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Hong Kong Legislator Reflects on Pro-Democracy Struggle as He Seeks Asylum

Stella Hsu

   For Hong Kong activists, the past year has been one of despair and
   dread. Facing possible persecution under the new National Security Law,
   many have been forced to choose between their political causes and
   their homes. Former legislator Baggio Leung is one of them. A
   pro-democracy activist who was elected to office in 2016, his political
   views made him a target during China's crackdown in recent years. He
   left Hong Kong for the United States this month, where he is seeking
   political asylum. VOA Mandarin Service's Stella Hsu spoke with the
   former legislator about the tough decision to leave his hometown and
   his hope for the island.

   In the middle of December, Baggio Leung left Hong Kong and traveled to
   the United States seeking asylum.

   He cut ties with his family, fearing Beijing would harass them under a
   sweeping national security law imposed on the city this year. He also
   resigned from his position and duties at the pro-independence political
   party Youngspiration.

   Leung joined a growing number of democracy activists and former
   legislators who have fled Hong Kong after the passing of the National
   Security Law, which made it easier to punish protesters.

   "It is difficult for any Hong Kongers to accept that our home, once a
   free land, has become like what it is today," he said.

   Active since Umbrella Movement

   Leung has been involved in the city's pro-democracy protest since the
   2014 Umbrella Movement and was once jailed for four weeks for unlawful
   assembly and attempted forcible entry after trying to barge into a
   Legislative Council meeting in 2016.

   "After I got out of the jail, I noticed that I was always followed," he
   said. "There were always people around my apartment.

   "I felt unsafe. I started to think about leaving Hong Kong and
   discussed the idea with my friends and colleagues. Most of them told
   me, 'You got to go, buy a flight ticket and leave tomorrow.' But it's
   not that simple. To me, I have a responsibility."

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