Before the Verdict in the Primary Election Case Young Activist Says: No Regrets

(L) Democracy activist Owen Chow spoke to The Epoch Times, sharing insights on Hong Kong's democracy movement, in Hong Kong, in July 2020. (Kaya Yong/The Epoch Times) (R) Lee Yue-shun spoke to the media outside the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts, after the trial of 47 pro-democracy activists, in Hong Kong, on May 30, 2024. Kiri Choi/The Epoch Times

The “Primary election case” in Hong Kong was decided on May 30. Two of the defendants, Owen Chow Ka-shing and Lee Yue-shun, posted on their respective social networking sites before the judgment day to express their feelings about the case. Mr. Chow expressed his gratitude to the people who had offered support and companionship in the past and described today as “witnessing a historic moment.” He felt no regrets about his decision, while Mr. Lee described facing the ruling as synonymous with attending a graduation ceremony, believing that he also matured during this incident.

Mr. Chow said in an Instagram post: “After more than three years of going through arrest, remand, and defense, we have finally come to one milestone today. Thank you, everyone, for your continued support and companionship. Let us witness this historic moment together. From the day I decided not to plead guilty to going through the defense to facing the verdict today, I have neither been expectant nor in despair. The future is difficult to predict, and life is full of uncontrollable factors. The only thing that guides me is faith and principles that let me make the most decent and regretless decision at every moment, and I accomplished it.” He also prayed that other co-defendants in detention could adapt to life in prison as soon as possible, master their thoughts and rhythms, and overcome with courage and peace of mind.

Lee Yue-shun: Past 3 Years Experienced Restriction of  Freedom, Direct Impacts on Personal Development and Livelihood

Lee Yue-shun also expressed his feelings in a Facebook post on May 29. “From Jan. 6, 2021, to the present, totaling three years and four months, 1,285 days, I have been stuck in a myth about legitimacy. In that thinking process, I reflected one by one on my common sense of life as a person who has lived in Hong Kong for 30 years: understanding the checks and balances among the three powers and the basic rights guaranteed by the constitution; my pursuit as a professional social worker: advocating social changes and caring for the welfare of the disadvantaged. The values ​​​​embraced by a street dance artist: promoting community unity, friendship, and peace. These are all important guidelines for my behavior since I became aware of the things around me, and they have also led me, step by step, to become a more mature and complete person. It even brought me back to the electoral stage, where I had participated in my earlier years.”