Tony Chung Hon Lam, the final organizer of Hong Kong’s pro-independence movement, Studentlocalism, revealed on his social media last Thursday that he had applied for political asylum in the UK. The announcement led the Hong Kong Correctional Services Department (CSD) to hold a press briefing on Friday, urging Chung to comply with the supervision order and return willingly to Hong Kong.
As part of the supervision order, Chung was obliged to attend school or work within one year following his release. Chung accused the CSD of infringing upon his freedom of occupation by barring him from employment in “certain shops”, despite the absence of a distinct provision under the supervision order. In response, the CSD argued that the imposed restriction was designed to keep Chung from committing another offense that could threaten national security.
In addition, Chung claimed that he was forced to agree to a revised supervision order after his release. This order prohibited him from (1) disseminating any publications about his convictions, (2) sharing anything that could endanger national security, and (3) speaking on public occasions. The CSD justified the amended order as necessary for Chung’s rehabilitation and prevention of further offenses under national security law. They further argued that this does not violate freedom of speech.
Chung also reported regular visits from national security officers who would take him to unspecified locations every two to four weeks from the date of his release. These officers would interrogate him about his current situation and insist on details about everyone he had contact with. As Chung explained, he could not disclose any specifics or pursue legal aid as the national security officers required him to sign a confidentiality agreement regarding his case under section 63 of the National Security Law.
In November 2021, Chung was convicted by a Hong Kong court for secession under national security laws, with charges linked to handling property believed to represent proceeds of an indictable offense. Under the Rehabilitations Centres Ordinance, the court can order detention of convicted criminals between the ages of 14 and 21. Such an order typically places a convicted criminal who otherwise serves their sentence in jail, in a rehabilitation center. Additionally, prisoners serving time in a rehabilitation center are subject to a supervision order under the Rehabilitations Centres Ordinance and Criminal Procedure Ordinance after their release. Chung is permitted freedom of movement under this order, but must inform the CSD of his itinerary.
This is the second instance in December where the Hong Kong government urged exiled opposition activists to return. Earlier, opposition activist Agnes Chow Ting divulged her decision to forfeit her bail and stay in Canada for further studies. Both cases involved suggestions of supervised visits to China, although Chung had not undertaken this visit before leaving.