Former district councillor Andrew Chiu released early from prison

發佈日期: 2025-12-15 20:21

TVB News

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已複製連結

Former district councillor and activist Andrew Chiu Ka-yin, who was sentenced to seven years in prison for the "35+" conspiracy to subvert state power, was released early from prison. 

In an interview with TVB News, he said during his imprisonment he read books on national development, and has since changed his values. 

Andrew Chiu Ka-yin was imprisoned for conspiring to subvert state power through organising the unofficial legislative "primary elections" in 2020.

He was listed as one of the "key figures."

As a result of good behaviour, and after around 5 years in prison, he was released more than two years early at the end of last month.

Now much slimmer having lost 60 pounds, he expressed gratitude to the Commissioner of Correctional Services for believing in his determination to repent. 

He said he read a lot on China's development while in jail, including China's national policy documents issued by the State Council, and President Xi Jinping's speeches on the "Belt and Road Initiative".

Chiu said he hopes he can serve as a role model, especially for young prisoners convicted of national security-related crimes.

He said he disapproved of violence even during the anti-extradition bill protests, especially when an elderly man was set on fire after arguing with the protestors.

He said the whole situation was out of control, and was terrifying.

Chiu said events starting from the extradition bill controversy, to the anti-government riots, and to the "primary election" were all a scheme manipulated behind the scenes by individuals with ulterior motives.

He now wants to sincerely apologise to the country, to Hong Kong, and to the public for his mistakes.

He said that while imprisoned, he was unable to see his father, who was suffering from cancer, one last time before his father died.