Shiu Ka-chun, Renowned Advocate for Hong Kong Protesters, Passes Away at 55

Shiu Ka-chun's legacy as a pro-democracy activist and advocate for prisoners reflects his commitment to social justice amidst Hong Kong's turbulent political landscape.

Shiu Ka-chun, a pivotal figure in the Hong Kong pro-democracy movement and advocate for imprisoned protesters, has passed away at the age of 55. His wife, Kelly Hui, confirmed that he died of stomach cancer in a local hospital on Friday.

Born on June 3, 1969, into a working-class family in Hong Kong, Shiu was dedicated to social work from a young age. He earned his degree in social work from Hong Kong Baptist University and later became a respected lecturer there, known for his engaging teaching style and thought-provoking commentary on social issues.

An early participant in the 2014 Occupy Central movement, Shiu was instrumental in mobilizing social workers and advocating for marginalized groups throughout his activism. His commitment to the cause earned him a seat as a lawmaker in 2016, where he focused on welfare programs addressing poverty, homelessness, and support for elderly care.

However, his activism came at a cost. In 2019, he was sentenced to eight months in prison on public nuisance charges because of his involvement in Occupy Central. Following his release, Shiu became an outspoken advocate for those incarcerated due to the government's crackdown on dissent, which intensified after the enactment of the national security law in June 2020.

Friends and supporters remember Shiu as a compassionate leader who used his voice to champion social justice and equality, leaving a lasting impact on the community he fought so hard to protect. His death comes as a reminder of the personal sacrifices made by many activists in the face of political turmoil in Hong Kong.