Family, friends and his cats: this is what prominent Hong Kong activist Nathan Law said he will miss while in exile.
“Leaving Hong Kong was definitely a tough choice. I need to leave behind my family, my connections, and the two cats I’ve been spending time with,” he told SBS Dateline.
The 26-year-old made the decision to leave his home city after the Hong Kong legislative council enacted a national security law imposed by China.
“There is a need for me to bear the responsibility of telling the story of Hong Kong and their demands to the world,” he said.
“I miss my friends and family, I know I could possibly be missing them for a very long time.
“I miss Hong Kong.”
Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, has on Hong Kong from Beijing as the 'most important' development for Hong Kong since the city was handed back to China.
Riot police officers arrest a protester in Hong Kong. Source: Getty
"The national security law is a turning point for Hong Kong from chaos to being governed well," she said.
The law effectively prohibits "treason, secession, sedition (and) subversion" against the Chinese government. China will have jurisdiction over "serious" cases and its security agencies will also be able to operate publicly in Hong Kong for the first time, unbound by local laws.
Critics, including pro-democracy activists like Nathan Law, say the law compromises the independence of Hong Kong and the freedom of its citizens. At least a dozen protesters have been arrested under the new law.
Nathan Law said his move was to ensure he could advocate for Hong Kong’s independence on the global stage. He added that he is still uncertain about his safety.
“For now, I am a bit concerned for my personal safety. I will continue to assess the situation, and whether I am still exposed to danger.”
For now, it is not safe for him to reveal his location, says Nathan Law.
“We all know that the reach of China could be very expansive. For me it is more safe to reveal my location and personal information once I think the situation is less uncertain,” he said.
Nathan Law said leaving Hong Kong is the best for the pro-democracy movement.
Riot police officers arrest a protester. Source: AAP
“This is more than me, myself, this is for the movement so we can continue progressive advocacy work,” he said.
“This is not the end of something but the start of new advocacy work.
“I don’t have any concrete plans, I must be fluid.”
