Hong Kong Cracks Down on Overseas Activists

Hong Kong, Aug 4 (AP) – On Monday, Hong Kong authorities intensified their crackdown on 16 overseas-based activists, previously marked with bounties on allegations of threatening national security. These measures include prohibiting financial assistance and revoking passports for the majority of them.

The activists are part of a group of 19 individuals who were named in arrest warrants issued in July due to their alleged involvement with Hong Kong Parliament, an organization described by police as a subversive entity abroad. The group is distinct from Hong Kong’s official legislature and has limited influence.

Three individuals from the original 19 had faced similar restrictions last year.

Hong Kong's Secretary for Security, Chris Tang, issued an order restricting funds or economic resources for the 16 activists, which include Victor Ho, Keung Ka-wai, Australian academic Chongyi Feng, and U.S. citizen Gong Sasha, the government stated.

Travel documents were revoked for 12 of the 16 activists holding Hong Kong passports.

The government also forbade leasing properties to these individuals or forming joint ventures with them. Violators risk a penalty of up to seven years in prison.

The 16 activists are believed to be in hiding in the UK, US, Canada, Germany, Australia, Thailand, and Taiwan, among other locations. They face accusations of engaging in activities threatening national security.

The notice also accused them of inciting hatred against Beijing and Hong Kong through smear campaigns and slander.

"These measures will create a significant impact,” stated the government document.

In 2020, Beijing imposed a national security law on Hong Kong, curtailing most public dissent following the large anti-government protests in 2019. Many activists have since been arrested, silenced, or forced into self-exile.

The new measures were enacted under powers granted by Hong Kong's homegrown national security legislation instated last year.

The July arrest warrants have been met with criticism from foreign governments, including the US, UK, and EU. Police have offered rewards ranging from 200,000 Hong Kong dollars ($25,480) to 1 million Hong Kong dollars ($127,400) for information leading to arrests.

In a statement from July, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio denounced these actions.

"The extraterritorial targeting of Hong Kongers exercising their fundamental freedoms constitutes transnational repression," Rubio stated. "The Hong Kong government's efforts to enforce its national security laws to silence or intimidate Americans or any individuals on US soil will not be tolerated.”

In response, the Hong Kong office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry opposed the foreign criticism, maintaining that their actions were legitimate.

Beijing and Hong Kong governments argued that the security laws are essential for maintaining stability in the city. (AP)

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