Prominent pro-democracy activist Tony Chung, 22, has fled Hong Kong and sought asylum in the UK, breaching a supervision order. Chung revealed that he had been living under constant scrutiny and immense stress in Hong Kong, with the police pressuring him to become a paid informant by providing information on fellow activists.

Chung had previously been convicted of calling for Hong Kong's secession under the city's strict national security law. After completing his sentence in June, he found himself in what he described as an "even bigger and more dangerous prison" due to the surveillance and pressure from authorities. As part of a one-year supervision order, he had to obtain permission to travel overseas. He managed to travel to Japan in December but decided not to return to Hong Kong, instead seeking asylum in the UK.

Hong Kong police have been approached for comment regarding Chung's claims and situation. Chung is among several pro-democracy protesters who have fled Hong Kong in recent years following the implementation of the national security law, which has been widely used to target activists and curb dissent.

In late 2021, Chung received a prison sentence of three years and seven months for advocating Hong Kong's independence. The fringe group he led, Studentlocalism, had dissolved prior to the enactment of the security law. Additionally, Chung was found guilty of insulting the national flag in a separate case in December 2020, during which he was arrested near the US consulate, with supporters suggesting he had been on his way to seek political asylum.

Chung alleged that following his release from prison, the national security police had demanded frequent meetings with him, questioning him about every aspect of his activities. He claimed he was coerced into becoming an informant, providing information on other pro-democracy activists, despite his attempts to share only irrelevant details. The police resorted to intimidation tactics when he didn't provide satisfactory answers.

As the pressure mounted, Chung stated that the police offered him monetary compensation ranging from HKD$500 ($64; £49) to HKD$3,000 after their meetings. While he felt guilty accepting the money, he believed refusing it would raise suspicions of being uncooperative. Chung expressed feeling a lack of control over his life as the police possessed personal information such as his bank details, student ID, and school schedule.

Finally, after enduring mental and physical strain, Chung made the decision to leave Hong Kong and seek asylum in the UK. Now in the UK, Chung hopes to resume his studies and focus on regaining his health. Despite leaving Hong Kong, he remains committed to supporting the pro-democracy movement and contributing to the cause.

In a similar turn of events, another high-profile pro-democracy activist, Agnes Chow, recently announced on social media that she had jumped bail and would not be returning to Hong Kong after completing her studies in Canada.