Nineteen-year-old activist Tony Chung has been detained by authorities in Hong Kong after attempting to seek asylum at the US consulate.
Chung had previously been released on bail after his arrest in July on national security charges. He was amongst four student activists arrested under the Beijing-imposed law, for allegedly advocating online for an independent Hong Kong. Upon his release, his passport was confiscated.
Chung is part of Friends of Hong Kong, a UK-based group that advocates for democracy, freedom and the rule of law in Hong Kong. According to the group, Chung had attempted to reach the US consulate on the morning of 27 October 2020, but it was closed. Shortly after he had been in contact with the organisation just 50 metres from the consulate, he was detained and taken to a nearby government building. Chung voiced that he suspected he was being followed prior to his detainment. Yanni Ho and Willian Chan, two other activists, were also detained later that day.
Crackdown on activists
A spokesperson for Friends of Hong Kong said that Chung had feared his bail would be revoked and he would face further charges after being told to report on Monday to the police the following day. Fearing for his life, he sought asylum from the US consulate. Hong Kong, a previously autonomous region, has faced an increasing imposition by Beijing. The national security law imposed in June bypassed Hong Kong’s legislature but had the blessing of its government, criminalises acts of subversion, succession, foreign collusion and terrorism. At least 27 people have been arrested under the law so far. It has been criticised for its broad definitions as to allow for infringing upon human rights, free speech and assembly.
In September, a United Nations human rights coalition of experts found that the law risks breaching international law and the declaration of human rights.
They urged for a review, but no action has yet been taken.
Earlier this year, 12 activists trying to flee from Hong Kong to Taiwan were detained by China. Attempting to flee by boat, Chinese authorities confirmed they were placed under criminal detention for “illegal border crossing”. A further nine people were arrested two weeks ago, suspected of aiding the dozen trying to flee to Taiwan. A police spokesperson told reporters that “their roles include ownership of the boat, financial backing, providing accommodation, transportation to the pier and arranging their lives after arriving in Taiwan.” They were taken into custody for “assisting offenders”.
Ongoing battle
Pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong erupted last year, and have been ongoing ever since. Despite the restrictions of activity due to Covid-19, activists remain fighting against the national security law and other controls on Hong Kong’s freedom. Much of the opposition is to Carrie Lam, Hong Kong’s leader, who is set to meet in Beijing in November to discuss economic plans to revive the city after the impact of anti-government protests and Covid-19.
IOHR spoke to a Hong Kong activist during the protests last summer. He discussed China’s increased surveillance of protesters, blocking supplies of masks and protective gear which they wore to protect themselves from the police.
He said:
“It’s a gift for us to witness something like this, and to tell the world. Hong Kong is no different, but in this particular moment in history, with our local history, it is a unique time. We’re the only ones standing up to China.”
Watch the interview below