The Intelligence from The Economist Ballot blocks: the squeeze on Hong Kong
Aug 3, 2020
Dominic Ziegler, author of Banyan, a column on Asian affairs, dives into the current political turmoil in Hong Kong. He discusses the chilling effects of postponed elections and the national security law on democracy and activists. The conversation then shifts to how global protests against racism could influence discrimination in the Arab world, particularly concerning Ethiopian migrants in Lebanon. Finally, Ziegler touches on the historical challenges of phylloxera in French vineyards, showcasing resilience in winemaking amid adversity.
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Extraterritorial Arrests and Emigration
- Beijing is arresting activists outside Hong Kong, demonstrating the law's extraterritorial reach.
- Several countries offer pathways to residency or citizenship for Hong Kongers, but many cannot leave immediately.
New Forms of Opposition
- With protests suppressed, Hong Kongers explore new forms of opposition, drawing parallels with the Soviet era.
- Creativity in protest art and video making offers hope for a resilient civil society.
Migrant Workers Abandoned
- Migrant workers, especially Ethiopians, face harsh treatment in Lebanon, exacerbated by the economic crisis.
- Employers abandoned their domestic workers outside the Ethiopian embassy, leaving them stranded and destitute.