**In a move that escalates tensions over democracy, Hong Kong authorities have issued arrest warrants and bounties for six pro-democracy activists living abroad.**
**Hong Kong Increases Pressure on Activists Abroad with Reward Offers**
**Hong Kong Increases Pressure on Activists Abroad with Reward Offers**
**Hong Kong police promise substantial bounties for activists overseas, raising concerns over human rights and freedom of expression.**
Hong Kong police have announced rewards of HK$1 million (approximately £103,000 or $129,000) for information leading to the arrests of six pro-democracy activists residing in the UK and Canada. The activists include Tony Chung, a former leader of a pro-independence group who fled to the UK last year, former district councillor Carmen Lau, and activist Chloe Cheung. All have been accused of violating the city’s stringent national security law, implemented in 2020 to counteract anti-government protests.
The Hong Kong Police have targeted activists who have been outspoken in their calls for democratic reforms and have allegedly sought foreign sanctions against Hong Kong and mainland China. Human Rights Watch condemned this move as a "cowardly act of intimidation," urging the UK and Canadian governments to take a stand against such actions.
Among those wanted is Chung Kim-wah, a political commentator and pollster, who left Hong Kong for the UK in 2022. The list also includes former actor Joseph Tay and YouTuber Victor Ho, both of whom relocated to Canada. Notably, Mr. Ho has been charged with subversion, and the other activists face accusations of promoting secession and colluding with foreign entities.
In a social media post, Chung expressed that the issuance of warrants did not come as a surprise to him, acknowledging that he carefully considered the risks of fleeing from Hong Kong. He remarked on his first conviction in 2021 related to calls for secession, viewing his legal troubles as part of his advocacy journey.
Carmen Lau responded defiantly to the warrant, stating it would not deter her from advocating for human rights and democracy in Hong Kong. She has urged support from international governments, particularly the UK, US, and EU, to impose sanctions on those responsible for human rights violations in the territory. Lau is also pushing for policies to counter transnational repression, especially regarding the expansion of the Chinese embassy in the UK.
This marks the third wave of arrest warrants and reward announcements since the national security law's implementation, with previous warrants targeting figures such as Nathan Law and Simon Cheng, who have since sought refuge in the UK. The Chinese government has backed these actions, insisting that they are lawful and necessary for Hong Kong's stability.
The national security law has drawn significant criticism for undermining the territory's autonomy and curtailing free expression, with many activists expressing fears about their safety and freedom in countries that previously welcomed them. As the situation evolves, the impact of these warrant announcements on the pro-democracy movement and international relations remains a critical area of concern.
The Hong Kong Police have targeted activists who have been outspoken in their calls for democratic reforms and have allegedly sought foreign sanctions against Hong Kong and mainland China. Human Rights Watch condemned this move as a "cowardly act of intimidation," urging the UK and Canadian governments to take a stand against such actions.
Among those wanted is Chung Kim-wah, a political commentator and pollster, who left Hong Kong for the UK in 2022. The list also includes former actor Joseph Tay and YouTuber Victor Ho, both of whom relocated to Canada. Notably, Mr. Ho has been charged with subversion, and the other activists face accusations of promoting secession and colluding with foreign entities.
In a social media post, Chung expressed that the issuance of warrants did not come as a surprise to him, acknowledging that he carefully considered the risks of fleeing from Hong Kong. He remarked on his first conviction in 2021 related to calls for secession, viewing his legal troubles as part of his advocacy journey.
Carmen Lau responded defiantly to the warrant, stating it would not deter her from advocating for human rights and democracy in Hong Kong. She has urged support from international governments, particularly the UK, US, and EU, to impose sanctions on those responsible for human rights violations in the territory. Lau is also pushing for policies to counter transnational repression, especially regarding the expansion of the Chinese embassy in the UK.
This marks the third wave of arrest warrants and reward announcements since the national security law's implementation, with previous warrants targeting figures such as Nathan Law and Simon Cheng, who have since sought refuge in the UK. The Chinese government has backed these actions, insisting that they are lawful and necessary for Hong Kong's stability.
The national security law has drawn significant criticism for undermining the territory's autonomy and curtailing free expression, with many activists expressing fears about their safety and freedom in countries that previously welcomed them. As the situation evolves, the impact of these warrant announcements on the pro-democracy movement and international relations remains a critical area of concern.
