Authorities emphasize their commitment to human rights and the protection of activists from repressive measures.
UK Denounces Hong Kong's Cash Bounty for Arrest of Activists
UK Denounces Hong Kong's Cash Bounty for Arrest of Activists
The UK government criticizes Hong Kong's ongoing financial incentives for information leading to the arrest of pro-democracy figures living in Britain.
The United Kingdom has formally condemned the recent announcement from Hong Kong authorities offering cash rewards for information leading to the arrest of pro-democracy activists residing in the UK. In a strongly worded statement, Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper referred to the move as "another example of transnational repression," highlighting the concerning implications for the safety and rights of activists.
The Hong Kong authorities are providing rewards ranging from $25,000 (approximately HK$200,000) to $125,000 for intelligence related to 19 individuals identified as pro-democracy activists. These rewards pertain to charges stemming from Beijing's national security law, which was introduced in 2020 as a response to significant anti-government demonstrations in Hong Kong that took place in 2019.
The bounties vary based on the individual, with notable mentions including Choi Ming-da and Fok Ka-chi, who are reportedly associated with a social media platform called "Tuesdayroad." Among the targeted activists is Nathan Law, a former lawmaker in Hong Kong, and Yuan Gong-Yi, an activist known for his commentary on pro-democracy issues. The reward program has previously prompted fears for the safety of the individuals named, as evidenced by Law's comments on how his situation became more perilous following the announcements.
This initiative follows earlier rounds of financial bounties issued in July and December of 2023, which specifically called out Law and Simon Cheng, who gained notoriety after being detained in a 2019 incident linked to his work at the UK consulate. The third announcement broadened the scope, seeking information on several activists located in the UK and Canada, including Tony Chung, a former pro-independence group leader.
A recent special visa program initiated in 2021 allowed approximately 150,000 individuals from Hong Kong to relocate to the UK, which the Home Office has managed. This influx aligns with a backdrop of significant crackdowns on dissent in Hong Kong, with dozens of pro-democracy leaders receiving lengthy prison sentences for their involvement in opposition activities, as recently seen in a high-profile national security trial.
In response to the latest cash offer from Hong Kong, Lammy and Cooper reiterated the UK government's steadfast commitment to advocate for the rights and freedoms of individuals from Hong Kong, particularly those seeking refuge in the UK. Their statement reinforced a dedication to upholding human rights and the rule of law, asserting that steps have been taken to cut ties with Hong Kong's extradition arrangements by removing them from the Extradition Act 2003.
The Hong Kong authorities are providing rewards ranging from $25,000 (approximately HK$200,000) to $125,000 for intelligence related to 19 individuals identified as pro-democracy activists. These rewards pertain to charges stemming from Beijing's national security law, which was introduced in 2020 as a response to significant anti-government demonstrations in Hong Kong that took place in 2019.
The bounties vary based on the individual, with notable mentions including Choi Ming-da and Fok Ka-chi, who are reportedly associated with a social media platform called "Tuesdayroad." Among the targeted activists is Nathan Law, a former lawmaker in Hong Kong, and Yuan Gong-Yi, an activist known for his commentary on pro-democracy issues. The reward program has previously prompted fears for the safety of the individuals named, as evidenced by Law's comments on how his situation became more perilous following the announcements.
This initiative follows earlier rounds of financial bounties issued in July and December of 2023, which specifically called out Law and Simon Cheng, who gained notoriety after being detained in a 2019 incident linked to his work at the UK consulate. The third announcement broadened the scope, seeking information on several activists located in the UK and Canada, including Tony Chung, a former pro-independence group leader.
A recent special visa program initiated in 2021 allowed approximately 150,000 individuals from Hong Kong to relocate to the UK, which the Home Office has managed. This influx aligns with a backdrop of significant crackdowns on dissent in Hong Kong, with dozens of pro-democracy leaders receiving lengthy prison sentences for their involvement in opposition activities, as recently seen in a high-profile national security trial.
In response to the latest cash offer from Hong Kong, Lammy and Cooper reiterated the UK government's steadfast commitment to advocate for the rights and freedoms of individuals from Hong Kong, particularly those seeking refuge in the UK. Their statement reinforced a dedication to upholding human rights and the rule of law, asserting that steps have been taken to cut ties with Hong Kong's extradition arrangements by removing them from the Extradition Act 2003.
