Convicted Occupy activist says UK visa decision will indicate how Hong Kong protesters are viewed abroad

A UK visa decision following the conviction of three Hong Kong student activists over their civil disobedience efforts will be a good indicator of how the international community treats such protesters, Alex Chow Yong-kang believes as he seeks to study in Britain.

Speaking on a radio programme on Tuesday, the former Federation of Students secretary general revealed he planned to leave for the UK on September 18. The University of Hong Kong graduate was accepted by the London School of Economics to study a master’s degree in city design and social science.

“It’s an unconditional offer, so it should not affect my entry to the school,” the 25-year-old said when asked whether the three-week jail term he received would affect his study plans. The sentence is suspended for one year to facilitate his departure next month and replaced a 80-hour community service order he was originally handed.

But Chow admitted the visa application was still underway, pending a student enrolment number that would be issued by the school as early as this week. He said he had no idea what the outcome would be and described his UK visa bid as a “touchstone” for the international community.