{{Short description|Hong Kong politician and activist (born 1991)}} {{For|the former Hong Kong Executive Council member|Edward Leong}} {{family name hatnote|Leung|Edward Leung|Leung Tin-kei|lang=Hong Kong}} {{Use British English|date=November 2019}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2022}} {{Infobox officeholder | native_name = {{nobold|梁天琦}} | native_name_lang = yue | image = File:Edwardleung.jpg | caption = Leung in 2015 | title = Spokesman of Hong Kong Indigenous | term_start = January 2015 | term_end = 18 December 2017 | birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=y|1991|6|2}} | birth_place = Wuhan, Hubei, China | citizenship = | education = Shung Tak Catholic English College | alma_mater = University of Hong Kong (BA) | party = Hong Kong Indigenous | occupation = Politician | known_for = Hong Kong independence<br />2016 Mong Kok civil unrest | signature = Edward Leung signature.svg | website = | module = {{Infobox Chinese | child = yes | c = 梁天琦 | j = {{Tone superscript|Loeng4 Tin1-kei4}} | y = Lèuhng Tīn kèih | p = Liáng Tiānqí }} }} {{Localism in Hong Kong|People}} '''Edward Leung Tin-kei''' ({{lang-zh|t=梁天琦}}; born 2 June 1991) is a Hong Kong politician and activist. He is the former spokesperson of Hong Kong Indigenous, a localist group. He advocates Hong Kong independence, and coined the slogan "Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times" during the 2016 by-election, which was later widely used in 2019–2020 Hong Kong protests.
Leung contested the 2016 New Territories East Legislative Council by-election, representing Hong Kong Indigenous. In February 2016, he was arrested in the Mong Kok civil unrest, but despite that his popularity rose. In the election, he received more than 66,000 votes, around 15 per cent of total votes. This led the Hong Kong government to require future candidates a written declaration to confirm their political stance. Leung signed the declaration, giving up his pro-independence stance in the 2016 Hong Kong Legislative Council election in September. He was barred from running in the election because the electoral officer was not convinced by his declaration.
In December 2017, he resigned from his position as spokesperson of Hong Kong Indigenous. In the same year, ''Lost in the Fumes'', an award-winning documentary based on his story, was released. In June 2018, he was convicted of rioting and assaulting a police officer during the Mong Kok unrest and sentenced to jail for six years.<ref name="scmp21501562">{{cite news|title=Hong Kong activist Edward Leung, the face of city's independence movement, jailed for six years over Mong Kok riot|work=South China Morning Post|first1=Chris|last1=Lau|first2=Jeffie|last2=Lam|date=11 June 2018|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-law-and-crime/article/2150156/hong-kong-activist-edward-leung-face-citys|accessdate=29 June 2020}}</ref> In 2019, a jury reached a verdict of not guilty in his trial for rioting in Portland Street, Mong Kok.
Leung served four years of his sentence in maximum-security prison, before his early release in early 2022 for good behaviour.
In 2019, Leung was recognised by ''Time'' magazine on its 100 Next, a list of rising stars expected to shape the future.<ref name="100 Next2">{{cite magazine|title=Time 100 Next 2019: Edward Leung|url=https://time.com/collection/time-100-next-2019/5718822/edward-leung/|accessdate=22 November 2019|magazine=Time}}</ref> The magazine called him a spiritual leader of the 2019 Hong Kong protests,<ref name="100 Next2" /> which is a leaderless movement.<ref name="Spiritual Leader2">{{cite web|last1=McLaughlin|first1=Timothy|date=31 October 2019|title=Meet the Spiritual Leader of the Hong Kong Protests|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2019/10/hong-kong-protests-edward-leung/601015/|accessdate=22 November 2019|website=The Atlantic}}</ref>
== Early life == Edward Leung was born into a wealthy family in Wuhan, Hubei, China. He moved to Hong Kong at the age of one with his mother.<ref>{{cite news|last=Tong|first=Elson|date=31 July 2016|title=The Edward Leung question: How does a mainland immigrant become a HK localist?|work=Hong Kong Free Press|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2016/07/31/edward-leung-question-mainland-immigrant-become-hk-localist/|access-date=12 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=5 March 2016|title=本土身份遭質疑 梁天琦認非香港出生|work=Oriental Daily News|url=http://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/news/20160305/bkn-20160305145801646-0305_00822_001.html}}</ref><ref name="施文達 014">{{Cite web|last=施文達和汪子文|date=16 August 2016|title=梁天琦何來「反共家仇」 出生屋出售套現百萬|url=http://www.takungpao.com.hk/hongkong/text/2016/0816/16990.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607105232/http://www.takungpao.com.hk/hongkong/text/2016/0816/16990.html|archive-date=7 June 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Ta Kung Pao|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> His great-grandfather was killed by the Chinese Communist Party and his properties were confiscated.<ref name="施文達 014"/><ref name="關震海 015">{{Cite web|last=關震海|date=12 June 2016|title=2016梁天琦：震懾與現實|url=https://www.mpweekly.com/culture/香港社運-梁天琦-抗爭-6798|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190623124438/https://www.mpweekly.com/culture/%e9%a6%99%e6%b8%af%e7%a4%be%e9%81%8b-%e6%a2%81%e5%a4%a9%e7%90%a6-%e6%8a%97%e7%88%ad-6798|archive-date=23 June 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Ming Pao Weekly |language=Zh-hant}}</ref> Leung's grandfather studied in British Hong Kong, later returned to Shanghai to study Economic Management at Shanghai Institute of Finance and Economics (now Shanghai University of Finance and Economics).<ref name="施文達 014"/> In 1953, Leung's grandfather graduated from the university, and was allocated to work in Xinjiang Province Bureau of Mine for seven years, later resided in Zhuhai.<ref name="關震海 015"/><ref name="施文達 014"/>
In 1979, the rehabilitation policy after Cultural Revolution returned the previously confiscated properties to Leung's family.<ref name="施文達 014"/> In Summer 1990, Leung's father met his wife in Wuhan,<ref name="陳倩兒 017">{{Cite web|last=陳倩兒和黃銘浩|date=1 March 2016|title=從「暴動」到選舉，本土新生代梁天琦說：我不想失敗，我想贏|url=https://theinitium.com/article/20160301-hongkong-leungtinkei/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723105706/https://theinitium.com/article/20160301-hongkong-leungtinkei/|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|publisher=Initium Media|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> the couple registered in Wuhan and Leung's mother resigned her job shortly after.<ref name="施文達 014"/> On 2 June 1991, Leung was born in Hubei Province.<ref name="關震海 015"/><ref name="施文達 014"/><ref name="澁谷司 012">{{Cite web|last=澁谷司|date=22 June 2018|script-title=ja:当局に少し反抗しただけでも重罪となる香港|url=https://blogos.com/article/306257/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723085906/https://blogos.com/article/306257/|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|publisher={{ill|BLOGOS|lt=|ja|BLOGOS}}|language=ja}}</ref> In the following year, Leung followed his mother to reside in Hong Kong.<ref name="東方日報 012">{{Cite web|date=5 March 2016|title=政Whats噏：被指扮本土 梁天琦認非港出生|url=https://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/news/20160305/bkn-20160305145801646-0305_00822_001.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928090451/http://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/news/20160305/bkn-20160305145801646-0305_00822_001.html|archive-date=28 September 2018|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Oriental Daily News|language=Zh-hant}}</ref><ref name="陳倩兒 017"/><ref name="施文達 014"/><ref>{{Cite web|last=林俊謙|date=6 March 2016|title=梁天琦認非香港出生|url=https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/daily/article/20160306/19518580|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723093036/https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/daily/article/20160306/19518580|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Apple Daily|language=Zh-hant}}</ref><ref name="明報 025">{{Cite web|date=17 April 2018|title=【暴動罪審訊】梁天琦自辯：香港塑我價值觀 反高鐵反政改「失望而回」|url=https://news.mingpao.com/ins/港聞/article/20180417/s00001/1523942962627/【暴動罪審訊】梁天琦自辯-香港塑我價值觀-反高鐵反政改「失望而回」|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Ming Pao|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> In 2000, Leung's parents invested in restaurants in Wuhan, but took a loss due to SARS and Avian Influenza.<ref name="施文達 014"/>
Leung's father was a college teacher with expertise in Chinese history, Chinese language and Buddhism.<ref name="明報 025"/> He had a strong interest in contemporary Chinese history<ref name="陳倩兒 017"/><ref name="關震海 015"/> and taught Leung histories of Hong Kong and world history. Leung's mother worked as a housewife after moving to Hong Kong<ref name="陳倩兒 017"/> and later worked as a tutor,<ref name="明報 025"/> teaching Leung literacy.
== Social movement == When Leung was young, he questioned the rationale behind political events such as the Handover of Hong Kong<ref name="陳倩兒 017"/> in 1997 and the yearly Hong Kong 1 July marches in 2003.<ref name="明報 025"/> His parents were excited with these events and explained to Leung about their meanings.<ref name="明報 025"/> He completed his college studies at Shung Tak Catholic English College in Yuen Long District. In 2008, aged 17, for the first time he participated in memorials for the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and 1 July marches. He then realised Hong Kong people protest to pursuit democracy and felt touched with their passion to preserve the truth of history.<ref name="明報 025"/>
In the same year, Leung started to participate in various social movements,<ref name="明報 025"/> and felt proud of driving the society forward.<ref name="明報 025"/> He studied at the University of Hong Kong, majoring in Philosophy with a minor in Politics and Public Administration,<ref name="陳倩兒 017"/><ref name="澁谷司 012"/><ref>{{Cite web|date=2016年|title=關於我|url=http://edward2016legco.hk/about-us/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160229231225/http://edward2016legco.hk/about-us/|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 February 2016|access-date=23 July 2019|publisher=梁天琦 Edward Leung|language=Zh-hant}}</ref><ref name="Joyce Ng 024">{{Cite web|last=Joyce Ng、Tony Cheung和Owen Fung|date=19 July 2016|title=Protests shut down electoral commission briefing as Hong Kong Indigenous' Edward Leung disqualified from Legco elections|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/1998201/hong-kong-indigenous-edward-leung-disqualified-legislative|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723053801/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/1998201/hong-kong-indigenous-edward-leung-disqualified-legislative|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=South China Morning Post}}</ref> and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 2016.<ref name="黎彩燕 012">{{Cite web|author=黎彩燕|date=17 April 2018|title=【旺角騷亂案】梁天琦：的士被困砵蘭街 市民認為警借故增警力|url=https://www.inmediahk.net/node/1062440|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724002922/https://www.inmediahk.net/node/1062440|archive-date=24 July 2019|accessdate=16 October 2019|publisher=Hong Kong In-media|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> He felt disappointed with the Hong Kong government ignoring the will of people, forcibly passing the Express Rail Grant and postponing the implementation of dual universal suffrage.<ref name="明報 025"/>
He was a member of Ricci Hall, HKU and led its development actively.<ref name="陳倩兒 017"/> In his third year, he was elected as the president of Ricci Hall Student Association, HKU,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Past Ricci Hall Students' Association Members|url=http://www.ricci.hku.hk/pastrhsa.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308115721/http://www.ricci.hku.hk/pastrhsa.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 March 2016|access-date=23 July 2019|publisher=利瑪竇宿舍}}</ref> and led the Hall to win HKU Sports Championship ──Malayan Cup.<ref name="陳倩兒 017"/> In Summer 2014, People's Republic of China has passed the "831 decision" and White paper, this led him to believe that the HKSAR government had decided to ignore the promise made in Sino-British Joint Declaration.<ref name="明報 042">{{Cite web|date=17 April 2018|title=【暴動罪審訊】梁天琦：佔領後什麼都無變 反問自己「仍可做什麼」|url=https://news.mingpao.com/ins/港聞/article/20180417/s00001/1523945922998/【暴動罪審訊】梁天琦-佔領後什麼都無變-反問自己「仍可做什麼」|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Ming Pao|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> In September 2014, Umbrella Revolution erupted, besides part-timing in an art gallery and studying, Leung spent most of his time joining the movement.<ref name="陳倩兒 017"/> On 30 November, Leung and a group of protesters occupied the Central Government Complex, in response to the call from Hong Kong Federation of Students and Scholarism.<ref name="陳倩兒 017"/> After facing clearance from Hong Kong Police Special Tactical Squad, he believed occupational movements could not lead to changes.<ref name="明報 042"/> His graduation was delayed to 2016.<ref name="黎彩燕 017">{{Cite web|last=黎彩燕|date=17 April 2018|title=【旺角騷亂案】梁天琦：的士被困砵蘭街 市民認為警借故增警力|url=https://www.inmediahk.net/node/1062440|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724002922/https://www.inmediahk.net/node/1062440|archive-date=24 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|publisher=Hong Kong In-media|language=Zh-hant}}</ref>
== Political involvement == In 2015, Localist camp Hong Kong Indigenous was founded,<ref name="馮巧欣 014">{{Cite web|last=馮巧欣|date=9 February 2016|title=【旺角黑夜】本民前梁天琦被捕|url=https://www.hk01.com/社會新聞/6476/旺角黑夜-本民前梁天琦被捕|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723053827/https://www.hk01.com/%E7%A4%BE%E6%9C%83%E6%96%B0%E8%81%9E/6476/%E6%97%BA%E8%A7%92%E9%BB%91%E5%A4%9C-%E6%9C%AC%E6%B0%91%E5%89%8D%E6%A2%81%E5%A4%A9%E7%90%A6%E8%A2%AB%E6%8D%95|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|publisher=香港01|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> to support street hawkers near districts of Sham Shui Po and Mong Kok.<ref name="黎彩燕 017"/> In March 2015, under the referral from his classmate, Leung met Ray Wong, another political activist, but was unable to join Hong Kong Indigenous.<ref name="明報 042"/><ref name="黎彩燕 017"/> Based on their common ideology, Leung was invited to be the spokesperson of the aforementioned group.<ref name="黎彩燕 017"/><ref name="明報 042" /><ref name="馮巧欣 014"/><ref name="陳建平 013">{{Cite web|last=陳建平|date=11 January 2016|title=本民前梁天琦獲青政支持|url=https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/daily/article/20160111/19447103|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723053814/https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/daily/article/20160111/19447103|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Apple Daily|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> Leung and Wong founded "Channel i" on October of the same year, acting as shareholder and CEO.<ref name="施文達 022">{{Cite web|last=施文達和汪子文|date=15 August 2016|title=住酒店公寓Audi代步 「雙失」梁天琦豪出奇|url=http://www.takungpao.com.hk/hongkong/text/2016/0815/16707.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723094538/http://www.takungpao.com.hk/hongkong/text/2016/0815/16707.html|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Ta Kung Pao|language=Zh-hant}}</ref>
=== 2016 New Territories East by-election and Mong Kok unrest === thumb|Leung after the polling of the 2016 by-election. In December 2015, Leung decided to participate 2016 New Territories East by-election, with the aim of promoting Localism ideology, testing his approval rate,<ref name="陳建平 013"/> and encouraging young politicians.<ref name="黎彩燕 017"/> On 15 January 2016, Leung was nominated to represent Hong Kong Indigenous to run for New Territories East by-election,<ref name="馮巧欣 014"/><ref name="蘋果日報 033">{{Cite web|date=19 December 2017|title=梁天琦退出本民前 想審訊前陪至親|url=https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/daily/article/20171219/20249578|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723133355/https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/daily/article/20171219/20249578|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Apple Daily|language=Zh-hant}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=18 January 2016|title=Nominations for the 2016 Legislative Council New Territories East Geographical Constituency By-Election|url=https://www.elections.gov.hk/legco2016by/pdf/Nomination_GC_eng.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123144316/https://www.elections.gov.hk/legco2016by/pdf/Nomination_GC_eng.html|archive-date=23 November 2018|access-date=23 July 2019|publisher=香港特別行政區政府}}</ref> and was endorsed by Youngspiration, another localist group.<ref>{{cite news|date=11 January 2016|title=本民前梁天琦獲青政支持|newspaper=Apple Daily|url=http://hk.apple.nextmedia.com/news/art/20160111/19447103}}</ref> But the public was not confident that Leung would have enough votes to even retrieve election deposit.<ref>{{Cite web|date=28 February 2016|title=【新東補選】最後衝刺拉票擦出火花楊岳橋梁天琦握手|url=https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/realtime/article/20160228/54809715|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723133356/https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/realtime/article/20160228/54809715|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Apple Daily|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> Leung organized a small election parade in Sheung Shui,<ref name="立場新聞 053">{{Cite web|date=21 February 2019|title=【暴動罪重審】梁天琦：「勇武」是心態多於行為 有市民可能聯想武力|url=https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/暴動罪重審-梁天琦-勇武-是心態多於行為-有市民可能聯想武力/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301232754/https://thestandnews.com/politics/%E6%9A%B4%E5%8B%95%E7%BD%AA%E9%87%8D%E5%AF%A9-%E6%A2%81%E5%A4%A9%E7%90%A6-%E5%8B%87%E6%AD%A6-%E6%98%AF%E5%BF%83%E6%85%8B%E5%A4%9A%E6%96%BC%E8%A1%8C%E7%82%BA-%E6%9C%89%E5%B8%82%E6%B0%91%E5%8F%AF%E8%83%BD%E8%81%AF%E6%83%B3%E6%AD%A6%E5%8A%9B/|archive-date=1 March 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Stand News|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> to explain the social problems brought by parallel importers, and was not interfered by the police.<ref name="黎彩燕 017"/>
In February 2016, two street vendors were arrested.<ref name="黎彩燕 017"/> At 8pm on 8 February, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department officers attempted to drive away street vendors in Mong Kok,<ref>{{Cite web|date=9 February 2016|title=【短片】【旺角騷亂】警方拘捕24示威者48警員受傷1人昏迷|url=https://hk.news.appledaily.com/breaking/realtime/article/20160209/54740801|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723073014/https://hk.news.appledaily.com/breaking/realtime/article/20160209/54740801|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Apple Daily|language=Zh-hant}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Nash Jenkins和Rishi Iyengar|date=9 February 2016|title=Hong Kong Sees Violent Start to Chinese New Year as Protesters Clash With Police|url=https://time.com/4213191/hong-kong-riot-protest/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309135322/http://time.com/4213191/hong-kong-riot-protest/|archive-date=9 March 2018|access-date=23 July 2019|magazine=Time}}</ref> Leung and Hong Kong Indigenous members assisted vendors to move to Portland Street,<ref name="蘇曉欣 013">{{Cite web|last=蘇曉欣|date=19 May 2016|title=旺角騷亂案 煽惑暴動罪脫 暴動罪成 梁天琦微笑說bye bye|url=https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/daily/article/20180519/20395355|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723141530/https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/daily/article/20180519/20395355|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Apple Daily|language=Zh-hant}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=9 February 2016|title=La " révolution des boulettes de poisson " perturbe les festivités du Nouvel An chinois à Hong Kong|url=https://www.vice.com/fr/article/hong-kong-la-revolution-des-boulettes-de-poisson-a-perturbe-les-festivites-du-nouvel-an-chinois/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723091407/https://www.vice.com/fr/article/8x3kza/hong-kong-la-revolution-des-boulettes-de-poisson-a-perturbe-les-festivites-du-nouvel-an-chinois|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Vice|url-status=live|language=fr}}</ref> while calling help from social network to protect vendors,<ref>{{Cite web|date=9 February 2016|title=【短片】【A1頭條】本土派號召300人旺角撐小販警開兩槍|url=https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/realtime/article/20160209/54740568|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723073010/https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/realtime/article/20160209/54740568|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Apple Daily|language=Zh-hant}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=9 February 2016|title=【短片】【旺角衝突】兩年「進化」真勇武？本民前：掟磚唔算激烈|url=https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/realtime/article/20160209/54741352|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723073002/https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/realtime/article/20160209/54741352|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Apple Daily|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> the solidarity at midnight elevated to civil unrest between protesters and the police.<ref name="陳倩兒 017"/><ref name="馮巧欣 014"/><ref name="蘋果日報 04">{{Cite web|date=9 February 2016|title=【旺角衝突】防暴警出動本土派籲群眾「自己執生」|url=https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/realtime/article/20160209/54740517|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723073001/https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/realtime/article/20160209/54740517|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Apple Daily|language=Zh-hant}}</ref><ref name="Chris Lau 012">{{Cite web|last=Chris Lau、Danny Lee、Joyce Ng、Clifford Lo、Nikki Sun和Stuart Lau|date=9 February 2016|title=Shots fired and bricks thrown: Hong Kong tense after Mong Kok mob violence on first day of Lunar New Year|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-crime/article/1910845/shots-fired-and-bricks-thrown-hong-kong-tense-after-mong|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723053812/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-crime/article/1910845/shots-fired-and-bricks-thrown-hong-kong-tense-after-mong|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=South China Morning Post}}</ref><ref name="法新社 012">{{Cite web|last=法新社|date=11 June 2018|title=Hong Kong jails independence leader Edward Leung for six years|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jun/11/hong-kong-jails-independence-leader-edward-leung-for-six-years|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723053801/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jun/11/hong-kong-jails-independence-leader-edward-leung-for-six-years|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=The Guardian}}</ref> In order to protect the protesters, Leung announced election parade during the riot<ref name="立場新聞 053"/> and refused to leave.<ref name="香港商業電台 01">{{Cite web|last=香港商業電台|date=9 February 2016|title=本土民主前線稱梁天琦被捕|url=https://hk.news.yahoo.com/本土民主前線稱梁天琦被捕-000200599.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723111146/https://hk.news.yahoo.com/%25E6%259C%25AC%25E5%259C%259F%25E6%25B0%2591%25E4%25B8%25BB%25E5%2589%258D%25E7%25B7%259A%25E7%25A8%25B1%25E6%25A2%2581%25E5%25A4%25A9%25E7%2590%25A6%25E8%25A2%25AB%25E6%258D%2595-000200599.html|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|publisher=Yahoo! News|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> People gathered at Mong Kok streets and committed arson at Nathan Road, confronting riot police.<ref name="蘋果日報 04" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=陳永武和梁融軒|date=9 February 2016|title=【旺角黑夜：激戰】有人在彌敦道縱火 多名警員示威者跌倒|url=https://www.hk01.com/社會新聞/6474/旺角黑夜-激戰-有人在彌敦道縱火-多名警員示威者跌倒|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723111155/https://www.hk01.com/%E7%A4%BE%E6%9C%83%E6%96%B0%E8%81%9E/6474/%E6%97%BA%E8%A7%92%E9%BB%91%E5%A4%9C-%E6%BF%80%E6%88%B0-%E6%9C%89%E4%BA%BA%E5%9C%A8%E5%BD%8C%E6%95%A6%E9%81%93%E7%B8%B1%E7%81%AB-%E5%A4%9A%E5%90%8D%E8%AD%A6%E5%93%A1%E7%A4%BA%E5%A8%81%E8%80%85%E8%B7%8C%E5%80%92|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|publisher=香港01|language=Zh-hant}}</ref>
Leung and 20 other Hong Kong Indigenous members were later arrested by police at Mong Kok.<ref name="馮巧欣 014"/><ref name="Chris Lau 012"/><ref name="香港商業電台 012">{{Cite web|last=香港商業電台|date=9 February 2016|title=本土民主前線稱梁天琦被捕|url=https://hk.news.yahoo.com/本土民主前線稱梁天琦被捕-000200599.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723111146/https://hk.news.yahoo.com/%25E6%259C%25AC%25E5%259C%259F%25E6%25B0%2591%25E4%25B8%25BB%25E5%2589%258D%25E7%25B7%259A%25E7%25A8%25B1%25E6%25A2%2581%25E5%25A4%25A9%25E7%2590%25A6%25E8%25A2%25AB%25E6%258D%2595-000200599.html|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|publisher=Yahoo! News |language=Zh-hant}}</ref><ref name="Owen Fung 012">{{Cite web|last=Owen Fung和Allen Au-yeung|date=9 February 2016|title=Legco election candidates line up to condemn Mong Kok violence amid calls for an explanation from Hong Kong Indigenous|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/1911316/legco-election-candidates-line-condemn-mong-kok-violence|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723070210/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/1911316/legco-election-candidates-line-condemn-mong-kok-violence|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=South China Morning Post}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=10 February 2016|title=【旺角衝突】本民前稱警上門圖強行入屋約20成員義工被捕|url=https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/realtime/article/20160210/54745205|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723053802/https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/realtime/article/20160210/54745205|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Apple Daily|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> However, Leung received supports from other political organizations and activists such as Youngspiration, Civic Passion, LegCo councilor Wong Yuk-man, Chin Wan.<ref name="陳建平 013"/><ref>{{Cite web|date=10 January 2016|title=【新東補選】本民前梁天琦參選 稱獲青年新政支持 若進議會拉布點人數「是基本」|url=https://news.mingpao.com/ins/港聞/article/20160110/s00001/1452419364569/【新東補選】本民前梁天琦參選-稱獲青年新政支持-若進議會拉布點人數「是基本」|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702042658/https://news.mingpao.com/ins/%e6%b8%af%e8%81%9e/article/20160110/s00001/1452419364569/%e3%80%90%e6%96%b0%e6%9d%b1%e8%a3%9c%e9%81%b8%e3%80%91%e6%9c%ac%e6%b0%91%e5%89%8d%e6%a2%81%e5%a4%a9%e7%90%a6%e5%8f%83%e9%81%b8-%e7%a8%b1%e7%8d%b2%e9%9d%92%e5%b9%b4%e6%96%b0%e6%94%bf%e6%94%af%e6%8c%81-%e8%8b%a5%e9%80%b2%e8%ad%b0%e6%9c%83%e6%8b%89%e5%b8%83%e9%bb%9e%e4%ba%ba%e6%95%b8%e3%80%8c%e6%98%af%e5%9f%ba%e6%9c%ac%e3%80%8d|archive-date=2 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Ming Pao|language=Zh-hant}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=京辰|date=18 February 2016|title=立會議員黃毓民撐「本土」戰新東|url=http://news.wenweipo.com/2016/02/18/IN1602180066.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024154756/http://news.wenweipo.com/2016/02/18/IN1602180066.htm|archive-date=24 October 2016|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Wen Wei Po|language=Zh-hant}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Chantal Yuen|date=26 February 2016|title=Who came out for whom? Famous figures and who they backed on by-election day|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2016/02/28/who-came-out-for-whom-famous-figures-and-who-they-backed-on-by-election-day/|access-date=23 July 2019|publisher=香港自由新聞}}</ref> They helped Leung to set up street election stations, while comparatively, Electoral Affairs Commission claims that wordings such as "Autonomy", 'Independence" violated Hong Kong Basic Law, and refused to mail Leung's promotional letter.<ref>{{Cite web|date=16 February 2016|title=梁天琦競選單張被指違反基本法|url=https://news.now.com/home/local/player?newsId=168821|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723133352/https://news.now.com/home/local/player%3FnewsId%3D168821|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|publisher=now新聞|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> On 28 February, Leung lost the by-election with 66,524 votes(15.3%), behind Alvin Yeung (160,880 votes) and Holden Chow (150,329 votes).<ref>{{Cite web|date=3 March 2016|title=選舉結果|url=https://www.elections.gov.hk/legco2016by/chi/results.html?1563857512784|access-date=23 July 2019|publisher=香港特別行政區政府|language=Zh-hant}}</ref><ref name="郭予真 013">{{Cite web|last=郭予真|date=31 August 2016|title=【決戰立會倒數】二月揚言「三分天下」本土派將驗收成果 學者：不看議席看票數|url=https://www.post852.com/175276/【決戰立會倒數】二月揚言「三分天下」本土派將/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723133407/https://www.post852.com/175276/%e3%80%90%e6%b1%ba%e6%88%b0%e7%ab%8b%e6%9c%83%e5%80%92%e6%95%b8%e3%80%91%e4%ba%8c%e6%9c%88%e6%8f%9a%e8%a8%80%e3%80%8c%e4%b8%89%e5%88%86%e5%a4%a9%e4%b8%8b%e3%80%8d%e6%9c%ac%e5%9c%9f%e6%b4%be%e5%b0%87/|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|publisher=852郵報|language=Zh-hant}}</ref>
=== Barred from running in 2016 Legislative Council election === [[File:青年新政及本土民主前線立法會選舉後謝票及會見傳媒.jpg|thumb|Edward Leung and Baggio Leung thanked voters' supports in September 2016.]] {{main|2016 Hong Kong Legislative Council candidates' disqualification controversy}} After the by-election, Leung decided to participate in the 2016 Hong Kong Legislative Council election.<ref name="Joyce Ng 012">{{Cite web|first1=Joyce|last1=Ng|last2=Ng|first2=Kang-chung|date=19 July 2016|title='Accept Hong Kong is part of China or you can't run in Legco elections'|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/1989910/accept-hong-kong-part-china-or-you-cant-run-legco-elections|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723053759/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/1989910/accept-hong-kong-part-china-or-you-cant-run-legco-elections|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=South China Morning Post}}</ref><ref name="Kris Cheng 02">{{Cite web|last=Kris Cheng|date=29 July 2016|title=Localists submit nomination for 'substitute candidate' in LegCo election|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2016/07/29/localists-submit-nomination-substitute-candidate-legco-election/|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Hong Kong Free Press}}</ref> At that time, Leung and Ray Wong were invited to join InterEthnic InterFaith Leadership Conference in Dharamshala, India, organized by 14th Dalai Lama.<ref>{{Cite web|date=22 March 2016|title=黃台仰將赴印度出席達賴喇嘛活動：「想識下啲真分離分子」|url=https://www.localpresshk.com/2016/03/ray-wong-the-separatist/|access-date=23 July 2019|publisher=本土新聞|language=Zh-hant|archive-date=25 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200825234925/https://www.localpresshk.com/2016/03/ray-wong-the-separatist/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=28 April 2016|title=黃台仰申請印度簽證無故被拒 可能無法出席達賴主辦青年領袖研習營|url=https://www.localpresshk.com/2016/04/ray-wong-visa-problem/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210222929/http://www.localpresshk.com/2016/04/ray-wong-visa-problem/|archive-date=10 February 2017|access-date=23 July 2019|publisher=本土新聞|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> Leung and Dalai Lama held a meeting at Jokhang for two hours, the latter encourage Hong Kong people to persevere.<ref>{{Cite web|date=29 April 2016|title=獨家：60民間人士與達賴會面 梁天琦說機會難得（視頻）|url=https://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/dl-visit-04292016073604.html?encoding=traditional|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330210606/https://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/dl-visit-04292016073604.html?encoding=traditional|archive-date=30 March 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|publisher=自由亞洲電台|language=Zh-hant}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=30 April 2016|title=達賴喇嘛晤梁天琦兩小時冀港人堅毅勿放棄|url=https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/realtime/article/20160430/55049696|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330205828/https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/realtime/article/20160430/55049696|archive-date=30 March 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Apple Daily|language=Zh-hant}}</ref>
In July 2016, Electoral Affairs Commission released new election measures, directed against activists with Hong Kong Independence stance, requiring all candidates to sign declarations to confirm their support to Basic Law, and Hong Kong is an inseparable part of China as stated in the Basic Law.<ref name="Joyce Ng 012"/><ref name="鄧子盈 01">{{Cite web|last=鄧子盈|date=25 July 2016|title=【立會選戰】確認書法律基礎成疑 難取消參選人資格|url=https://www.hk01.com/立法會選舉/33122/立會選戰-確認書法律基礎成疑-難取消參選人資格|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327003331/https://www.hk01.com/%E7%AB%8B%E6%B3%95%E6%9C%83%E9%81%B8%E8%88%89/33122/%E7%AB%8B%E6%9C%83%E9%81%B8%E6%88%B0-%E7%A2%BA%E8%AA%8D%E6%9B%B8%E6%B3%95%E5%BE%8B%E5%9F%BA%E7%A4%8E%E6%88%90%E7%96%91-%E9%9B%A3%E5%8F%96%E6%B6%88%E5%8F%83%E9%81%B8%E4%BA%BA%E8%B3%87%E6%A0%BC|archive-date=27 March 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|publisher=HK01|language=Zh-hant}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=野嶋剛|date=2 September 2016|script-title=ja:立法会選挙と香港の未来：香港政治が専門の立教大学准教授倉田徹さんに聞く|url=https://www.nippon.com/ja/currents/d00240/?pnum=1|access-date=23 July 2019|publisher=日本網|language=ja}}</ref>
Leung applied to elect for New Territories East District,<ref name="立場新聞 022">{{Cite web|date=28 July 2016|title=梁天琦指當選目標較手段重要 回覆選舉主任：不會續推港獨 真誠擁護《基本法》|url=https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/簽署-擁護基本法-聲明後會否續推港獨-梁天琦今覆選舉主任-no/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104165102/https://thestandnews.com/politics/%E7%B0%BD%E7%BD%B2-%E6%93%81%E8%AD%B7%E5%9F%BA%E6%9C%AC%E6%B3%95-%E8%81%B2%E6%98%8E%E5%BE%8C%E6%9C%83%E5%90%A6%E7%BA%8C%E6%8E%A8%E6%B8%AF%E7%8D%A8-%E6%A2%81%E5%A4%A9%E7%90%A6%E4%BB%8A%E8%A6%86%E9%81%B8%E8%88%89%E4%B8%BB%E4%BB%BB-no/|archive-date=4 January 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Stand News|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> and initially refused to sign the declaration and asked for judicial review.<ref name="Joyce Ng 012" /> On 22 July, Leung received an email from Electoral Affairs Commission, asking clarification on Leung's pro-Independence political stance.<ref name="立場新聞 022"/><ref>{{Cite web|last=Kris Cheng|date=26 July 2016|title=Election officials email more pro-independence LegCo candidates asking about political stance|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2016/07/26/election-officials-email-more-pro-independence-legco-candidates-asking-about-political-stance/|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Hong Kong Free Press}}</ref><ref name="Kris Cheng 01">{{Cite web|last=Kris Cheng|date=2 August 2016|title=Edward Leung has not genuinely switched from pro-independence stance, says election official|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2016/08/02/edward-leung-not-genuinely-switched-pro-independence-stance-says-election-official/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20161108124902/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2016/08/02/edward-leung-not-genuinely-switched-pro-independence-stance-says-election-official/|archive-date=8 November 2016|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Hong Kong Free Press}}</ref>
For this, Leung and Avery Ng sought judicial review with the High Court, claiming Electoral Affairs Commission has acted in excess of their authority, criticizing HKSAR Government's political censorship.<ref name="Eddie Lee 01">{{Cite web|last=Eddie Lee和Owen Fung|date=5 August 2016|title=Setback to legal challenge against new Hong Kong election rule|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/1995611/setback-legal-challenge-against-new-hong-kong-election-rule|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723081911/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/1995611/setback-legal-challenge-against-new-hong-kong-election-rule|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=South China Morning Post}}</ref> However, the judges ruled that there was no urgency before the end of nomination and refused to approve judicial review immediately.<ref name="Eddie Lee 01" /> Leung eventually decided to sign the declaration, claiming to support the Hong Kong Basic Law and declaring loyalty to HKSAR, and no longer advocating independence.<ref name="Joyce Ng 024"/><ref name="立場新聞 022"/><ref>{{Cite web|date=29 July 2016|title=梁天琦簽確認書否認推港獨 坦承為能參選 務求不留把柄|url=https://www1.hkej.com/dailynews/politics/article/1354657/梁天琦簽確認書否認推港獨++|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723150507/https://www1.hkej.com/dailynews/politics/article/1354657/%25E6%25A2%2581%25E5%25A4%25A9%25E7%2590%25A6%25E7%25B0%25BD%25E7%25A2%25BA%25E8%25AA%258D%25E6%259B%25B8%25E5%2590%25A6%25E8%25AA%258D%25E6%258E%25A8%25E6%25B8%25AF%25E7%258D%25A8%2B%2B|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Hong Kong Economic Journal}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|first1=Emily|last1=Tsang|first2=Elizabeth|last2=Cheung|date=30 July 2016|title=Hong Kong National Party convenor disqualified from running in Legislative Council polls|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/1996994/hong-kong-national-party-convenor-disqualified-running|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723073005/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/1996994/hong-kong-national-party-convenor-disqualified-running|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=South China Morning Post}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Owen Fung|date=28 July 2016|title=Hong Kong localist gives in to election rule while others stick to their guns and are cleared to run|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/1996189/hong-kong-localist-gives-election-rule-while-others-stick|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723081906/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/1996189/hong-kong-localist-gives-election-rule-while-others-stick|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=South China Morning Post}}</ref><ref name="Joyce Ng 032">{{Cite web|last=Joyce Ng|date=3 August 2016|title=Lawyers question power of returning officers to disqualify Hong Kong poll candidates|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/1998842/lawyers-question-power-returning-officers-disqualify-hong|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723070222/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/1998842/lawyers-question-power-returning-officers-disqualify-hong|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=South China Morning Post}}</ref>
In the end, six allegedly pro-independence nominees, including Leung<ref>{{Cite web|date=2 August 2016|title=梁天琦遭選管會 取消參選資格|url=https://thestandnews.com/politics/梁天琦遭選管會-取消參選資格/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724021303/https://thestandnews.com/politics/%E6%A2%81%E5%A4%A9%E7%90%A6%E9%81%AD%E9%81%B8%E7%AE%A1%E6%9C%83-%E5%8F%96%E6%B6%88%E5%8F%83%E9%81%B8%E8%B3%87%E6%A0%BC/|archive-date=24 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Stand News|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> and Hong Kong National Party convener Chan Ho-tin, were disqualified by the committee,<ref name="Joyce Ng 024"/><ref name="Joyce Ng 04">{{Cite web|first1=Joyce|last1=Ng|first2=Tony|last2=Cheung|first3=Owen|last3= Fung|date=5 August 2016|title='Accept Hong Kong is part of China or you can't run in Legco elections'|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/1999664/more-1000-hong-kong-police-mobilised-localist-rally|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703060008/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/1999664/more-1000-hong-kong-police-mobilised-localist-rally|archive-date=3 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=South China Morning Post}}</ref> the reason being the returning officer refused to believe their claims were genuine.<ref name="立場新聞 032">{{Cite web|date=6 September 2016|title=梁天琦擬提選舉呈請 若勝訴或將觸發重選 聆訊期間不礙立會運作|url=https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/選舉呈請或觸發重選-官司審訊期間不影響立會運作/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203050133/https://thestandnews.com/politics/%E9%81%B8%E8%88%89%E5%91%88%E8%AB%8B%E6%88%96%E8%A7%B8%E7%99%BC%E9%87%8D%E9%81%B8-%E5%AE%98%E5%8F%B8%E5%AF%A9%E8%A8%8A%E6%9C%9F%E9%96%93%E4%B8%8D%E5%BD%B1%E9%9F%BF%E7%AB%8B%E6%9C%83%E9%81%8B%E4%BD%9C/|archive-date=3 December 2018|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Stand News|language=Zh-hant}}</ref><ref name="Joyce Ng 024"/><ref name="Kris Cheng 012">{{Cite web|last=Kris Cheng|date=2 August 2016|title=Edward Leung has not genuinely switched from pro-independence stance, says election official|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2016/08/02/edward-leung-not-genuinely-switched-pro-independence-stance-says-election-official/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20161108124902/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2016/08/02/edward-leung-not-genuinely-switched-pro-independence-stance-says-election-official/|archive-date=8 November 2016|access-date=23 July 2019|publisher=Hong Kong Free Press}}</ref><ref name="Joyce Ng 032"/><ref>{{Cite web|date=2 August 2016|title=【選管會通知全文】禁梁天琦參選 選舉主任：不信真正改變了主張港獨立場|url=https://thestandnews.com/politics/選管會通知全文-禁梁天琦參選-選舉主任-不信真正改變了主張港獨立場/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190609004244/https://thestandnews.com/politics/%E9%81%B8%E7%AE%A1%E6%9C%83%E9%80%9A%E7%9F%A5%E5%85%A8%E6%96%87-%E7%A6%81%E6%A2%81%E5%A4%A9%E7%90%A6%E5%8F%83%E9%81%B8-%E9%81%B8%E8%88%89%E4%B8%BB%E4%BB%BB-%E4%B8%8D%E4%BF%A1%E7%9C%9F%E6%AD%A3%E6%94%B9%E8%AE%8A%E4%BA%86%E4%B8%BB%E5%BC%B5%E6%B8%AF%E7%8D%A8%E7%AB%8B%E5%A0%B4/|archive-date=9 June 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Stand News|language=Zh-hant}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=共同通訊社|date=2 August 2018|script-title=ja:有力候補を「香港独立派」と選管が不受理「中国共産党下に民主主義はない」|url=https://www.sankei.com/world/news/160802/wor1608020051-n1.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723085905/https://www.sankei.com/world/news/160802/wor1608020051-n1.html|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Sankei Shimbun|language=ja}}</ref> On 5 August, Leung and 2,500 pro-independence supporters rallied, claiming it was the first rally supporting Hong Kong Independence.<ref name="Joyce Ng 04" />
== Aftermath == In August 2016, Leung uploaded a video on Facebook, claiming he had been tracked for a month. Facebook quickly deleted the video and barred Leung's account from posting for 24 hours when Leung attempted to re-upload it.<ref name="立場新聞 01">{{Cite web|date=9 August 2016|title=FB刪被「阿爺嘅」跟蹤短片 梁天琦再上載 遭FB禁止發帖|url=https://thestandnews.com/politics/稱不符-社群守則-fb刪梁天琦被跟蹤短片/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218060403/https://thestandnews.com/politics/%E7%A8%B1%E4%B8%8D%E7%AC%A6-%E7%A4%BE%E7%BE%A4%E5%AE%88%E5%89%87-fb%E5%88%AA%E6%A2%81%E5%A4%A9%E7%90%A6%E8%A2%AB%E8%B7%9F%E8%B9%A4%E7%9F%AD%E7%89%87/|archive-date=18 February 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Stand News|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> On 15 August, Leung was stalked by ''Ta Kung Pao'' reporters.<ref>{{Cite web|date=8 August 2016|title=梁天琦指遭黑車跟蹤1個月 對方自稱「阿爺嘅」|url=http://hk.apple.nextmedia.com/realtime/news/20160808/55469762|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815102845/http://hk.apple.nextmedia.com/realtime/news/20160808/55469762|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 August 2017|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Apple Daily|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> Leung photographed the stalker and conflict occurred in Tai Koo Station,<ref>{{Cite web|date=15 August 2016|title=梁天琦太古站涉打架|url=https://orientaldaily.on.cc/cnt/news/20160815/00176_023.html?pubdate=20160815|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190622073951/https://orientaldaily.on.cc/cnt/news/20160815/00176_023.html?pubdate=20160815|archive-date=22 June 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Oriental Daily News|language=Zh-hant}}</ref><ref name="蘋果日報 02">{{Cite web|date=14 August 2016|title=【蘋民直擊】【足本字幕】梁天琦被狗仔隊跟 太古站與人打鬥|url=http://hk.apple.nextmedia.com/realtime/breaking/20160814/55499163|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305005916/http://hk.apple.nextmedia.com/realtime/breaking/20160814/55499163|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 March 2017|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Apple Daily|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> police arrived and filed the case as dispute, later changed to public fighting because the stalker claimed that Leung had assaulted him.<ref>{{Cite web|date=14 August 2016|title=梁天琦斥被挑釁 左報狗仔隊晚上先發制人報警稱被襲|url=http://hk.apple.nextmedia.com/realtime/news/20160814/55499863?top=4h|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305061826/http://hk.apple.nextmedia.com/realtime/news/20160814/55499863?top=4h|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 March 2017|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Apple Daily|language=Zh-hant}}</ref>
Meanwhile, ''Ta Kung Pao'' continuously dug information on Leung's background, including his birthplace and ancestry.<ref name="施文達 014"/><ref name="施文達 022"/> In September, Leung and Ray Wong participated in Seventh International Conference of Tibet Support Groups, organized in Brussels, Belgium.<ref>{{Cite web|date=14 August 2016|title=港獨、藏獨合流？港媒如此觀察…|url=https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/world/breakingnews/1830063|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190623123708/https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/world/breakingnews/1830063|archive-date=23 June 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Liberty Times|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> Leung revealed he would submit an election petition when the election results were published on ''Hong Kong Government Gazette'',<ref name="立場新聞 032"/> On 7 October, Leung submitted the election petition on his disqualification.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Eddie Lee|date=7 October 2016|title=Hong Kong independence advocate Edward Leung files legal petition over Legco elections ban|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2026069/hong-kong-independence-advocate-edward-leung-files-legal|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723070213/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2026069/hong-kong-independence-advocate-edward-leung-files-legal|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=South China Morning Post}}</ref>
On the other hand, Leung was charged of rioting and inciting riot after the Mong Kok civil unrest.<ref>{{Cite web|last=勞東來和羅日昇|date=29 June 2016|title=旺角騷亂 黃台仰梁天琦轉高院審|url=https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/daily/article/20160629/19674333|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723111150/https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/daily/article/20160629/19674333|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Apple Daily|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> On 18 December 2017, Hong Kong Indigenous issued a statement, announcing Leung has resigned his membership and spokesperson duty.<ref name="蘋果日報 033"/><ref>{{Cite web|date=19 December 2017|title=梁天琦退出本民前 青政否認戰補選|url=https://news.mingpao.com/pns/港聞/article/20171219/s00002/1513620709701/梁天琦退出本民前-青政否認戰補選|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723093036/https://news.mingpao.com/pns/%25E6%25B8%25AF%25E8%2581%259E/article/20171219/s00002/1513620709701/%25E6%25A2%2581%25E5%25A4%25A9%25E7%2590%25A6%25E9%2580%2580%25E5%2587%25BA%25E6%259C%25AC%25E6%25B0%2591%25E5%2589%258D-%25E9%259D%2592%25E6%2594%25BF%25E5%2590%25A6%25E8%25AA%258D%25E6%2588%25B0%25E8%25A3%259C%25E9%2581%25B8|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Ming Pao|language=Zh-hant}}</ref>
=== Imprisonment === [[File:香港旺角衝突案 法庭向黃台仰李東昇發拘捕令3.jpg|thumb|Leung outside High Court of Hong Kong in December 2017.]] On 18 January 2018, Leung and five other protesters were called in court on riot charges,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Venus Wu|date=18 January 2018|title=Hong Kong pro-independence protest leader appears in court for 'rioting'|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-court-riot/hong-kong-pro-independence-protest-leader-appears-in-court-for-rioting-idUSKBN1F70ZJ|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723081906/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-court-riot/hong-kong-pro-independence-protest-leader-appears-in-court-for-rioting-idUSKBN1F70ZJ|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|publisher=路透社}}</ref> Leung and Ray Wong were also charged with inciting riots<ref name="蘇曉欣 013"/> between 8 and 9 February 2016 at Portland Street, Mong Kok,<ref name="黎彩燕 017"/><ref name="蘇曉欣 022">{{Cite web|last=蘇曉欣、蔡少玲和鄭語霆|date=25 March 2019|title=【旺角騷亂】重審梁天琦暴動罪名不成立 「美國隊長」三項罪成還柙|url=https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/realtime/article/20190322/59397186|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190623125517/https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/realtime/article/20190322/59397186|archive-date=23 June 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Apple Daily|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> and police assault charges.<ref name="明報 032">{{Cite web|date=22 January 2018|title=【暴動罪審訊】梁天琦認襲警 黃家駒認暴動罪 即時還押|url=https://news.mingpao.com/ins/港聞/article/20180122/s00001/1516597668045/【暴動罪審訊】梁天琦認襲警-黃家駒認暴動罪-即時還押|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723133353/https://news.mingpao.com/ins/%25E6%25B8%25AF%25E8%2581%259E/article/20180122/s00001/1516597668045/%25E3%2580%2590%25E6%259A%25B4%25E5%258B%2595%25E7%25BD%25AA%25E5%25AF%25A9%25E8%25A8%258A%25E3%2580%2591%25E6%25A2%2581%25E5%25A4%25A9%25E7%2590%25A6%25E8%25AA%258D%25E8%25A5%25B2%25E8%25AD%25A6-%25E9%25BB%2583%25E5%25AE%25B6%25E9%25A7%2592%25E8%25AA%258D%25E6%259A%25B4%25E5%258B%2595%25E7%25BD%25AA-%25E5%258D%25B3%25E6%2599%2582%25E9%2582%2584%25E6%258A%25BC|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Ming Pao|language=Zh-hant}}</ref>
On 22 January 2018, Leung pleaded guilty of assault charges, but denied rioting and inciting riot. He was instantly remanded in custody.<ref name="明報 032"/> On 18 May nine jurors reached a unanimous verdict that Leung was guilty of rioting and assault charges,<ref name="明報 012">{{Cite web|date=22 March 2019|title=【暴動罪審訊】梁天琦砵蘭街暴動罪脫 仍須就一暴動一襲警罪服刑|url=https://news.mingpao.com/ins/港聞/article/20190322/s00001/1553238427571/【暴動罪審訊】梁天琦砵蘭街暴動罪脫-仍須就一暴動一襲警罪服刑|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327202125/https://news.mingpao.com/ins/%E6%B8%AF%E8%81%9E/article/20190322/s00001/1553238427571/%E3%80%90%E6%9A%B4%E5%8B%95%E7%BD%AA%E5%AF%A9%E8%A8%8A%E3%80%91%E6%A2%81%E5%A4%A9%E7%90%A6%E7%A0%B5%E8%98%AD%E8%A1%97%E6%9A%B4%E5%8B%95%E7%BD%AA%E8%84%AB-%E4%BB%8D%E9%A0%88%E5%B0%B1%E4%B8%80%E6%9A%B4%E5%8B%95%E4%B8%80%E8%A5%B2%E8%AD%A6%E7%BD%AA%E6%9C%8D%E5%88%91|archive-date=27 March 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Ming Pao|language=Zh-hant}}</ref><ref name="立場新聞 042">{{Cite web|date=5 July 2018|title=梁天琦獄中閱沙特劇作《無處可逃》 準備修讀第二個學士學位|url=https://thestandnews.com/politics/梁天琦獄中閱沙特劇作-無處可逃-準備修讀第二個學士學位/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712101724/http://www.thestandnews.com/politics/%E6%A2%81%E5%A4%A9%E7%90%A6%E7%8D%84%E4%B8%AD%E9%96%B1%E6%B2%99%E7%89%B9%E5%8A%87%E4%BD%9C-%E7%84%A1%E8%99%95%E5%8F%AF%E9%80%83-%E6%BA%96%E5%82%99%E4%BF%AE%E8%AE%80%E7%AC%AC%E4%BA%8C%E5%80%8B%E5%AD%B8%E5%A3%AB%E5%AD%B8%E4%BD%8D/|archive-date=12 July 2018|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Stand News|language=Zh-hant}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Chris Lau和Jasmine Siu|date=18 May 2018|title=Hong Kong independence activist Edward Leung found guilty of rioting but cleared of incitement over Mong Kok unrest|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-law-and-crime/article/2146806/hong-kong-pro-independence-activist-edward|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723093054/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-law-and-crime/article/2146806/hong-kong-pro-independence-activist-edward|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=South China Morning Post}}</ref> but was acquitted on inciting riots.<ref name="蘇曉欣 013"/> He was later sentenced to six years in prison.<ref name="法新社 012"/><ref>{{Cite news|date=11 June 2018|title=Le chef des indépendantistes de Hongkong condamné à 6 ans de prison|url=https://www.letemps.ch/monde/chef-independantistes-hongkong-condamne-6-ans-prison|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723085905/https://www.letemps.ch/monde/chef-independantistes-hongkong-condamne-6-ans-prison|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Le Temps|language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=11 June 2018|script-title=ja:香港独立派の活動家に禁錮6年 2016年の暴動で有罪|url=https://www.afpbb.com/articles/-/3178026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723085915/https://www.afpbb.com/articles/-/3178026|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|publisher=法新社|language=ja}}</ref> It is believed that Leung's lengthy sentence was intended to intimidate activists and squelch political protest.<ref>{{cite news|date=21 May 2019|title=In a Possible First for Hong Kong, Activists Wanted by Police Gain Protection in Germany|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/21/world/asia/hong-kong-china-germany-activists.html}}</ref>
On 5 March 2020, local media reported that Leung had been transferred to a maximum-security prison.<ref>{{cite web|last=Wong|first=Rachel|date=6 March 2020|title=Ex-localist leader Edward Leung transferred to maximum-security prison – report|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2020/03/06/ex-localist-leader-edward-leung-transferred-maximum-security-prison-report/|access-date=19 March 2020|publisher=HKFP}}</ref>
=== Appeal === During the jail time, Leung appealed his charges and sentence, and applied for legal aid.<ref name="蘇曉欣 022"/><ref name="林俊謙 01">{{Cite web|last=林俊謙|date=5 July 2018|title=梁天琦獄中讀第二學位|url=https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/daily/article/20180705/20440847|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723105703/https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/daily/article/20180705/20440847|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Apple Daily|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> In March 2019, jurors ruled with 7:2 ratio that Leung was not guilty in a second rioting case pertaining to the same night in 2016 as the other one.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2019/03/22/breaking-localist-activist-edward-leung-cleared-second-rioting-charge-2016-mong-kok-unrest/|title=Localist activist Edward Leung cleared of second rioting charge during 2016 Mong Kok unrest|first=Holmes|last=Chan|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=22 March 2019|access-date=4 August 2023}}</ref> In October 2019 Leung launched a crowdfunding campaign for his appeal, and received over 450,000 Hong Kong dollars in 15 minutes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2019/10/05/crowdfunding-campaign-jailed-activist-edward-leungs-appeal-surpasses-hk350000-goal-within-15-minutes/|title=Crowdfunding campaign for jailed activist Edward Leung's appeal surpasses HK$350,000 goal within 15 minutes|first=Kris|last=Cheng|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=5 October 2019|access-date=4 August 2023}}</ref> On 29 April 2020, Leung lost an appeal against his six-year jail term.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-hongkong-protests-appeal-idUKKCN22B13Y|title=Hong Kong court rejects appeal by protest leader Edward Leung|first=Jessie|last=Pang|work=Reuters|date=29 April 2020|access-date=4 August 2023}}</ref>
=== Release=== Leung was released from Shek Pik Prison on 19 January 2022 on after serving four years of his six-year sentence. After his release, he deleted his Facebook page.<ref name="releasehkfp">{{cite news |last1=Cheng |first1=Selina |title=Hong Kong independence activist Edward Leung released after serving 4 years in jail |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2022/01/19/hong-kong-independence-activist-edward-leung-released-after-serving-4-years-in-jai/ |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=19 January 2022}}</ref> He stated that he would not give any interviews or receive visits, and must observe a supervision order.<ref name="releaserthk">{{cite news |title=Edward Leung released from jail |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1629513-20220119.htm |publisher=Radio Television Hong Kong |date=19 January 2022}}</ref>
== Political stance == Leung was educated in Hong Kong. This has shaped his values and deep passions to Hong Kong.<ref name="明報 025"/> He was also inspired by The Social Contract by French thinker, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Hong Kong City-state by Chin Wan.<ref name="陳倩兒 017"/> Leung has identified himself as a radical localist loyal to Hong Kong,<ref name="施文達 014"/> promoting localism,<ref name="蘋果日報 012">{{Cite web|date=29 February 2016|title=【短片】【新東補選】馬嶽：本土派有市場料更多名單爭泛民票源|url=https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/realtime/article/20160229/54810218|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723053813/https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/realtime/article/20160229/54810218|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Apple Daily|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> and openly support, advocate Hong Kong Independence.<ref name="Joyce Ng 024"/><ref name="蔡曉穎 01">{{Cite web|last=蔡曉穎|date=3 September 2016|title=特寫：為何部分香港年青人支持「港獨」？|url=https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/trad/china/2016/09/160903_hongkong_independence_movement_|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724032628/https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/trad/china/2016/09/160903_hongkong_independence_movement_|archive-date=24 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|publisher=英國廣播公司新聞網|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> He refused to identify himself as a Chinese,<ref name="關震海 015"/> asserting Hong Kong's ability to be independent,<ref name="蔡曉穎 01" /> and is an inevitable trend.<ref name="湯惠芸 022">{{Cite web|last=湯惠芸|date=30 May 2016|title=香港多個新興政團指港獨是必然趨勢|url=https://www.voacantonese.com/a/hk-forum-on-trend-of-hk-independent/3351648.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724041918/https://www.voacantonese.com/a/hk-forum-on-trend-of-hk-independent/3351648.html|archive-date=24 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|publisher=Voice of America|language=Zh-hant}}</ref>
Leung initially wanted to incorporate localism ideology into mainstream political agenda, and provide the rights for Hong Kong people to determine their future.<ref name="陳建平 014">{{Cite web|last=陳建平|date=11 January 2016|title=本民前梁天琦獲青政支持|url=https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/daily/article/20160111/19447103|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723053814/https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/daily/article/20160111/19447103|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Apple Daily (Hong Kong)》|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> He believed his by-election approval rate is an alarm to the government.<ref name="湯惠芸 012">{{Cite web|last=湯惠芸|date=29 February 2016|title=香港新東立會補選泛民險勝 本土派得票第三|url=https://www.voacantonese.com/a/hk-reactions-to-nte-legislative-by-election-result/3212576.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717151044/https://www.voacantonese.com/a/hk-reactions-to-nte-legislative-by-election-result/3212576.html|archive-date=17 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|publisher=Voice of America|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> Another main goal is to de-colonize Hong Kong.<ref name="湯惠芸 022"/> Leung also believes that the core values and systems of Hong Kong are slowly corroded by China<ref name="蔡曉穎 02">{{Cite web|last=蔡曉穎|date=6 May 2016|title=BBC中文周末閱讀：中港矛盾催生本土意識|url=https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/trad/china/2016/05/160506_ana_hongkong_localism|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724024746/https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/trad/china/2016/05/160506_ana_hongkong_localism|archive-date=24 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|publisher=英國廣播公司新聞網|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> and anyone can be considered Hong Kong people if he or she is willing to defend Hong Kong's core values, respect Hong Kong culture, and willing to merge and maintain Hong Kong's codes and systems.<ref name="蔡曉穎 02" /> He also believes localism supporters need a councilor to represent their wills.
In accordance with Hong Kong Indigenous' theme "Valiant", Leung believes Valiant is a mindset instead of behaviour, also agreeing sometimes it could be associated to violence.<ref name="立場新聞 053"/> However, he agrees more aggressive ways are required to counter the government's unfair, corrupted system,<ref>{{Cite web|date=18 February 2016|title=梁天琦贊成更激進手法 對抗政府不公制度|url=https://www.bastillepost.com/macau/article/205531-梁天琦贊成更激進手法-對抗政府不公制度|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724021544/https://www.bastillepost.com/macau/article/205531-%e6%a2%81%e5%a4%a9%e7%90%a6%e8%b4%8a%e6%88%90%e6%9b%b4%e6%bf%80%e9%80%b2%e6%89%8b%e6%b3%95-%e5%b0%8d%e6%8a%97%e6%94%bf%e5%ba%9c%e4%b8%8d%e5%85%ac%e5%88%b6%e5%ba%a6|archive-date=24 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|publisher=巴士的報|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> even at the cost of sacrificing one's life.<ref name="關震海 015"/> He also mentioned "no bottom line" does not necessarily mean at all costs.<ref>{{Cite web|last=林嘉瑜|date=2 March 2016|title=梁天琦：「沒底線」不代表完全不計較後果|url=https://app3.rthk.hk/special/pau/article.php?aid=1649|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308075450/http://app3.rthk.hk/special/pau/article.php?aid=1649|archive-date=8 March 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|publisher=RTHK|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> In 2015, Leung and Ray Wong advocated protesters to use Black bloc strategy to protect each other,<ref name="鄭治祖 012">{{Cite web|last=鄭治祖|date=28 May 2018|title=梁振英再批梁天琦及《蘋果》|url=http://news.wenweipo.com/2018/05/28/IN1805280087.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724021256/http://news.wenweipo.com/2018/05/28/IN1805280087.htm|archive-date=24 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Wen Wei Po|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> yet he did not deny the actions of throwing rocks and arson, during Monk Kok civil unrest.<ref name="延与光貞 01">{{Cite web|last=延与光貞|date=1 March 2016|script-title=ja:過激な反中「本土派」勢い 香港議会補選、得票１５％超|url=https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASJ2Q6CY7J2QUHBI029.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723085905/https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASJ2Q6CY7J2QUHBI029.html|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=The Asahi Shimbun|language=ja}}</ref> After his disqualification, he believes revolution is the only way out.<ref name="端傳媒 012">{{Cite web|date=2 August 2016|title=雖簽確認書仍被拒參選立會，梁天琦指「革命是唯一方法」|url=https://theinitium.com/article/20160802-dailynews-edward-leung-banned/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724021258/https://theinitium.com/article/20160802-dailynews-edward-leung-banned/|archive-date=24 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|publisher=Initium Media|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> He also mentioned that to confront an evil government, actions should not be confined with "no violence", everything must be done to counter suppression. He expects Hong Kong revolution will require at least 16 years to succeed.<ref>{{Cite web|date=14 August 2016|title=什麼人訪問什麼人﹕梁天琦︰革命當然是長線的|url=https://news.mingpao.com/ins/%e6%96%87%e6%91%98/article/20160814/s00022/1471137079445/%e4%bb%80%e9%ba%bc%e4%ba%ba%e8%a8%aa%e5%95%8f%e4%bb%80%e9%ba%bc%e4%ba%ba-%e6%a2%81%e5%a4%a9%e7%90%a6-%e9%9d%a9%e5%91%bd%e7%95%b6%e7%84%b6%e6%98%af%e9%95%b7%e7%b7%9a%e7%9a%84%ef%bc%88%e6%96%87-tam-daniel%ef%bc%89|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824055013/https://news.mingpao.com/ins/%e6%96%87%e6%91%98/article/20160814/s00022/1471137079445/%e4%bb%80%e9%ba%bc%e4%ba%ba%e8%a8%aa%e5%95%8f%e4%bb%80%e9%ba%bc%e4%ba%ba-%e6%a2%81%e5%a4%a9%e7%90%a6-%e9%9d%a9%e5%91%bd%e7%95%b6%e7%84%b6%e6%98%af%e9%95%b7%e7%b7%9a%e7%9a%84%ef%bc%88%e6%96%87-tam-daniel%ef%bc%89|archive-date=24 August 2019|access-date=24 August 2019|website=明報|language=zh-hant}}</ref>
In 2017, Leung decided to temporarily halt pushing independence.<ref>{{Cite web|date=9 November 2017|title=赴英大學講學運 梁天琦：要續爭民主才不讓同行者白坐監|url=https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/realtime/article/20171109/57436121|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824054610/https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/realtime/article/20171109/57436121|archive-date=24 August 2019|access-date=24 August 2019|website=Apple Daily|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> In 2018, Leung revealed his wish for Localist and Democrats to reach a consensus, resolve differences and stand united against the government.<ref>{{Cite web|date=11 June 2018|title=【梁天琦判囚】 獄中信：在最壞的時代，人的責任更為重要（附全文）|url=https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/realtime/article/20180611/58304309|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824055910/https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/realtime/article/20180611/58304309|archive-date=24 August 2019|access-date=24 August 2019|website=Apple Daily|language=Zh-hant}}</ref>
In 2019, Leung wrote an open letter to support anti-extradition bill protesters, but also implored protesters not to risk their lives and be dominated by hatred.<ref>{{Cite web|date=30 July 2019|title=梁天琦籲港人：勿跟政權賭命|url=https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/daily/article/20190730/20739941|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802031723/https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/daily/article/20190730/20739941|archive-date=2 August 2019|access-date=24 August 2019|website=Apple Daily|language=zh-hant}}</ref>
== Influences == Edward Leung is a protester after the Umbrella Revolution.<ref name="李雨夢 012">{{Cite web|last=李雨夢|date=27 December 2017|title=《地厚天高》呈現梁天琦非政治化的一面 導演林子穎︰一個尋常Lost in fumes的青春|url=https://www.mpweekly.com/culture/地厚天高-紀錄片-梁天琦-62501|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723105708/https://www.mpweekly.com/culture/%e5%9c%b0%e5%8e%9a%e5%a4%a9%e9%ab%98-%e7%b4%80%e9%8c%84%e7%89%87-%e6%a2%81%e5%a4%a9%e7%90%a6-62501|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Ming Pao Weekly|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> Hong Kong Indigenous approves Leung's successful effort to incorporate localism into mainstream political stage.<ref name="蘋果日報 033"/> During the 2016 by-election, compared to other candidates who condemned protesters' violence,<ref name="Owen Fung 012"/> Leung was able to garner votes from more radical voters,<ref name="湯惠芸 012"/> raising his fame<ref name="蘋果日報 012"/> and ultimately his final number of votes had exceeded the expectations of many.<ref name="now新聞 01">{{Cite web|date=1 March 2016|title=青年新政：立會選舉不會與本民前撞區出選|url=https://news.now.com/home/local/player?newsId=170458|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723070213/https://news.now.com/home/local/player%3FnewsId%3D170458|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|publisher=now新聞|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> This was widely seen as signifying the rise of localism<ref name="南華早報 01">{{Cite web|date=2 March 2016|title=All Around Town: So which Hong Kong politician keeps gunning for losing candidate?|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/1919713/all-around-town-so-which-hong-kong-politician-keeps-gunning|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723070213/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/1919713/all-around-town-so-which-hong-kong-politician-keeps-gunning|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=South China Morning Post}}</ref> and a strong inspiration in the upcoming Legislative Council election.<ref name="蘋果日報 012" /><ref name="郭予真 013"/><ref name="李雨夢 012"/>
Leung also claimed that, after the by-election, localism effectively became the third power in Hong Kong Politics, alongside Pro-democracy groups and Pro-Beijing groups.<ref name="郭予真 013"/> Leung's candidature for the Legco election triggered polar reactions.<ref name="端傳媒 012"/> Also, the HKSAR government, just before the nomination period ended, abruptly requested candidate to sign confirmation,<ref name="鄧子盈 012">{{Cite web|last=鄧子盈|date=25 July 2016|title=【立會選戰】確認書法律基礎成疑 難取消參選人資格|url=https://www.hk01.com/立法會選舉/33122/立會選戰-確認書法律基礎成疑-難取消參選人資格|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327003331/https://www.hk01.com/%E7%AB%8B%E6%B3%95%E6%9C%83%E9%81%B8%E8%88%89/33122/%E7%AB%8B%E6%9C%83%E9%81%B8%E6%88%B0-%E7%A2%BA%E8%AA%8D%E6%9B%B8%E6%B3%95%E5%BE%8B%E5%9F%BA%E7%A4%8E%E6%88%90%E7%96%91-%E9%9B%A3%E5%8F%96%E6%B6%88%E5%8F%83%E9%81%B8%E4%BA%BA%E8%B3%87%E6%A0%BC|archive-date=27 March 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|publisher=香港01|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> declaring support to Hong Kong Basic Law and promise loyalty to HKSAR.<ref>{{Cite web|date=18 July 2016|title=選管會突推「確認書」被忽略了的關鍵一日：7月14的魔鬼細節|url=https://www.hk01.com/社會新聞/32052/選管會突推-確認書-被忽略了的關鍵一日-7月14的魔鬼細節|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327003340/https://www.hk01.com/%E7%A4%BE%E6%9C%83%E6%96%B0%E8%81%9E/32052/%E9%81%B8%E7%AE%A1%E6%9C%83%E7%AA%81%E6%8E%A8-%E7%A2%BA%E8%AA%8D%E6%9B%B8-%E8%A2%AB%E5%BF%BD%E7%95%A5%E4%BA%86%E7%9A%84%E9%97%9C%E9%8D%B5%E4%B8%80%E6%97%A5-7%E6%9C%8814%E7%9A%84%E9%AD%94%E9%AC%BC%E7%B4%B0%E7%AF%80|archive-date=27 March 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|publisher=香港01|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> This led to Leung's disqualification.<ref>{{Cite web|last=James Griffiths|date=2 September 2016|title=Why is Beijing so scared of this 25-year-old Hong Konger?|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2016/09/01/asia/hong-kong-independence-edward-leung/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401110505/https://edition.cnn.com/2016/09/01/asia/hong-kong-independence-edward-leung/index.html|archive-date=1 April 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|publisher=有線電視新聞網}}</ref> Later Leung was sentenced to 6 years in prison due to participation in the 2016 Mong Kok civil unrest.
''Tai Kung Pao'' once commented on Leung's clear mind, quick response, and excellent communication skills,<ref>{{Cite web|last=|date=2 March 2016|title=【補選之後】《大公報》評論讚梁天琦：思路清楚反應快表達溝通力強 視他可造之材非無因|url=https://news.mingpao.com/ins/港聞/article/20160302/s00001/1456907403963/【補選之後】《大公報》評論讚梁天琦-思路清楚反應快表達溝通力強-視他可造之材非無因|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Ming Pao|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> believing HKSAR Government need to treat the by-election results seriously.<ref>{{Cite web|last=周雪君|date=2 March 2016|title=《大公報》：梁天琦有質素 特區政府要認真看待|url=https://hk.thenewslens.com/article/37344|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724021257/https://hk.thenewslens.com/article/37344|archive-date=24 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=The News Lens|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> Former Chief Executive of Hong Kong Leung Chun-Ying criticized Leung's behaviour.<ref name="鄭治祖 012"/><ref>{{Cite web|last=|date=28 May 2018|title=【暴動罪審訊】梁振英：梁天琦罪有應得 籲青年引以為戒 強調不容反國家社會|url=https://news.mingpao.com/ins/港聞/article/20180528/s00001/1527483637314/【暴動罪審訊】梁振英-梁天琦罪有應得-籲青年引以為戒-強調不容反國家社會|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Ming Pao|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> Since Leung was born in China, he was once accused of improvising his localist stance.<ref name="東方日報 012"/> His life and political career were documented in the film ''Lost in the Fumes'' in 2017,<ref name="李雨夢 012"/><ref>{{Cite web|last=呂麗嬋|date=4 December 2017|title=【爆場紀錄片】拆解抑鬱暴食梁天琦 90後港導：這不是社運片是青春片|url=https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/realtime/article/20171204/57537408|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723093039/https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/realtime/article/20171204/57537408|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Apple Daily|language=Zh-hant}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|date=15 December 2017|title=【專訪】《地厚天高》爆場又如何？ 導演林子穎：其實紀錄片好剝削人|url=https://www.thestandnews.com/culture/專訪-地厚天高-爆場又如何-導演林子穎-其實紀錄片好剝削人/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418170909/https://thestandnews.com/culture/%E5%B0%88%E8%A8%AA-%E5%9C%B0%E5%8E%9A%E5%A4%A9%E9%AB%98-%E7%88%86%E5%A0%B4%E5%8F%88%E5%A6%82%E4%BD%95-%E5%B0%8E%E6%BC%94%E6%9E%97%E5%AD%90%E7%A9%8E-%E5%85%B6%E5%AF%A6%E7%B4%80%E9%8C%84%E7%89%87%E5%A5%BD%E5%89%9D%E5%89%8A%E4%BA%BA/|archive-date=18 April 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|work=Stand News|language=Zh-hant}}</ref> an award-winning biographical documentary by Nora Lam. However, no mainstream cinema in Hong Kong was willing to screen the film, renewing fears about self-censorship and suppress of freedom of speech.<ref name="H Reporter">{{cite news|title=Controversial Hong Kong Doc Sparks Fears of Self-Censorship|work=The Hollywood Reporter|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/controversial-hong-kong-doc-sparks-fears-censorship-1110048|accessdate=22 November 2019}}</ref>
In November 2019, Leung was nominated by ''Time'' on its "100 Next" as one of the top 100 rising stars predicted to shape the world's future. ''Time'' commented that although Leung has been jailed since 2016, anti-extradition bill protesters treated him as a spiritual leader. "Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times" slogan was widely used and ''Lost in the fumes'' was a highly successful political documentary.<ref>{{Cite news|date=13 November 2019|title=梁天琦入選時代雜誌 「100 NEXT」名單 被視為香港抗爭者精神領袖|work=Stand News|url=https://thestandnews.com/politics/梁天琦入選時代雜誌-100-next-名單-被視為香港抗爭者精神領袖/|access-date=13 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191114150057/https://thestandnews.com/politics/%E6%A2%81%E5%A4%A9%E7%90%A6%E5%85%A5%E9%81%B8%E6%99%82%E4%BB%A3%E9%9B%9C%E8%AA%8C-100-next-%E5%90%8D%E5%96%AE-%E8%A2%AB%E8%A6%96%E7%82%BA%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF%E6%8A%97%E7%88%AD%E8%80%85%E7%B2%BE%E7%A5%9E%E9%A0%98%E8%A2%96/|archive-date=14 November 2019}}</ref>
The late businessman Stanley Ho and Leung are both HKU alumni.<ref name="newtalk-2020-05-27">{{Cite news|date=27 May 2020|title=港大PO照悼念何鴻燊過世 疑不讓民主派校友入鏡竟裁掉賭王下半身|work=先驅媒體|url=https://newtalk.tw/news/view/2020-05-27/412521|access-date=27 May 2020}}</ref> On 27 May 2020, HKU uploaded several group photographs, dated on 18 February 2014 at Ricci Hall 85th Anniversary with other alumni to show condolences, but Leung's part was found to be intentionally scrapped.<ref name="852-2020-5-27">{{Cite news|date=27 May 2020|title=港大發文悼何鴻燊 合照裁走梁天琦疑自我審查|work=852郵報|url=https://www.post852.com/305380/%E6%B8%AF%E5%A4%A7%E7%99%BC%E6%96%87%E6%82%BC%E4%BD%95%E9%B4%BB%E7%87%8A%E3%80%80%E5%90%88%E7%85%A7%E8%A3%81%E8%B5%B0%E6%A2%81%E5%A4%A9%E7%90%A6%E7%96%91%E8%87%AA%E6%88%91%E5%AF%A9%E6%9F%A5/|access-date=27 May 2020|archive-date=25 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200825234906/https://www.post852.com/305380/%E6%B8%AF%E5%A4%A7%E7%99%BC%E6%96%87%E6%82%BC%E4%BD%95%E9%B4%BB%E7%87%8A%E3%80%80%E5%90%88%E7%85%A7%E8%A3%81%E8%B5%B0%E6%A2%81%E5%A4%A9%E7%90%A6%E7%96%91%E8%87%AA%E6%88%91%E5%AF%A9%E6%9F%A5/|url-status=dead}}</ref> This was widely condemned as self-censorship and wiping history<ref name="newtalk-2020-05-27" /> in order to be "politically correct". HKU responded that their intention was to make the main character Stanley Ho stand out from the crowd. However, by cutting Leung away, Stanley Ho's lower body was scrapped and he was not centered in the picture anymore.<ref name="thestandnews-2020-05-26">{{Cite news|date=26 May 2020|title=港大發文悼何鴻燊 發學生合照裁走梁天琦|work=Stand News|url=https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/%E6%B8%AF%E5%A4%A7%E7%99%BC%E6%96%87%E6%82%BC%E4%BD%95%E9%B4%BB%E7%87%8A-%E7%99%BC%E5%AD%B8%E7%94%9F%E5%90%88%E7%85%A7%E8%A3%81%E8%B5%B0%E6%A2%81%E5%A4%A9%E7%90%A6/|access-date=27 May 2020|archive-date=25 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200825234930/https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/%E6%B8%AF%E5%A4%A7%E7%99%BC%E6%96%87%E6%82%BC%E4%BD%95%E9%B4%BB%E7%87%8A-%E7%99%BC%E5%AD%B8%E7%94%9F%E5%90%88%E7%85%A7%E8%A3%81%E8%B5%B0%E6%A2%81%E5%A4%A9%E7%90%A6/|url-status=dead}}</ref> After wide criticization, HKU replaced with the original photograph after two hours.<ref name="mingpao-2020-05-27">{{Cite news|date=27 May 2020|title=港大發賭王相 裁走梁天琦 網民：一張相都要自我審查 校方：要拼貼|work=明報|url=https://news.mingpao.com/pns/%E6%B8%AF%E8%81%9E/article/20200527/s00002/1590518072053/%E3%80%90emily%E3%80%91%E6%B8%AF%E5%A4%A7%E7%99%BC%E8%B3%AD%E7%8E%8B%E7%9B%B8-%E8%A3%81%E8%B5%B0%E6%A2%81%E5%A4%A9%E7%90%A6-%E7%B6%B2%E6%B0%91-%E4%B8%80%E5%BC%B5%E7%9B%B8%E9%83%BD%E8%A6%81%E8%87%AA%E6%88%91%E5%AF%A9%E6%9F%A5-%E6%A0%A1%E6%96%B9-%E8%A6%81%E6%8B%BC%E8%B2%BC|access-date=27 May 2020}}</ref>
== See also == * Localism in Hong Kong
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == {{Commons category}}
* {{Facebook}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Leung, Edward Tin-kei}} Category:1991 births Category:Living people Category:Hong Kong independence activists Category:Hong Kong localists Category:Hong Kong Indigenous politicians Category:Politicians from Wuhan Category:Prisoners and detainees of Hong Kong Category:Political prisoners held by Hong Kong