We used to joke about Hong Kong’s terror laws, but now my friends and family have gone silent | Alan Lau

The jailing of pro-democracy activists, omnipresent surveillance and a distrust of the police have driven people into a fearful silence

Growing up, I had always dreamed of becoming a police officer like my uncle. In my childhood in the 1980s and 90s, the police had a positive and brave image. I remember when I was in first or second grade, struggling with English, my uncle would tutor me. After our lessons, I would stay at his house to play. Next to his bed was a punching bag, and he would teach me how to throw punches and do one-handed push-ups.

My uncle would show off the muscles on his arms, telling me his dream was to become a police officer who fights crime and protects the innocent. He eventually did. And in his police uniform graduation photo, he stood tall and proud - a hero in my eyes.