Exiled former Hong Kong lawmaker Ted Hui hailed Australia's grant of asylum status as a key acknowledgement of the territory's human rights infringements since its authorities quelled massive pro-democracy protests in 2019.

Hong Kong Island

Former Hong Kong lawmaker Ted Hui has been granted asylum by Australia after spending over four years in exile. Hui faces criminal charges in Hong Kong related to his involvement in the 2019 pro-democracy protests, for which authorities have placed a bounty on him. Hui described the asylum as both a relief and a reminder of his distant prospects of returning home. He views Australia's decision as a significant acknowledgment of human rights issues in Hong Kong and a willingness to stand up to China, while maintaining economic ties.

The move has prompted criticism from Hong Kong and Chinese authorities, who summoned the Australian and British Consuls General for a meeting and accused both countries of undermining the rule of law by harboring individuals wanted by Hong Kong. China's foreign ministry labeled Hui an "anti-China rioter" and called on other countries to refrain from interfering in Hong Kong's affairs.

Ex-Hong Kong lawmaker granted asylum by Australia

and school, where am I? Reuter sat down for an online interview with exiled former Hong Kong lawmaker Ted Hui, just days after he was granted asylum by Australia. That has brought a bundle of emotions for Hui. So it's really a big relief family-wise, but deep inside, it doesn't come without heaviness because the asylum is also like a symbol that the days I can return home is very distant away. It's been over four years since Hui left Hong Kong, which has offered a bounty for him on criminal charges over massive pro-democracy protests in 2019. Hui sees the decision by Australia as a key acknowledgement of Hong Kong's human rights infringements since its authorities quelled the protests. In his view, it also shows that Australia is willing to stand up to China. Now this grant of asylum, I think it also symbolises that Australia is willing to take a step forward in disagreeing with China, even though maintaining a stabilised relationship and economic tie with China, but it gives us more confidence that Australia and will be in line with its allies in the West in speaking up for universal values. In a post on his ex-account, Hong Kong activist Tony Chung said Sunday he had been granted asylum by Britain. Then Hong Kong authorities said in a statement on Tuesday that the Australian and British Consuls General had been summoned the day prior for a meeting. They added that quote, what Australia and the UK have done in harbouring these offenders totally runs contrary to the spirit of the rule of law and is absolutely not conducive to the relationship. China's foreign ministry on Monday called Hui an anti-China rioter and urged other countries to quote, stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs. Hong Kong's Home Affairs Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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Breakdown