⚠️Exclusive story on @Channel4 this evening in which I spoke to a fake journalist with @IsobelYeung. The documentary exposes spying activities of and transnational repression tactics deployed by the Chinese Communist Party. Kudos to the production team and campaign allies.

香港警察、高層住宅火災現場の支援活動阻止　政府批判の動き警戒か　ボランティア証言 https://t.co/PY9f2o42Le 香港の高層住宅群で起きた大規模火災の現場近くで物資を配布していたボランティアに29日、地元警察が物資の撤去を求め、配布活動は事実上阻止された。複数の支援者が証言した。

in the name of defending National Security, who make these reasonable demands. With over a hundred of lost lives and thousands of affected people, the priority of HK gov is clear - HK people is always at the bottom of its list. It perfectly reflects how corrupt the gov is. END

3. Re-examine construction works supervisory and regulatory framework 4. Hold officials accountable for regulatory negligence’ Instead of carrying out full investigation on the fire and supporting affected people, the HK government chose to swiftly arrest a citizen, (2/3)

3 days after the fire outbreak, Hong Kong National Security Police arrested a student who initiated an online petition with 4 demands: ‘1. Keep supporting affected residents & ensure proper rehousing 2. Set up an independent inquiry into the fire, incl. suspected collusion (1/3)

Surprise surprise. The Hong Kong police is now treating the mass self-mobilisation of citizen-led volunteers in aid of victims of the Tai Po fires as a national security threat, with Chief superintendent Lee Kwai-wah (who is sanctioned by the US for his leading role in Beijing’s

これだけは言わせてください。 香港のあの災難的な火災の原因は竹で作られた足場、ではありません。 これは火が収まり頃の写真です。 外側の網は全焼ですが、竹は外側でも焦げることすらあまりしてません。 燃えやすかったのは、外側の、防火なはずの安全網でした。 これだけは知って欲しいです。

9/ My thoughts are with Hong Kong, the lives lost, and everyone affected. May justice be to Hong Kong. (9/9)

8/ I understand it can sometimes be hard to get a full picture while reporting fast-moving incidents. Still, I urge journalists to correct inaccuracies when they arise. Reinforcing misconceptions about bamboo craftsmanship only supports a misleading official narrative. (8/9)

7/ It also ignored reporting and prior whistleblowing about the widespread use of non-compliant, flammable mesh nets on HK construction sites in the previous year, as well as brushing off potential legal negligence of senior HK gov officials on the 2024 whistleblowing. (7/9)

6/ Instead of launching an independent investigation immediately (as the UK did after the Grenfell Tower fire), the HK gov announced on the following day it would accelerate the switch to (Chinese-imported) metal scaffolding without first completing a full investigation. (6/9)

5/ More broadly, to facilitate the absorption of HK into the PRC, the HK gov has been keen on dismantling Hong Kong unique culture - bamboo craft, neon signage, historic buildings and languages to name a few, alongside ongoing crackdown on judiciary system and free speech. (5/9)

4/ Those mesh materials can accelerate vertical and lateral fire spread (from lower floors to higher floors, and between blocks). This is primarily evidenced by photos showing the structural integrity of bamboo after a 2-day sustained fire. (4/9)

3/ Contrary to public misconception, the physical structure of bamboo itself makes it a flame-resistant material. Rather, it is the corrupt practice of using non-compliant and flammable mesh netting that is the likely cause of the fire’s rapid spread. (3/9)

2/ HK is my homeland - renowned for its skyscraper skyline and the traditional craft of bamboo scaffolding. Over its 185+ year history, bamboo has been widely used in HK construction for its flexibility, ductility, lightness and its FIRE RESISTANCE. (2/9)

1/ I don’t often speak in my professional capacity as a Hong Kong–born, UK-chartered construction professional (MRICS, MAPM, NECReg, among others). But I need to address inaccurate reporting about bamboo scaffolding in the Hong Kong Tai Po fire. (1/9)

Collapse of China spy case shows ‘UK can be bullied’, says trial witness

Thank you @Henry_Vaughan of @SkyNews for featuring exiled #HongKong activists living under the shadow of #transnationalrepression in 🇬🇧, including our Advisor @finnlau_cd. It is high time @GOVUK protected their safety by blocking the 🇨🇳 super embassy. https://t.co/ZQCbbxt5ol

#TransnationalRepression against #HongKongers in the UK, featuring @Chloe_chc_25 @SimonChengUK @finnlau_cd & @carmenkamanlau, who says, "I'm worth a million dollars. That's the price the HK gov't's put on my head for wanting freedom & a say in our future."

🚨(1/2) Amazing piece by @Henry_Vaughan featuring #HongKong activists inc. @thecfhk’s @Chloe_chc_25, @carmenkamanlau, @finnlau_cd & @SimonChengUK, all placed under a HK$1m bounty by the HK authorities and told @SkyNews they’ve been followed and assaulted. https://t.co/e3AsKYh56n

We have to take this issue seriously. This deepfake video marks the beginning of the misuse of AI technology against Hong Kong dissidents as well as an experimental AI disinformation campaign that would errode community trust, freedom of expression and democracy.