Nathan Lau Chak Fung was a prominent Hong Kong student activist aligning with the localist camp (本土派) ideology. He rose to prominence in 2017 when he was elected as the president of the Student Union of  Hong Kong Shue Yan University (香港樹仁大學).

Lau assumed the role of student union president during a challenging period for Hong Kong, as the city grappled with the aftermath of landmark events like the 2014 Umbrella Movement and the 2016 Fishball Revolution, which faced severe government retaliation. Despite the somber social climate, Lau remained resolute in his beliefs. He ran for the presidency with unwavering commitment to his principles, determined to push back against societal despair and advocate for his vision. [1]

Lau also served as a standing committee member of the Hong Kong Federation of Students (香港專上學聯, HKFS), an organization founded in 1958 to promote student movements and social engagement. In October 2017, he co-founded the HKFS Protesters Aid Fund (學聯抗爭者支援基金), which aimed to provide financial support for protesters, including assistance with daily expenses and legal fees. [2]

In July 2020, Lau participated in the pro-democracy camp's primary election for the Kowloon West constituency which led to his arrest on Jan. 6, 2021. Lau was among 55 pro-democracy activists arrested, accused of violating the National Security Law due to their participation in the primary election. Released on bail the following day, he was detained again on Feb. 28, 2021, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit subversion under the National Security Law. He was denied bail twice and has been in custody since then. [3] [4] [5]

In May 2021, while in detention, he announced that he would quit politics. [6]

Lau pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him. [x] On Nov. 19, 2024, the court identified him as an active participant in the primary election and sentenced him to 4 years and 5 months in prison. [7]

Photo Credit: The Witness HK 法庭線