In a statement on Twitter, Ho's
company Goomusic Ltd said the decision was based
on a contract clause that cited circumstances
where "public order or public safety would be
endangered" as a result of the performance or
hiring of venue.
The Hong Kong Arts Centre (HKAC), which
describes itself as an independent multi-arts
centre that offers exhibitions, screenings and
performances, did not immediately respond to a
request for comment.
The cancellation comes days after pro-Beijing
newspapers accused Ho, a vocal supporter of
anti-government protests in 2019, of colluding
with foreign powers to undermine China and the
former British colony.
In 2019, at the height of pro-democracy protests
in Hong Kong, Ho, who is banned in China, told
the U.N. Human Rights Council
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-extradition-rights-idUSKCN1U323C
in a speech in Geneva that the city's freedoms
were slipping away and urged international
action. She then went to Washington https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-wong-idUSKBN1W220R
to urge the U.S. Congress for action as well.
Ho's company posted on Twitter a letter it said
it had received regarding the cancellation of
her concerts, which was signed by HKAC's "Venue
Department."
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"The management of the Arts
Centre is duty bound to observe closely the
recent developments in society and the laws
concerned," the letter said, without
elaborating.
Ho's company said the cancellation came without
any further explanation.
"We have thoroughly examined
our released materials and show contents but
could not see where or how this performance or
hiring has the possibility to endanger, or will
endanger, public order or safety," Goomusic
said.
"We doubt very much where the HKAC is heading
and how they are going to face the public in the
future."
Under a national security law Beijing imposed on
Hong Kong last year, nearly every corner of
society has come under scrutiny. Authorities
have arrested activists, detained newspaper
editors, rewritten school curriculums, banned
some books and protest slogans, and censored
films.
Ho's company said it reserved the right to take
legal action and claim all losses and damages.
(Reporting By Jessie Pang and Sara Cheng;
Writing by Anne Marie Roantree; Editing by
Michael Perry)
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