The former lawmaker's dedication to civil rights and advocacy for the marginalized shaped Hong Kong’s political landscape amidst rising tensions.
Shiu Ka-chun, Honorable Advocate for Prisoners in Hong Kong, Passes Away at 55
Shiu Ka-chun, Honorable Advocate for Prisoners in Hong Kong, Passes Away at 55
Shiu Ka-chun's commitment to imprisoned activists and social justice leaves a lasting legacy in Hong Kong.
Shiu Ka-chun, the renowned former social worker and pro-democracy legislator in Hong Kong, passed away on Friday at the age of 55. His wife, Kelly Hui, revealed that his death, which occurred in a hospital, was a result of stomach cancer.
A champion for the marginalized, Mr. Shiu dedicated his life to advocating for social justice, particularly in the wake of Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests. Born on June 3, 1969, to a working-class family, he pursued a degree in social work at Hong Kong Baptist University. After graduating, Shiu began his career as a social worker, helping young people navigate their challenges. In 2007, he transitioned into academia, teaching social work and gaining recognition for his engaging lectures on social issues.
Mr. Shiu's advocacy gained momentum during the 2014 Occupy Central protests, where he championed the cause for democratic elections in Hong Kong. His efforts extended to organizing discussions with vulnerable groups, including those with disabilities or living in poverty, to ensure their voices were heard in the dialogue about democracy.
Elected as a lawmaker in 2016, Shiu focused on pressing welfare issues, including poverty and the conditions faced by marginalized communities. However, his activism led to legal troubles; in 2019, he was convicted of public nuisance charges related to the Occupy Central movement and subsequently served eight months in prison.
After his release, Shiu became a vital supporter of activists who faced incarceration due to the national security crackdown that began in late 2019. His legacy as an advocate for justice and the rights of prisoners will be remembered by many in Hong Kong and beyond.
A champion for the marginalized, Mr. Shiu dedicated his life to advocating for social justice, particularly in the wake of Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests. Born on June 3, 1969, to a working-class family, he pursued a degree in social work at Hong Kong Baptist University. After graduating, Shiu began his career as a social worker, helping young people navigate their challenges. In 2007, he transitioned into academia, teaching social work and gaining recognition for his engaging lectures on social issues.
Mr. Shiu's advocacy gained momentum during the 2014 Occupy Central protests, where he championed the cause for democratic elections in Hong Kong. His efforts extended to organizing discussions with vulnerable groups, including those with disabilities or living in poverty, to ensure their voices were heard in the dialogue about democracy.
Elected as a lawmaker in 2016, Shiu focused on pressing welfare issues, including poverty and the conditions faced by marginalized communities. However, his activism led to legal troubles; in 2019, he was convicted of public nuisance charges related to the Occupy Central movement and subsequently served eight months in prison.
After his release, Shiu became a vital supporter of activists who faced incarceration due to the national security crackdown that began in late 2019. His legacy as an advocate for justice and the rights of prisoners will be remembered by many in Hong Kong and beyond.
