Hong Kong businessman, publisher and political prisoner
Authorities have arrested two people in Sham Shui Po on sedition charges and for handling assets tied to incitement. The arrests come days before the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover to China, as authorities tighten control over pro-democracy publications and shops.
Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri of Zion Church has been freed after more than 250 days in detention and has arrived in Los Angeles with his family. The release follows high-level discussions involving U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Several Zion Church members remain in custody as Beijing tightens religious controls.
Independent bookstores in Hong Kong have faced a third round of arrests under the 2024 national security law, with two shops raided and five people arrested for suspected displaying and selling seditious materials. Authorities say the operation targets materials that incite hatred toward the government, judiciary and police. The decoupled sales of such titles have intensified amid ongoing questions about freedom of expression in the city.
Jin Mingri, a prominent Chinese pastor jailed since October, has been released and flown to the United States after President Trump raised his case with Xi Jinping in May. Authorities say the charges have been dropped, and Jin has described the events as a “miracle” while noting the lack of clarity on any bargain behind the release.
The UN General Assembly has reappointed Volker Turk as High Commissioner for Human Rights after debates over a four-year term. Russia and Israel oppose the extension; the United States warns of consequences. Guterres has nominated Turk for another four years, with some regional blocs backing the move and others voicing concerns. The vote will determine whether Turk serves until 2030.
The UN General Assembly has reappointed or attempted to reappoint the High Commissioner for Human Rights for a second term, with Turkish rights chief Tyrk receiving broad support while critics warn of procedural concerns and potential bias. The vote followed private consultations and public debate about prolonging his tenure beyond October.
Wu Chi-Wai, former chairman of Hong Kong’s Democratic Party and one of the 47 activists jailed under Beijing’s security law, has been granted a six-month visitor status by UK authorities after arriving in London. He faced initial seven-day bail concerns and an uncertain path to long-term residency, but the Home Office has now authorized entry.
Macau’s former lawmaker Au Kam San remains jailed under the city’s national security law. A year after his arrest, authorities have offered limited details, and concerns about due process and the broader signal toward dissent persist as prosecutions proceed behind closed doors.
Joshua Wong has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to collude with foreign forces in Hong Kong's High Court and faces additional years behind bars while already serving a four-year, eight-month sentence for a separate national security conviction. Rights groups and supporters say the new charge is designed to extend his detention and chill dissent across the city.
The Gao Brothers’ artist Gao Zhen has been sentenced to three years in a Hebei prison for works that authorities deem insulting to revolutionary figures. He has been detained since August 2024 and plans to appeal. Amnesty International and UN groups condemn the ruling as a crackdown on artistic expression.