Well-known activist from Hong Kong escapes to Germany - now he is studying in Göttingen

Activist Ray Wong is the first recognized political refugee from Hong Kong in Germany. This caused tensions with China. Now he is studying in Göttingen.

• Independence activist Ray Wong from Hong Kong was granted asylum in Germany
  
• He is now studying politics and philosophy in Göttingen
  
• In Hong Kong , Ray Wong founded Hong Kong Indigenous with other activists
  

Hong Kong / Göttingen - On the night of New Year's Eve on February 8, 2016, 22-year-old Ray Wong has ten minutes to think how long he needs to go to prison. What his activism will cost him. 

Police forces in Hong Kong have stormed the traditional Lunar New Year Market and want to clear street food stands without a license. They announce arrests and repression. And yet the crowd doesn't back away.

Hong Kong protests: "I saw police pushing a girl to the ground"

The situation escalates. "I saw police officers push a girl, maybe 14, 15 years old, onto the floor, others trampled on her." He gets mad at this brutality. In these minutes, Wong decides to form a line with the police and get arrested. So that the others can escape.

"I was expecting four to six months in prison and I was ready to bear this consequence," he says looking back. Shortly after, he passed out - a load of pepper spray on his face. "My friends held me and carried me away so I wouldn't lie on the floor," he says. He only regains consciousness more than ten minutes later. That night later gets the name Mong Kok protests.

Ray Wong is known in Hong Kong - between anger and admiration

When Ray Wong talks about it in his calm manner today, four years later, it sounds like he is talking about another life. He sits in a small, cozy café in Göttingen and orders green tea. The image of the street fighter seems to be very far away in this contemplative and safe environment.

Activist Ray Wong in Taiwan at a press conference. 

© private / nh

But in Hong Kong many people know his name, have often read it in the newspapers, it triggers anger - but also admiration. It is important to him that people outside of China and Hong Kong hear his story. As a "separatist", as the Beijing-loyal media call him. As a young person who wants democracy and loves his home, Ray Wong calls it.

From Hong Kong to Göttingen: Activist Ray Wong founded Hong Kong Indigenous

At this point in its history, Ray Wong is already a well-known independence activist. After the umbrella revolution, Wong founded the Hong Kong Indigenous group. When he rushed toward the police with other activists that February night, he was a year full of protests. Ten days later, he is arrested in a friend's apartment.

A long journey begins, which leads him from the metropolis of Hong Kong to the student city of Göttingen in Lower Saxony. At 26, Ray Wong is one of the best-known faces of the democracy movement in Hong Kong - and the first recognized political refugee in Germany. Wong hasn't been at home since November 2017. If he returned, he would most likely have to go to prison. Like his former colleague Edward Leung - sentenced to six years in prison. Ray Wong is free and has lost.

Ray Wong's Political Awakening: The Rainbow Revolution

Ray Wong was born in Hong Kong on September 15, 1993 . He describes his family as a "normal middle-class family." During the holidays, Wong is often in Haiphong and Guangzhou, since both parents come from China. He starts studying interior design. In June 2012, the government passed an educational reform that the Chinese Communist Party propagated. This is partially prevented - but today children in Hong Kong learn Mandarin instead of Cantonese, the traditional language of Hong Kong, in primary schools.

Ray Wong is getting interested in politics. He is just 18 years old at the time. "At that point, I realized that Hong Kong was moving towards China," he says. His political awakening. "I didn't think about becoming an activist before the Rainbow Revolution," says Wong. The revolution changed that.

From Hong Kong to Göttingen: Against the Chinese Communist Party

He finds no movement with which he identifies. Even pan-democratic organizations in Hong Kong call themselves Chinese. “But we young people are Hong Kongers,” says Wong. “The Chinese government is forcing us to take on their identity. And with it the assumptions of the Chinese Communist Party. ”The CCP is the ruling party in China, built according to the Soviet model - with gigantic propaganda apparatus and total surveillance. Ray Wong is afraid of losing his free will.

From an independence activist to a political refugee in Germany: in protests in Hong Kong

© private / nh

His voice is controlled as he talks about it, almost too quiet. He thinks, sometimes for a few seconds, his answers are chosen carefully. In the crowded café with the babble of voices, in which baby sounds and the hissing and rattling of the coffee machine occasionally mix, you can hardly hear it. Sometimes his words increase in intensity. Partly bitterness, this raw form of bitterness that sprouts when something is lost without being known. Sometimes, rarely, words are not enough. 

A woman with a stroller wants to pass him. Ray Wong immediately interrupts his story, jumps up and moves his chair aside. A watchful person who is aware of his surroundings. He sits down again, adjusts his black horn glasses, takes a sip of tea.

Hong Kong Indigenous founded: Together for freedom and democracy

January 2015 marks the birth of Hong Kong Indigenous. A localist group that opposes Chinese influence and wants to prove Hong Kong's identity. Ray Wong and his fellow campaigners organize sensational protests. They want Hong Kong to be independent of authoritarian China . You want freedom. You want democracy.

A goal for which Ray Wong is ready to go to prison - and ultimately to leave his home. “For my parents, political engagement was associated with something dirty at the time. They said we have Chinese blood and we have to listen to the government, ”he says. His mother is threatened after the Mong Kok protests. "She started reading more news about China and came to the same belief as me."

In one of the photos from back then you can see him in a blue T-shirt, his sleeves rolled up, a microphone in his hand - he doesn't look like the stereotype of a leader, more like one who has to be. The hair is short on the sides and longer at the top, as many wear it today. In another picture, he speaks into a megaphone. His facial expressions are determined. Behind him is a crowd of people following him. "The direct meaning of Hong Kong Indigenous is that we are in the front row and fighting for democracy," said Ray Wong.

From Hong Kong to Göttingen: Excluding violence is naive

Unlike the organizers of the umbrella revolution, Hong Kong sees indigenous violence as a necessary means to bring change. Given police brutality, it is naive to assume without getting along, says Ray Wong - when it comes to protecting yourself and others. The movement is initially targeting Chinese smugglers in the border areas. In Hong Kong , taxes on products are lower and goods are of better quality than in China. Smugglers would cross the border up to five times a day and stock up on products like milk powder, says Ray Wong.

Local residents complain about empty shops and increased prices. 2015 is enough for them. Wong describes the demonstration as follows: "I could feel the pent-up anger of every single participant, ready to fight back." After a series of protests, the Chinese city of Shenzhen, 30 kilometers away, changed the visa regulations at the end of April. In future, residents will only be allowed to travel to Hong Kong once a week . “The Chinese government would never admit that activism works. But everyone knew that the protests worked, ”says Wong. A success for Hong Kong Indigenous.

From Hong Kong to Göttingen: Hong Kong Indigenous is running for Legislative Council

But Ray Wong never really wanted to be a politician or an activist. He plans to return to normal life and finish his studies. Then Edward Leung appears. "He had the characteristics of a charismatic politician," Wong describes him. He sees the potential of Edward Leung and decides to continue fighting alongside him. The activists set up Edward Leung for Hong Kong Indigenous for the next Legislative Council (Legco) Legislative Assembly of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region .

Then there is that incisive night in February 2016 when the Hong Kong police storm the Lunar New Year Market. Ray Wong and Edward Leung, as well as other members of Hong Kong Indigenous, are subsequently arrested - charged with having participated in violent riots. In Hong Kong , that can mean ten years in prison. However, the events attract Hong Kong Indigenous a lot of attention nationally and internationally.

From Hong Kong to Göttingen: a normal student

Ray Wong pauses his story for a moment, he's tired. Last night he was with friends in a popular left-hand pub in Göttingen. In short, it sounds like a normal Göttingen student. Ray Wong has been enrolled in political science and philosophy since the winter semester 2019/2020. "I have always been interested in philosophy and I want to remain politically active in the future," he says. The exams are pending, he actually has to prepare. He learned German in integration courses, but studying in a language that until recently was foreign to him is exhausting.

From an independence activist to a political refugee in Germany: Ray Wong shortly after his arrival in Berlin 

© private / nh

The result of the area code in February 2016 is overwhelming for Hong Kong Indigenous. Edward Leung gets 15 percent of the vote. Suddenly it seems realistic that Hong Kong Indigenous could win at least two seats in parliament in September 2016. Numerous hopeful young people flock to the party. Ray Wong is released on bail after his arrest - but a prison sentence is likely. "Election preparations went well until summer," says Wong. Until the Hong Kong government introduces something new: Candidates must ensure that they respect and protect Hong Kong's basic laws. It gives the government the ability to decide who is allowed to run - and who is not. Edward Leung and Hong Kong Indigenous are not allowed.

From Hong Kong to Göttingen: to prison or flight?

A bitter defeat. Giving up is not an option for Ray Wong. "I was already paying too high a price at the time," says Wong. There's no going back. Ray Wongs and Edward Leung's trial is scheduled for January 2018. Wong realizes that they don't have much time left: "Our life, our freedom were limited". They want to make sure that the party continues after being detained. Hong Kong Indigenous decides to support a localist but more moderate party called Youngspiration.

With the agreement that one of the successful candidates will cooperate with Hong Kong Indigenous - a deal that the other party breaks. Now it is clear to Hong Kong Indigenous that they cannot change anything within the political system. Mong Kok protesters and other activists are sentenced to prison. "We couldn't vote and we lost a lot of people's support," said Ray Wong.

He gets depressed, separates from his longtime girlfriend, has no money. His parents are very worried about him. “As a private person, I had completely lost myself. As a politician and activist, there was no place for my feelings, ”Wong describes this state of affairs today.

From Hong Kong to Göttingen: the big city feeling of Berlin

In his current life, this state has almost evaporated. “My position is no longer as crucial as it was then. I still have responsibility, but the intensity is different, ”he says. Despite all the difficulties, he feels comfortable in Germany. “Göttingen is perfect for me to study. There's not that much distraction, ”he says of the city of 120,000. If he misses big city life, he, who has spent his whole life in a city with almost eight million people, goes to Berlin. A few months ago, he moved from a shared apartment into a small one-room apartment on the outskirts of Göttingen.

"After the Mong Kok protests, the plan was for Edward to flee to Europe and I go to prison," says Wong. He believes he is more persuasive on the international stage. One of the two is said to take her story outside and draw attention to the grievances in Hong Kong . The other bear the consequences of their actions. "In the fight for democracy, we were ready to go to prison or even die," says Wong. But it turns out differently. Edward Leung wants to stay in Hong Kong and sacrifice himself for the idea.

#HongKongPolice forcefully dragged journalist away & arbitrarily pepper sprayed dozens of journalists covering a #HongKongProtest in Yuen Long as tonight is 8 months after 721 mob attack.

It violates #HongKong Basic Law Article 27 - Freedom of the Press.pic.twitter.com/ZdjkAtbiAp

#HongKongPolice forcefully dragged journalist away & arbitrarily pepper sprayed dozens of journalists covering a #HongKongProtest in Yuen Long as tonight is 8 months after 721 mob attack.

It violates #HongKong Basic Law Article 27 - Freedom of the Press.pic.twitter.com/ZdjkAtbiAp

From Hong Kong to Göttingen: Flight to Germany - Ray Wong is now a refugee

On the anniversary of the umbrella revolution in September 2017, Wong is invited to London to protest. He then traveled to Germany to network with "The World Uyghur Congress" and the NGO "Society for Threatened Peoples". He learns what it is like to be a refugee in Germany.

Ray Wong returns to Hong Kong - and decides to flee to Germany. "Leaving Hong Kong with the awareness of never returning was a very difficult decision, maybe even more difficult than going to prison," says Wong. His escape marks the end of Hong Kong Indigenous because nobody wants to take over. The party is too closely connected to him and Edward Leung.

After the plan is made, everything goes quickly. Ray Wong is preparing to leave within ten days. He goes hiking to say goodbye to the Hong Kong countryside, meets friends and for the last time the family. Since the authorities have his passport, Wong submits an invitation to a “Society for Threatened Peoples” congress and is given permission to leave the country.

From Hong Kong to Göttingen: Together with Alan Li Tung-sing

He arrives in Berlin on November 8, 2017 together with Hong Kong activist Alan Li Tung-sing and applies for asylum in Germany. The two men are now refugees. Both are sent to a refugee shelter in Bad Fallingbostel, Lower Saxony. Ray Wong finds the living conditions there depressing. Many people, the rooms are dirty and different cultures meet in a confined space.

He is depressed. The Hong Kong media reported negatively about his absence from court. Hong Kong Indigenous is portrayed as a radical fascist group. "The police said they would pursue me," said Wong. He is concerned about his family. "I can not imagine what it would have been like to go through this alone," says Wong about his companion Alan Li Tung-sing.

Wong and Tung-sing receive asylum in Germany and China is upset In early January 2018, they had to move to a refugee camp in Osnabrück. In April they will be sent on to Göttingen. Ray Wong and Alan Li Tung-sing lived in this camp for over four months. They share a room with eight to ten refugees. In May 2018, Ray Wong will be granted residence status in Germany.

From Hong Kong to Göttingen: "Refugee protection" granted

Then he goes public and gives interviews. Until then, his status was considered unknown. Nobody knew that he was in Germany. His announcement caused a stir in Hong Kong and dominated the front pages of the country's media. And creates tension between Germany, Hong Kong and China.

For example, Deutsche Welle reported that a spokesman for the State Department in Hong Kong asked Germany to respect the rule of law and independence of the judiciary in Hong Kong , pointing out that these are China's internal affairs alone. The Tagesspiegel wrote about "severe anger in Beijing".

The German government did not make any specific statements at the time, but announced that applicants from Hong Kong had been granted “refugee protection”. As the Tagesschau reported, Hong Kong's Prime Minister Carrie Lam ordered the German consul to express her anger. A member of the Legislative Council wrote in a letter in the South China Morning Post: “German asylum for Ray Wong and Alan Li is an attack on Hong Kong's justice system”.

From Hong Kong to Göttingen: Protests in 2019 claimed many victims

Ray Wong will experience the massive protests against the planned extradition law to China and for more democracy in Hong Kong in 2019 from afar in Göttingen. "I stayed in my room, watching live recordings and news. I didn't want to eat anything, I didn't want to move. I was disappointed in myself because there was nothing I could do, ”he says. It is almost impossible for him to go out and meet friends during this time. He feels like in a parallel universe. On the one hand, the young people in Hong Kong who are fighting for their future and freedom. And then the teenagers and students in Göttingen who talk about where they want to go and which films are running on Netflix.

"I understand that, but I couldn't focus on anything other than the events in Hong Kong," says Wong. If the law had been passed, the basic principle of "one country, two systems" would have been history for Hong Kong , he says. However, Ray Wong does not describe the fact that it was prevented as a success. "We had to sacrifice far too much for this," he says, referring to the numerous detentions, two deaths and the people who, like him , had to flee Hong Kong . The corona virus will lead to an interruption of the mass protests in 2019/2020, which have long since developed into a democracy movement.

From Hong Kong to Göttingen: protests are shifting to the economy

Instead of street battles, the protests would now shift to economic resistance to China's influence in Hong Kong , Wong says. “People who believe in democracy go to shops, restaurants and companies of people who also have a democratic belief. So our money doesn't support the pro-Chinese side, ”he explains. There is "yellow economy", that is democracy-friendly and "blue economy", Beijing-friendly economy.

But: "To fight for freedom in Hong Kong, as a political activist, you have to focus on human rights violations throughout China, not just Hong Kong," he says. Ray Wong contributes to the struggle for independence in Hong Kong by drawing attention to the political situation in the US, Europe and the UK. He works for the NGO that helped him at that time, the “Society for Threatened Peoples”. Everything is as Edward Leung and he planned it to be. One in prison, the other fled to Europe with no prospect of return - another form of punishment. But Ray Wong believes that the Chinese Communist Party will one day collapse. "Then everything will change. And I can go back to Hong Kong, ”says Wong.

From Hong Kong to Göttingen: Background - The umbrella movement and the protests 2019/2020

In 2014, a series of demonstrations against a decision made at the National People's Congress in Beijing took place in Hong Kong . In 2017, all Hong Kong citizens should be allowed to elect their head of government for the first time. However, a Chinese election committee pre-selects the candidates for the election of the Hong Kong head of government.

China is de facto ensuring that the Chinese head of government is Beijing-loyal. Numerous people in Hong Kong are now taking to the streets for free elections of the head of government and parliament. The name umbrella movement comes from the umbrellas that the demonstrators had with them to protect them from the police pepper spray.

From Hong Kong to Göttingen: pioneer of current protests

The umbrella movement is seen as a pioneer of the current protests in 2019 and 2020. Hundreds of thousands are protesting against the Hong Kong government, the communist leadership through China and their growing influence on Hong Kong . The trigger was the controversial law on extradition to China, which was withdrawn in September 2019. For the Hong Kongers, this law symbolized Beijing's increasing influence on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region . This would have allowed the Chinese Communist Party to convict activists in Chinese courts. The protests developed into a broad democracy movement.

After the violent clashes between protesters and the police, the movement calls for an investigation into police violence in Hong Kong and free elections, democracy and self-determination. Prime Minister Carrie Lam, who is loyal to China, refuses to make further concessions. The spread of the Corona virus interrupted the mass protests on the streets. These are currently shifting to the boycott of shops, businesses and restaurants loyal to China.

Hong Kong: There were also fights with the police at Christmas

There were violent clashes in Hong Kong at the end of last year. The activists also fought for more democracy at Christmas. *

The protests continued in the new year. In Hong Kong, activists * continued to fight for their beliefs, and continue to use violence.

Video: Hong Kong activists fight against police

* hna.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network.