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Matthew Cheng

Hong Kong’s Security Bureau has defended its decision to appoint singer Hins Cheung as a mentor in a “rehabilitation project” for youngsters arrested during the 2019 protests, saying it welcomes individuals from all backgrounds to share positive life experiences following criticism from internet users in mainland China.
The project, which has been running for two years, aims to support the rehabilitation of about 7,000 people arrested during the social unrest but not prosecuted.
“[Activities] include invitations by the Security Bureau for interested individuals, regardless of their background or sector, to participate in sharing and exchanges with those young people, so as to share positive life experiences,” a bureau spokesman said.
“These efforts have provided them with an opportunity to turn over a new leaf and start afresh.”
A sharing session featuring Cantopop singer Cheung was scheduled for this Tuesday, his manager confirmed earlier. Some young people arrested during the 2019 unrest have been invited to attend.
The bureau spokesman declined to provide further details of the event. The South China Morning Post also approached the Hong Kong United Youth Association, organiser of the session, for comment.
The spokesman said police had been reaching out to young people arrested during the protests who had expressed regret over their actions, encouraging them to participate in “positive activities” and to distinguish truth from falsehood.

However, the bureau’s decision to choose Cheung, who was previously embroiled in a patriotism controversy, as the project’s mentor faced a backlash from mainland internet users.
They flooded Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung’s Weibo account and questioned Cheung’s suitability to lead the arrested protesters to the mainland.
“I have always admired and supported you, as well as the Hong Kong police. But you showed a lack of consideration and professionalism on this issue,” one user commented.
“You failed to give a proper account to the patriotic Hongkongers who stood back-to-back with you during the most perilous time.”
Another user urged Tang to reconsider the decision.
“Please consider Hins Cheung very carefully; otherwise, it will be very unfriendly to those who genuinely love Hong Kong and supported police at the time. Think twice.”
A third Weibo user said: “If [Cheung] can serve as a mentor, can you face the tens of thousands of Hong Kong police?”
Some expressed support for actress Celine Ma Tai-lo, who earlier volunteered to be a mentor, saying she “had never made a mistake”. They urged Tang to consider appointing her instead.
Cheung previously expressed “deep repentance” for his past words and actions, describing some as “inappropriate”, and hoped to personally lead youth exchange visits to the mainland and convey a clear and firm stance to the public.
The singer supported protests against national education in 2012 and the Occupy Central civil disobedience movement in 2014, when he sang its theme song with actor Anthony Wong Chau-sang.


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Bureau defends Hins Cheung mentor role after mainland China online backlash

Hins Cheung previously expressed “deep repentance” for his past words and actions. Photo: Getty Images

Internet users urged security chief Chris Tang to reconsider the decision. Photo: Edmond So

Hins Cheung to lead arrested 2019 Hong Kong protesters on mainland exchange trips

Singer Hins Cheung has apologised for his past support for the 2012 protests against national education and the 2014 Occupy Central movement. Photo: Getty Images

Secretary for Security Chris Tang says the project is aimed at about 7,000 people arrested but not prosecuted during the protests. Photo: Karma Lo

Hong Kong protests: former young offenders sent on mainland China exchange tours

Inmates access computers during a media tour of a Hong Kong prison. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Senior members of the Correctional Services Department brief the press on Monday. Photo: Jonathan Wong

The hospital at Stanley Prison contains multiple consultation rooms, including one for monthly eye check-ups, and an X-ray room. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Hong Kong plans HK$100 million scheme to send NGO staff on ‘patriotic’ exchange trips to mainland China

Authorities have proposed allocating HK$100 million (US$12.8 million) to social welfare organisations to arrange national study programmes. Photo: May Tse

Subsidies are part of a HK$500 million dedicated fund that Chief Executive John Lee announced in his policy address last October. Photo: Handout

News

Hong Kong

Law and Crime

Internet users in mainland China slam move to make Cantopop singer mentor in project to rehabilitate young protesters


Internet users in mainland China slam move to make Cantopop singer mentor in project to rehabilitate young protesters.


Bureau defends Hins Cheung mentor role after mainland China online backlash

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Internet users in mainland China slam move to make Cantopop singer mentor in project to rehabilitate young protesters

Internet users in mainland China slam move to make Cantopop singer mentor in project to rehabilitate young protesters