Missing Hong Kong
bookseller Lee Bo: 'I wasn't abducted'
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.
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.
