By Isabelle Schneidewind
We spoke with Aron, who moved to Sweden from his hometown Hong Kong almost exactly a year ago. He feared political persecution for participating in demonstrations and propaganda against the Hong Kong and Chinese governments. Aron was much luckier and more attentive than many others: He observed the mood in the country and picked the right moment to leave. While a lot of his friends got persecuted and imprisoned, Aron built a new life for himself as a student in Sweden. He describes staying in his home country as "putting all your eggs in one basket" and yet he still feels a bit guilty for leaving.
The situation in China and Hong Kong continues to deteriorate. Since the national security law in June 2020, freedom of press is basically non-existent anymore. The recent disappearance and reappearance of the Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai after she accused a former senior politician of sexual abuse, is also a cause for concern worldwide. After the Tiananmen statue, as an important symbol of the democracy movement, was removed from the University of Hong Kong, unrest continues to spread in the country.
Aron was part of this society for a long time. He tells us how he made the jump, what dangers he was exposed to and why, what power the government wields and what happens next for him.
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