Hong Kong police enforcing national security laws have issued warrants for the arrest of 19 activists living abroad, charging them with subversion in the most extensive such action to date.
The individuals are accused of involvement in the pro-democracy Hong Kong Parliament group, which authorities claim sought to undermine state authority under the security legislation enacted by Beijing in 2020 following widespread protests in the city the previous year.
According to officials, the group conducted an unofficial referendum and fielded election candidates with the alleged goal of pushing for self-rule and creating a separate constitution for Hong Kong.
Authorities allege the organisation worked to unlawfully overthrow both the Chinese and Hong Kong governments, with more arrests possible.
Those named include entrepreneur Elmer Yuen, commentator Victor Ho, and campaigners Johnny Fok and Tony Choi. Four already faced prior warrants, each accompanied by a HK$1 million (£95,000) bounty. The remaining 15 have rewards of HK$200,000 each, targeting alleged organisers, candidates, and councillors of the group.
Feng Chongyi, a professor of Chinese studies at the University of Technology Sydney also on the list, dismissed the bounty as "absurd," telling the Sydney Morning Herald, "They have authority, they have influence abroad—they want to dominate everything, even overseas."
In a joint statement, UK foreign and home secretaries criticised the move, describing it as "another instance of transnational repression" that harms Hong Kong’s global standing. "The UK rejects efforts by foreign states to pressure, threaten, or target critics overseas," they stated Friday.
The Chinese embassy in London rebuffed the remarks as "serious interference" in China’s sovereignty and Hong Kong’s legal affairs, urging Britain to "end its colonial mindset, cease meddling in Hong Kong matters, and stop protecting offenders."
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong also condemned the warrants, stating on social media, "Freedom of speech and assembly are core democratic principles." She added, "We have repeatedly raised concerns with China and Hong Kong about the broad extraterritorial enforcement of their national security law and will continue to do so."
Hong Kong, a former British territory, reverted to Chinese control in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" framework promising significant autonomy, including free expression.
Opponents argue the security law suppresses dissent. Chinese and Hong Kong officials maintain it was necessary to restore order after prolonged unrest.
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