Hong Kong democracy activist escapes to UK
Hong Kong democracy activist Tony Chung revealed on Friday that he fled to Britain, seeking refuge from relentless supervision and pressure to act as an informant imposed by local authorities.
Chung, who made headlines in 2021 as the youngest person imprisoned under Hong Kong’s national security law, expressed his inability to endure the constant fear and restrictions on his activities since his release in June.
The 20-year-old activist, who pleaded guilty to “secession,” faced a three-and-a-half-year sentence and lived in constant fear, as detailed in a social media statement dated December 27.
Chung disclosed that authorities prohibited him from working in specific businesses and persistently coerced him to join them as an informant, even proposing fees for supplying information about others.
In a strategic move, Chung obtained permission to leave Hong Kong by stating he intended to holiday in Okinawa, Japan, before seeking help once beyond Chinese territory.
He confirmed his arrival in the United Kingdom and formal application for political asylum in a social media post featuring a photo of him holding a suitcase in front of a “UK Arrivals” sign.
Hong Kong’s deputy commissioner of correctional services, Leung Kin-ip, condemned Chung for “evading responsibility and blatantly endangering national security.”
Authorities issued a recall order and contacted law enforcement agencies to pursue him, emphasizing his actions violated the law.
Chung, previously the convenor of the now-disbanded Student Localism advocating for Hong Kong’s independence, faced mounting challenges post his 2021 release.
He revealed intermittent health issues diagnosed as “significant mental stress” and recounted coercive meetings with national security police every two to four weeks, where he was extensively questioned about his activities.
National security police compelled Chung to sign an order prohibiting public speaking and dissemination of anything related to his conviction. Seeking legal assistance was also denied, citing confidentiality under the security law.
Chung’s departure follows fellow activist Agnes Chow’s move to Canada this month, who revealed a deal with police involving a mainland China tour in exchange for studying abroad.
In his parting words, Chung declared himself a “Hong Kong exile” and expressed the impossibility of returning home in the foreseeable future.
Despite the challenges, he remains hopeful, stating, “I believe that as long as the Hong Kong people never give up, the seeds of freedom and democracy will sprout alive again.”
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