My Take | Ted Hui: hero to some, coward to others
- Former opposition lawmaker has absconded to Denmark, an action which will likely make it more difficult for other activists and protesters facing charges to seek bail successfully
Fugitive from the law or dissident fleeing persecution? The answer depends far more on your own political beliefs than anything Hui says or does at this point. People can argue forever and talk past each other. But ultimately, what really matters are the consequences of his actions.
One result of his absconding is the irreparable damage it has inflicted on the Democratic Party, of which he was a key member until he announced his resignation. Until now, most of those who have escaped or tried to flee Hong Kong while facing charges have mostly been radical supporters of Hong Kong independence and/or advocates of anti-government violence.
Hui and his party are considered part of the political mainstream. That’s why his escape has been such a shock. His party comrades have put on a brave face and endorsed his actions. Does this mean they now support people jumping bail and breaking the law?
Another result of what Hui has done is that it will almost certainly make it much more difficult for anti-government protesters and activists facing charges to apply successfully for bail.
This is ironic as Hui has said he wants to help people fleeing Hong Kong. He and his family want to resettle in Britain.