Transnational Repression Escalates |Chung Kim Wah’s Wife Taken Away & Son Detained by HK Police

WRIC                                            01-15-2025

 

 

On Monday, Hong Kong’s National Security Division of the Police took away Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute Chairman and CEO Robert Chung, along with two staff members of the Institute, for questioning. As of the time of writing, they had been detained for more than 30 hours, and it was reported that they were released in the evening and early morning hours. On Tuesday (14th), the National Security Division took further action and “invited” Dr. Chung Kim Wah’s wife, Wu Liping, and his son, Zhong Zixi, to the police station for questioning. Zhong Zixi left the Mong Kok Police Station around 12:30 PM, while his wife left the Tin Shui Wai Police Station around 1:00 PM. Neither of them responded to questions from local reporters.

 

In response to inquiries from Chasing News in the UK, Chung Kim Wah stated that he would not respond at this time.

 

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee, Secretary for Security Chris Tang, and the National Security Division, in a press release issued at 11:37 PM on Monday, avoided mentioning the surprise investigation involving the public opinion research institute or Chung Kim Wah. They only stated that the investigation concerns suspicions that an individual may have used their organization to assist a fugitive who has fled abroad and is suspected of continuing to engage in activities that endanger national security. They also invited one of the board members and two staff members from the affected organization to the police station to assist with the investigation, and noted that “no one has been arrested at this stage.”

 

At a press conference before the Executive Council meeting on Tuesday (14th), Chief Executive John Lee was asked about balancing the need to abide by the law and cooperate with overseas organizations. He responded: “Regarding actions that endanger national security, I have said many times that we must strictly enforce the law, and we will pursue all individuals involved in crimes that harm the nation. If any individual or organization has any connection with or provides support or assistance to individuals who endanger national security, we will conduct a thorough investigation and pursue the matter to the end.”

 

According to the National Security Law, the Hong Kong police can apply to the court to extend the detention of those arrested for national security-related crimes from 48 hours to 7 days. If necessary, they can apply for another extension of 7 days, meaning that the relevant individuals may not be released on bail until 16 days after being taken away, or they could face formal charges and court proceedings. During the first two days of detention, arrestees may be prohibited from meeting with any lawyers.

 

Dr. Chung Kim Wah.(Photo courtesy of the internet)