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Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong told DW on Friday that he faces up to five years in prison if convicted of instigating illegal protests last year.
Wong rose to prominence during pro-democracy demonstrations that were sparked by the introduction of the Fugitive Criminals Amendment Bill by the Hong Kong government. The now-aborted legislation could have meant the extradition of Hong Kong citizens to mainland China, where Wong and other activists felt residents would be subject to Beijing’s stricter approach to civil liberties.
Wong, whose trial begins Monday, remained defiant despite the threat of a lengthy jail term. “Prison bars have never stopped me from activism and critical thinking. Even though more than 10,000 Hong Kongers have been arrested since last summer and 2,000 people, including myself, were prosecuted, it is still important that we stay and let’s fight. “
Read more: UK says China has ‘broken its promises’ on Hong Kong
Wong didn’t expect a fair trial
But Wong has little confidence in the upcoming judicial process. “Hong Kong courts are being interfered with by the Beijing authorities and the rule of law in Hong Kong exists in name only.”
Police arrested Wong on September 24 for participating in an unauthorized assembly in October 2019, as well as for violating the city’s anti-mask law by covering his face during protests.
That arrest added to several charges of illegal assembly or alleged crimes that he and other activists have been charged with in connection with last year’s protests.
‘The greatest abuser of human rights’
Despite the pressure, Wong showed no signs of calming down when he said: “No matter what happens, challenging the greatest human rights violator is essential to restoring democracy for our generation and the generation that follows.”
Wong hopes others will keep an eye on events in Hong Kong in case he goes to prison.
“It is important that the new [US] the administration holds China responsible. It is important to seek bipartisan support because supporting Hong Kong is not a left or right issue, it is a right or wrong issue. “
Read more: Opinion: Hong Kong’s rule of law is coming to an end
“I just wish that during my absence, people around the world can continue to support the people of Hong Kong by closely following events, be it the canceled election, the large-scale arrests under the national security law, and the 12 detained activists. . in China.”
Early last month, China formally approved the arrest of 12 Hong Kong activists captured last month when they allegedly tried to flee the former British colony for Taiwan.
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