Hong Kong Police Issue Fresh Arrest Warrants for Six Activists Abroad

Hong Kong police on Tuesday announced a fresh round of arrest warrants for six activists based overseas, with bounties set at $1 million Hong Kong dollars for information leading to their arrests.

Wanted for National Security Offences

According to the warrants, the six are wanted for national security offences such as secession, subversion, and collusion with foreign forces. They include Tony Chung, the former leader of now-defunct pro-independence group Studentlocalism, U.K.-based Carmen Lau, a former district councilor and current activist with the Hong Kong Democracy Council, and Chloe Cheung, an activist with the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong.

Government Targets Vocal Critics Abroad

The latest round of warrants signals that the Hong Kong government is targeting vocal critics based abroad. The government had previously issued two rounds of arrest warrants and bounties for more prominent activists, including ex-lawmakers Ted Hui and Nathan Law.

Background

The increasing number of wanted individuals abroad comes as Hong Kong continues to crack down on political dissent following massive anti-government protests in 2019 that resulted in a wave of pro-democracy movements. Many outspoken pro-democracy activists have since been jailed, with others fleeing abroad.

Reactions

Chung, the former Studentlocalism leader, said in a story posted to Instagram that he was “honored” to be the first Hong Konger to be accused of violating the national security law twice. Cheung, who is based in the U.K., said in an Instagram post that “even in the face of a powerful enemy, I will continue to do what I believe is right.”

Human Rights Watch Condemns Move

“The Hong Kong government’s latest round of arrest warrants and bounties against six Hong Kong activists is a cowardly act of intimidation that aims to silence Hong Kong people,” said Maya Wang, associate China director at Human Rights Watch.

Conclusion

The Hong Kong government’s latest move is a clear attempt to silence dissent and stifle free speech. It is crucial that the international community, including governments and human rights organizations, speak out against this egregious violation of human rights.

FAQs

Q: Who are the six activists wanted by the Hong Kong police?
A: The six activists are Tony Chung, Carmen Lau, Chloe Cheung, Chung Kim-wah, Joseph Tay, and YouTuber Victor Ho.

Q: What are they wanted for?
A: They are wanted for national security offences such as secession, subversion, and collusion with foreign forces.

Q: What is the bounty for information leading to their arrests?
A: The bounty is set at $1 million Hong Kong dollars.

Q: How many people are now wanted by the Hong Kong police?
A: Tuesday’s arrest warrants take the total number of wanted people to 19.