Hong Kong activist Andrew Chiu told TVB on 15 December 2025 that he deeply regrets his involvement in pro‑democracy activism that led to his conviction for conspiracy to commit subversion.
Background of the subversion case
Chiu, a former district councillor, was among 45 people jailed in 2024 after a court found that an unofficial primary held in July 2020 was part of a scheme to secure a legislative majority for the pro‑democracy camp. The plan, which included a threat to veto the government’s budget, was judged could have sparked a constitutional crisis.
Televised interview
In the TVB interview, Chiu said the primary was “controlled by people with ulterior motives” and that “from the anti‑extradition bill crisis, to the riots, to the unofficial polls, you can see a pattern that people with ulterior motives had been manipulating behind the scenes.” He added, “I would like to apologise to the country, to Hong Kong, and to the public for having impacted the constitutional order of Hong Kong and the country.”
Sentence reduction and early release
In October 2025, the 40‑year‑old received a sentence reduction for good conduct and became the first person in the sub‑version case to be granted early release, despite the recent passage of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (Article 23), which tightened criteria for remission.
Chiu said he had wanted to become a prosecution witness after his February 2021 remand, and that he had read books on national development, China’s policy documents and President Xi Jinping’s speeches. He now describes himself as a “moderate conservative,” vows not to re‑enter politics, and hopes to serve as a role model for other inmates serving national‑security sentences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What crime was Andrew Chiu convicted of?
He was sentenced for conspiracy to commit subversion under the Beijing‑imposed national security law.
What was the purpose of the unofficial primary in July 2020?
The primary was designed to maximise the pro‑democracy camp’s chances of winning a Legislative Council majority and included a threatened budget veto.
How many of the 47 democrats have been released?
Thirteen have completed their jail terms and been released, while thirty‑two remain incarcerated.
How do you think Chiu’s statements will influence public perception of the security law?
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