Hong Kong Government Under Fire for Issuing Rewards for 6 Activists
Gregory May, U.S. consul general in Hong Kong, urged the Hong Kong government to cease using its national security laws to stifle dissent.
The Hong Kong government is under fire internationally for its recent actions, including issuing arrest warrants for six pro-democracy activists and canceling passports for seven others.
Hong Kong’s security secretary accused the activists of various crimes related to national security, including advocating for sanctions against Hong Kong officials and judges by foreign governments.
The activists include individuals based in the UK, such as Chung Kim-wah, Tony Chung, Chloe Cheung, and Carmen Lau.
The number of individuals on the wanted list for alleged violations of the Beijing-imposed national security law now totals 19, with bounties placed on each individual.
The move by the Hong Kong government came shortly after a report from the U.S. Congressional-Executive Commission on China highlighted the increasing similarities between Hong Kong and mainland China.
In response to the developments, a U.S. State Department spokesperson denounced the actions targeting pro-democracy activists overseas and called for an end to the use of national security laws to suppress dissent in Hong Kong.
The activists affected by the cancellations and warrants expressed their determination to continue fighting for freedom and democracy in Hong Kong.
International criticism has been mounting against Hong Kong’s actions, with calls for accountability and respect for fundamental freedoms in the region.
The actions taken by the Hong Kong government have raised concerns about transnational repression and have led to calls for targeted sanctions on responsible officials from various democratic countries.
Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
