In brief
Facing tense political landscapes and pervasive surveillance, 68-year-old Chan Po-ying embodies resilience as one of the few remaining pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong following the imprisonment of her peers and loved ones.
Empty line In a dramatic court ruling, the Hong Kong judiciary has dealt a serious blow to the pro-democracy movement, sentencing 45 politicians and activists, including Chan Po-ying's husband, to prison for up to a decade. As the city’s vibrant opposition voices rapidly diminish, Chan remains committed to advocating for labor rights and social welfare as the chairwoman of the League of Social Democrats. Once characterized by fierce resistance, the opposition's presence in Hong Kong has faced unprecedented threats since the anti-government protests of 2019. Chan assumed leadership of her party in 2021 amidst ongoing arrests of key members, including her spouse Leung Kwok-hung, known affectionately as Long Hair. With pressures mounting, Chan has developed a cautious survival strategy for her activism.When reflecting on how her journey into activism began, Chan shared that her involvement was inspired by historical movements in support of civil rights and women’s suffrage, shaping her worldview and commitment to justice. In conversations with PulseWire, Chan opened up about the limitations she faces, her ongoing struggle against overwhelming odds, and her unyielding fortitude in navigating a city woven into complex political turmoil, fostering hope for a freer future in Hong Kong.
