HONG KONG (AP) — Prominent pro-democracy and LGBTQ+ activist Jimmy Sham has been released from prison after spending over four years incarcerated due to charges stemming from Hong Kong's largest national security case enacted under a law imposed by Beijing. His release came on Friday, marking a significant moment for Sham, who was instrumental during the 2019 anti-government protests as the convenor of a pro-democracy group that organized large-scale peaceful demonstrations, notably one that attracted approximately 2 million participants.
In 2021, Sham was among 47 activists arrested for their involvement in an unofficial primary election. Last year, he and 44 others were sentenced after judges ruled that their initiatives posed a risk to government authority and could trigger a constitutional crisis; only two of the original defendants were acquitted. This mass conviction has drawn widespread criticism from international observers and human rights advocates who view it as an erosion of democratic freedoms in Hong Kong.
Even while serving his sentence, Jimmy Sham continued to advocate for his rights, including the recognition of his overseas-registered same-sex marriage. His legal battles contributed to a landmark ruling by Hong Kong's top court, which determined the government must establish a framework to recognize same-sex partnerships, a pivotal development for the city’s LGBTQ+ community.
Upon his release, Sham expressed a mix of happiness and concern. "I feel happy. No matter whether there’s a change in (my) freedom, I am definitely freer compared to yesterday,” he stated to reporters after reuniting with his family. However, he also acknowledged the ongoing suffering of many others still imprisoned, which tempered his joy. When asked about possible restrictions on his communications, he indicated that he was cautious regarding sensitive topics and seemed uncertain about his future freedom. “Maybe tomorrow, you still can see me, I am free. Maybe tomorrow, I will go back to the jail. I don’t know,” he remarked.
Sham was released alongside three other activists—Kinda Li, Roy Tam, and Henry Wong—marking the second group of pro-democracy figures freed recently, following the release of four lawmakers last month. The long separations from loved ones have been emotionally taxing for both the activists and their families, who continue to advocate for democratic reforms. The cases have included a diverse array of democracy advocates, such as legal scholar Benny Tai, who received a 10-year sentence, and former student leader Joshua Wong, who is serving four years and eight months.
Critics argue that the national security law has effectively suppressed the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong. In contrast, both Beijing and the Hong Kong government assert that the law has restored stability to the region. During a press briefing, Hong Kong's Secretary for Security, Chris Tang, stated that those convicted of national security offenses and later released retain various freedoms, including free expression, akin to other residents, while also suggesting that their convictions would not severely impact their liberties.
