鄒幸彤 – 獄中信 ｜讓文字被看見｜Letters from the Imprisoned: Chow Hang Tung

Summary

The script details the plight of Chaang Tong, a Hong Kong barrister and activist, who has been detained under the National Security Law since September 2021. Despite her prolonged pre-trial detention and harsh conditions, including solitary confinement, she has won multiple international human rights awards and continues to write and express her views on the importance of rule of law and the challenges to democracy and freedom of speech in China. Her speeches from prison underscore the struggle for human rights and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression.

Takeaways

• 📅 Since September 2021, Chaang Tong, Vice Chairperson of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, has been held at Tai Lam Center for Women.
• 🔒 Prolonged pre-trial detention is now common under the National Security Law.
• 🏆 Chaang Tong received at least five international human rights awards while in custody.
• 👮 She was arrested on June 4, 2021, and faced four charges related to unauthorized assemblies and national security law violations.
• 📝 Even in prison, she continued to write articles and letters, sharing her experiences and perspectives.
• 💪 Chaang Tong emphasizes the power of words as a form of resistance and maintains her determination to fight for justice.
• 🖋️ Despite the challenges, she finds joy in simple things and continues to support her fellow inmates.
• 👥 Chaang Tong received international recognition for her human rights work, including the Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law.
• 📃 She argues against the misuse of laws for political repression and highlights the importance of individual conscience and democratic institutions.
• 🎤 Chaang Tong's speeches and writings from prison stress the need for true freedom of speech, voting rights, and human dignity.

Q & A

Who is Chia Hang Tong?

Chia Hang Tong is the Vice Chairperson of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China and a barrister.

What charges has Chia Hang Tong faced under the National Security Law?

Chia Hang Tong has faced charges for taking part in and inciting others to take part in unauthorized assemblies in 2020 and 2021, refusal to provide information under the National Security Law, and incitement to subvert state power.

What has been Chia Hang Tong's experience in prison?

Chia Hang Tong has faced prolonged pre-trial detention, has been held in solitary confinement multiple times, and has had to write court statements and letters by hand due to lack of access to a computer. Despite these conditions, she has continued to write and share her thoughts.

How has Chia Hang Tong continued her advocacy while in prison?

Chia Hang Tong has continued her advocacy by writing letters and articles, voicing her opinions, and sharing her experiences despite the harsh prison conditions.

What are some of the international human rights awards Chia Hang Tong has received?

Chia Hang Tong has received at least five international human rights awards, including the Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law.

What challenges has Chia Hang Tong faced in writing while in prison?

Chia Hang Tong has faced challenges such as limited space, lack of a proper writing desk, and the interception of her letters. She often writes on the floor, using a plastic table and leaning against the bunk bed.

What personal joys does Chia Hang Tong find while in prison?

Chia Hang Tong finds joy in simple things such as seeing a beautiful tree, enjoying warm sunlight, observing a cat, and participating in weight loss exercises with her cellmates.

What penalties has Chia Hang Tong faced for violating prison regulations?

Chia Hang Tong has faced penalties such as solitary confinement for sharing food or possessions with fellow inmates, hoarding letters, and other minor infractions.

What was Chia Hang Tong's perspective on the term 'National Security' in her speech?

Chia Hang Tong argued that the term 'National Security' has been expanded and used to justify indefinite pre-trial detention and suppression of dissent. She emphasized that peaceful protests and freedom of speech have been increasingly restricted.

What does Chia Hang Tong's case illustrate about the current state of human rights in Hong Kong and China?

Chia Hang Tong's case illustrates the severe restrictions on human rights and freedom of expression in Hong Kong and China, where laws are used to suppress dissent and punish activists under the guise of national security.