Why did Germany grant asylum to Hong Kong fugitives?

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Germany Granted Asylum to Hong Kong Fugitives Due to Concerns Over Judicial Processes and Human Rights Standards

Germany granted asylum to two Hong Kong fugitives, Ray Wong and Alan Li, who were involved in a 2016 political protest, primarily due to concerns that they would not receive a fair trial in Hong Kong. The fugitives had skipped bail in 2017 to avoid facing charges, including rioting and assaulting police, stemming from the Lunar New Year clashes in February 2016. This decision by Germany is significant as it marks one of the first instances where dissenters from the semi-autonomous city have received such protection.
Concerns Over Punitive Laws and Political Opposition

A report by Hong Kong Watch suggests that Germany's decision was influenced by the fact that Wong and Li faced trial under a law that has been used to suppress political opposition in Hong Kong. The charges they faced, including rioting and assaulting police officers, were linked to clashes that occurred in Mong Kok, resulting in numerous arrests and injuries, including to law enforcement personnel. Hong Kong's leader, Carrie Lam, expressed strong objections and regret over Germany's move, asserting that any individual accused of breaking the law in Hong Kong would be afforded an open and fair trial.
Calls for Public Order Ordinance Reform

Benedict Rogers of Hong Kong Watch highlighted that Germany's asylum decision underscores the urgent necessity to reform the Public Order Ordinance. This particular legislation has faced criticism from the United Nations for allegedly breaching human rights standards. Rogers indicated that the ordinance is now having a chilling effect on the right to protest within Hong Kong, suggesting that the legal framework itself may be a contributing factor to Germany's decision to offer refuge.
Broader Context of Deteriorating Freedoms

The granting of asylum to Wong and Li by Germany occurs against a backdrop of growing apprehension regarding the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong. This situation is exacerbated by an assertive Beijing increasingly clamping down on dissent. Ray Wong himself conveyed that while in exile, he was paying a significant price and expressed a strong fear of being unable to return to Hong Kong, particularly if a controversial extradition bill, then under consideration, were to be passed. He worried about the potential for being extradited to mainland China, further influencing the perception of the fairness of Hong Kong's legal system.

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Why did Germany grant asylum to Hong Kong fugitives?

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