Former Hong Kong parliamentarian Shao Jiazhen passed away at the age of 55. He devoted most of his life to social welfare and social movements and refused to be “indifferent” | Whatsnew | Initium Media
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Shao Jiazhen, a prominent social worker and activist known for his unwavering commitment to social justice, passed away on January 10, 2025, at the age of 55 after a battle with gastric cancer.
Jiazhen, who was jailed for his involvement in the 2014 Occupy Central protests, was diagnosed with stage 3C gastric cancer in November 2024.He bravely shared his journey with the disease on social media, using the platform to discuss his treatment, his faith, and his reflections on life.
Jiazhen’s openness about his illness resonated with many, earning him admiration for his resilience and honesty.He continued to advocate for social causes even as his health deteriorated, inspiring others with his unwavering spirit.
“He never missed the fight for democracy,” wrote Wang Huifen, founder of the Harmony Club, in a heartfelt tribute. “He was extremely responsible, cared about the disadvantaged groups, and was very persistent in human rights and justice.”
Former legislator Cheung Chiu-hsiung, who collaborated with Jiazhen on social welfare initiatives, described him as “the best partner in the social welfare sector and social movements.”
“With Shao Jiazhen, ‘I am among you, and you are among me,'” Cheung wrote, highlighting the deep connection they shared.
Jiazhen’s passing has sent shockwaves through Hong Kong’s social welfare and pro-democracy circles. Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, with many remembering him for his sharp intellect, his dedication to social justice, and his unwavering belief in the power of community.
“The best way to commemorate Shao Jiazhen is to continue to practice the values he represents,” Cheung saeid.
jiazhen’s legacy will undoubtedly live on through the countless lives he touched and the causes he championed.His fight for a more just and equitable society will continue to inspire generations to come.
Hong Kong, China – Prominent Hong Kong social activist and former lawmaker Shao Jiazhen has died at the age of 59. Jiazhen, known for his tireless advocacy for social welfare and his participation in the 2014 occupy Central movement, passed away on [Date].
News of Jiazhen’s death sent shockwaves through Hong Kong’s social and political circles. Former Chairman of the Social Democratic League Huang Haoming, who served alongside Jiazhen in Occupy Central and shared a prison cell with him, expressed his grief, stating, “Even though you took the first step today, we will definitely meet again in heaven in the future.”
Jiazhen dedicated over three decades to social work, begining his career as an outreach worker for at-risk youth. He later became a lecturer at Hong Kong Baptist University,were he continued to champion the needs of marginalized communities. His commitment to social justice led him to the Legislative Council in 2016,where he represented the “Social Welfare Sector” and tirelessly advocated for issues such as child suicide prevention,homelessness,and housing affordability.
A Voice for the Voiceless
Jiazhen’s activism extended beyond the halls of government.He was a vocal participant in numerous social movements, including the 2012 anti-national education demonstrations and the 2014 Occupy Central movement.
During Occupy Central, Jiazhen, along with nine other prominent figures, was dubbed one of the “Ten Dead Soldiers of Occupy Central” by the media. He urged his fellow social workers to remain engaged with the community, stating, “Be among the people and return to the least, the last, and the lost community.”
Jiazhen’s unwavering commitment to social justice earned him both admiration and criticism. Some lauded him as a champion of the people, while others questioned his methods.
Even those who disagreed with Jiazhen’s approach acknowledged his dedication. A fellow activist from the social democratic movement, who wished to remain anonymous, said, ”Even though he and I had different methods of doing things, I still recognized his contribution to the democratic movement and prison rights.”
A Legacy of Compassion and Courage
Jiazhen’s passing is a important loss for Hong Kong. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, courage, and unwavering commitment to social justice. his work will continue to inspire generations of activists and advocates fighting for a more equitable and just society.
Hong Kong Activist Shao Jiazhen: From Prison to Censorship, a Fight for Justice Continues
Hong Kong – Shao Jiazhen, a prominent figure in Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement, has faced a relentless wave of repercussions since his involvement in the 2014 Occupy Central protests. From imprisonment to the silencing of his work, Jiazhen’s story reflects the shrinking space for dissent in the city.
Jiazhen’s journey began with his unwavering support for the Occupy Central movement. He served as a “microphone man” at the Admiralty Platform, amplifying the voices of those demanding greater democratic freedoms. His activism led to his arrest and conviction in 2019 on charges of ”inciting others to commit public nuisance.”
Eight months behind bars took a toll on Jiazhen’s health,forcing him to seek medical attention upon his arrival at the prison. His conviction also barred him from running for office, effectively ending his political aspirations.
Undeterred, jiazhen channeled his experience into advocating for prison rights. In 2020, he founded “Stonewallflowers,” a non-governmental organization dedicated to providing support to inmates and connecting them with the outside world.However, the organization’s existence was short-lived. In September 2021, amidst a crackdown on civil society groups, “Stonewallflowers” announced it’s dissolution. While Jiazhen refrained from directly attributing the closure to political pressure, he acknowledged that “everyone knew” the reasons behind the decision.
“Tears are our greatest common language,” Jiazhen said, his voice choked with emotion, when asked about the impact of the organization’s closure on inmates.
Jiazhen’s literary works, which delve into his prison experiences, have also faced censorship. In July 2024, his books, “emotional Science in Prison” and “The Prisoner of the Word,” were removed from shelves at the Hong Kong Book Fair following pressure from authorities.
His academic career has also been affected. In 2020, Jiazhen was dismissed from his teaching position at Hong Kong Baptist University, with the institution citing his conviction in the Occupy Central case as the reason. Jiazhen denounced the move as a politically motivated purge, urging the public to scrutinize the university’s actions.
Despite the setbacks, Jiazhen remains resolute. “Even if they are crushed the time spent was worth it,” he wrote upon the disbandment of ”stonewallflowers.” His unwavering commitment to justice and his refusal to be silenced serve as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement.
Hong Kong mourns the loss of Shao Jiazhen,a prominent social worker and activist who dedicated his life to fighting for social justice and the betterment of his community. Jiazhen,who passed away on January 10,2025,at the age of 55 after a battle with gastric cancer,leaves behind a legacy of unwavering commitment and impactful advocacy.
A Champion for the Marginalized
Jiazhen’s career began with a deep commitment to serving the most vulnerable members of society. starting as an outreach worker for at-risk youth, he transitioned to academia, becoming a lecturer at Hong Kong Baptist University. Throughout his career, he consistently championed the needs of marginalized communities, advocating for thier rights and well-being.
A Voice in the Political Arena
Jiazhen’s dedication to social justice extended beyond social work, leading him to politics. In 2016,he was elected to the Legislative Council,representing the ”Social Welfare Sector.” During his time in office, he tirelessly advocated for critical issues like child suicide prevention, homelessness, and affordable housing.
Jiazhen was a vocal participant in several significant social movements, including the 2012 anti-national education demonstrations and the 2014 Occupy Central movement. He was one of nine prominent figures dubbed the “Ten Dead Soldiers of Occupy Central” by the media for his dedication to the cause. He urged his fellow social workers to remain deeply engaged with the community, stating, “Be among the people and return to the least, the last, and the lost community.”
Remembering His Legacy
Jiazhen’s passing has sent shockwaves through Hong Kong’s social welfare and pro-democracy circles. Tributes from across the political spectrum highlight his sharp intellect, unwavering commitment to social justice, and deep belief in the power of community. Huang Haoming, former Chairman of the Social Democratic League and fellow Occupy Central participant, eloquently expressed his grief, stating, “Even though you took the first step today, we will definitely meet again in heaven in the future.”
Former legislator Cheung Chiu-hsiung, who collaborated with Jiazhen on numerous social welfare initiatives, described him as “the best partner in the social welfare sector and social movements.” Cheung emphasized the deep connection they shared,highlighting Jiazhen’s unwavering support and dedication.
Shao Jiazhen’s legacy will undoubtedly live on through the countless lives he touched and the causes he championed. His fight for a more just and equitable society will continue to inspire generations to come. As Cheung aptly stated, “the best way to commemorate Shao Jiazhen is to continue to practice the values he represents.”