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Image source, Reuters
Supporters praised Democratic activist Agnes Chau as their “hero,” but she is now sentenced to 10 months in prison for last year’s illegal protests.
Before being detained pending sentencing, he spoke with Lam Chowai, the Chinese BBC journalist, about the pressures he was facing.
“I think I’m not stressed. But the body doesn’t tell me that,” Zhou said.
“A lot of people say that I want to lose weight, but I don’t. I try to live and eat as usual. But after all, the weight will not increase. “
She is one of the few activists arrested in August for violating China’s national security law. The law provides for the separation of territories. Abolition of power Terrorism AND collusion with illegal foreign forces
Image source, Reuters
She was arrested for violating a new national security law in early August.
China says it wants to regain social stability after months of violent street protests. But critics see the law as a way for states to infringe rights and deal with dissent.
Zhou was detained on suspicion that he was “in collusion with foreign forces” and was released on bail. If convicted in this case, you could be jailed for life. She is now sentenced to 10 months in prison for an illegal protest last year.
Even though he had been detained, he said the situation had gotten a lot worse lately, Zhou said in August that his home was watched by an undercover agent around the clock. Before knocking on the door hours later, an infrared camera was also installed on a hill near his home.
They raided the house for two hours. My mom too I was so scared and I wondered, is this the last time we’ll see our house? “
She says that now she often has nightmares about being arrested. “I am terrified of the bell or the knocking on the door.”
“The real Mulan”
Image source, EPA
Together with Joshua Wong and Nathan Law, he founded the Democrat Party.
Zhou is only 24 years old, but he has made a big protest. Since childhood Ella, along with Joshua Wong, oppose plans to change the curriculum which they say is “the most important thing in life.” “Brainwashing children into nationalist ideas” until the government finally withdrew.
He became one of the pillars of the Umbrella Movement, directly calling for the right to elect the governor of Hong Kong without interference from mainland China. Two years later, he joined Joshua Wong and Natha. Naul founded the Democrat Party.
They announced the dissolution of the party after the approval of the National Security Law. He called for international sanctions against Chinese and Hong Kong officials.
Some describe her as “The Real Mulan” is based on famous Chinese fairy tale characters who fight for their family and their country.
“I don’t think I deserve that name. But it’s not bad. If it helps to get people interested in the situation in Hong Kong.”
“I hope my reputation prompts people to continue their beliefs.”
Image source, fake images
Joshua Wong, Agnes Zhou and Ivan Lam, three pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong. Sentenced to prison for participating in an illegal demonstration
Zhou also prides himself on how being one of its pillars has helped break down recurring images that only men can lead the movement.
“In the past, other protesters have told women to back off because they may not be able to handle violent clashes. … but look what happened. Women assume important roles, they protest with courage. ”
Zhou is fluent in Japanese, likes Japanese anime (animated movies), and has a lot of support in Japan.
Last year, she flew to Japan to ask Shinzo Abe’s government to help her support the protesters in Hong Kong. But he said the movement had to stop after the national security law was passed.
“I can’t say what he had to say …[กฎหมายความมั่นคง]With the support of all Hong Kong residents Including me “
Zhou said that the law was shocking. But that doesn’t mean that people have a better life. They are just being overwhelmed by fear. “
Last year’s protests continued with escalating violence, riot police have been accused of excessive violence. Chinese supporters say protesters are using violence against authorities.
But after the security law was adopted along with the COVID-19 epidemic, the movement stopped.
When asked if protesters lobbied so violently last year that Hong Kong has now lost even more freedom due to the new law, Zhou said: “It is very difficult to say what the conclusion of the protests is. … It is definitely not. a victory because we don’t get what you ask for. “
But she said that although there were no protests last year, she will continue to manage the repression of political dissent. His fellow activist Nathan Law has fled to the UK. But Zhou said that he did not plan to leave Hong Kong.
“I understand why a lot of people want to go. Hong Kong has become more and more desperate, the people of Hong Kong want democracy. I want freedom. And these things seem very far away.”
But many people choose to make sacrifices, Zhou said: “We must not allow despair or fear to take over our thoughts. We must continue fighting for democracy. “
“But how are we going to overcome our fear?” Zhou asked. Please teach me. ”
This year, Agnes ZhouSelected in the BBC’s Top 100 Women List of Inspirational and Influential Women of 2020
