A “Thank You” Letter

https://t.me/youarenotalonehk

First of all, I would like to thank everyone. On the 19th of this month (February), I was granted parole at the West Kowloon Court. Without your help, I may not be out at all. Yesterday was the 19th, and the original time for bail hearing was around 3:30pm. When it came to negotiating the conditions of bail, Barrister Kwok acting on my behalf, was racking his brains on how to achieve the best outcome for me. Many strategic changes were made to my bail conditions (bail bond was originally $ 50,000 plus another $50,000 was subsequently added). 

At that time, it was the maximum amount of cash I had on hand. However after considering that conditions of bail could be improved, we decided to offer $200,000 in personal guarantees. Even though both sides agreed to the terms of bail, it still took a considerable amount of deliberation. The deadline for the bail as granted by the court was 5:30 pm, but the money on hand was far from enough. All banks had already closed at that time, and we also would not have been able to withdraw that much cash so quickly (6.12 Funds soon learned of the situation and offered help, but there were only 15 minutes left). So those who were in attendance at the hearing - strangers, my friends, and family started to offer their help.

At the same time, there were many comrades helping me raise the funds on Telegram. I know the financial situations of some of my friends and their families are similar to mine, yet they were still willing to offer me thousands of dollars, and it all happened so suddenly. The crowdfunding was successfully completed before 6 o'clock, and the amount raised was far more than $250,000. Many people heard the news and rushed to my support. I was so touched. Thank you for your help.

Thank you so much for not forgetting those of us who are still in custody. I am really touched and moved. The days I spent in custody were incredibly uncomfortable (I believe you have all seen my open letters these past few months). I understand that everyone feels upset about the conditions of bail this time, but such is our society in Hong Kong, full of unfairness and injustice. To change the rules of engagement is next to impossible. All we can do is to resist our opponents strategically. For now, all we can do is to be patient. At this point we are at their mercy, waiting for the axe to fall, our necks are on the executioner’s block.

Some people might ask me why with such harsh bail conditions, I would still want be released. If I chose to stay in custody, my jail time may be reduced if eventually convicted. My answer is simple. Since the other party is determined to make things difficult for us, we must accept their conditions as we would fall into their trap if we give in so quickly. What's more, my story can highlight the absurdities in this system. So that everyone can see the situation we are in, I believe it was worth it.

I would like to sincerely thank Barrister (Kwok). I am very grateful for the time and effort he spent on my case. At the same time, I would like to thank everyone who helped me on the 19th. Thank you to all the staff at 6.12 Fund, Spark Alliance and the Mentoring Association. Thank you for having my back. Thank you for your support everyone - all my friends, family, professors and thank you so much for staying by my side and not giving up on me. Forgive me as I have a lot to deal with, and I am just finding the time now to write this letter. I am so happy that I have regained my freedom (even though it will be short-lived and restricted). Over the past five months, I have come to realise the value of freedom. We cannot allow Hong Kong to fall. Promise me, Hong Kong people, we will persist to the end. I believe history will show us that justice will prevail. I look forward to seeing you all at the end of our journey. May glory be to Hong Kong! Revolution of our time!" 

From a protestor who was detained for 146 days ‧ February 19, 2020