Student shot by police in Tsuen Wan said he will go on the run

A secondary five student who became the first protester shot with a live round by police during a protest in Tsuen Wan last October 1 said he will go on the run, after skipping his scheduled court hearing today.

Tsang Chi-kin, 19, was charged with rioting and two counts of attacking police officers. He previously revealed he was prepared to go to jail with his lawyer said that a guilty plea might be possible.

Ahead of his scheduled District Court hearing today, Tsang contacted Apple Daily, saying that he would rather live as a fugitive instead of surrendering himself to authorities. He did not disclose his present location or future plans.

Tsang also revealed that he was among the group of protesters that tried to seek refuge at the U.S. Consulate on Oct. 27 this year, the day when student activist Tony Chung Hon-lam was arrested by national security police.

He said later on that day, he and another three individuals entered the consulate to seek refuge. They had originally planned to seek political asylum and assistance in leaving Hong Kong, having communicated with the consulate multiple times prior to the visit, but consular staff refused to help on the day they arrived.

Tsang described the failed attempt as a “betrayal” by the US.

He told the newspaper that he decided to flee after considering that he might be kept in custody indefinitely, especially after their attempt, which could result in further charges against him, leading to a penalty of life in prison.

Tsang said he and the other members of the group are safe for now and has cut off communications with friends and family. He also added that he was prepared to live as a fugitive as long as he enjoyed “spiritual freedom”.