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Hong Kong has recently witnessed a significant clampdown on dissent, particularly following the sentencing of 45 pro-democracy politicians and activists to prison terms that can extend up to ten years. This move effectively dismantled a previously formidable opposition, illustrating the severe repercussions of speaking out. However, one activist remains undaunted amidst the turmoil: Chan Po-ying, the 68-year-old leader of the League of Social Democrats, a party dedicated to labor rights and social welfare.
Ms. Chan's activism is rooted in her upbringing during the influential periods of the Vietnam War protests, the civil rights movement, and women's suffrage. Her life has consistently been marked by activism, evolving from a time of vibrant political discourse to one dominated by intense surveillance and suppression. After her husband, former lawmaker Leung Kwok-hung—widely recognized as "Long Hair"—faced arrest and subsequent sentencing, she assumed leadership of the party in 2021, driven by a commitment to continue the fight for democratic values.
In an exclusive interview, she opened up about the challenges faced by political activists in Hong Kong's current climate and how she endeavors to navigate these difficulties. Despite the looming threat of repression, Chan finds strength in small acts of solidarity, which provide her with solace amid the overwhelming oppression that has engulfed the opposition landscape.
As the situation continues to unfold, Chan Po-ying stands as a beacon of resilience, embodying the spirit of protest that persists against the backdrop of Hong Kong's ever-tightening political restrictions.
Hong Kong has recently witnessed a significant clampdown on dissent, particularly following the sentencing of 45 pro-democracy politicians and activists to prison terms that can extend up to ten years. This move effectively dismantled a previously formidable opposition, illustrating the severe repercussions of speaking out. However, one activist remains undaunted amidst the turmoil: Chan Po-ying, the 68-year-old leader of the League of Social Democrats, a party dedicated to labor rights and social welfare.
Ms. Chan's activism is rooted in her upbringing during the influential periods of the Vietnam War protests, the civil rights movement, and women's suffrage. Her life has consistently been marked by activism, evolving from a time of vibrant political discourse to one dominated by intense surveillance and suppression. After her husband, former lawmaker Leung Kwok-hung—widely recognized as "Long Hair"—faced arrest and subsequent sentencing, she assumed leadership of the party in 2021, driven by a commitment to continue the fight for democratic values.
In an exclusive interview, she opened up about the challenges faced by political activists in Hong Kong's current climate and how she endeavors to navigate these difficulties. Despite the looming threat of repression, Chan finds strength in small acts of solidarity, which provide her with solace amid the overwhelming oppression that has engulfed the opposition landscape.
As the situation continues to unfold, Chan Po-ying stands as a beacon of resilience, embodying the spirit of protest that persists against the backdrop of Hong Kong's ever-tightening political restrictions.
