Do not believe the Chinese media (or Wikipedia). The popular actor has been sentenced to a long jail term because he is pro-democracy, not because he is violent.
by Gladys Kwok
They are telling you he is violent and dangerous, and Chinese trolls are even proving their skills in manipulating Wikipedia (not an arduous task if you have the necessary resources). However, popular Hong Kong actor Gregory Wong has been sentenced to six years and two months in jail on March 16 not because he is violent but because he supports democracy.
Perhaps less famous in the West, Gregory Wong, born in 1978, is a well-known Hong Kong actor who has been active in the film and television industry since the early 2000s. He is best known for his roles in films such as the “Lan Kwai Fong” series and “The Menu.” He is also a vocal supporter of the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong and has participated in several protests and rallies.
He was arrested on September 30, 2019, for “unlawful assembly and inciting others to join an unauthorized protest.” He was accused of violent acts during the occupation of the Legislative Council by pro-democracy protesters on July 1, 2019. He denies that he had engaged in any violence. Although some protesters did damage computers of the security guards and spray-painted emblems and portraits, their “violence” was greatly exaggerated by CCP-controlled media. The “violent” demonstrators even left money to pay for the drinks some of them took from the Council’s canteen during the occupation.
The Chinese media and their fellow travelers should not be believed, and Wong should be supported by all those who love democracy and human rights. Wong’s career in itself reflect his courage and conviction, as well as his passion and talent for acting. He has been praised by critics and audiences alike for his versatile and nuanced performances, often portraying characters who are marginalized, oppressed, or rebellious. This is connected with his social activism and advocacy for human rights and democracy in Hong Kong, despite the risks and consequences he faced. He has inspired many young people in Hong Kong and Mainland China to stand up for their beliefs and values, and to express themselves through art and culture.
Wong’s sentencing exposes the harsh reality and challenges that Hong Kong’s creative industry and civil society face under the tightening grip of Beijing. The national security law, now amended and made even worse, has severely curtailed the freedom of expression and assembly in Hong Kong and has led to the arrest and prosecution of many activists, journalists, and artists. Wong’s case is a clear example of how the law is used to silence dissent and intimidate critics. The actor’s harsh jail term is not only a personal tragedy, but also a collective loss for Hong Kong’s culture and identity.
Wong is a brave and talented actor who has used his voice and platform to speak out for justice and democracy in Hong Kong. He is also a victim and a symbol of the repression and erosion of Hong Kong’s freedoms and rights. His sentencing is a reminder of the urgency and importance of defending Hong Kong’s core values and way of life, and of resisting the authoritarian encroachment of Beijing. The world should not forget Gregory Wong.