Hong Kong: Militant Prodemocracy Testifies, "We Will Not Resign, Despite Everything"

Audio 02:57

By: Heike Schmidt Follow

Last summer, millions of Hong Kong people took to the streets to protest an extradition law that was supposed to try anyone arrested in Hong Kong in China, a project that was ultimately withdrawn. But today, a year later, nothing seems to be won.

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Beijing has just imposed a law prohibiting any insult to the Chinese anthem and is in force to enact a very controversial national security law. Hong Kong people therefore remain upwind - as witness Justin, a 24-year-old pro-democracy activist, is torn between anger and disillusionment.

Justin : I sometimes found myself in the front line in clashes with the police. I was in front of putting out tear gas canisters, but I never participated in the Molotov cocktail jets. For decades, we were all in favor of a nonviolent struggle. But we realized that it didn't matter how many Hong Kongers took to the streets, whether one or two million, the authorities didn't care. So I think we need to step up our actions to show the world that we are unhappy with our government.

RFI : Are you afraid that China will nibble one by one your last freedoms ?

We have already lost them. The national anthem law is passed and the fact that the Chinese Communist Party can impose a law on Hong Kong is proof that China completely neglects our own legislative system: our freedom and the independence of our legislative system are already wiped out.

Do you intend, despite everything, to continue your fight for democracy or do you sometimes feel such a feeling of disillusionment with China's hold on Hong Kong that you want to give it up ?

I have been pessimistic since the first day of my engagement. But it is my responsibility to make my voice heard. If I don't do it now, in a few years I won't be able to look at myself in the mirror. We have to stay engaged. We must show the world that we will not resign ourselves, that we will continue to fight for our freedom!

The UK plans to offer passports to nearly three million Hong Kongers. Are you thinking of leaving to live elsewhere ?

I never wanted to leave Hong Kong. It's my homeland, I grew up here, my family and friends are here. But truth be told, Hong Kong is no longer Hong Kong. So, we are forced to think of a way out. I understand that many of my friends are considering going into exile. Me too. Fortunately, I was born before the handover in 1997, so I can renew my British passport. I'm in the process of doing this. When the situation deteriorates further and Hong Kong is completely under Chinese control, I will leave the country to live in the United Kingdom or elsewhere.

What do you expect from the United States and Europe ?

We are fighting for a just cause. The international community should not ignore Hong Kong, this city so developed, modern and democratic. If it can happen here, it can happen elsewhere. So let's say to Great Britain, France, Germany and the United States: ' Your freedom is not obvious, one day you can lose it. 'It is for this reason that everyone should know what is going on in Hong Kong and I am very grateful that many western countries support us.

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• Hong Kong
• Human rights

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