Eddie Chu Hoi-dick is a prominent activist and former legislator from Hong Kong, known for his advocacy for environmental protection, social justice, and self-determination for Hongkongers. He was among the "Hong Kong 47" who were charged with violating the National Security Law as organizers or participants of a pro-democracy camp primary in July 2020.

Chu studied English at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, where he developed a deep interest in civic issues and grassroots activism. [1] After his graduation in 1999, he studied Persian language at the Tehran University in Iran and worked as an editor and reporter, covering news in several Persian-speaking countries after he returned to Hong Kong. [2][3] 

Chu's activism is mostly defined by his involvement in cultural conservation and environmental issues. He was one of the leaders of a campaign against the government's land reclamation project to demolish the Edinburgh Place Ferry Pier (愛丁堡廣場碼頭／舊天星碼頭) in 2006 and the forced relocation of Choi Yuen Tsuen (菜園村) villagers for the construction of the Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Express Rail Link (廣深港高速鐵路香港段) in 2009. He helped to found the Land Justice League (土地正義聯盟), a community movement organization known for opposing the government's proposal of the North East New Territories New Development Areas (新界東北發展計劃). 

Chu ran in the 2011 and 2015 District Council elections for Pat Heung North and Pat Heung South, both constituencies tightly controlled by the rural force. Despite losing both times, he rose his prominence and received seven times more votes in the second race. [4] [5]

In 2016, Chu was elected to the Hong Kong Legislative Council (LegCo) as an independent candidate representing New Territories West with the highest vote. [6] His campaign drew attention to the long-time collusion between the government, businesses, landlords, and triads behind the Wang Chau housing project. After the election, he received death threats against him and his family and was placed under round-the-clock police protection. [7] As a legislator, Chu often clashed with pro-Beijing factions and highlighted the encroachment of mainland policies on Hong Kong’s freedoms. He had been forcefully removed from the legislature and prosecuted for his actions on at least three occasions. [see charges above.]

In July 2020, Chu participated in the pro-democracy primaries where he garnered 49,901 votes — 32.97% of the electorate — and secured a nomination for the upcoming legislative elections.[8] However, on Jul. 30, 2020, the Hong Kong government disqualified the nominations of 12 pro-democracy candidates, including Chu. [9] In September 2020, Chu resigned from the legislature with his colleague Raymond Chan in protest against Beijing's decision to extend lawmakers' terms by at least a year after postponing the 2020 Legco elections. Chu told the press “This is not a council elected by the people.” [10] 

On Jan. 6, 2021, Chu was arrested along with 54 other pro-democracy figures, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit subversion under the National Security Law for participating in the election and has been in custody since Feb. 28, 2021. [11] Chu pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him. On Nov. 19, 2024, the court ruled that Leung was considered an active participant in the primary election. He was ultimately sentenced to 4 years and 5 months in prison. [12]