Ex-lawmaker declares exile on Denmark visit

Former opposition lawmaker Ted Hui Chi-fung has declared his self-imposed exile on a visit to Denmark, after which he is heading to Britain.

"I have finished my three-day visit in Denmark and I officially announce that I am in exile and will quit the Democratic Party," he wrote on Facebook, ending days of speculation on whether he is on the run.

"Since the national security law came into effect [in June] and leaving the Legislative Council, I have been asking myself: what can I still do for Hong Kong?" Hui wrote.

"I've struggled and hoped to continue street protests. I also tried to remain in the struggling [Legco], using my position to deal with the oppressive government.

"But as most of the resistance is no longer possible, I, as a Hongkonger, want to continue voicing out for Hong Kong and let the world hear our roars."

Hui, who is embroiled in nine charges from three court cases, said he is not emigrating, stating his home is Hong Kong forever and that he has not sought asylum in other countries.

He added that his current priority is having his family settled down - his parents, wife and two children have flown out of Hong Kong on Wednesday night.

Hui wants to work with other exiles such as Nathan Law Kwun-chung, with the mission of "widening Hong Kong's international battlefront" - which means persuading overseas governments to pressure Beijing and Hong Kong.

Hui arrived in Denmark earlier this week on an invitation by lawmaker Katarina Ammitzboll, to discuss the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including education and climate change. But it has emerged that he was in the country to talk about human rights issues in Hong Kong as well.

During a live interview with Danish media BT Nehyder yesterday, Hui said he was "risking his life" to talk about human rights but wanted to persuade European countries to follow Britain in providing safe haven to Hongkongers. Hui added: "I understand if I go back to Hong Kong, there can be very, very serious consequences. I expect arrest at the airport immediately."

Hui had told fellow pan-democrats he would return to Hong Kong today. But media reported that his family has already left, fueling speculation that he would not return.

In response, Hui wrote on Facebook: "I have always believed that politicians' family lives need not be public, so I will not disclose any information regarding my family members. There is no need for public speculation."

Lawmaker Priscilla Leung Mei-fun said Hui might be violating the national security law if he was making a "deal" with overseas politicians.

Among Hui's cases is one in which he faces three charges in connection to a July 6 protest, where magistrate Peter Law Tak-chuen granted him permission to travel to Denmark.

Meanwhile, Sixtus Leung Chung-hang, the convener of Youngspiration, allegedly fled to the United States prior to the bankruptcy proceedings. He was sued to recover arrears of HK$930,000 after the High Court stripped him of his Legco seat in 2016.

carine.chow@singtaonewscorp.com