The political storm surrounding Hong Kong activists continues to escalate as the stepfather of fugitive activist Tony Chung was taken by national security police on March 18, 2025, for questioning. This high-stakes move, reported by local media, has raised significant concerns both within Hong Kong and among international observers. According to Ming Pao, Chung's stepfather was "taken away" to assist in the investigation of Chung's offenses involving allegations of inciting secession and colluding with external forces to endanger national security.
Tony Chung, known as the ex-convener of the pro-independence group Studentlocalism, was arrested shortly after the introduction of Hong Kong's controversial national security law on June 30, 2020, which followed significant pro-democracy protests. Just 23 years old, Chung was sentenced to three years and seven months in prison for his alleged crimes before completing his term in June 2023. Following his release, he sought political asylum in the UK, fleeing Hong Kong amid continuing threats from the authorities.
The tension intensified last December when Hong Kong's national security police issued arrest warrants for three activists living abroad, including Chung, with bounties of HK$1 million offered to those who could provide information leading to their capture. This move has been part of Beijing's crackdown on dissent since the national security law was enacted. So far, 19 activists have had their names included on these warrants, which have triggered police actions not only against the activists but also against their families.
Meanwhile, the situation has become increasingly precarious for another prominent activist, Australian citizen Kevin Yam, who was also targeted as reports surfaced about anonymous letters containing bounties for information about him. On the same day as Chung's stepfather was taken by police, Australian officials expressed their grave concerns over these threatening letters mailed to residents near two Melbourne locations linked to Yam.
The letters, originally detailed by The Guardian, offered HK$1 million (approximately US$128,000) as reward for anyone who could provide information on Yam or facilitate his transfer to Hong Kong authorities. The Australian government has reacted strongly to this harassment. A spokesperson for Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated, "The Australian government will not tolerate surveillance, harassment or intimidation against individuals or family members here in Australia -- this undermines our national sovereignty and the security and safety of Australians."
Yam returned to Australia in 2022 after living for two decades in Hong Kong. He is one of eight activists whom Hong Kong authorities have accused of violating the national security law, with specific allegations made against them as far back as July 2023. These activists had fled Hong Kong following the violent crackdown on protests during the previous year.
Receiving the letters has added pressure and fear among those involved and their communities. Yam expressed his refusal to surrender to Hong Kong authorities, stating emphatically via social media, "I will not voluntarily return to Hong Kong before it is free. I will not kill myself."
This recent intimidation does not stand alone; similar letters circulated earlier this month aimed at the neighbors of Carmen Lau, another activist currently residing abroad, highlighting the trend of cross-border threats transferred to the homes of individuals linked to Hong Kong activism. Wong's spokesperson emphasized the severity of the situation, calling the targeting of Australian citizens "completely unacceptable."
The impact of these events extends beyond the individual threats faced by activists. James Paterson, Australia's Shadow Home Affairs Minister, called the distribution of the threat letters "outrageous" and urged the government to enact measures against what he termed crude attempts at intimidation. He stated, "Those who distributed this pamphlet should be investigated under the espionage and foreign interference laws. Serious consequences must flow to send the strong message we won’t tolerate this crude attempted intimidation."
Beijing's complicity does not end with threats; Chinese officials had previously called for countries like Australia, the UK, and the USA to cease providing refuge to Hong Kong activists, labeling them as destabilizing elements. This call for action was reported by China's foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, who insisted, "Relevant countries need to respect China’s sovereignty and the rule of law in Hong Kong, stop lending support for anti-China elements destabilizing Hong Kong."
The national security law, implemented after extensive civil unrest, has allowed the Hong Kong government not only to expand its powers but also to extend its reach to those who have fled the jurisdiction. Therefore, activists like Chung and Yam remain at risk, not only from immediate personal repercussions but due to the potential consequences to their families and communities.
These developments expose the chilling effects of the national security law and reflect the constant struggle for human rights and democracy within Hong Kong. For activists, the stakes have never been higher, and as they navigate the dangerous waters of dissent, international attention and action may represent their only lifeline.
