Hong Kong Issues Bounties for 19 Overseas Activists on Subversion Charges
Hong Kong police announced bounties for information leading to the arrest of 19 overseas activists, accusing them of national security crimes.
Hong Kong police announced bounties Friday for information leading to the arrest of 19 overseas activists, accusing them of national security crimes.
The move comes as Hong Kong continues to quash political dissent since Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law in 2020 following huge, sometimes violent pro-democracy protests the year before.
Many opposition figures have fled abroad, while others have been arrested and sentenced to years in jail.
According to the police statement, the 19 activists were involved in what they called a 'subversive organization,' Hong Kong Parliament - a pro-democracy NGO established in Canada.
On July 1, Hong Kong Parliament said on social media that it was holding an unofficial poll online to form a 'legislature,' aimed at 'opposing one-party dictatorship and tyranny and pursuing Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong.' The police accused the group of seeking to 'unlawfully overthrow and undermine the fundamental system' of the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities.
Rewards ranging from HK$200,000 ($25,500) to HK$1 million were offered for the 19 activists.
However, experts believe that these bounties are largely symbolic given the individuals live in countries unlikely to extradite political activists to Hong Kong or China.
The announcement marks the fourth time Hong Kong authorities have offered rewards for help capturing those alleged to have violated the city's national security laws.
Human Rights Watch criticized the move, stating that it demonstrates how the Hong Kong government is deepening its repression and extending its reach abroad.
As of July 1, there are now 34 people wanted for national security offenses in Hong Kong.
Critics argue against foreign interference, as previous rounds of bounties received heavy criticism from Western countries.
Earlier this month, Hong Kong police arrested four individuals, including a minor, who were allegedly part of a group in Taiwan calling for the overthrow of the Chinese Communist Party.
This week, an 18-year-old was arrested for writing 'seditious words' on a toilet wall in a commercial building.
The move comes as Hong Kong continues to quash political dissent since Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law in 2020 following huge, sometimes violent pro-democracy protests the year before.
Many opposition figures have fled abroad, while others have been arrested and sentenced to years in jail.
According to the police statement, the 19 activists were involved in what they called a 'subversive organization,' Hong Kong Parliament - a pro-democracy NGO established in Canada.
On July 1, Hong Kong Parliament said on social media that it was holding an unofficial poll online to form a 'legislature,' aimed at 'opposing one-party dictatorship and tyranny and pursuing Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong.' The police accused the group of seeking to 'unlawfully overthrow and undermine the fundamental system' of the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities.
Rewards ranging from HK$200,000 ($25,500) to HK$1 million were offered for the 19 activists.
However, experts believe that these bounties are largely symbolic given the individuals live in countries unlikely to extradite political activists to Hong Kong or China.
The announcement marks the fourth time Hong Kong authorities have offered rewards for help capturing those alleged to have violated the city's national security laws.
Human Rights Watch criticized the move, stating that it demonstrates how the Hong Kong government is deepening its repression and extending its reach abroad.
As of July 1, there are now 34 people wanted for national security offenses in Hong Kong.
Critics argue against foreign interference, as previous rounds of bounties received heavy criticism from Western countries.
Earlier this month, Hong Kong police arrested four individuals, including a minor, who were allegedly part of a group in Taiwan calling for the overthrow of the Chinese Communist Party.
This week, an 18-year-old was arrested for writing 'seditious words' on a toilet wall in a commercial building.
