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HONG KONG – A US citizen facing legal proceedings related to his involvement in pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong said he was turned away after seeking protection at the US consulate in the city.
“I’m running out of options,” said the man, Ansen Wong, a 20-year-old student-turned-activist.
Mr. Wong was convicted this year on a charge of criminal mischief, which is similar to vandalism, in connection with protest activities. He now faces trial on a charge of illegal assembly after joining a massive anti-government rally outside the Hong Kong legislature in 2019.
Mr. Wong was contesting the charges, but missed a mandatory court appearance the day he approached the consulate. Illegal assembly can carry up to five years in prison, but in practice former protesters found guilty of the crime have received much lighter sentences.
After entering the US mission on October 27 with three other dissidents, Wong said he asked to be granted refuge within the consulate. He said a consular official told him that was not possible and instead gave him advice on how to find a lawyer and said that diplomats would monitor his case.
