In a twist of fate, Ted Hui Chi-fung, the controversial former Hong Kong legislator, has announced his admission as a lawyer in South Australia. A fugitive in Hong Kong due to his alleged involvement in national security offences, Hui has begun a new chapter in Australia, navigating both the world of law and politics.
Hui’s Controversial Past in Hong Kong
Ted Hui’s political journey in Hong Kong was fraught with challenges. Elected as a lawmaker, he was one of the vociferous voices of opposition against Beijing’s increasing interference in Hong Kong’s autonomy. However, Hui’s political career saw a sudden halt in 2020 when he fled the city amidst multiple charges against him. As of today, there are seven arrest warrants in Hong Kong linked to Hui’s name.
This former Democratic Party legislator, along with other opposition members, took a bold step in 2020 by resigning from their posts. This move came as a response to Beijing’s decision to disqualify four of their colleagues.
Hui’s departure from Hong Kong was rather dramatic. He left under the pretext of attending climate change meetings in Denmark after securing the court’s permission while he was on bail. However, later reports suggested that his trip to Denmark was more than just about climate change. It was alleged that a few Danish politicians crafted a cover story to help him escape the tightening noose in Hong Kong.
After a brief stint in Denmark, Hui disclosed his intentions to reside in Britain temporarily and subsequently resigned from his party. Ultimately, he found solace in Adelaide, South Australia, accompanied by his family. There, Hui resumed his law studies, a journey he began in Hong Kong but never completed.
Facing Justice from Abroad
Hui’s actions in Hong Kong didn’t go unnoticed. In his absence, the High Court sentenced him to 42 months in prison. This sentence pertained to charges of his disruptive behaviour in the legislative sessions and his role in the protests of 2019. Furthermore, Hong Kong’s anti-corruption agency, in 2021, issued arrest warrants against him for allegedly encouraging a boycott or blank voting in a Legislative Council election.
This particular election was significant as it was the maiden citywide poll post-Beijing’s restructuring of the electoral system. This overhaul was instrumental in ensuring that only “patriots” – a term that’s become synonymous with pro-Beijing individuals – would ascend to political power in the city.
New Beginnings in South Australia
While his political adversaries continue to criticize him, Hui has embarked on a new journey in the legal realm. Sharing the news on Facebook, Hui announced his admission as a lawyer by the Supreme Court of South Australia. Living in Adelaide, he successfully passed the necessary integrity checks despite the numerous charges against him in Hong Kong. Hui sees this as a triumph over the city’s authorities, claiming it to be a “slap on the face” for them.
His legal journey isn’t just personal. Hui plans to practise full-time in an Adelaide-based law firm, concentrating on civil and commercial matters. He has also pledged to extend legal assistance to Hongkongers seeking asylum in Australia.
The Lingering Shadows of Hong Kong
Ted Hui might have distanced himself geographically from Hong Kong, but the echoes of his past actions and decisions still resonate. The Hong Kong police have placed a HK$1 million bounty for his arrest, linking him to alleged national security offences.
Accusations against Hui include advocating for Hong Kong and Taiwan’s independence and promoting sanctions against both mainland China and Hong Kong via social media posts from January 2021 to December 2022.
This tug-of-war between Hui and the Hong Kong establishment reached international headlines when Chris Tang Ping-keung, Secretary for Security, branded him a “liar without credibility.” This statement came after The Wall Street Journal published an article by Hui in which he accused the Communist Party of trying to mute him.
Conclusion
Ted Hui’s story is symbolic of the changing political landscape of Hong Kong. It reflects the complexities and the deep divisions that have emerged in the wake of Beijing’s increasing grip on the city. While Hui embarks on a new journey in Australia, the shadows of his past and the challenges of Hong Kong’s political future continue to loom large. Only time will tell whether Hui’s decision to become a lawyer in a foreign land will allow him to champion the cause he once so fervently fought for in his homeland.
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