighting for, the value of freedom. Despite a rather bleak prospect, why do we have to continue in this struggle? Why do we have to cherish freedom? What can we do to safeguard freedom at home and stay alert to attacks on freedom? In answering these questions, I hope to walk through three episodes in the previous year.

Turning to 2020, protests are not seen as frequently as they used to be on the media lens, partly because of the pandemic, but more importantly for the authoritarian rule. While the world is busy fighting the pandemic, our government took advantage of the virus to exert a tighter grip over our freedom. Putting the emergency laws in place, public assemblies in Hong Kong were banned. Most recently, a rally to support press freedom organized by journalists was also forbidden. While many people may ask if it is the end of street activism, ahead of us in the fight for freedom is another battleground: the court and the prison.

Freedom Fighters in Courtrooms and in Jail

Part of the huge cost incurred in the fight for freedom and democracy in Hong Kong is the increasing judicial casualties. As of today, more than 10 thousand people have been arrested since the movement broke out, more than a hundred of them are already locked up in prison. Among the 2,300 protestors who are prosecuted, 700 of them may be sentenced up to ten years for rioting charges.

Putting these figures into context, I wish to tell you what life is like, as a youngster in today’s Hong Kong. I was humbled by a lot of younger protestors and students whose exceptional maturity are demonstrated in courtrooms and in prison. What is thought to be normal university life is completely out of the question because very likely the neighbour next door or the roommate who cooked you lunch today will be thrown to jail on the next.

I do prison visits a few times a month to talk to activists who are facing criminal charges or serving sentences for their involvement in the movement. It is not just a routine of my political work, but it becomes my life as an activist. Since the movement, prison visits has also become the daily lives of many families.

But it is always an unpleasant experience passing through the iron gates one after one to enter the visitors’ room, speaking to someone who is deprived of liberty, for a selflessly noble cause. As an activist serving three brief jail terms, I understand that the banality of the four walls is not the most difficult to endure in jail. What is more unbearable is the control of thought and ideas in every single part of our daily routine enforced by the prison system. It will diminish your ability to think critically and the worst of it will persuade you to give up on what you are fighting for, if you have not prepared it well. Three years ago when I wrote on the first page of prison letters, which later turned into a publication called the ‘Unfree Speech’, I was alarmed at the environment of the prison cell. Those letters were written in a state in which freedom was deprived of and in which censorship was obvious. It brings us to question ourselves: other than physical constraints like prison bars, what makes us continue in the fight for freedom and democracy?

Mutual Support to activists behind-the-scene

The support for this movement is undiminished over these 17 months. There are many beautiful parts in the movement that continue to revitalise the ways we contribute to this city, instead of making money on our own in the so-called global financial centre. In particular, it is the fraternity, the mutual assistance among protestors that I cherished the most.

As more protestors are arrested, people offer help and assistance wholeheartedly -- we sit in court hearings even if we don’t know each other, and do frequent prison visits and write letters to protesters in detention. In major festivals and holidays, people gathered outside the prison to chant slogans so that they won’t feel alone and disconnected. This is the most touching part to me for I also experienced life in jail.

The cohesion, the connection and bonding among protestors are the cornerstone to the movement. At the same time, these virtues gave so much empowerment to the mass public who might not be able to fight bravely in the escalating protests. These scenes are not able to be captured by cameras, but I’m sure it is some of the most important parts of Hong Kong’s movement that I hope the world will remember.

I believe this mutual support transcends nationality or territory because the value of freedom does not alter in different places. More recently, Twelve Hongkong activists, all involved in the movement last year, were kidnapped by China’s coastal guard when fleeing to Taiwan for political refugee in late-August. All of them are now detained secretly in China, with the youngest aged only 16. We suspect they are under torture during detention and we call for help on the international level, putting up #SAVE12 campaign on twitter. In fact, how surprising it is to see people all over the world standing with the dozen detained protestors for the same cause. I’m moved by activists in Italy, who barely knew these Hong Kong activists, even took part in a hunger strike last month calling for immediate release of them. This form of interconnectivity keeps us in spirit and to continue our struggle to freedom and democracy.

Understanding Value of freedom in the university battle
A year ago on this day, Hong Kong was embroiled in burning clashes as the police besieged the Polytechnic University. It was a day we will not forget and this wound is still bleeding in the hearts of many Hong Kongers. A journalist stationed in the university at that time once told me that being at the scene could only remind him of the Tiananmen Square Massacre 31 years ago in Beijing. There was basically no exit except going for the dangerous sewage drains.

That day, thousands of people, old or young, flocked to districts close to the university before dawn, trying to rescue protestors trapped inside the campus. The reinforcements faced grave danger too, for police raided every corner of the small streets and alleys, arresting a lot of them. Among the 800+ arrested on a single day, 213 people were charged with rioting. For sure these people know there will be repercussions. It is the conscience driving them to take to the streets regardless of the danger, the conscience that we should stand up to brutality and authoritarianism, and ultimately to fight for freedoms that are guaranteed in our constitution. As my dear friend, Brian Leung once said, ‘’Hong Kong Belongs to Everyone Who Shares Its Pain’’. I believe the value of freedom is exemplified through our compassion to whom we love, so much that we are willing to sacrifice the freedom of our own.

Defending freedom behind the bars

No doubt there is a terrible price to pay in standing up to the Beijing and Hong Kong government. But after serving a few brief jail sentences and facing the continuing threat of harassment, I learnt to cherish the freedom I have for now, and I shall devote every bit what I have to strive for the freedom of those who have been ruthlessly denied.

The three episodes I shared with you today -- the courtroom, visiting prisoners and the battle of university continue to remind me of the fact that the fight for freedom has not ended yet. In the coming months, I will be facing a maximum of 5 years in jail for unauthorized assembly and up to one ridiculous year for wearing a mask in protest. But prison bars would never stop me from activism and thinking critically.

I only wish that during my absence, you can continue to stand with the people of Hong Kong, by following closely to the development, no matter the ill-fated election, the large-scale arrest under National Security Law or the twelve activists in China. To defy the greatest human rights abusers is the essential way to restore democracy of our generation, and the generation following us.

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