In recent years, Hong Kong has become a place full of fear, as proclaimed by pro-democracy activist Agnes Chow. After jumping bail and seeking refuge in Toronto, Chow opened up about the toll that being under intense scrutiny by Chinese authorities has taken on her mental health. She revealed that she has experienced frequent panic attacks and has struggled with routine activities such as finding employment and opening a bank account.
Agnes Chow, along with fellow activists Nathan Law and Joshua Wong, ran the Hong Kong pro-democracy group Demosisto and played leading roles in major anti-government protests in 2012, 2014, and 2019. However, in 2020, she was jailed for participating in a protest outside the Hong Kong police headquarters. Despite her release in 2021, Chow continued to face the constant threat of being pursued by the Hong Kong authorities for her activism.
In mid-September, Chow fled to Toronto to pursue a master’s degree, with the condition that she would report to the police in Hong Kong during school breaks. However, fearing arrest and the possibility of being sent to China, she made the decision in November to jump bail and remain in Canada. While fearing potential repercussions for her family, Chow emphasized that she made this decision independently.
Chow shed light on her experience during a police-escorted trip to mainland China in August. She was shown an exhibition showcasing China’s achievements since the late 1970s, as well as the headquarters of the technology firm Tencent, where she was asked to pose for photos. In addition, she was compelled to write “letters of repentance” for her previous political activities. Chow’s decision to make the online announcements regarding her bail-jumping was fueled by her desire to expose the abuse of power by the Hong Kong police and the erosion of the rule of law.
Hong Kong’s controversial national security law, which grants Chinese authorities broad control over political and civic activities, has been extensively used to target activists like Agnes Chow. The implications of this law have significantly impacted the pro-democracy movement, leading Chow to express her despair over the current state of democracy in Hong Kong.
When questioned about what she misses most about her homeland, Chow spoke of the unity among Hong Kong people in the fight for justice and the overwhelming presence of fear that now engulfs the city. The authorities’ control over every aspect of her daily life continues to sadden her, making her hesitant to return.
While Chow remains concerned about the potential presence of “secret police” in Toronto, her focus is primarily on completing her studies and prioritizing her mental well-being. She yearns not only to live safely but also freely. It is crucial to amplify the voice of activists like Agnes Chow, shedding light on the sacrifices they make and their relentless pursuit of freedom and democracy despite facing immense adversity.
