The following censorship instructions, issued to the media by government authorities, have been leaked and distributed online. The name of the issuing body has been omitted to protect the source.
Mainland manufacturers must not produce Hong Kong umbrellas, yellow ribbons, or items related to Lion Rock—including postcards, T-shirts, rain gear, and all other related patterns or goods. (November 14, 2014)
内地厂商不许制作任何与香港雨伞、黄丝带、狮子山等有关的东西，包括明信片、T恤、雨具等一切相关图案和产品。[Chinese]
In September, protesters used umbrellas to protect themselves from tear gas, garnering Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement the nickname “Umbrella Movement.” Umbrellas have become the primary icon of the ongoing protests. Many of the protesters and those offering solidarity across the globe have also been wearing yellow ribbons over the duration of the pro-demcracy protests. Another lasting symbol of the movement has been the large “I want real universal suffrage” banner that protesters hung from Lion Rock late last month.
Hours after bailiffs cleared camps at the Admiralty protest site earlier this week, a small group of protesters, frustrated with the lack of results civil disobedience has so far won their cause, attacked the Legislative Council office buildings.
Since directives are sometimes communicated orally to journalists and editors, who then leak them online, the wording published here may not be exact. The date given may indicate when the directive was leaked, rather than when it was issued. CDT does its utmost to verify dates and wording, but also takes precautions to protect the source.
