In brief
Shiu Ka-chun, who died of stomach cancer, dedicated his life to improving the rights of the marginalized and supporting prisoners following the political unrest in Hong Kong.
Shiu Ka-chun, a former social worker, educator, and pro-democracy legislator in Hong Kong, passed away on Friday at the age of 55. His wife, Kelly Hui, revealed that he succumbed to stomach cancer in a hospital. Over the past years, Shiu became a vital figure in the community, particularly for those imprisoned during the extensive national security crackdown that began in late 2019. His work focused on advocating for the rights of protesters who found themselves behind bars after exercising their freedoms.Born into a working-class family on June 3, 1969, Shiu pursued a degree in social work from Hong Kong Baptist University. His career kicked off as a dedicated social worker, where he primarily assisted at-risk youth. By 2007, he transitioned into academia, teaching social work courses at his alma mater and gaining recognition for his engaging teaching style. His insightful newspaper columns on social issues blended philosophy and sociology, highlighting his deep understanding of society's challenges.Shiu’s activism ignited during the 2014 Occupy Central movement, wherein he mobilized fellow social workers to protest for democracy in Hong Kong. His efforts included organizing discussions with disabled and homeless individuals to understand their visions of democracy. In 2016, he was elected as a lawmaker, directing his focus on welfare-related issues such as poverty, homelessness, and conditions in care homes.However, the political landscape shifted dramatically post-2019. Shiu was sentenced to eight months in prison for public nuisance charges related to his role in the Occupy Central movement. Despite his imprisonment, he remained steadfast in his commitment to advocating for social justice and was later instrumental in supporting others facing similar fates. His passing marks the loss of a courageous voice in the ongoing struggle for democracy and human rights in Hong Kong.
