Hong Kong Police Place HK$1M Bounty on Six Activists

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Facts

  • Hong Kong police have set a HK$1M (over $128K) bounty each on six more activists and canceled the passports of seven others based abroad for allegedly breaching the National Security Law.[1][2]
  • The six activists added to the list of people wanted for allegedly violating the law, also known as Article 23, include political commentator Chung Kim-wah and former actor Joseph Tay. The seven activists who have fled Hong Kong include former lawmakers Ted Hui and Dennis Kwok.[3][4]
  • Other actions include prohibiting funding, renting, buying, or selling property to, and forming joint ventures or partnerships, with the accused. Kwok and Kevin Yam's qualifications to practice law have also been suspended.[5][6]
  • This is the third time Hong Kong's authorities have offered rewards for capturing the alleged fugitives. An official statement claimed some of those who fled had done so to seek foreign support to incite chaos in Hong Kong.[7][8]
  • Secretary for Security Chris Tang said at a press conference that the individuals had ignored the "ample time" provided to return to Hong Kong and surrender.[9]
  • In a statement, China's Office for Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong supported the actions, as the activists had engaged in "anti-China" and destabilizing acts.[7][10]

Sources: [1]South China Morning Post, [2]The Online Citizen, [3]The Malaysian Reserve, [4]The Straits Times, [5]ECNS, [6]The Edge Malaysia, [7]The Manila Times, [8]Global Times, [9]Hong Kong Free Press HKFP and [10]Reuters.

Narratives

  • Anti-China narrative, as provided by The Telegraph and Washington Post. The Chinese government's reach extends far beyond Hong Kong's borders, pursuing dissidents with chilling determination. From threatening even congressional candidates to surveillance to intimidation — the message is clear. Even in democratic nations, those who dare speak against Beijing's authority must look over their shoulders, while back home, Hong Kong methodically strips away their citizenship rights.
  • Pro-China narrative, as provided by China Daily and The New York Times. Hong Kong's actions against anti-China activists signal a firm commitment to order and national security. Its National Security Law is essential for closing loopholes that enabled chaos. By tackling illegal activities carried out in the guise of democracy, these measures reinforce the rule of law, ensure stability, and uphold Hong Kong's role as an integral part of China, securing its future within "one country, two systems."