In a dramatic move, Hong Kong police have announced a bounty of HK$1 million (approximately £105,000) for information leading to the capture of six pro-democracy activists living abroad. These individuals are accused of engaging in national security crimes, further tightening the grip of the authorities on dissent against the backdrop of political upheaval in Hong Kong.

This latest announcement aligns with a broader crackdown initiated after the implementation of a contentious national security law by Beijing in 2020, which followed massive pro-democracy protests the previous year. The atmosphere of fear has prompted many activists to flee Hong Kong, while others face arrest and lengthy prison sentences.

Authorities are also moving to cancel the passports of seven additional activists, including former lawmakers Ted Hui and Dennis Kwok, for whom bounties were issued earlier. The decision adds to a distressing trend of targeting those who oppose government actions, particularly outside of Hong Kong.

This latest bounty declaration marks the third time authorities have offered such rewards since the enforcement of the national security law. The previous offers in July and December 2022 sparked international condemnation, with western nations criticizing the actions of Hong Kong and China while the latter accused foreign countries of meddling in its domestic affairs.

Critically, the effectiveness of these bounties is largely symbolic, as they pertain to individuals residing in nations that are unlikely to extradite them back to Hong Kong or China. Among the six targeted activists, five are charged with inciting secession and colluding with foreign entities; the accused range from 29-year-old Carmen Lau, a former district councilor residing in the UK, to former pollster Chung Kim-wah. The charges against the sixth individual, 69-year-old Victor Ho Leung-mau, a YouTuber in Canada, are related to subversion.

In a bold response, Lau shared her defiance via social media, stating, "I just learned that I am now a wanted Hong Konger. In 2019, I was not afraid of tear gas and bullets, and now I do not and will not back down only because of an arrest warrant and a bounty." Her statement reflects the resilient spirit of numerous activists who continue to advocate for democracy despite escalating threats.

The Hong Kong government has utilized this tactic before, revoking the passports of other activists wanted under the national security law imposed in March. China’s foreign ministry has come out in support of Hong Kong's actions, asserting that the city is governed by the rule of law and that no one is above these regulations.

Human rights organizations have denounced these intense tactics. Human Rights Watch characterized the bounties as “a cowardly act of intimidation” and urged immediate intervention from the UK and Canadian governments to stand against Hong Kong's authoritarian maneuvers aimed at stifling dissent among its expatriates.

As the political landscape in Hong Kong continues to evolve, activists and observers alike are watching closely, anticipating further ramifications from this crackdown on the pro-democracy movement. The world remains alert as the fate of these activists hangs in the balance, drawing attention to the ongoing struggle for freedom and human rights in Hong Kong.