Asylum Awaits: Hong Kong Activists Find Refuge in the West

Hong Kong pro-democracy activists Tony Chung and Ted Hui have been granted asylum in Britain and Australia. Fleeing harsh national security laws, they join many activists who have escaped similar fates. Meanwhile, Hong Kong condemns countries granting asylum, stressing disregard for its legal framework.

Two pro-democracy activists from Hong Kong have received asylum in the West, spotlighting global tensions surrounding China's controversial national security laws. Tony Chung is now in Britain, while former lawmaker Ted Hui resides in Australia after fleeing Beijing's crackdown on dissent.

Chung and Hui are part of a growing number of activists escaping Hong Kong's stringent regime, introduced in 2020 to stifle opposition. Chung, serving time for secession, fled via Japan; Hui left in 2020 amid legal threats, now finding haven in Adelaide.

While the UK and Australia granted sanctuary, Hong Kong's authorities sharply criticized such moves, labeling them disrespectful to their legal system. Meanwhile, the activists remain unwavering in their commitment to championing democracy from abroad.

(With inputs from agencies.)