Family of Hong Kong activist Edward Leung warns supporters to make safety ‘first priority’, avoid gathering to celebrate prison release
- Edward Leung’s relatives tell supporters not to attend his release from Shek Pik Prison, saying they want him to ‘rejoin his family’
- Former chief executive Leung Chun-ying criticises released activists for failing to retract past political views
Family members of jailed Hong Kong independence activist Edward Leung Tin-kei have urged his supporters to keep a low profile, a day before his release from a maximum-security prison.
Posting on the activist’s Facebook page on Tuesday, the family called on Leung’s backers to give him space and put their own safety first.
“Second, please allow Edward to rejoin his family,” they said, with their third request telling Leung’s supporters to “make their safety their first priority”.
As soon as the 30-year-old was released, volunteers would take down his Facebook page under legal advice, the statement said.
The activist was jailed for his role in the Mong Kok riot in 2016, which was triggered when street hawkers and municipal staff scuffled on the first day of the Lunar New Year holiday, escalating into clashes between police and a violent mob.
Leung, who is expected to be released at about 9am on Wednesday, was sentenced to six years in jail for rioting and assaulting a police officer.
Months earlier, Leung had entered the race for the legislature as a member of the pro-independence movement, popularising a slogan that was later adopted by anti-government protesters in 2019.
The slogan, “Liberate Hong Kong; revolution of our times”, has been found by judges to be a potential indicator of secessionist ideas.
Last year, following the imposition of the national security law in 2020, 47 opposition figures were arrested over links to an unofficial Legislative Council primary. The security law prohibits acts of secession, subversion of state power, terrorism and foreign interference.
Former chief executive Leung Chun-ying slammed activists such as Edward Leung on Facebook on Tuesday, accusing them of failing to retract their previous political stances.
“Even after they are released from jail, they may not necessarily abide by the law,” he said.
Jailed Hong Kong activist Edward Leung ‘likely to be watched’ after early release
Last October, pro-establishment lawmakers at a Legco meeting questioned how authorities would deal with influential figures such as the activist after they were released from prison.
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung had replied that authorities would seek to prevent anyone from reoffending through the city’s punishment and rehabilitation measures.
“We will take resolute action if someone has committed a crime, especially a national security offence such as inciting others or subverting the state, regardless of whether the person is or is not an ex-convict,” he added.
A government source earlier told the Post that given Leung’s record as a prominent activist, it “made sense” that law enforcement agencies, including those responsible for national security, would be watching him.
