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Added on the 18/01/2021 13:00:00 - Copyright : EFE Inglés
Members of Hong Kong's usually tight-lipped civil service hold a rally despite a government warning that they could be sacked for doing so. IMAGES
The United States denounces Hong Kong's ban on a protest song sung by pro-democracy demonstrators, saying it further tarnishes the financial hub's reputation. "The decision to ban this song is the latest blow to the international reputation of a city that previously prided itself on having an independent judiciary protecting the free exchange of information, ideas and goods," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller tells reporters. SOUNDBITE
The US says it is "alarmed" after Hong Kong legislators fast-tracked a new national security law that introduces penalties such as life imprisonment for crimes related to treason and insurrection, and up to 20 years in jail for the theft of state secrets. "We believe that these kinds of actions have the potential to accelerate the closing of Hong Kong’s once open society," US Department of State deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel tells reporters during a press briefing. SOUNDBITE
Civil servants in Paris turn out in low numners to march in an attempt to wrest pay rises from the French government despite a tight budgetary situation. IMAGES
Footballing icon Lionel Messi touches down at Hong Kong International Airport with teammates from Inter Miami for preseason matches in Asia. The team will take on a Hong Hong XI on Sunday, before heading to Japan to play Vissel Kobe on 7 February. IMAGES