Hong Kong police on Tuesday announced a new round of arrest warrants for six overseas workers, with rewards set at $1 million. Hong Kong Dollars for information leading to their arrests.
According to the warrant, the six are wanted for national security offenses such as secession, sedition and collusion with foreign forces. Among them is Tony Chung, former leader of the now-defunct pro-independence group Student Localism.
Warrants were also issued against UK-based Carmen Lau, a former district councilor and current activist with the Hong Kong Democracy Council, and Klo Cheung, an activist with the Hong Kong Freedom Committee.
The latest round of warrants is a sign that the Hong Kong government is targeting vocal critics overseas.
The government had previously issued two rounds of arrest warrants and rewards for more prominent activists, including former legislators Ted Hoy and Nathan Law.
The growing number of people wanted abroad comes as Hong Kong continues to crack down on political dissent following mass anti-government protests in 2019 that sparked a wave of pro-democracy movements. Many pro-democracy activists have since been jailed, and others have fled abroad.
Chung, a former student localism leader, said in a story posted on Instagram that he was “honored” to be the first Hong Konger to be charged twice with violating the National Security Law.
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“As a staunch Hong Kong nationalist, today's intended notice is undoubtedly a kind of confirmation for me. In the future, I will continue to promote Hong Kong's self-determination unwaveringly and fearlessly,” he wrote.
Also, Cheung, who is based in Britain, said in an Instagram post that “even in the face of a powerful enemy, I will continue to do what I believe is right.”
“How fragile, incompetent and cowardly would a government have to be to believe that I, a 19-year-old, ordinary Hong Konger, could 'endanger' the country?” How nervous are they to put a million dollar prize on me?
Lau called on governments on X, including the UK, US and EU countries, to “impose sanctions without further delay on Hong Kong's human rights abusers” and urged democracies to uphold Hong Kong's right to self-determination. Support the
“The Hong Kong government's latest round of arrest warrants and rewards against six Hong Kong activists is a cowardly act of intimidation aimed at Hong Kong,” said Maya Wang, associate China director at Human Rights Watch. to silence the people of
“Six – including two Canadian citizens – live in the UK and Canada. We call on the UK and Canadian governments to stop the Hong Kong government's attempts to intimidate Hong Kongers living in their countries. Take immediate action against
Tuesday's arrest warrants bring the total number of people wanted to 19.
Others on the list on Tuesday included Chung Kim Wah, formerly a senior member of the independent polling organization Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute. Joseph Tay, co-founder of Canada-based NGO HongKonger Station; And be YouTuber Victor.
Separately on Tuesday, the Hong Kong government issued orders to cancel the passports of seven “fugitives”, including former lawmakers Hui and Dennis Kwok, who are wanted under security laws.
The orders were made under Hong Kong's domestic national security law – known as Article 23 – and included the seven with funds in Hong Kong. It also prohibits joint ventures and property related activities.
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