For decades, Hong Kong's activists have been fighting for democracy. But a national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020 has dramatically changed their lives. In the city's biggest national security case, 47 democracy advocates were charged in 2021 over their roles in an unofficial primary election.
Emilia Wong catches up on reading letters from activist and partner Ventus Lau on her way back after visiting him at prison, in Hong Kong , Monday, March 25, 2024. For decades, Hong Kong ’s activists have been fighting for democracy. But a national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020 has dramatically changed their lives. In the city’s biggest national security case, 47 democracy advocates were charged in 2021 over their roles in an unofficial primary election.
At first, Chan viewed Leung as a “troublesome guy,” being adamant about winning every debate. Despite this, they fell in love, and their bond transcended mere romance, Chan said; they are “comrades-in-arms.” Ventus Lau was among those caught in the crackdown. He was barred from running in an election in 2018, even though he renounced his pro-independence stance. But that didn’t deter him from becoming more politically active, helping organizeLau, now 30, is one of the defendants who decided to plead guilty in the subversion case related to the 2020 primary. Emilia Wong, a 29-year-old feminist influencer and longtime girlfriend of Lau, supported his activism.
Each day left Wong feeling utterly drained as she also grappled with the shock of Lau’s prosecution. One day, upon receiving clothes worn by Lau during his detention that still carried his scent, she burst into tears.Even for veteran activists like Chan, the situation was painful. To her, 2021 was suffocating. After Leung was denied bail, Chan would find herself crying without any particular reason during her commutes.
Beijing Activism General News National Security China Government I World News Democracy Elections Legislation
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Vice-Chancellor and President - Hong Kong (HK) job with The Chinese University of Hong KongThe Chinese University of Hong Kong Vice-Chancellor and President The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is conducting a worldwide search for the position of Vice-Chancellor and President, in succession to Professor Rocky S. Tuan.
Read more »
King Kong's Iconic Empire State Building Scene In Peter Jackson's Movie Gets Low Accuracy Score From Primate ExpertKing Kong looking stoic next to King Kong roaring in King Kong 2005
Read more »
Hong Kong Will Inspect Offices of Crypto Platforms as Important Compliance Deadline LoomsAmitoj Singh is a CoinDesk reporter.
Read more »
6 arrested in Hong Kong for allegedly violating new national security lawSix people in Hong Kong, including a former organizer of the city's annual Tiananmen Square vigil, were arrested for allegedly posting rebellious content on social media.
Read more »
Hong Kong makes first arrests under city’s new national security lawThe Associated Press
Read more »
Hong Kong police arrest 6 people accused of violating new national security lawHong Kong police on Tuesday arrested six people, including a former organizer of the city’s decades-long annual vigil that commemorated China’s Tiananmen Square crackdown, for allegedly publishing seditious social media posts
Read more »