Woven Science’s El Puente Releases Its Policy Paper on Indigenous Reciprocity & Corporate Social Responsibility

Woven Science’s El Puente foundation is pleased to release for public comment its policy paper and corporate social responsibility initiative for psychedelic pharmaceutical companies to engage with indigenous peoples using psychedelic botanicals in traditional practice. This paper explores how public policymakers in collaboration with companies can offer indigenous communities influence over product development, consumer preferences, profit sharing, and public perception.

NEW YORK, Oct. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Woven Science’s El Puente foundation is pleased to release for public comment its policy paper and corporate social responsibility initiative for psychedelic pharmaceutical companies to engage with indigenous peoples using psychedelic botanicals in traditional practice. This paper explores how public policymakers in collaboration with companies can offer indigenous communities influence over product development, consumer preferences, profit sharing, and public perception.

The public comment period will last the next 45 days. You can comment on the paper by filling in the intake form linked here or by emailing us directly at elpuente@woven.science. We will respond to your comments and integrate them into the final paper.

After interviewing leaders throughout both the psychedelics and pharmaceutical industries, we’ve identified four public policy solutions to explore:

  • Bio-cultural conservation: legal action to protect against unsustainable harvesting of botanical psychedelic plants and preservation of indigenous cultural practices
  • Appellations of Origin: indigenous intellectual property protection over the names and brands of psychedelics and their associated rituals
  • Regulatory Sandboxes for entrepreneurship: giving special taxation and regulation exemptions for indigenous communities to develop products and provide services on the open market
  • Financial sharing: mandates for how companies should share a portion of revenue with designated indigenous groups

Working with select partners for each, El Puente seeks to shape a more equitable, impactful, and responsible psychedelics sector. We invite you to join our series of community calls on these topics and join a working group to focus on the one that moves you most.

Stronger, together: thank you

Thank you to our many partners, peers, friends, and family for their input and feedback, with special thanks to Fundación Kene Rao for the quoted text, Frederick Research for the first draft of the paper, and Dr. Bronner’sRiverstyx FoundationICEERSAmazon Investor CoalitionMcKenna Academy, and The Fountain for taking the time to speak with El Puente on ways to further these policy initiatives.

How can you support?

If you’re working in the nonprofit or for-profit sectors within the psychedelics, pharmaceutical, and/or biocultural conservation with indigenous peoples and you align with or wish to pursue any of these four initiatives, please visit our website for more information about how to partner with us and get involved.

About El Puente:  El Puente promotes access and benefit-sharing (ABS) with indigenous peoples and holds 10% of Woven’s equity. El Puente makes grants and investments in projects owned and operated by indigenous people and has a council of indigenous leaders serving as special advisors to the El Puente board with veto powers in project financing decisions, giving indigenous peoples seats at the table in the growing psychedelics sector.

About Woven Science: Woven Science builds, backs, and incubates best-in-class companies poised to drive profitable and scalable mental health outcomes across the entire psychedelic treatment arc from diagnosis to community and mental health sustainability. The Woven Science team and its advisors are seasoned professionals from the wellness, finance, biotech, neuroscience, and psychedelic arenas bringing extensive operational and strategic expertise to tackling the mental illness epidemic and recognizing that the path to sustained mental health requires multi-disciplinary and integrative models of care.

For media enquiries contact: hello@woven.science

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The Foundation for Dermatology Education to Host the 3rd Annual Live Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis (RAD) Conference – Saturday, December 11 – Monday, December 13, 2021

Registration now open to the only global multidisciplinary conference featuring world-class speakers, cutting-edge research presentations, case study reviews and more specifically in the field of Atopic Dermatitis

RAD_2021_Logo

CHICAGO, Oct. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The 3rd Annual Live Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis (RAD) Conference will be held virtually this year from Saturday, December 11 – Monday, December 13 and will feature 25 speakers, 11 mini-symposia, late-breaking research oral presentations, poster viewing sessions, peer-reviewed abstracts and more. Focusing on the latest advances in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of atopic dermatitis (AD), this multidisciplinary conference is a must-attend for dermatologists, allergists, immunology, sleep medicine, primary care healthcare professionals, and NPs/PAs/Nurses from all over the globe. Registration is now open for this 19.5 CME and CNE credited conference – RevolutionizingAD.com.

“This year’s annual conference agenda is packed with symposia focused on emerging therapies, panel discussions led by industry leaders, industry sessions sponsored by global companies and the awarding of the new Totally ‘RAD’ Award,” said Dr. Jonathan I. Silverberg, MD, Ph.D., MPH, RAD Conference Chair. “The Annual Live RAD Conference offers great opportunities to hear about emerging therapies and industry ‘hot topics’ from the best in the field.”

New to this year’s Conference, the Totally “RAD” Award recognizes a healthcare provider in the dermatology field who has provided invaluable impact to patient care or research of AD. The recipient of the Totally “RAD” Award will receive a prize, complimentary registration to the December 2021 and 2022 conferences, as well as recognition on RAD’s website and social media. Nominations are due by November 19, 2021. Submit your nominee at http://revolutionizingad.com/award.

“I am excited to again be a part of the Annual Live RAD Conference and look forward to presenting on the current findings between COVID-19 and atopic dermatitis at Sunday’s Hot Topic session,” said Jacob P. Thyssen, MD, Ph.D., DmSci. “It is an honor to be part of an educational conference whose mission is to create a learning space where – through cutting-edge abstracts, case studies and oral presentations – we can all share in the latest advances and late-breaking research.”

RAD 2021 conference faculty include Jonathan I. Silverberg, MD, Ph.D., MPH, Conference Chair; Sabra Abbott, MD, Ph.D.; Katrina Abuabara, MD; Andrew Alexis, MD, Ph.D., MPH; Andrew Blauvelt, MD; Genery Booster, Ph.D.; Korey Capozza, MPH; Zelma Chiesa-Fuxench, MD, MSCE; Raj Chovatiya, MD, PhD; Mark Davis, MD; Aaron Drucker, MD; Anna Fishbein, MD; Phil Greenland, MD; Jon Hanifin, MD; Candrice Heath, MD; Peck Ong, MD; Amy S. Paller, MD, MS; Stephen Sheldon, DO; Eric Simpson, MD, MCR; Anne-Marie Singh, MD; Jacob P. Thyssen, MD, Ph.D., DmSci; Maria Wei, MD, Ph.D.; Prof. Stephan Weidinger, MD; Gil Yosipovitch, MD; and Phyllis Zee, MD, Ph.D.

More than 500 attendees are expected to register. To view the complete conference agenda, list of symposia leaders, and to register, visit RevolutionizingAD.com.

Saturday, December 11: 6:00 p.m. (EST) – Poster Viewing Opens

Sunday, December 12: 7:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. (EST)

Monday, December 13: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (EST)

Follow the RAD Conference on the following social media sites:

Linked in – linkedin.com/company/revolutionizingad/

Twitter – twitter.com/revatopicderm

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/revolutionizingad

Press Contact: Patrice Melluso,  patrice@revolutionizingad.com

JOINT ACCREDITATION STATEMENT

In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by the Postgraduate Institute for Medicine and Foundation for Dermatology Education. Postgraduate Institute for Medicine is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

About the Foundation for Dermatology Education

The Foundation for Dermatology Education is devoted to educating dermatologists, allergists, primary care clinicians, nurse practitioners, physicians assistants, nurses, and other allied health professionals, and patients about atopic dermatitis.

Related Images

Image 1: RAD_2021_Logo

Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis 2021 Logo

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Webtel.mobi Describes the Extremely Wide Range of Capacities and Responsibilities for Digital Currency and CBDC Development

As WM has already developed and tested its functioning Global, Digital and multicurrency Digital currency for nearly a decade, it is aware of all the capacities of such instruments, and the responsibilities that go hand-in-hand with its creation and usage

WM’s TUVs

WM’s TUVs can be used for all transactions – whether small remittance transactions of USD 100 or HKD 100; or large large international transactions of USD 100 000 000 or more

NEW YORK, Oct. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — At this time, multiple entities worldwide are pursuing the creation of Digital Currencies and CBDCs. Among these entities, there is much debate as to the potential of the proposed CBDCs – including their possible or potential effects on economies, peoples’ lives, other businesses etc. There are multiple varying views as to what the final creation of a functioning Global Digital Currency / CBDC will bring about, how long it would take to create, etc.

On the other hand, Webtel.mobi (“WM”) has already created the required Global Digital Currency – and has already extensively tested it for nine years in worldwide operations. It therefore knows precisely what can and cannot be done with it, what it is capable of, and what changes it will bring about.

These are some of the capacities that the Global, Digital, Convertible, Transferrable, Acceptable, Redeemable Digital Medium of Exchange in, and of, all currencies – including “Standard TUVs”, Gold-backed “Secured TUVs” and Programmable “Smart TUVs” – within WM’s Global Clearing System with all its attendant Facilities – already bring about:

Tier 1 (standard) Capacities

  • Instant Global Transfers and Payments with instant settlement
  • 24/7/365 transactions from anywhere with any mobile phone
  • Removal of intermediaries
  • Rendering all transactions as Pure Peer-to-Peer (PP2P)
  • Removal of transfer fees and costs
  • Instant conversion to other currencies
  • Redemption on demand of TUV’s Funds (“Stored Credit”) back to bank accounts
  • Redemption on demand of TUV’s Funds (“Stored Credit”) via Kiosk withdrawals
  • Multicurrency Accounts for TUV Owner and Merchants
  • Control of FX Conversions for TUV Owners and Merchants
  • Safety of digital money and utility of Cash
  • Increased Anti Money Laundering capacity
  • Increased Transaction and funds safety for owner
  • Removal of Chargeback potential for Merchants
  • Removal of Fraud for TUV Owner and Merchant
  • Inclusion of Unbanked into the 21st Century Digital Economy
  • Reintroduction of gold-backed (“Gold Standard”) currency
  • Introduction of Programmable currency

Those characteristics are, however, only the tip of the iceberg of what a Global, Digital, Convertible, Transferrable, Acceptable, Redeemable Digital Medium of Exchange in, and of, all currencies – with the Tier 1 capacities – provides.

An instrument with the Tier 1 capacities previously listed (and others which are not listed) fundamentally alters the structures and flows of the global payments, transfers, and transactions markets – but in a positive and progressive manner. Some of the alterations it brings about are as follow:

Tier 2 (intermediate) Capacities

  • Provides a Global Currency Hedge Against Inflation or Currency Depreciation
    TUV Owners or Merchants can convert their funds (“Stored Credit”) to any other currency in their Multicurrency Accounts.
  • Substitutes Payroll Companies and processes
    Companies can themselves program their own WM Accounts (very easily, rapidly, and simply) to instantly remit payroll payments (and all other payments) in bulk, worldwide, in multiple currencies, at any time, at zero cost.
  • Substitutes Letter of Credit Companies and processes
    Sellers, Buyers and Shippers in shipping, logistics and other companies can directly between one-another program the terms of their agreements and their payment schedules / requirements into the “Smart TUVs”, in Revocable or Irrevocable terms, with or without a third-party curator of the transaction, in one or several currencies, with or without penalty clauses, etc. This removes the very high costs of intermediaries for a transaction and replaces them with zero-cost transactions (and ensures there are funds available for payment).
  • Substitutes Escrow Account Companies and processes
    Parties to a transaction can either place a TUV into a third party’s WM account – or can program a “Smart TUV” between each other or with a third-party curator – all subject to the terms of the Escrow Agreement. Again, this can all be done instantly and at zero cost.
  • Other Tier 2 (intermediate) capacities
    There are hundreds of Tier 2 capacities. All transactions that exist can be carried out using WM’s TUV Digital Currency for instant, secure and zero cost transactions. Other than the transactions it facilitates, WM’s TUV also provides all consumers and merchants with an all-in-one substitute for:

    • Card Payments or Card Payment Receipt
    • Payment Gateway Payments or Receipt
    • eWallet Payments or Receipt
    • Wire Transfer Payments or Receipt
    • Cash Payments or Receipt
    • All other Payment or Transfer types – worldwide
    • FX Conversions
    • Multicurrency Bank Accounts
    • Multiple other substitutes
      All of the above replaced with a single, global, uniform, secure, instant, and zero-cost alternative, 24/7/365

However, as useful as the Tier 1 and Tier 2 capacities are, they do not represent the limit of this instrument. The TUV – whether Standard, Secured or Smart – has multiple other uses at yet another level, as follows:

Tier 3 (advanced) Capacities

WM’s TUVs – combined with all other facilities within WM’s Global Clearing System – already provides instant, 24/7/365, zero cost, totally secure and intermediary-free (apart from the parties to the transactions) substitutes for the following (and multiple other) transactions, instruments, and markets:

  • Derivative Currency Swaps
    Can be implemented at zero cost, instantly or over any period, with any variable terms programmed into the Smart TUV’s terms
  • OTC Derivative Markets
    Can be implemented at zero cost, instantly or over any period, with any variable terms programmed into the Smart TUV’s terms
  • Global FX Market
    Currency Swaps of TUVs can be implemented instantly, PP2P, 24/7/365, at zero cost, with conversion rates as agreed on between the two (or more) parties to the transaction.
  • Global Clearing Systems
    The TUVs and WM’s Global Clearing System facilitates 24/7/365 instant and simultaneous payments, conversion, and settlement on a PvP and RTGS basis, with 100% liquidity, at zero cost
  • Global Bond market
    Smart TUV’s can be programmed to replicate any form of Bond issue, with any terms or rates, over any period, with full security, security of funds, with or without curating parties – at zero cost.
  • SWIFT / Other EFTs
    TUVs can be transferred worldwide, in 1/100th of a second, 24/7/365, with full security and reporting, and at zero cost.
  • Cash Replacement
    TUVs have all of the utility of cash, but with the safe storage, convenience, portability, and theft-prevention characteristics of digital money – as well as protection against counterfeiting and money laundering.

There are numerous and multiple other applications at this Tier level that TUVs can be used for.

Corporate and Social Responsibility
It is regrettable that the real capacities and advantages that have been brought about (past tense) by the creation of a Global, Digital, Convertible, Transferrable, Acceptable, Gold-Backer, Programmable, Redeemable Digital Medium of Exchange in, and of, all currencies are not discussed.

This is, however, understandable, as the entities that are in discussion stages probably wish to try to secure funding or prestige from being involved in their own forums.

However, this also results in not enough thought or discussion being applied to the ramifications of such an instrument and its capacities – and the requirement to build structures that will mitigate the consequences of these ramifications.

The major ramification is that of disintermediation of many thousands of intermediary companies worldwide. However, although this will substantially benefit consumers and merchants, it will impact negatively on thousands of companies and hundreds of thousands of jobs. Moreover, the intermediary companies and their personnel have done nothing wrong. They were necessary for the functioning of the legacy systems.

Consequently, WM has specifically modified its structure (one of the reasons for the long testing period and the rebuilding of platform 2) to ensure that these disintermediated intermediaries can play a role in the new system. This is either by transitioning to act as VSMPs within WM’s system – or by continuing their stand-alone status – to provide assistance, help and advisory services to clients, or by switching from using legacy systems to utilizing the new WM System within their existing businesses.

This ensures that WM’s “Evolution not Revolution” corporate philosophy is carried through into real-world application, and preservation of not just systemic stability, but also the stability of other companies and their personnel. These are considerations that all entities currently discussing these matters should view as priorities.

Resources:

Media Contact:
Nick Lambert: wm@thoburns.com

Video on the Capacities of the WM System:
https://youtu.be/XYBrCikUhn8

Research Reports on the Capacities of the WM System:
https://tinyurl.com/TUVresearch

Characteristics of WM’s TUV Digital Currency:
https://webtel.mobi/info/tuv-characteristics

WM’s “Secured TUV” Digital Currency:
https://webtel.mobi/info/my-secured-tuvs

WM’s “Smart TUV” Digital Currency:
https://webtel.mobi/info/my-smart-tuvs

WM’s urls:
https://webtel.mobi/pc (Tablets / Laptops / Desktops)
https://webtel.mobi (Smart Phones)
https://webtel.mobi/wap (Pre-Smart Mobile Phones)

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/07d81028-c5fc-401d-a109-a0799cb1d600. The photo is also available at Newscom, www.newscom.com, and via AP PhotoExpress.

Ambulero’s Gene Therapy Candidate AMB-301 Granted US Orphan Drug Designation For Treatment of Severe Vascular Disease

Ambulero Inc Receives Key FDA Recognition For Novel Gene Therapy To Treat Buerger’s Disease (Thromboangiitis Obliterans)

MIAMI, Oct. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ambulero Inc., a biotechnology company (“Ambulero” or the “Company”) developing new cell and gene therapy treatments for patients suffering from severe vascular disease, today announced that the U.S. FDA’s Office For Orphan Products Development (OOPD) granted the company’s request for orphan drug status for its gene therapy candidate, AMB-301, to treat Buerger’s Disease (BD), also known as Thromboangiitis Obliterans (TAO).

AMB-301 is a first-in-class gene therapy vector encoding a cell adhesion molecule (E-selectin). Over a decade of research in animal models of vascular disease suggests that providing E-selectin to damaged blood vessels promotes therapeutic angiogenesis, robust tissue regeneration and improved limb function.

BD is a debilitating vascular disease that can lead to severe limb damage and amputation, often in relatively young patients. There are no effective treatments and existing therapies are largely ineffective. AMB-301 is a promising gene therapy candidate for enhancing blood vessel formation, restoring tissue integrity and eliminating the need for amputation as a treatment option.

The FDA’s orphan drug designation provides AMB-301 with seven (7) years of market exclusivity for the treatment of BD if approved. The FDA grants orphan designations to medical products showing promise to treat diseases that affect 200,000 or fewer Americans. The company is also eligible for certain tax credits and regulatory benefits with the FDA designation.

“Ambulero is honored to receive this important FDA recognition. Should clinical testing be successful, we believe our first-in-class gene therapy platform will provide new treatment options to patients suffering from BD and potentially other vascular diseases. The Orphan Drug Designation should also help expedite our BD clinical trial timeline,” said Robert L. Buchanan, Chief Executive Officer of Ambulero, Inc.

“It is very rewarding to offer a potential new therapy to so many patients facing amputation as the only treatment option for their disease,” said Carlton Anderson, Chief Operating Officer of Ambulero, Inc.

Ambulero’s Chief Regulatory Officer, Dr. Khemraj (Raj) Hirani added, “Receiving Orphan Drug Designation for AMB-301 is a significant step forward for BD patients and confirms the potential of our novel E-selectin based platform technology to accelerate clinical development.”

About Ambulero 
Ambulero is a privately-held biotechnology company advancing a new platform of cell and gene therapies to treat serious vascular diseases. The company is a recent spin-out of the University of Miami co-founded by Randy Berholtz, Robert L. Buchanan, Omaida C. Velazquez and Zhao-Jun Liu. Ambulero’s cell therapy program uses stromal cells engineered to express E-selectin to promote tissue repair. The company’s gene therapy program uses established approaches to administer E-selectin directly to injured vascular tissues. Ambulero is currently sourcing investors for a Series A round. See www.ambulero.com

Contact
Ambulero, Inc
Converge Miami
1951 NW 7th Street, STE. 600
Miami, FL 33136
Dr. Carlton Anderson
Chief Operation Officer
Email: canderson@ambulero.com

HqO Acquires Leading European Tenant Experience Platform Office App

Unified Top Companies Bring Unmatched Global Capabilities for Workplace Experience

BOSTON, Oct. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HqO, the end-to-end tenant experience platform for commercial real estate properties, today announces that it has acquired Office App, a leading European tenant and employee engagement platform. The new combined entity is valued at over half a billion dollars, making it one of the most significant proptech companies in the world. This valuation reflects the growing importance of workplace experience solutions in the commercial real estate market.

The acquisition brings together solutions for building owners and corporate workplaces, opening up a new market in the tenant experience space. It reinforces HqO’s leadership in the tenant experience category and positions it as the dominant global provider of workplace solutions for commercial real estate owners, property teams, and tenant companies. Furthermore, the Office App acquisition will help HqO increase its European footprint and accelerate product development to better support its customers, as Office App is currently active in 20 million square feet across over 100 offices in 24 countries.

“HqO is excited to welcome Office App to the HqO family,” said Chase Garbarino, Co-founder and CEO of HqO. “Providing tenant experience solutions that end at the suite door does not offer a truly connected experience for workers. Office App has done a tremendous job of building out a robust ecosystem of solutions tailored to the needs of European landlords and corporate occupiers. To that end, we are thrilled to be able to provide our customers a more complete offering with more consultation, higher user engagement rates, and more data.”

Currently, HqO services nearly 100 commercial real estate clients worldwide, including Columbia Property Trust, Nuveen Real Estate, Jamestown, Grosvenor, Hines, J.P. Morgan Asset Management, and Legal & General Investment Management. Office App services over 100 buildings worldwide with customers like Blackstone, Colliers, Dell, and Finastra.

HqO and Office App’s merger helps fulfill both company’s mission of transforming how employees engage with the workplace and its surrounding community. In today’s experience-based economy, tenant experience technology is a critical value driver for commercial real estate owners and operators looking to attract and retain tenants through highly personalized and frictionless experiences. By leveraging a toolset that can engage with customers and provide unique and meaningful interactions, properties can differentiate themselves against competition, keep up with the latest demands, and instill value in the workplace.

“The acquisition accelerates our mission to digitally transform workspaces, changing the landscape of the modern office and giving office workers everywhere access to the tools, services, and perks they need to live, work, and be happy,” says Thijs van der Burgt, Co-founder and CEO at Office App. “Together, we can better serve EMEA landlord and corporate clients, access our combined resources to execute on our short- and long-term strategies, and use our product and vision to support real estate on a global scale.”

The additional resources and product offerings made available as a result of the acquisition will improve HqO’s ability to meet the needs of their current and future customers. Both companies will also be able to leverage their shared knowledge and technology to accelerate product development and continue to provide best-in-class services and solutions to commercial landlords and property teams.

The acquisition follows HqO’s recent product announcements around flex space management and tenant satisfaction feedback to help landlords and property teams create complete customer-centric solutions for the workplace experience. The combined HqO-Office App entity will finalize in the following months and send a strong signal to the market about HqOs long-term commitment to becoming the best customer experience platform for commercial real estate clients. Both teams are confident that the whole of their two companies will be greater than the sum of their parts. For more information, visit https://www.hqo.com/.

About Office App

As Europe’s leading tenant and employee engagement platform, Office App provides landlords and corporates with a digital platform on which to create future-proof, sustainable, and people-focused office spaces. Founded in 2014 with the vision of creating a Happy Office Life for everyone, Office App is currently active in 20 million square feet divided over 100+ offices in 24 countries. For more information, visit https://getofficeapp.com/.

About HqO

The world’s leading commercial real estate firms count on HqO to help them deliver a state-of-the-art tenant experience within their properties. Active in over 150 million square feet in 8 countries, HqO is known for its tenant experience platform comprised of an award-winning tenant app, analytics suite, and partner marketplace. Our solutions put experiences and a sense of community directly into the tenants’ hands while helping property owners uncover insights and take intelligent action to differentiate their assets. For more information, visit www.hqo.com, and connect with us on LinkedInTwitter, and Instagram.

Primary Contact: Kristin Concannon
Phone: 833-225-5476
Email: kristin.concannon@hqo.co

Hong Kong jails five students as row over Tiananmen sculpture intensifies

A court in Hong Kong on Tuesday handed down jail terms of nearly five years to five students in connection with the siege by riot police of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) in November 2019.

Lau Chun-yuk, Ko Chi-pan, Chan Lik-sik and Hui Yi-chuen, aged 20 to 23, were sentenced to four years and nine months’ imprisonment by the District Court, which jailed Foo Hoi-ching for four years and eleven months, government broadcaster RTHK reported on Tuesday.

The court found them guilty of rioting and breaching a face mask ban in place at the time, while Foo and Hui were also convicted of possess offensive weapons or items that could be used in such a way.

Deputy district judge Kathie Cheung said she had handed down the heavy sentences as a deterrent, because the students had engaged in violence against law enforcement officers, RTHK said.

The students had been wearing the black clothing of the 2019 protest movement, including gear to protect them against the tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets and police beatings that characterized that year’s protests.

Cheung said this showed they had intended to join in, and likened the scene to a “battlefield.”

CUHK students put up an organized defense when police tried to enter the CUHK campus, setting up makeshift barricades with furniture, trash cans and umbrellas, and throwing Molotov cocktails and other projectiles at police, as police rained tear gas and other “non-lethal” munitions down on them, leaving the entire campus wreathed with CS gas.

‘Pillar of Shame’

Riot police went on to lay siege to the Polytechnic University, meeting with similar levels of resistance, later in the month.

Meanwhile, the row over the University of Hong Kong (HKU)’s plan to remove the “Pillar of Shame” sculpture commemorating the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen massacre has intensified with the withdrawal of Chicago-based law firm Mayer Brown from its representation of the university after an international outcry.

The firm had written to the now-disbanded Tiananmen vigil organizers, the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, requesting the sculpture’s removal by 5.00 p.m. on Oct. 13, sparking the anger of its creator Jens Galschiøt, who said he has hired a lawyer to protect his property, which was only on loan to the Alliance.

Following Mayer Brown’s withdrawal, former Hong Kong leader Leung Chun-ying took to his Facebook account on Oct. 18 to denounce the firm as having been “infiltrated by foreign foreign powers” and calling on all “Chinese” clients to withdraw their business. It was unclear whether he meant people of Chinese descent or citizens of the People’s Republic of China.

Leung, now a high-ranking official in a ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) political advisory body, said the firm had abandoned HKU and bowed to political pressure coming from the U.S., and called for an investigation by the Hong Kong Law Society.

Political denunciations by Chinese officials and CCP-backed media have often preceded investigations by the authorities in Hong Kong, where the imposition of a draconian national security law by Beijing from July 1, 2020 has ushered in a citywide crackdown on public dissent and democratic political opposition.

Mayer Brown has declined to comment further since announcing its withdrawal as HKU’s representative on Oct. 15.

Ethical conflicts

Danish sculptor Jens Galschiøt welcomed Mayer Brown’s withdrawal, which came after more than 20 groups wrote an open letter protesting its involvement, and said Leung’s diatribe was “completely crazy,” and had pushed the incident to a whole new level.

He said it was important to keep alive the memory of the June 1989 massacre by the People’s Liberation Army that ended weeks of student-led protests, hunger-strikes and calls for democracy and the rule of law, and for the world to continue to pay tribute to those who died.

Benedict Rogers, founder of the U.K.-based rights group Hong Kong Watch, which signed the letter, said the campaign had been successful, and said Leung’s call for a boycott of Mayer Brown showed how companies that do business with China are increasingly being forced to face up to ethical conflicts.

Zhou Fengsuo, a former 1989 student leader and founder of the U.S.-based rights group Humanitarian China, which also signed, said China is now openly trying to manipulate foreign companies and change the rules of doing business internationally.

“The CCP has made a deliberate choice to stand in opposition to the international community,” Zhou told RFA. “It’s actually a kind of decoupling.”

“International companies, including lawyers, have a tendency to cave in to Beijing for profit, but now that this kind of confrontation is getting more and more direct, they may be forced to make a choice in the end,” he said.

“These law firms that sit on the fence need to be more vigilant about the risks of doing business in China,” Zhou said. “U.S. companies need to pick a side; they can’t be on both.”

Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.