UK offers political refuge to Hong Kong activist Tony Chung
Hong Kong Activist Tony Chung Granted Asylum in the UK
Tony Chung, a prominent Hong Kong democracy activist, has been granted political asylum in the UK. The UK Home Office recognised that Chung has a "well-founded fear of persecution" if he returns to Hong Kong.
Chung, who is just 24 years old, is the youngest person to be jailed under Hong Kong’s national security law. He was arrested in 2020, allegedly planning to seek asylum outside Hong Kong, and was taken away by plainclothes police from a coffee shop opposite the US consulate in Hong Kong. In 2021, he was jailed for three-and-a-half years under Hong Kong’s national security law for secession.
After serving his sentence, Chung fled to Britain in 2023 and applied for political asylum upon entry. He revealed that he had been closely watched by the Hong Kong national security police even after his jail term ended early for good behavior.
Chung's asylum claim was based on the risk of persecution under Hong Kong’s national security framework. The British Home Office granted him refugee status, and he has been given a five-year residence permit. Chung can apply for permanent residence after this period.
The British authorities' decision to grant asylum to Chung has been met with strong criticism from the Hong Kong government. They condemned the UK for "harbouring criminals" and interfering in Hong Kong's legal and internal affairs.
Tony Chung expressed mixed feelings about his asylum, feeling both excitement and fear for the future. He has been open about his struggles with depression since his detention and has publicly committed to continuing his activism from abroad.
Summary table for clarity:
| Person | Country of Asylum | Asylum Status | Basis for Asylum | Key Background | |--------------|-------------------|-------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | Tony Chung | UK | Refugee status, 5 years permission | Well-founded fear of persecution under HK NSL | Pro-independence activist, jailed under national security law, fled Dec 2023 |
Key context:
- Tony Chung's asylum was officially confirmed by UK Home Office documents dated August 2025; he fled after violating post-release supervision conditions[1][2].
- Hong Kong government strongly condemned these asylum grants, accusing the UK and Australia of political interference and supporting "criminals" wanted for national security violations[3][5].
- Tony Chung has publicly committed to continuing his activism from abroad despite personal struggles including depression after his 2020 arrest[1].
No direct source confirmed the exact legal status details or timeline of Ted Hui's asylum grant, only that Australia granted it sometime before or during August 2025[5].
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