Andrew Chiu, an advocate for democracy and a district councilor in Hong Kong, found himself in a horrifying situation in November 2019. He bravely tried to intervene when a knife-wielding attacker targeted protesters, but unfortunately, the assailant managed to break free and attacked Chiu. The attacker bit off Chiu’s left ear, leaving him injured and in shock.
Chiu’s traumatic experience gained attention within the prodemocracy movement, with protesters highlighting the brutality and violence of those supporting the Chinese Communist Party. Despite his injuries, Chiu continued his activism, participating in campaigns and public events while sporting a bandage on his head. However, in 2021, Chiu was arrested for violating Beijing’s national-security law.
Interestingly, Chiu has now taken an unexpected turn and has become a key witness for the government in a major trial targeting prodemocracy advocates. This trial could result in severe sentences, including life imprisonment, for many of Hong Kong’s prominent prodemocracy figures. Chiu is not alone in this shift, as several others who were once opposition figures are now assisting the government, even going as far as posting speeches by Chinese President Xi Jinping on social media.
This situation in Hong Kong highlights a concerning trend seen in authoritarian regimes around the world. These regimes manipulate popular movements from within, turning former supporters into collaborators. This strategy aims to disrupt unity, create discord, and discourage participation in demonstrations. The impact of this tactic is demoralizing and confusing for those who see their former comrades turn against them and the causes they once fought for.
Chiu’s collaboration with the government has devastated activists and former allies, especially at a time when the prodemocracy movement in Hong Kong is facing numerous challenges. The movement has lost momentum within the city, global attention has waned, and activist groups abroad have seen internal conflicts. Hong Kong’s authorities have also shifted their focus to suppressing dissent through various means, including seeking to ban a popular protest anthem and issuing arrest warrants for activists who have fled overseas.
Chiu’s decision to cooperate with the government is seen as a result of his political ambitions and frustrations within the prodemocracy camp. He desired more recognition and a higher political status, which made him susceptible to pressure and compromise. It is a tragic situation, but one that can be understood considering the fear of prolonged imprisonment.
However, it remains uncertain whether Chiu’s cooperation will lead to lighter sentences under the national-security law. The conviction rate for national-security cases in Hong Kong is 100%, and the outcome of such cooperation is unclear due to a lack of precedent and case law.
Chiu’s testimony is undoubtedly valuable to the government’s case. Throughout the trial, prosecutors have used social-media posts and public statements by the defendants to prove conspiracy. This trial represents a significant turning point for the prodemocracy movement in Hong Kong, with the government seeking to dismantle and suppress any opposition and dissent.
The situation in Hong Kong serves as a warning to the world about the tactics used by authoritarian regimes to crush popular movements. It is a reminder that unity is crucial in the face of oppression and that a fractured movement is vulnerable to manipulation and control.
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