Thread by @joshuawongcf

[From elected lawmaker to exiled freedom fighter, in four years time]

1. Four years ago today, my former colleague @nathanlawkc was elected as the youngest lawmaker in #Hongkong's history. Four years later, he is forced into exile.

2. At that time it was like a miracle when the final result was announced. Everybody cheered with joy at the central counting centre, with hopes in our eyes to make some changes in the rigged system that had lost its touch with the people completely.

3. Four years ago, no one would believe what had happened in #HK, with #policebrutality, arbitrary prosecution, draconian #NationalSecurityLaw, censorship, disqualification, election cancellation and media meltdown, with 9000+ #HKers arrested and 12 youths now detained in #China.

4. In the past 4 years under #Beijing’s mounting pressure over the city, we were stuck in a vicious loop: disqualification > imprisonment > disqualification AGAIN > #antiELAB movement > international lobbying > disqualification AGAIN > #nationalsecuritylaw > forced into exile.

5. Nathan said in 2018 when @chowtingagnes was disqualified: With politics as my vocation, I pledge to use my whole life to change society, w/ a better path outside the legislature. Beijing will come to regret barring youths from its birdcage, like releasing beasts into the wild.

6. Clearly, #Wangyi will now realize it is a mistake to completely shut the door on the city's dissents and kill all possibilities to make changes within the system, after his recent trip to Europe.

7. As Nathan now fled the city and I face multiple cases with travel restrictions, it's doubtful when we will meet again. But in democratization history of #Korea & #Taiwan, exiled activists could someday return & serve as top officials in homeplace. I'm sure we will meet again.