Denise Ho, the prominent pro-democracy singer, continues to face severe restrictions on her public performances in Hong Kong. Unable to secure any public venue willing to host her due to political pressures, Ho recently attempted a live-streamed concert at a private location, only to be interrupted by local authorities citing the Noise Control Ordinance.
Ho, a Canadian national, finds herself trapped in Hong Kong as her passport has been confiscated, preventing her from traveling abroad to perform. Despite resorting to private venues for her concerts, such as the symbolic Mount Zero Bookstore, her performances are repeatedly disrupted under various pretexts by the police.
During a recent concert at Mount Zero Bookstore on June 30, attended solely by her recording crew inside, the police intervened, falsely accusing her of performing without a license and creating excessive noise, which violated local regulations. Supporters outside the venue were barred from joining due to alleged noise concerns, despite claims that noise levels were compliant with the ordinance.
The ongoing harassment faced by Ho appears to be politically motivated, stemming from her outspoken advocacy for human rights and democracy in Hong Kong. Previously, she was involved in the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund, providing support to pro-democracy protesters, until it was disbanded under the National Security Law in 2021.
The repeated targeting of Denise Ho underscores the challenges faced by activists in Hong Kong who dare to speak out against authoritarian policies. Despite facing relentless pressure, Ho remains a resilient symbol of resistance in a city where advocating for democracy is increasingly fraught with risks.
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