Bureau defends Hins Cheung mentor role after mainland China online backlash

Hong Kong's Security Bureau has defended its decision to appoint Cantopop singer Hins Cheung as a mentor in a rehabilitation project for youngsters arrested during the 2019 protests. The project, running for two years, aims to support about 7,000 individuals arrested during the social unrest but not prosecuted. The bureau stated it welcomes individuals from all backgrounds to share positive life experiences, providing an opportunity for these young people to turn over a new leaf and start afresh. A sharing session featuring Cheung was scheduled for this Tuesday, with some of the arrested youngsters invited to attend.

However, the appointment sparked significant backlash from mainland Chinese internet users, who criticized the move. The bureau declined to provide further details of the event, and the South China Morning Post also approached the Hong Kong United Youth Association, the organizer of the session, for comment. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between Hong Kong and mainland China over the handling of the 2019 protests and the rehabilitation of those involved.