Former Hong Kong lawmaker and pro-democracy activist Ted Hui has received asylum in Australia, he announced on Facebook. He left Hong Kong more than four years ago, facing criminal charges linked to the 2019 pro-democracy protests.
Hui said the Australian Department of Home Affairs approved his claim on 15 August. His wife, children and parents also received visas.
Reflecting on the news, Hui wrote: “When people say ‘congratulations’, I thank them politely, but I feel sadness. How can one congratulate a political refugee who misses their home? If it were not for political persecution, I would never have considered living in another country. Immigrants can return home to visit relatives; exiles have no home.”
Reactions from Hong Kong, China and Australia
The Department of Home Affairs did not respond to emailed questions after business hours.
The Hong Kong government criticised the decision, saying it opposes “harbouring criminals in any form by any country.” China’s foreign ministry did not comment.
Last month, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Beijing to strengthen ties with China.
Hui, a former Democratic Party member, left Hong Kong in late 2020 amid criminal charges over the 2019 protests. In 2023, Hong Kong authorities charged him and seven others with national security offences, including incitement to secession, and offered HK$1 million (S$163,900) bounties for each.
Australia expressed concern about these legal actions at the time. Meanwhile, pro-democracy businessman Jimmy Lai faces trial in Hong Kong for charges linked to Beijing’s national security law and alleged sedition.
