Occupy co-founder Chan Kin-man has ‘no regrets’ over going to jail after early release from Hong Kong prison

Retired sociologist was sentenced to 16 months in jail last April for inciting and conspiring with others to cause substantial obstruction

Civil disobedience movement in 2014 saw protesters take control of thoroughfares in city’s heart, bringing traffic to a standstill

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Occupy co-founder Chan Kin-man smiles and waves after leaving the Pik Uk Prison. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 10:53am, 14 Mar 2020Updated: 11:29pm, 14 Mar 2020

One of the founders of Hong Kong’s Occupy movement was released from jail on Saturday, and said he had no regrets over his role in bringing the city to a standstill in 2014.

Chan Kin-man, looking tanned and healthy, smiled and waved as he walked out of Pik Uk Prison in Sai Kung at 9am after serving 11 months of a 16-month sentence.

The former sociology professor’s supporters chanted pro-democracy slogans and called for “genuine elections”.

“I have been in jail for months, and time in jail must be hard. But I have no regrets because that’s the price one has to pay for democracy,” said Chan, adding that he was happy to see his family and friends.

Occupy movement co-founders (left to right) Benny Tai Yiu-ting, Chan Kin-man and Reverend Chu Yiu-ming appear together outside Pik Uk Prison. Photo: Dickson Lee

Chan said he believed the recent anti-government protests illustrated to the public why they had to take part in a civil disobedience campaign six years ago, and accused the government of lacking openness, transparency and impartiality.

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