Pro-democracy advocates from Hong Kong receive asylum in Australia and Great Britain
In the wake of Hong Kong's national security law, several prominent pro-democracy activists have sought refuge in other countries, facing arrest warrants and bounties issued by the Hong Kong authorities. While there is no publicly available comprehensive list of these activists, some high-profile cases have attracted international asylum protections.
Tony Chung, an advocate for Hong Kong's independence, was sentenced to almost four years in prison for secession and money laundering in 2020. After his release on a supervision order, Chung traveled to Japan before seeking asylum in Britain, where he was granted refugee status and a five-year resident permit.
Another notable figure is Ted Hui, a former lawmaker from Hong Kong. Hui, who is wanted by Hong Kong authorities for his role in anti-government protests in 2019, has been granted protection visas in Australia. He fled the city in December 2020 and is now working as a lawyer in Adelaide. Hui's case has drawn international asylum discussions, particularly after he disrupted a legislative session by throwing a rotten plant during a debate of the national anthem bill and was fined 52,000 Hong Kong dollars ($6,600) for the act.
The Hong Kong government has fiercely opposed other countries granting asylum to these individuals, calling them fugitives and criminals and demanding their return. In a statement, the government condemned "the harboring of criminals in any form by any country," stating that any country that does so shows contempt for the rule of law, grossly disrespects Hong Kong's legal systems, and barbarically interferes in the affairs of Hong Kong.
However, the UK and US governments have condemned the police actions taken by the Hong Kong authorities and offered protection to some activists. British and Australian authorities did not immediately comment on the activists' statuses, but Ted Hui expressed gratitude to the Australian government for recognizing their need for asylum and granting them protection.
Chung, too, expressed his excitement about receiving refugee status and stated that he remains committed to his activism despite his challenges, including persistent mental health problems. Both Chung and Hui have fled Hong Kong due to the erosion of civil liberties in the city after Beijing imposed a national security law in 2020.
The national security law essentially criminalizes dissent in the former British colony, making it increasingly difficult for pro-democracy activists to operate freely. As the situation in Hong Kong continues to evolve, it is likely that more activists will seek asylum abroad, further straining relations between Hong Kong and the international community.
- The ongoing world events, such as war-and-conflicts and policy-and-legislation surrounding war-and-conflicts, have led to an increase in migration, as seen in the case of several pro-democracy activists from Hong Kong seeking refuge in other countries.
- China, specifically Hong Kong, has faced criticism from international bodies for its treatment of these pro-democracy activists, with incidents like Ted Hui's disruption of a legislative session causing general-news headlines and asylum discussions.
- Despite the Hong Kong government's assertions that these activists are fugitives and criminals, countries like the UK, US, and Australia have offered asylum, citing the activists' legitimate fear of persecution and the erosion of civil liberties in Hong Kong.
- Crime-and-justice issues related to Hong Kong, such as the charges against Tony Chung for secession and money laundering, have become part of international discourse, with implications for politics and relations between Hong Kong and foreign countries.
