Hong Kong Police Offer Rewards for Arrest of Self-Exiled Activists, Including American Citizen
Hong Kong police offer cash rewards for self-exiled activists, including a US citizen, intensifying efforts to target and apprehend those deemed a threat to national security
The Hong Kong police placed bounties of HK$1 million on five democracy activists living in self-imposed exile, a move that has been condemned by the United States and United Kingdom. The accused include US citizen Joey Siu and Frances Hui, who has been granted asylum in the United States, and are accused of committing crimes endangering national security.
The remaining three activists sought out by the Hong Kong police, Johnny Fok, Tony Choi, and Simon Cheng, are currently residing in Britain. Back in July, the Hong Kong police also offered rewards for eight other exiled activists who have been vocal about Beijing's suppression of Hong Kong's freedoms and autonomy. This crackdown came into effect after the city's mass pro-democracy protests and the enactment of a comprehensive national security law in 2020.
The wanted individuals are now residing in the US, Canada, Britain, and Australia. These countries have halted their extradition agreements with Hong Kong due to worries about the new law. According to Steve Li, chief superintendent of the Hong Kong police national security department, the activists have been advocating for Hong Kong's independence and have been urging for international sanctions against officials from Hong Kong and mainland China.
"They have betrayed Hong Kong and their country," he accused. "They have disregarded the interests of the people of Hong Kong and persist in activities that threaten national security, even after fleeing overseas."
Nevertheless, the activists have pledged to persist in expressing their opinions.
Siu, a US citizen, declared on X (formerly Twitter), "I refuse to be silenced or back down." Hui also stood firm, stating on X, "I want to make it clear that my support for democracy and freedom will not waver."
Meanwhile, UK-based Cheng called the charges a badge of "lifelong honor," in a post on X.
The new bounties also drew rebukes from Washington and London.
The US Department of State strongly condemns the actions taken by Hong Kong authorities, stating that they show blatant disregard for international norms regarding democracy and human rights. The spokesperson emphasized that any attempt to enforce Beijing's national security law outside of Hong Kong is unacceptable, and reiterated that Hong Kong authorities have no jurisdiction within United States borders. He also stated that advocates for democracy and freedom will continue to enjoy their constitutionally guaranteed freedoms and rights in the United States.
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron has instructed British officials to urgently address the issue with the Hong Kong and Chinese authorities. He stated, "We will not tolerate any foreign power attempting to intimidate, harass, or harm individuals or communities in the UK. This poses a threat to our democracy and fundamental human rights." Cameron also called for the repeal of the national security law.
Critics argue that Hong Kong's national security law, which criminalizes secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign powers and carries a maximum punishment of life imprisonment, has been used to suppress the city's opposition movement, revamp its electoral system, censor its outspoken media, and weaken its once-thriving civil society.
However, the Hong Kong government has consistently dismissed these criticisms and stated that the law has aided the city in "restoring stability" after the protests.
On Thursday, a spokesperson emphasized the Hong Kong government's commitment to actively fulfilling its constitutional duty to safeguard national security and uphold the principles of one country, two systems, and the rule of law.
