TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) In a significant event for pro-democracy activists, Tony Chung, a Hong Kong activist, and Ted Hui, a former lawmaker, have both been granted asylum in Great Britain and Australia, respectively. This development highlights the ongoing struggles faced by activists in Hong Kong under the controversial national security law imposed by Beijing.
Tony Chung, who had previously been imprisoned for his advocacy of Hong Kong's independence, was sentenced to nearly four years in prison for charges of secession and money laundering in 2020. Following his release under a supervision order, he managed to escape to Japan before ultimately seeking asylum in Britain. In a message shared on the social media platform Threads, Chung expressed his excitement about receiving refugee status in Britain along with a five-year resident permit. He emphasized his commitment to continuing his activism despite the challenges he has faced, including ongoing mental health issues.
Ted Hui, on the other hand, fled Hong Kong in December 2020 amid a crackdown on dissent and is part of a group of activists facing bounties of up to 1 million Hong Kong dollars (approximately $127,800) issued by local authorities. Now residing in Adelaide, Australia, Hui announced via Facebook that he and his family have obtained protection visas. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Australian government for their decision to recognize their need for asylum, framing it as a reflection of values such as freedom, justice, and compassion.
During his time in the Hong Kong legislature, Hui was known for his outspoken pro-democracy stance and his disruptive tactics, including a notable protest in which he threw a rotten plant in the legislative chamber to halt debate on a controversial national anthem bill. He faced a fine of 52,000 Hong Kong dollars (roughly $6,600) for this act of defiance, showcasing his dedication to his cause even at great personal cost.
The broader context for these asylum grants is the increasingly oppressive environment for activists in Hong Kong since the national security law was enacted in 2020, which effectively criminalizes dissent and has led to widespread arrests of dissidents. Both Chung and Hui are part of a larger group of activists who have fled Hong Kong due to the escalating threat to their safety and freedom. The authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong have praised the national security law, claiming it has restored stability to the city, contrasting sharply with the views of activists and human rights advocates who see it as a weapon against basic freedoms.
Although British and Australian authorities have not commented specifically on the hundreds of cases of activists seeking asylum, the Hong Kong government released a statement condemning the support offered to what it called "criminals." The statement accused foreign nations of showing a lack of respect for the rule of law and interfering in Hong Kong's internal affairs.
As the political landscape in Hong Kong continues to evolve, the experiences of Chung and Hui highlight the dire circumstances for those who oppose the government's repressive policies and practices.
