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Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Activist Ted Hui Granted Asylum in Australia
Asylum Approved After Four Years in Exile
Hong Kong pro-democracy activist and former lawmaker Ted Hui has been granted asylum in Australia, more than four years after he left Hong Kong where he faces criminal charges linked to the 2019 protests.
Hui announced in a Facebook post that the Australian Department of Home Affairs approved his claim on Friday. His wife, children, and parents were also granted visas.
Hui Expresses Mixed Emotions
In his post, Hui described his asylum status with sorrow rather than celebration:
“When people around me say ‘congratulations’ to me, although I politely thank them, I can’t help but feel sad in my heart. How to congratulate a political refugee who misses his hometown?”
He added that unlike immigrants, exiles cannot freely return home:
“Immigrants can always return to their home towns to visit relatives at any time; Exiles have no home.”
Official Reactions
Australia’s Department of Home Affairs did not immediately respond to media inquiries.
The Hong Kong government condemned the decision, stating it was “against the harbouring of criminals in any form by any country.” China’s foreign ministry did not respond to requests for comment.
Background on Hui’s Case
- Hui, a former Democratic Party lawmaker, fled Hong Kong in late 2020 while facing charges connected to the 2019 pro-democracy protests.
- In 2023, Hong Kong authorities accused him and seven others of national security offences, including incitement to secession, and placed HK$1 million ($127,782) bounties on them.
- At the time, Australia expressed disappointment over Hong Kong’s decision, raising concerns about the sweeping national security law.
Broader Context
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Beijing last month as part of efforts to stabilize ties with China.
Meanwhile, other prominent pro-democracy figures remain targeted. Businessman Jimmy Lai is currently on trial in Hong Kong under the national security law, facing charges of collusion with foreign forces and sedition.
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