Former elected lawmaker and student leader of the Umbrella Movement, Nathan Law reflects on the state of democracy in Hong Kong in his new book Freedom, How We Lose It and How We Fight Back.

In 2016, Nathan Law became Hong Kong’s youngest elected lawmaker at just 23. A year later, he was imprisoned by the Chinese authorities for his part in the Umbrella Movement. He has since been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for his pro-democracy advocacy and named one of TIME magazine’s People of the Year 2020, while living in exile in the UK. 

In Freedom: How We Lose It and How We Fight Back  Law explores the meaning of freedom and shows how easily these defined freedoms can be eroded or dismantled. In light of recent crackdowns on democratic expression in Hong Kong, Law reminds us of how fragile our basic human rights might be and how quickly those rights can be undermined by the same lawmakers that are in place to protect them.

Nathan Law shares Freedom: How We Lose It and How We Fight Back  with host Andrea Woo and discusses not just how important freedom is in principle for human beings to thrive, but how it is put into practice.

This event is part of our On Civil Society series.

Generously supported in part by Chris M. Reid

This event is also part of TPL’s Asian Heritage series.

Toronto Public Library is committed to accessibility. Please call or email us if you are Deaf or have a disability and would like to request accommodation to participate in this program. Please let us know as far in advance as possible and we will do our best to meet your request. At least three weeks notice is preferred. Phone 416-393-7099 or email accessibleservices@tpl.ca

Nathan Law: Freedom, How We Lose It and How We Fight Back