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Hong Kong on the second anniversary of the protests: activist Agnes Chow released

2021-06-13T14:35:05.697Z


She was imprisoned for seven months and now Hong Kong activist Agnes Chow has been released from prison. At the same time, the security forces are on the alert: the anti-government demonstrations began in the metropolis exactly two years ago.


Enlarge image

Democracy activist Agnes Chow is brought out of prison

Photo: TYRONE SIU / REUTERS

She was led to a car and could not speak to journalists: after almost seven months, the well-known Hong Kong democracy activist Agnes Chow was released from prison on Saturday morning.

Recordings showed Chow leaving the prison surrounded by media representatives.

As the broadcaster RTHK reported, her supporters shouted encouraging words in front of the correctional facility in Tuen Mun.

The 24-year-old Chow was arrested on the basis of the controversial so-called security law for her participation in protests.

However, no charges have yet been brought against them.

Chow's release comes at a sensitive time: Exactly two years ago, on June 12, 2019, demonstrators gathered outside the Hong Kong parliament to prevent the passage of a law that would allow extraditions to China.

The security forces used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.

In view of the anniversary, a large police force was put on alert at the weekend.

Western states are accusing China of undermining the autonomy status of the former British crown colony of Hong Kong, which is guaranteed under international law, with its actions and above all with the security law.

Chow and other young activists such as Joshua Wong and Ivan Lam are among the most famous faces of the anti-government demonstration.

As early as 2014 you became known as youth activists during the “umbrella” protests.

Chow and her longtime companion Wong were convicted of attending an illegal rally.

Chow was also arrested on suspicion of collaborating with foreign forces.

However, charges have not yet been brought.

The allegations are based on the new "national security law" that China passed despite fierce international protests.

According to the Beijing government, this is to combat secession, subversion, terrorism and foreign interference.

The maximum penalty is life imprisonment.

Public protests are now largely prohibited for Hong Kong, with reference to Corona measures and under the so-called Security Act.

Most of the leaders of the democracy movement have been arrested or have gone abroad.

Wong is still in prison, Nathan Law has been granted asylum in Great Britain.

mmq / AFP / Reuters / dpa

Source: spiegel

All news articles on 2021-06-13

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