Hong Kong authorities have dramatically escalated their crackdown on pro-democracy activists by placing bounties on six more individuals accused of endangering national security, Al Jazeera reports.
This move, announced Tuesday, marks the third time the city’s police have offered HK$1 million ($130,000) rewards for information leading to the arrest of overseas-based advocates.
The wanted list, now totaling 19 campaigners, reflects the narrowing space for dissent in the once vibrant financial hub. The activists face loosely defined charges of secession, subversion, or collusion, under the controversial national security laws imposed following mass anti-government protests in 2019.
Hong Kong’s Secretary for Security, Chris Tang, justified the actions, claiming the targeted individuals had undermined national security through activities such as lobbying for sanctions against Hong Kong officials and judges.
The latest additions to the list include Tony Chung, former leader of the pro-independence group Studentlocalism, Joseph Tay, founder of the Canada-based advocacy group Hongkonger Station, and Carmen Lau of the Hong Kong Democracy Council. Others named are Chung Kim-wah, a former pollster; Victor Ho, a Canada-based YouTuber; and Chloe Cheung of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong.
The announcement comes on the heels of the government’s decision to cancel the passports of seven previously-listed activists, including former Hong Kong legislator Ted Hui.
Once lauded for its robust political opposition and free press, Hong Kong has seen a systematic dismantling of its democratic institutions and civil liberties in recent years. The imposition of the national security laws has effectively criminalized almost all forms of dissent.
These actions have drawn sharp condemnation from Western governments and human rights organizations, who view them as a blatant attack on fundamental freedoms. In contrast, both mainland Chinese and Hong Kong officials defend the laws as necessary to restore stability after the often-violent 2019 protests.
Despite the issuance of bounties, none of the 19 activists are likely to be extradited to Hong Kong. They all reside in Western nations that have openly expressed concerns about the erosion of rights and freedoms in the city.
Kevin Yam, an Australia-based lawyer who was added to the wanted list last July, criticized the latest measures, arguing they undermine Hong Kong’s efforts to revive its battered international reputation.
