Germany grants refugee status to 2 HK activistsBy THE MANILA TIMEShome/News/World/Germany grants refugee status to 2 HK activistsHONG Kong: Two former Hong Kong independence activists have been granted refugee status in Germany in what is one of the first cases of dissenters from the semi-autonomous Chinese city receiving such protection. The move highlights growing fears that freedoms in Hong Kong are quickly deteriorating as an assertive Beijing flexes its muscles and stamps down on dissent. The pair’s whereabouts had not previously been confirmed, and Wong told AFP not even his family knew where he was until last May when his refugee status was approved. “The most important thing is to continue speaking out, and tell everyone Hong Kong people would not accept this law, that Hong Kong people would not accept this kind of ruling from China,” Wong said over the phone. Wong and Li’s refugee status allows them to live, work and attend school in Germany for an initial period of three years, which can be extended.

Source: Manila Times May 22, 2019 18:16 UTC