On December 24, the Hong Kong Police issued bounties for six pro-democracy activists living abroad, each valued at HKD 1 million (approximately USD 128,728). This marks the third time the authorities have announced such rewards as part of their intensified crackdown on dissent under the controversial national security law.
The activists facing these bounties are allegedly involved in activities deemed dangerous to national security, including inciting secession and colluding with foreign agents. Notable among those targeted are Carmen Lau, a former member of the District Council; Tony Chung, the former leader of the pro-independence student group Studentlocalism; and Joseph Tay, a former singer who has publicly denounced the Hong Kong government from Canada.
Hong Kong’s Security Minister, Chris Tang, claimed these individuals represent significant threats to national stability. "These people are anti-China and their actions undermine the security of our nation," he stated following the announcement. The police have increased the number of activists on their wanted list to 19, underscoring the authorities’ unyielding stance on dissent.
This latest bounty announcement follows similar rounds made on previous occasions, with the police having identified multiple activists under the same claims. Critics have condemned these actions, stating they symbolize Hong Kong’s continuing repression against those seeking democratic freedoms. The measures coincide with the government's continuing efforts to strengthen its grip on dissent since widespread protests erupted in 2019.
Under the recently enforced national security law, passed amid the protests, it has become increasingly common for the Hong Kong government to revoke the passports of those associated with pro-democracy movements. Following this latest announcement, the government also revealed the revocation of passports for seven other activists, including Ted Hui, another prominent figure formerly serving as Legislative Council member. Hui, along with others who have faced legal actions for their political activities, remains unable to return to Hong Kong.
Adding to the alarm, Carmen Lau took to social media after learning of the bounty placed upon her head, declaring, "I will not back down just because of the bounty and warrant, and I hope to see everyone stand with me in the fight for Hong Kong." Her sentiment echoes the wider resistance among various activists scattered across the globe, who continue to advocate for liberties and human rights within the Chinese territory.
The international community, especially Western nations, has responded critically to these bounty announcements, viewing them as emblematic of the Hong Kong administration's broader strategy to suppress political dissent. They argue these actions violate the rights and freedoms promised to Hong Kong citizens. Diplomatic tensions have escalated as authorities assert their actions are strictly internal affairs and should not influence foreign opinions.
The Hong Kong government maintains its stance, promoting the idea of law and order as necessary for stability and societal welfare. They argue the national security law has brought relief after years of unrest and chaos resulting from anti-government demonstrations.
Chris Tang's remarks about the activists being "people without identity" reflect the broader narrative of erasing dissenting voices from the societal fabric. This reflects months of strategic moves by the authorities to depict pro-democracy activists as threats not only to Hong Kong but also to national security as a whole.
The attempts by Hong Kong to regain perceived lost stability translate to tangible consequences for activists living abroad who continue to assert their right to political expression and public dissent. The government has portrayed their international outreach as courting foreign intervention, which is explicitly the charge against them. While authorities justify their actions as necessary and protective of national integrity, the global ramifications tug at the fragile thread of modern democratic ideals.
The atmosphere for democracy movements remains perilous, and the outlined bounty system raises questions about the future of dissent not only within the Hong Kong community but also, significantly, on the global stage where many of these activists find refuge. How far the Hong Kong government will escalate its actions remains uncertain, but it is clear this strategy will persist as long as the struggle for freedom continues.
With continuing negotiations taking place between various governments and the enduring unique challenges posed by the national security provisions, the ramifications of Hong Kong's actions reverberate widely. The new bounties serve as yet another emblem of the struggle faced by activists separated from the roots of their fight, each bounty reflecting the tension of attempting to navigate local freedoms within the prism of international politics.
