HONG KONG (AP) – Following a five-month stint in prison for posting seditious content on Instagram, Joker Chan faced a challenging re-entry into society. The 30-year-old was convicted for sharing slogans like “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times,” commonly heard during the city’s 2019 anti-government protests. These slogans were deemed by authorities as potentially advocating for Hong Kong’s separation from China, a stance frowned upon by Beijing. Chan’s criminal record prevented him from returning to his former chef job in the hotel industry. His visible protest-related tattoos made his job hunt even more arduous, landing him a part-time waiter role earning significantly less.
Some of Chan’s friends distanced themselves from him out of fear of potential police scrutiny. His family also expressed disappointment, and even fellow ex-protesters questioned his intentions when he socialized with them. Reflecting on his involvement in the pro-democracy movement, Chan, clad in a shirt declaring “I am Hongkonger” and sporting a tattoo of his inmate number, expressed confusion and helplessness.
The aftermath of the protests has left many young individuals who were arrested or imprisoned during Beijing’s crackdown on the pro-democracy movement in a state of uncertainty. Despite sharing similar democratic aspirations as renowned activists, these former protesters often find themselves overlooked by society. Since the onset of the demonstrations five years ago, over 10,200 individuals have been arrested in connection to the unrest triggered by a now-repealed extradition bill, with around one-fifth facing or having faced legal repercussions as of May.
The government’s punitive actions intensified following the imposition of a national security law in 2020, with approximately 300 individuals apprehended under this law and related offenses by June, half of whom have been convicted. Chan, who strived for a more democratic Hong Kong, expressed vague regret about his past actions, acknowledging the need for caution in hindsight but standing by his decisions.
Despite the challenges faced by former protesters like Chan, there are concerns for those who were never incarcerated but lived in constant fear following their arrests. Instances of societal discrimination against ex-convicts have been reported, with some struggling to secure employment due to their criminal records. Brandon Yau of the prisoners’ support group Waiting Bird emphasized the need for better integration programs for released individuals, anticipating the release of hundreds of convicts in the coming years.
Data reveals a rise in the number of individuals imprisoned for protest-related offenses or alleged national security breaches between 2020 and 2023. While Hong Kong’s security minister Chris Tang emphasized the importance of supporting these youth in their rehabilitation journey, critics argue that the root causes that fueled the protests remain unaddressed. Professor Paul Yip of The University of Hong Kong highlighted the evolving attitudes of local employers towards former inmates, recognizing their potential and dedication in the workplace.
Yip stressed the significance of offering support to these individuals to ensure their successful reintegration into society, underlining the pivotal role of young people in shaping Hong Kong’s future. As the city grapples with the aftermath of the protests, efforts to support and empower these individuals are crucial for fostering a more inclusive and resilient community.
