Former pro-democracy politician Ted Hui — who is wanted by authorities in Hong Kong — has been granted asylum in Australia.
He said the Australian government granted him a protection visa this week, with asylum also extending to his wife, children and parents.
“I express my sincere gratitude to the government of Australia — both present and former — for recognising our need for asylum and granting us this protection,” Mr Hui said in a Facebook post on Saturday.
Hong Kong has seen dissent quashed since Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law following huge — and at times violent — democracy protests that erupted in 2019.
Ted Hui intimidation denounced
Mr Hui was a high-profile participant at the time in those protests and was arrested in China. He later settled in Adelaide.
A vocal critic of Hong Kong and Beijing authorities, Mr Hui is among several overseas activists targeted in 2023 by police bounties of $HK1 million ($200,000) each.
The bounties are seen as largely symbolic, given that they affect people living abroad in nations unlikely to extradite political activists to Hong Kong or China.
Hong Kong’s government has not commented directly on Mr Hui’s case; however, a spokesperson said on Saturday local time that those who absconded should not think they could evade “criminal liability”.
“Any country that harbours Hong Kong criminals in any form shows contempt for the rule of law, grossly disrespects Hong Kong’s legal systems and barbarically interferes in the affairs of Hong Kong,” the spokesperson said.
Ted Hui said his protect visa extends to his wife, children and parents. (Facebook: Ted Hui)
Mr Hui ended his Facebook post by calling on Canberra to do more for those who “face long sentences for simply defending basic democratic rights”.
He urged the Australian government not to forget the other Hong Kong pro-democracy activists who remained jailed, including tycoon Jimmy Lai, who has been behind bars since 2020.
“Australia must do more to rescue them and to speak up for their humanity,” Mr Hui said.
“Its stance matters internationally, and its protection of Hongkongers sets a precedent for other democracies.”
Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong previously condemned Hong Kong’s arrest warrants and bounties.
“Freedom of expression and assembly are essential to our democracy, and we will support those in Australia who exercise those rights,” she said in 2023.
“Australia remains deeply concerned by the continuing erosion of Hong Kong’s rights, freedoms and autonomy.”
ABC/Wires