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HK Singer Denise Ho Says She Found Comfort In Anita Mui Songs In Jail After She Was Arrested By Police For Sedition

The pro-Hongkong democracy singer was released on bail after 36 hours in custody.

On Dec 29, the Hong Kong national security police arrested six people linked to online pro-democracy media outlet Stand News, as well as a former Apple Daily staff.

One of them was Cantopop singer Denise Ho, 44, who was arrested at her home at 6am. Denise had stepped down from Stand News' board of directors in November this year.

All seven who were taken into custody are accused of conspiracy to publish seditious publications under the colonial-era Crimes Ordinance, which carries a maximum penalty of two years’ jail and a HK$5,000 (S$868) fine.

At around 5pm on Dec 30, Denise was released on bail after 36 hours in police custody.

When she stepped out of the police station, Denise declined to speak to the media who were gathered there, choosing to clasp her hands together in prayer, before leaving in a car.

Stand News announced on Dec 29 that they have since ceased publication

Stand News announced on Dec 29 that they have since ceased publication

Later that night, she updated her Twitter, writing in English: "Thank you friends for all your kind messages, I have been released on bail and have returned home safely.”

She followed up with another post on Facebook, this time writing in Chinese, where she revealed more about her time in jail.

According to Denise, she calmed herself by humming along to songs sung by her mentor, the late Cantopop diva Anita Mui, as well as fellow pro-democracy singer Anthony Wong Yiu Ming, 59.

December 30 happens to be Anita’s death anniversary as well. The singer died at the age of 40 in 2003, after a battle with cervical cancer.

Sharing a throwback pic of her with Anita, Denise wrote: “For the past two days, while waiting alone, I was constantly thinking about how today is the most special day of the year. I also relied on humming [Anita’s] songs (and Anthony’s songs) to calm my own heart. As I sang, it felt as if I had you guys by my side, and I did not feel lonely,” she wrote.

Denise went on to share that she was reminded of a lesson Anita once taught her.

“Even if the situation is deeply challenging and vile, the singer still has to use their very last breath to finish singing the song,” Denise wrote.

    On Dec 31, Denise updated her Facebook again, this time, with a picture that was taken upon her release from police custody on Dec 30.

    In the pic, Anthony can be seen standing a distance away from Denise as the media gathered to take pictures of her.

    Netizens flocked to leave comments showing their support for the duo.

    "We love you both so much,” one netizen wrote, while another pledged to support the two singers. "Mad respect to you both”.

    Yet another netizen wrote: “Hongkong people love you two so, so, much”.

    Both Anthony and Denise are vocal supporters of the pro-democracy movement in Hongkong, and have been blacklisted by the Chinese government for their actions.

    Photos: Denise Ho/Facebook

     

    Related topics

    Denise Ho Anthony Wong Yiu Ming Pro-democracy Hongkong Anita Mui

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