Former lawmaker attends father’s funeral on bail
Wu Chi-wai faces three trials including one under the national security law
former leader of Hong Kong’s biggest opposition party in detention over a national security charge and other offences attended his father’s funeral yesterday morning amid tight security, after he was granted bail on compassionate grounds.
Wu Chi-wai, a former lawmaker from the Democratic Party, showed up at Diamond Hill Funeral Parlour at around 8.30am under heavy media scrutiny, following a no-show on Friday night.
He has been in custody facing three separate criminal trials, one of which is related to the Beijingimposed national security law.
Wu, neatly dressed in a white shirt but appearing thinner than usual, alighted from a police van and walked into the parlour with no handcuffs, to cheers from a handful of supporters.
Earlier in the morning, police presence increased around the building, with about 40 officers stationed around a cordoned off car parking area by 7.30am, marking a stark contrast in security from the night before.
Wu left the funeral parlour at around 9.10am escorted by police, as supporters bade him farewell. He did not go to the crematorium and instead returned to Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre.
His wife later took to his Facebook page to thank the funeral parlour’s staff, as well as Wu’s lawyers, party colleagues and friends, for their help and support.
“Chi-wai observed filial piety as he went to the funeral hall to bid a final farewell to his father. He also spent time with his elderly mother during the brief stay. He is very thankful for the support and encouragement from Hongkongers,” she wrote in the post.
Wu, 58, had earlier requested permission for a leave of absence to pay tribute in person to his 92year-old father, who died last month. But prison authorities rejected his application on security grounds and offered to livestream the ceremony for him instead.
The move prompted Wu to apply for temporary release from custody. The prosecution agreed on Friday to a special arrangement allowing Wu to join his family in attending a private service on humanitarian grounds.
The date, time and Wu’s route to the funeral had been kept confidential. Wu was also barred from contacting others by conventional means or digital devices, as part of a string of 17 conditions for his release.
Madam Justice Esther Toh Lye-ping said it was “very comA passionate” of the Department of Justice to make the special arrangements, which she described as “very sensible”.
More than 250 people, including many opposition camp members, visited the funeral parlour on Friday night to pay their respects, while some pro-establishment politicians and members of the public sent wreaths.
Wu was charged last December with inciting others to take part in an unauthorised assembly on July 1, 2019, when Hong Kong was embroiled in anti-government protests sparked by the now-withdrawn extradition bill.
He is also among 47 opposition figures charged with conspiring to subvert state power under the national security law for his role in an unofficial primary election last year.
He is further accused of contempt and interference with Legco officers under the Legislative Council (Powers and Privileges) Ordinance over a chaotic legislative meeting in May last year.
[Wu] is very thankful for the support and encouragement from Hongkongers
WU CHI-WAI’S WIFE