Tributes Paid to Shiu Ka-chun, Pro-Democracy Activist and Social Worker, Who Passed Away at 55
Shiu Ka-chun, a prominent figure in Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement and a dedicated social worker, passed away on Friday at the age of 55 after a battle with stomach cancer. His wife, Kelly Hui, confirmed his death, which occurred in a hospital in Hong Kong.
Born on June 3, 1969, Shiu emerged from a working-class background and pursued a degree in social work at Hong Kong Baptist University. After graduating, he became a social worker focused on helping marginalized populations, teaching at the university, and penning columns addressing social issues. He was an influential participant in the 2014 Occupy Central movement, advocating for democratic reforms and engaging communities in dialogue around democracy.
Shiu transitioned to a political career when he was elected as a lawmaker in 2016. His tenure was marked by a commitment to welfare issues, particularly surrounding poverty and the living conditions of vulnerable groups. However, his activism led to his conviction on public nuisance charges related to the Occupy protest, resulting in an eight-month prison sentence.
Following his release, Shiu founded Wall-fare, a nonprofit aimed at assisting protesters imprisoned after the 2019 crackdown on dissent. Despite facing intensified risks for activism, he continued to advocate for prisoners’ rights and penned several works reflecting on incarceration.
In recent months, Shiu shared his reflections on life with cancer through social media, discussing resilience amidst suffering. He highlighted the challenges of his condition, notably during moments he missed significant life events, including a graduation ceremony due to health issues.
Shiu’s enduring commitment to social justice and support for the oppressed leaves a significant legacy in Hong Kong’s ongoing struggle for democracy and human rights.
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