'Endure, everyone': final messages from Hong Kong democracy figures before detention
On Sunday, 47 Hong Kong pro-democracy figures were charged with conspiracy to commit subversion over accusations they organised unofficial primary elections aiming to “paralyse” the government by winning a majority and blocking legislation. The election was ultimately postponed for a year, purportedly because of the pandemic. All face terms of up to life in prison if convicted. Before they reported to police stations across the city to be detained, some sent messages to their supporters about justice, hope and endurance. Here are some of their messages, translated and compiled by independent researcher Eliot Chen:
Eddie
Chu Hoi-dick, 43, former LegCo member who resigned in protest in September
2020.
“Today, to be guilty of our common ideals, I am deeply
honoured. I have received your well-wishes, and I wish everyone fulfilment each
day. No matter the situation, fill everyone around you with love and with
hope.”
Henry Wong Pak-yu, 39, district councillor. “To have a clear conscience, is not to be agreeable, but to be good; to prevent misdeeds from happening.”
Jeremy Tam Man-ho, 45, Civic party member, former LegCo member who resigned with colleagues in November 2020. “Go peacefully, and be upright – sometimes it’s hard to do both, and we can only work hard to practise the latter, and wish for peace in our hearts. History will stand on the side of justice, so sit straight, drink water, and dawn will eventually come.”
Gwyneth Ho Kwai-lam, 30, intended to run in the elections. “Many people probably didn’t start thinking about exile until after [Nathan Law, politician and activist who was leader of Demosistō from 2016 to 2018, he later fled to the UK]. But for me, I knew by 7/1/19 that the cost of exile was more unbearable for me than anything else. So a decision that, to you, looks like caging a lion, to me, is a trade off that I am willing to bear. I want peace of mind more than peace, and the two are sometimes opposites. I wish that you all may find peace of mind, and then, to press forward.”…
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