Beijing slams ‘criminal-shielding’ Danish politicians for supporting former Hong Kong lawmaker’s exile bid
- Ted Hui, who is on bail after being charged in Hong Kong with criminal offences, revealed on Thursday his plan to resettle in Britain
- Pro-establishment legislators say Hui is evading responsibility for his previous behaviour, supporters say state of justice system forced him to flee
Beijing has accused Danish politicians of harbouring criminals and meddling in China’s domestic affairs by supporting the exile-seeking former Hong Kong opposition lawmaker Ted Hui Chi-fung, a day after he revealed his plan to resettle in Britain.
Pro-establishment legislators back home said on Friday that Hui – who is on bail and faces nine criminal charges in Hong Kong – was evading the legal consequences of his past behaviour, while allies described his decision to flee as a reflection of the dwindling faith in the city’s courts.
Several politicians in Denmark revealed earlier that the 38-year-old’s trip to Copenhagen for climate change meetings was a ruse for securing court approval for him to leave Hong Kong.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday voiced strong criticism against the actions of some Danish politicians.
“We oppose having any individual in any country interfering in Hong Kong’s matters and China’s domestic affairs in any way, and harbouring criminals,” said ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying.
A Security Bureau spokesman strongly condemned absconders who “openly jumped bail”, pledging to spare no effort in pursuing them.
“Any offender who makes up excuses before the court in an attempt to abscond should be punished even harder,” he said.