Disappeared: How People, Books and Ideas are Taken Away

The National Security Law in Hong Kong has led to the disappearance of democracy, free speech, books, posters, and people. In China, Rushan Abbas is searching for her sister, a Uighur who has vanished in China's concentration camps. In Europe, countless people are dying in the Mediterranean Sea, and Ireland is fighting to keep archives about historic child abuse open.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 05 October 2020
Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd

Amidst the turmoil that unfolded in Hong Kong following the passage of the National Security Law at the end of June, a profound shift occurred within the city. Overnight, cherished principles of democracy and free speech, along with tangible elements such as books on the protest movement, posters advocating for an independent Hong Kong, and individuals who either sought refuge outside the city or faced arrest, vanished from view. However, Hong Kong is not the sole realm where such disappearances are taking place. Across the border in China, Rushan Abbas, a Uighur woman, finds herself in a state of uncertainty, as she grapples with the disappearance of her sister within the vast network of concentration camps that exist in China. In Europe, the Mediterranean Sea serves as a haunting backdrop, where countless lives are lost without proper recognition, as Alessio Perrone conducts his investigation into the tragic circumstances surrounding these deaths.

While some individuals are diligently seeking answers to these mysteries, others are actively working to prevent the closure of avenues for knowledge. Laura Silvia Battaglia engages in a poignant conversation with a film director, whose latest documentary delves into the stories of those who have vanished in Syria. Meanwhile, Jessica Ní Mhainín explores the efforts of individuals from Ireland to maintain access to archives documenting historic child abuse, ensuring that the truth remains accessible to all.

Beyond the special report, we present a new short story by Lisa Appignanesi, which delves into the lives of forgotten Americans. We also seek the perspectives of Donald Trump voters from 2016, asking if they have considered the plight of these individuals and the importance of addressing their needs. Furthermore, we examine the role of street art in conveying powerful political statements during the COVID-19 pandemic.

These narratives serve as a reminder that the disappearance of individuals and the erosion of fundamental rights are not confined to specific regions or circumstances. They underscore the urgent need for collective action, empathy, and the preservation of human dignity, regardless of where we find ourselves on the globe.

Weight: 306g
Dimension: 210 x 280 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529758221