Hong Kong police issued fresh arrest warrants on Tuesday for six activists residing abroad, including two Canadian citizens, with bounties set at approximately HK$1 million (around $129,000) for information leading to their arrests. This latest move is seen as part of the Hong Kong government’s aggressive strategy to target vocal critics internationally under its national security law, which has been widely criticized for its vagueness and repressive nature.
The six individuals named include Tony Chung, the former leader of the pro-independence group Studentlocalism; Carmen Lau, U.K.-based former district councilor and current activist with the Hong Kong Democracy Council; and Chloe Cheung, who belongs to the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong. All are wanted for offenses such as secession, subversion, and collusion with foreign forces.
Since the major anti-government protests broke out in Hong Kong during 2019, the government has cracked down on political dissent, resulting in numerous arrests of pro-democracy activists. Many have since fled abroad, spurring Hong Kong’s authorities to extend their reach and issue arrest warrants against those who continue to advocate for democracy from overseas. The total number of wanted activists has now reached 19, with this new round signaling the government’s determination to suppress dissent even when it resides outside its jurisdiction.
Chung expressed on Instagram his pride at being accused of violating the national security law twice, stating, “Today’s wanted notice is undoubtedly a kind of affirmation for me. I will continue to unswervingly and fearlessly promote the self-determination of Hong Kong.”
Cheung, just 19 years old, echoed this sentiment with defiance, stating, “Fear cannot restrain me. Suppression cannot silence me. I will wear this burden with pride and without fear.” This attitude reflects the sentiments of many activists who, rather than being cowed by the threats, seem to find strength and solidarity through their struggles.
The issuance of these warrants and the accompanying bounties have drawn criticism from human rights organizations. Maya Wang, associate China director at Human Rights Watch, described the warrants as “a cowardly act of intimidation intended to silence Hong Kong people.” She urged the British and Canadian governments to support their citizens currently targeted by the Hong Kong regime, noting the risky nature of transnational repression.
Both Lau and Cheung have called on democratic nations to impose sanctions against Hong Kong’s human rights perpetrators without delay, highlighting the need for urgent action to protect activists from these attempts at intimidation.
The six wanted individuals also include Chung Kim-wah, who previously served as a senior member of the independent polling organization, Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute; Joseph Tay, co-founder of the Canada-based NGO HongKonger Station; and popular YouTuber Victor Ho.
Ho, who also received threats from Hong Kong authorities, commented on the situation, likening the bounty proclamation to the best Christmas present he could receive, reflecting both resilience and humor. He noted, “A Canadian citizen like me has the protection of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and exercised his right to freedom of speech.”
These recent events mark the second consecutive year Hong Kong has issued arrest warrants for activists during the holiday season, emphasizing the continually tense political climate surrounding Hong Kong’s governance. Such actions have not only led to fear among the pro-democracy community but have also sparked discussions about international accountability for Hong Kong’s government actions.
Significantly, the Hong Kong government has not just targeted activists through arrest warrants; it has also canceled passports of several other prominent figures as well. These measures, implemented under Article 23 of Hong Kong’s national security law, restrict the movements of individuals and inhibit engagement with funds related to business ventures, effectively isolATING them from any potential support.
Moving forward, many of the activists have called for vigilance and support from the international community, imploring democratic governments to stand with Hong Kong citizens fighting for their rights and freedoms. Cheung urged British officials to finally take tangible actions to protect those facing such intimidation on their soil, hoping to spark widespread support for all Hong Kongers living under the threat of repression.
Experts and advocacy groups have characterized this pattern of conduct from the Hong Kong government as clear acts of transnational repression, urging immediate responses not only to sanction involved Hong Kong officials but also to create stronger frameworks to safeguard the freedoms of exiled critics.
With the Hong Kong government’s increasing assertiveness against activists abroad, the calls from those at risk for comprehensive international intervention grow louder, reflecting the ever-evolving struggle for democracy and freedom in Hong Kong.
