Lester Shum's Hopeful Message from behind the bar： Resiliance in the Face of loss

Lester Shum Ngo-fai is one of the pro-democracy politicians, lawyers, scholars, journalists, NGO workers and activists being arrested by the National Security Police in Hong Kong over their involvement in a planned Legislative Council primary election in January 2021. The incident came to be known as the arrest of “Hong Kong 47”, which symbolises the death of the city’s civil society.

On June 12, Shum found himself spending yet another birthday behind prison walls. A heartfelt message was shared on his personal social media account, managed by his devoted wife, seeking birthday blessings and support.

The Facebook post acknowledges that this marks Shum's third consecutive birthday spent in confinement, reminding us of the sacrifices he has made for his beliefs.

With a bittersweet smile, he has often joked about how time flies, going from a vibrant 27-year-old to now carrying the weight of turning 30. He seeks solace and support from the community, hoping to gather well-wishes that will uplift his spirit during this difficult time.

Shum yearns for a future where he can once again stand alongside his fellow "friends" in the struggle, reunite with his family, and celebrate together. He dreams of the simple joys of cutting a birthday cake, decorating a Christmas tree, personally presenting flowers to loved ones on Valentine's Day, and sharing a heartfelt meal with his parents on Mother's and Father's Day. Though these wishes may seem distant in their current circumstances, their hope for realization remains strong.

As we enter June 2023, Shum sends his sincerest wishes for peace to all. "Though we may lack material possessions, our hearts are filled with abundance," as Shum wrote in his post.

Source: Lester Shum Facebook; #Jun12

#LesterShum #NationalSecurityLaw #NSL #Birthday

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