For Hongkongers 2019 was a memorable year as they fought for freedom and democracy. They rallied against the Hong Kong government and the anti-extradition bill. Millions of people took to the streets and attended rallies, and protests to stand for their beliefs. The former chief executive Carrie Lam was deafened but she ignored her people’s needs. Lam’s ignorance to the public’s demands, not only caused the yearlong protests, but also scarred and separated many families. Protesters and activists have been jailed, some had to flee the city.
One of the most horrific events was the Prince Edward MTR Station Attack by Hong Kong Police on Aug. 31, 2019, known locally as 831.
Dozens of riot police charged inside the Prince Edward MTR Station around 11:00 p.m. that night. The fully geared riot police told everyone to leave the station by the exit before putting the station on lockdown. They continued running to the train platform and assaulted unarmed civilians and journalists.
As all the exits were completely blocked, no one could escape from the indiscriminate beating, brutality, and hostility. Screams and cries could be heard throughout the station. On one end of the platform, police sardined over 60 people onto a narrow escalator. The cornered citizens were on their way home but were violently subdued and arrested. In the middle of the platform, citizens were trying to protect the young and the weak with their bare hands.
Riot police attacked citizens uncontrollably and indiscriminately with batons, tear gas, and rubber bullets.
Many were injured. But no first aid responders or medics were allowed in.
A few citizens were cornered in one of the train compartments. They sat on the floor, defenseless, as riot police hosed them with pepper spray. A man was seen kneeling on the floor, protecting two women while crying in pain and pleading with the police to stop.
The Hong Kong riot police carried on.
No one knows exactly what happened that night inside the station, except the citizens who were trapped inside. Some passengers were said to be missing or killed that night.
Aftermath
After the attack, passengers have been prosecuted for rioting, and assaulting police. Some were sent to jail, especially after the implementation of the national security law. Meanwhile, police officers who dehumanized Hongkongers during the protests were promoted.To this day, the 831 Prince Edward Attack is still a mystery to Hongkongers. On all the months with 31 days, people show up at Prince Edward MTR Station with their offerings and flowers. They hope the dead, if there were any, will be at peace.
The Departure
Jim Wong Mau-chun is one of the 831 survivors.Having to carry eight counts of charges including rioting on his shoulders, Jim decided to leave Hong Kong and take refuge in the UK.
Jim began his long journey as an exile in the UK.
This year, 2022 marks the third anniversary of the 831 Incident, The Epoch Times invited Jim to share his journey over the past three years. Benedict Rogers, a co-founder of Hong Kong Watch, also gave his views on the 3rd 831 commemoration event, its importance and why people should keep fighting for Hong Kong.
Life as Exile
When asked how life has been for him in the past three years, Jim calmly said, “his life has been OK.”Jim said his physical and mental health is still on the mend since Aug. 31, 2019. “Right after the night in 2019, my life changed completely. That night turned my life upside down. I was prosecuted with eight charges and was most likely going to jail. I didn’t do anything wrong. That’s why I left Hong Kong and became an exile.”
Jim left Hong Kong and sought asylum in the United Kingdom and his former family knew little about it. “My environment became foreign.”
Similar to other Hong Kong democracy activists such as Nathan Law, Jim had to cut ties with his family and loved ones publicly to ensure their safety. This has been commonly seen since the National Security Law came into effect.
Being Under Surveillance
When Jim first left Hong Kong in July 2020. That was the time when more and more people complained about being under surveillance by Hong Kong or the national security police. Ted Hui and Tam Ho-man, both former Legislative counselors, also were targeted. “There were often people waiting downstairs where I used to live. My family members were harassed and threatened by those suspicious people.” While Jim could not say exactly where those people were from, he knew they looked intimidating men, who could be police or triad members. They showed up at his previous address and started asking for him and his whereabouts.CCP’s Tactic
Rogers also had a similar experience with the CCP people. It has been for as long as he advocates for Hong Kong freedom. The regime doesn’t appreciate his criticism of the national security law (NSL). “Hong Kong Watch and have personally been threatened by the NSL. I can understand how much more serious it is for Hongkongers.”Jim made the decision of leaving his family behind for their safety. However, that does not mean he forgets about the people and the city he used to know.
Jim exhaled, “As a whole, many Hongkongers are still locked up, waiting to be prosecuted. I sometimes wonder if they can ever get away as I did.
“What I worry about the most is the safety of my friends and anything that relates to me.”
Asked if he was concerned for the people who were helping him when Jim first arrived in the UK, he nodded, “Of course I was. I would also often think about if someone found me and wanted to do harm to me. ”
Mental Fragility
Many Hong Kong exiles or protesters had experienced being watched or surveilled. Exiles like Jim suffer from underlying, often invisible distress, that can be detrimental.Being under high pressure every waking moment, Jim was sensitive to his surroundings. He would look behind and around to make sure no one followed him. The inevitable paranoia and insecurity caused emotional issues.
Infiltration
CCP’s Infiltration is getting more serious around the world. In the UK pro-CCP people interfere with Hongkongers’ events or attack Hongkongers. Jim also said the CCP spends a lot of money on fake news and online information war.Managing Trauma
For survivors like Jim, 831 is a trauma that you can’t forget. The flashbacks and fragments of memories would replay from time to time.That’s why, for a long period, Jim was struggling to live in the present moment.
But later he found a way to tackle the roadblocks and allow himself to live a little less stressfully. He realized he was in a completely new, unknown environment. “I started volunteering. I tried to make friends. I forced myself to be in social circles or meetings. Those activities help bring me back to the present moment and allow me to feel more grounded.”
Having battled the physical, emotional, and traumatic wounds, Jim found ways to bring a sense of joy and be kinder to himself after two tough years. His strategy of self-help worked favorably.
The Next Move
The next hurdle was to learn to reposition himself and continue as a protester or freedom fighter. He felt that was his responsibility or the right thing to do.The Hong Kong Watch CEO sympathized, “The biggest challenge of exiles here is the trauma of leaving Hong Kong; a place they were born and grew up. 2019 was trauma to Hongkongers.”
Rogers explained that it could be daunting for Hongkongers to start a life, and build a new life and home again. He said it would be difficult with an unfamiliar language in a country they probably have never been to before.
Rogers also believed it would be very important for exiles to figure out their role in continuing the movement overseas.
Since Jim landed in the UK, he has been a strong advocate for the 831 Prince Edward Attack. He spends a lot of time telling the public about Hong Kong Police’s brutality,
Jim stated, “I wanted a space to tell people what happened on the night of Aug. 31, 2019, inside the Prince Edward MTR station as a survivor. That is my full intention.”
A New Identity
In 2021, Jim and his good friend Winston Marshall founded Hong Kong Link Up. HKLP is a community group to help welcome Hong Kong newcomers to acclimatize in the UK. “When I first arrived, I had no one. Sometimes I wish I had a friend and to be less lonely.” He wants HKLP to be the place Hongkongers can find comfort in a foreign country. After a few tough turns, Jim has become one of the most proactive UK Hongkongers who continues to advocate for Hongkongers and their freedom.
When asked what his plan will be, Jim is thankful, “Compared to three years ago, even though the anxiety is still there, I am in a good place now. I have learned to look at things from different perspectives. I used to think a lot about what happened. But now I will try my best to look forward to the future. ”
Jim now organizes a yearly event to commemorate the 831 Prince Edward Attack in the UK. He gathers groups of Hongkongers to bring Hong Kong history to the British people.” Meanwhile, Rogers said in general, British people understand what has happened to Hong Kong. They might not know the details but they know Hong Kong needs help.”
The Future
Jim was excited that he could be the one to continue the mission with many supporters. On Aug. 31, Hong Kong Link Up and Hong Kong Watch will be holding an 831 commemoration event in the UK. They hope to continue with their message to Hongkongers in and outside of Hong Kong.Jim is no longer an exile. He is now a recovering survivor who advocates for Hong Kong.
Jim said his journey in the UK has been a learning curve. He believes that he has become more patient and mature. He also looks forward with hope, “No one knows what the future holds. I can only be the best version of myself every day.” Jim hopes the world sees Hongkongers as people full of potential and talent. He wants the world to know Hongkongers are not in their home to just take. They also want to give back and bring the communities closer.”
When asked what he hopes to achieve for Hong Kong, Rogers said, “We should not give up on seeking justice, accountability to end impunity. We should continue to fight for Hong Kong. Hong Kong Watch and I will be doing just that.”
