HONG KONG (AP) — After spending more than five years in Hong Kong’s prison, former pro-democracy lawmaker Wu Chi-wai finally got to embrace his wife and son in London last week. But he could be sent back to the Chinese territory this week, far earlier than planned. Wu, former chairman of Hong Kong’s once-largest opposition party, was one of 47 activists charged in 2021 in the city’s biggest case under a Beijing-imposed security law that crushed a previously thriving democracy movement.
He was sentenced in 2024 to four years and five months in prison for conspiracy to commit subversion over his role in an unofficial primary election. After he was released last month, his first goal was to meet his family, now based in the U.K. He feared his criminal record would affect his entry, so he communicated with Hong Kong’s British consulate in advance.
But after he landed in London last Wednesday, border authorities thought Wu could have other goals, including seeking long-term residency, he told The Associated Press in an interview. Wu said he was eventually allowed to enter, with authorities granting him a seven-day immigration bail. That means he will be removed from the U.K.
on Wednesday, he said, cutting short family plans to spend months together. He said he fears the immigration record could affect his future travels, and hopes the Home Office can reverse its decision and extend his stay. “I am very worried about whether I have the ability or a chance to secure a re-entrance to the U.K.
to meet with my family again,” he said. The Home Office on Sunday said it does not routinely comment on individual cases but the government is steadfast in supporting Hong Kongers in the U.K. Many Hong Kongers have left the territory Under the dramatic political changes in Hong Kong after the introduction of the security law in 2020, many families and young professionals have emigrated to other countries, including Britain.
Beijing and Hong Kong authorities insist the security law was necessary for the city’s stability. government data shows over 230,000 Hong Kong residents have secured a special visa that allows them to live and work in the U.K. and apply for permanent residence after five years.
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