Making a Break: Chow Ting Speaks Out on Leaving Hong Kong and Skipping Bail
Born-and-raised Hong Kong activist Chow Ting broke her two-year public silence to announce her departure from the city in an Instagram post on her 27th birthday. The University of Toronto graduate shared her plans to study in Canada and avoid returning back to Hong Kong even at the police's request, sparking controversy.
Chow's stance was met with stern criticism from the Hong Kong police, who labeled her move as an "irresponsible act" that undermines law and order. Chow's actions come after serving a 10-month prison sentence due to her participation in the city's 2019 protests against the government. Following her release, she was arrested once more for supposedly engaging in unlawful transactions with foreign forces harming national security. Her passport was confiscated, and she was required to report to the police regularly.
In her post, Chow pointed out her concerns towards her personal security, physical and mental well-being, and the constant pressure from the authorities as the primary reasons for her decision to leave. After being granted her passport back in August, she was provided with the permission to pursue a Master's degree in Canada, but under the condition that she must return to Hong Kong during school breaks to report to the police.
Response from the Hong Kong police
The Hong Kong police department issued a statement on Monday condemning Chow's plans to refuse bail, calling it a "reckless act" that threatens law and order. In the statement, the police urged their colleagues to refrain from stepping back or avoiding Hong Kong altogether, lecturing Chow on the potential implications of her actions as a "fugitive."
Drifting towards Shenzhen
Chow co-founded the democratic political party Demosisto alongside Joshua Wong and Law Koon Chung in 2016. The organization dissolved in 2020, on the same day that China imposed a far-reaching national security law on Hong Kong, which Demosisto viewed as curbing political freedoms and stifling dissent.
Chow was one of the first pro-democracy leaders to be charged under Hong Kong's national security laws, as Wong currently serves time in prison while Law resides in the UK, citing fear of arrest.
Critics argue that the security law aimed to crush the anti-government movement, rendering civil liberties in the once-autonomous city unavailable. The Hong Kong authorities repeatedly deny claims that the law restricts freedoms, insisting that it restored stability to the city following the 2019 protests.
Chow's trek towards international understanding
Early in the year, Chow was accepted into a university in Toronto. Conditional to receiving her passport back from the police, she was forced to take part in an August trip to Shenzhen (a city along the China-Hong Kong border) with five state security officers, where she was escorted to an exhibition showcasing China's post-reform and opening achievements. Chow shared her feelings of being constantly watched, as police and staff nudged her to pose for photos and encouraged her to write a thank-you letter to the police for organizing the trip and allowing her to learn about China's technological growth.
According to Chow, the Hong Kong authorities granted her permission to pursue further studies in Canada, only if she complied with their demands of returning home during school breaks to report to the police. This decision was made in a bid to strike a balance between fulfilling her education aspirations and complying with the conditions set by the authorities.
Living in Fear
Beyond the physical and mental toll of being on strict bail terms, Chow also disclosed her experiences of constant fear, anxiety, and her diagnosis with symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Chow revealed that reporting her bail violations often sparked dread and insecurity, as she believed she risked being re-arrested. In her post, she expressed gratitude for her family, friends, and supporters that stood by her, nurtured her, and continued to love her during her difficult times.
Understanding the Worth of Freedom
In her emotional message, Chow reflected on the importance of personal freedom and overcoming fear, emphasizing that everyone who has shown understanding and support during her challenging times has inspired her. Chow emphasized the value of living fearlessly besides acknowledging the countless battles that freedom demands. The activist encourages her supporters to cherish and hold onto this invaluable gift, hoping to reunite and share mutual experiences in the near future.
