Hu Zhiwei granted 7‑day UK immigration bail pending possible deportation

Former Democratic Party chairman Hu Zhiwei, who completed a four‑year‑five‑month prison term in Hong Kong for a "conspiracy to subvert state power" case, travelled to the United Kingdom to reunite with his wife and children who moved there in 2022. Upon arrival at Heathrow, he was detained by UK border officials and later released on an "immigration bail" that allows him to stay in the UK for seven days. The Home Office has indicated he may be deported on Wednesday.

Hu told the Associated Press that he is not seeking political asylum but simply wishes to spend time with his family. He expressed concern that the short bail period threatens future visits, and urged the UK Home Office to reconsider the decision. Hu’s political career spanned nearly three decades, including roles as a district councillor, Legislative Council member and, until its dissolution, chair of the Democratic Party.