Missing Hong Kong bookseller Lee Bo made an unexpected appearance in a Chinese television interview Monday, insisting he hadn’t been abducted from the former British territory.
His case, which came after the disappearance of four of his colleagues, sparked outrage in Hong Kong and internationally over fears he was taken against his will by Beijing authorities in December. China has repeatedly said its officials wouldn’t do anything illegal.
All five men were involved with publisher Mighty Current and its shop Causeway Bay Books, which sold gossipy titles about China’s elite.
missing booksellers
In a video interview with Phoenix Television, news website thepaper.cn and other news outlets, Lee said he went to China to assist police with an investigation and said he was free to return once the investigation had finished.
“It was my personal act. I have never ‘been kidnapped’ or ‘disappeared,’ nor have I been coerced or bribed. I think the theory of me ‘being kidnapped’ or ‘disappeared’ was completely created out of thin air with an ulterior motive.”
Asked why he would travel to China in secret without using official travel documents, Lee said he didn’t want others to know he was going help police investigate his colleagues.
Lee, a British passport holder, also said he hadn’t sought assistance from Britain and had decided to give up his right to residency. He said he thought of himself as a Hong Konger and Chinese.
“I haven’t lived in the UK for the past 20 years, neither have I enjoyed any rights or benefits other British citizens hold. My daughter is currently studying in the UK and her tuition is paid in accordance with international standards,” he said.
It was not clear whether Lee was speaking under duress, though some commentators believe this was likely.
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