Former Hong Kong Legislative Councilor Ted Hui, who is currently wanted by the Hong Kong police and residing in Australia, has found a new life overseas. Following his official accreditation as a practicing lawyer in Australia last year, he joyfully announced on Facebook on the 20th that he has received notification from the High Court of New Zealand officially recognizing him as a Barrister and Solicitor, effective immediately.
In his post, Hui mentioned that although it has been less than a year since he became a lawyer in Australia and started practicing, after settling into his work, he submitted an application to the New Zealand court early last month to have his professional qualifications acknowledged. The entire process from application to formal recognition took about a month and a half.
Hui stated that during the consideration of his application by the New Zealand court, they had to verify his professional qualifications with the Law Society of the Australian state to which he belongs, ensuring that there are no limitations on his practice due to any criminal, civil, or disciplinary reasons, including his criminal record and outstanding warrants related to political cases in Hong Kong, as well as the recent bankruptcy order issued against him by the Hong Kong authorities.
While he had no intention of practicing in New Zealand, Hui applied for recognition in New Zealand in the hopes of demonstrating that even a “fugitive” under the governance of the CCP in Hong Kong can still live peacefully with reputation and dignity in a free country without interference. Hui further characterized his Australian legal qualifications as a slap in the face to the CCP regime and his newly acquired New Zealand qualifications as “a slap on the other cheek.”
Hui indicated that he will continue to strive for professional recognition in other countries or regions in the future to gain more international acknowledgment for the exiled people of Hong Kong. He emphasized that everything he is able to achieve today is a result of the freedom that existed in Hong Kong in the past and the efforts of those who fought for a free Hong Kong. In conclusion, he expressed his wish that “may the glory return to the people of Hong Kong.”