Prominent Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Activist, Agnes Chow, Leaves Bail Conditions and Relocates to Canada

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Agnes Chow, a well-known figure in Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement, has decided not to return to the city to meet her bail conditions, opting instead to relocate to Canada for her studies. This move underscores the ongoing exodus of politicians from Hong Kong amidst Beijing’s crackdown on dissidents.

Chow gained fame for her active involvement in the city’s once-thriving pro-democracy movement. In 2020, she was arrested under a Beijing-imposed national security law that was implemented following the 2019 anti-government protests. Although she was released on bail, she also served more than six months in jail in a separate case related to her role in the protests.

Following her release from prison in 2021, Chow was required to regularly report to the police. In an Instagram post on Sunday night, she cited the pressure from these reporting requirements as a factor contributing to her “mental illnesses” and her decision not to return to Hong Kong.

Many of her fellow activists have faced imprisonment, arrest, self-exile, or silencing since the introduction of the security law in 2020. This wave of suppression has starkly eroded the freedoms promised to the former British colony when it was handed back to China in 1997. Beijing and Hong Kong authorities have praised the security law for restoring stability to the semi-autonomous city.

Chow revealed that in July, authorities offered to return her passport on the condition that she traveled to mainland China with them, which she agreed to. Her trip in August included visits to an exhibition on China’s achievements and the headquarters of the tech giant Tencent. Subsequently, her passport was returned.

Considering her safety, health, and the situation in Hong Kong, Chow expressed her reluctance to return to the city. She voiced her desire not to be compelled to undertake actions against her will, especially involving visits to mainland China, as it would take a toll on her physical and mental well-being.

Chow mentioned to TV Tokyo on Monday that she is still evaluating her next steps, including the possibility of seeking asylum in Canada. When asked about potential political activism in Canada, she indicated her intention to work in the interest of Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong police issued a strong condemnation of Chow’s decision, without explicitly naming her, stating that it goes against and challenges the rule of law. They urged her to reconsider her course of action to avoid bearing the label of a “fugitive” for life.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, addressed the situation at a daily briefing, emphasizing that Hong Kong is a society based on the rule of law, and no one is above the law. He noted that any illegal actions would be subject to punishment.

Agnes Chow rose to prominence alongside other prominent young activists like Joshua Wong and Nathan Law, actively participating as a student leader in pro-democracy protests, including those in 2014. She co-founded the now-dissolved pro-democracy party Demosisto with Wong and Law, which disbanded on the same day the security law came into effect. Joshua Wong is currently in custody facing a subversion charge, while Nathan Law has sought refuge in Britain, with authorities offering a reward for information leading to his arrest in July.

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More about Activist relocation

• Agnes Chow Moves to Canada – Reuters article on Agnes Chow’s relocation to Canada.
• Hong Kong’s National Security Law – Information on the national security law imposed by Beijing in Hong Kong.
• Demosisto – Wikipedia page about the now-dissolved pro-democracy party co-founded by Agnes Chow, Joshua Wong, and Nathan Law.
• Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Movement – BBC overview of the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong.
• Hong Kong’s Ongoing Political Situation – Al Jazeera’s coverage of Hong Kong’s political situation and the impact of the security law.