London ETO showcases Hong Kong cinema in Copenhagen
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London (London ETO) supported the Denmark Asian Cultural Association (DACA) in presenting the "Copenhagen Hong Kong Focus Film Festival", held in Copenhagen, Denmark from January 8 to 10 (Copenhagen time).
An opening reception was held on January 8, prior to the screening of "Four Trails", marking the launch of the film festival. The event was attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Kingdom of Denmark, Mr Wang Xuefeng, as along with over 50 guests from the local cultural and business sectors.
The Director-General of the London ETO, Miss Fiona Chau, delivered the opening speech virtually. She congratulated the DACA on bringing the best of Hong Kong cinema to audiences in Copenhagen, and holding the film festival for the second year.
Miss Chau said, "The opening film 'Four Trails' is a documentary that not only captures the breathtaking beauty of Hong Kong's natural landscape, but also the indomitable spirit of those who dare to challenge it. With Hong Kong's vision of becoming an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, the festival showcases the diverse talents of Hong Kong's film industry."
The three-day film festival featured three Hong Kong films: "Four Trails", "My First of May" and "Last Song for You".
London ETO showcases Hong Kong cinema in Copenhagen Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
London ETO showcases Hong Kong cinema in Copenhagen Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
London ETO showcases Hong Kong cinema in Copenhagen Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKSAR LegCo strongly condemns smearing and slanderous remarks by external forces on the "Hong Kong Alliance" case
The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The Legislative Council (LegCo) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (22 August) expressed strong opposition and dissatisfaction with, and strongly condemned, the malicious attacks, slanders and smearing against the judicial system and national security laws of Hong Kong by various western countries, anti-China media, organisations and politicians, using the court's verdict of conviction concerning the case of "incitement to subversion of state power by the Hong Kong Alliance".
A spokesperson for LegCo pointed out, "The Constitution is the fundamental law of the state, making clear that the leadership of the Communist Party of China is the cornerstone of the constitutional order of the People's Republic of China. As an inalienable part of our country, Hong Kong must firmly uphold its constitutional order. Any attempt to subvert the fundamental system of the country will not be tolerated in any society under the rule of law. The court's verdict precisely reflects the spirit of the rule of law in conducting independent trials in accordance with the law."
The LegCo spokesperson stressed that the reasons for the court's verdict were detailed, clearly pointing out that the trial of the case was never targeted at the defendants' political views, but was based on objective law and evidence, strictly following the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and other relevant laws. After the HKNSL came into effect, the defendants still persistently pressed ahead with subversion activities, and their acts clearly went beyond the boundaries of lawful freedom of expression. The entire trial procedure was open and transparent, and the verdict was lawful, fair and reasonable, conforming to the fundamental interests of Hong Kong. It is an inevitable requirement for the comprehensive and accurate implementation of the HKNSL as well as relevant legal systems and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security. LegCo solemnly urges external forces to immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs, respect the rule of law and judicial independence in Hong Kong, and refrain from smearing Hong Kong's judicial system with double standards.
The LegCo spokesperson pointed out that freedoms of speech and association are not absolute. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights also expressly states that restrictions may be prescribed by law under the prerequisite of safeguarding national security, among others. Members of the public must distinguish the rights from wrongs and clearly draw the line between this case and the normal expression of opinions.
The spokesperson reiterated that national security is the fundamental prerequisite for Hong Kong's prosperity and stability. Safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests is the fundamental premise of the "one country, two systems". Only by safeguarding national security can the various lawful rights and interests of the public be effectively protected, and favourable conditions be created for Hong Kong's long-term development. The spokesperson further emphasized that, for Hong Kong to advance from stability to prosperity, equal emphasis must be placed on both security and development. Security and development are not mutually exclusive, but complement each other. There is no finished state, only an ongoing process; security is the prerequisite for development, and development is the guarantee for security, neither of which can be dispensed with.
Under the executive-led system, LegCo, as the Legislature of the HKSAR, will certainly continue to fully support the HKSAR Government in administering in accordance with the law and firmly safeguarding national security, ensuring the steadfast and successful implementation of "one country, two systems".
Source: AI-found images
