The Facts
Tony Chung, a former leader of a pro-independence group Studentlocalism, has fled Hong Kong to seek asylum in the UK. Chung had been under a one-year supervision order since his prison release in June, which mandated him to apply for permission to travel abroad.
According to a Correctional Services Department official, a recall order has been issued for Chung to return to prison while law enforcement agencies mull issuing an arrest warrant.
The Spin
Pro-China narrative
Whatever the reasons for someone to be under a supervision order, everyone is treated equally despite their offenses, as the Correctional Services Department focuses on rehabilitation. Yet, Chung has irresponsibly violated the one-year supervision under which he has blatantly defied the rule of law in Hong Kong. Now, he must serve the remainder of his sentence in prison.
Anti-China narrative
Chung is just the latest Hong Kong pro-democracy activist to seek refuge in a liberal democracy to protect his free speech and thought as the abusive national security law continues to suppress legitimate and peaceful dissent at home — and even abroad. In the face of long-arm authoritarianism that risks becoming globalized censorship, the West must stand alongside activists facing political persecution in Hong Kong.
