Introduction

In an unexpected escalation of its crackdown on dissent, Hong Kong police have issued new arrest warrants for six overseas activists, threatening a staggering bounty of HK$1 million (approximately US$127,000) for information leading to their arrests. This provocative announcement further highlights the Hong Kong government's relentless pursuit of those it perceives as threats to national security.

Wanted Activists

Among the wanted activists is Tony Chung, the former leader of the now-defunct pro-independence group Studentlocalism, who has already been accused of violating the controversial national security law multiple times. Chung did not shy away from expressing his pride on social media, declaring, “Today’s wanted notice is undoubtedly a kind of affirmation for me.” He vowed to continue advocating for the self-determination of Hong Kong, despite the looming threats from the authorities.

The list also names Carmen Lau, a former district councilor turned activist, and Chloe Cheung, who is affiliated with the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong. Both are currently based in the U.K. Cheung's defiant Instagram post questioned the legitimacy of the government's fears, stating, “How fragile, incompetent, and cowardly does a regime have to be to believe that I, a 19-year-old, ordinary Hongkonger, can ‘endanger’ and ‘divide’ the country?”

International Response

Critics, including Maya Wang from Human Rights Watch, condemned this latest move as a “cowardly act of intimidation” aimed at silencing the voices of Hong Kong's residents, particularly those who have sought refuge in other countries. Wang emphasized the need for action from Western democracies, calling on the governments of the U.K., Canada, and the EU to impose sanctions against human rights violators in Hong Kong.

Escalating Situation

The current warrants mark the third wave of such arrests, amplifying the total number of activists wanted internationally to 19. Other names on the list include Chung Kim-wah, a former senior member of the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute, Joseph Tay, co-founder of a Canadian NGO, and popular YouTuber Victor Ho.

Moreover, the Hong Kong government is cracking down further by canceling passports of seven so-called “absconders,” including former lawmakers Ted Hui and Dennis Kwok, under the jurisdiction of their stringent national security law.

Conclusion

The situation continues to escalate as Hong Kong’s government intensifies its campaign against pro-democracy activists, drawing global condemnation and raising concerns over the protection of human rights for Hong Kong citizens living abroad. What will the international community do next? Stay tuned!