HONG KONG — On Tuesday, law enforcement in Hong Kong disclosed new arrest warrants for six activists residing outside the country, with a reward of 1 million Hong Kong dollars offered for any information leading to their capture.
The individuals named in the warrants face charges related to national security crimes, including secession, subversion, and collusion with foreign forces. Among those wanted is Tony Chung, who previously led the now-dissolved pro-independence group Studentlocalism.
Warrants have also been issued for Carmen Lau, a former district councilor currently active with the Hong Kong Democracy Council in the U.K., and Chloe Cheung, who is affiliated with the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong.
This latest development indicates a continued effort by the Hong Kong government to target outspoken critics who are located abroad. Previously, the authorities had issued two sets of arrest warrants against more prominent figures, such as former lawmakers Ted Hui and Nathan Law.
The escalating number of activists sought internationally reflects Hong Kong’s ongoing crackdown on political opposition, which intensified following significant anti-government protests in 2019 that sparked a broad pro-democracy movement. A considerable number of vocal advocates for democracy have been imprisoned, while others have sought refuge overseas.
In a statement shared on Instagram, Chung expressed his “honor” at becoming the first citizen of Hong Kong to face dual accusations under the national security law. He described the recent wanted notice as a validation of his stance, pledging to continue championing the self-determination of Hong Kong without fear.
Cheung, also using Instagram to voice her position, asserted that despite the challenges presented by a powerful regime, she remains committed to standing up for her beliefs. She questioned the insecurity of the government, highlighting the absurdity of a young activist being deemed a threat so significant that a hefty bounty had been placed on her.
Lau took to X to urge the governments of the U.K., the U.S., and EU nations to impose immediate sanctions on those violating human rights in Hong Kong and to advocate for the territory’s quest for self-determination.
Human Rights Watch’s associate China director, Maya Wang, condemned the latest arrest warrants as a “cowardly act of intimidation” aimed at silencing the voices of people in Hong Kong. She emphasized that two of the six wanted individuals are Canadian citizens and called upon the governments of the U.K. and Canada to respond forcefully against the threats posed by the Hong Kong government to its citizens abroad.
With Tuesday’s warrants, the total number of individuals wanted as part of this operation has reached 19. Others listed include Chung Kim-wah, a former senior member of the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute, Joseph Tay, a co-founder of the Canada-based NGO HongKonger Station, and YouTuber Victor Ho.
In related developments, the Hong Kong government also issued orders to revoke the passports of seven individuals labeled as “absconders,” including ex-lawmakers Hui and Dennis Kwok. These actions stem from charges under Hong Kong’s national security law, particularly Article 23, which also restricts these individuals from financial dealings within Hong Kong and from engaging in joint ventures or property-related activities.
