The Hong Kong police have announced cash bounties totaling $1 million on eight prominent democracy activists who are currently in self-imposed exile, reports BBC on July 4.
The activists, including well-known figures like Nathan Law, Dennis Kwok, and Ted Hui, have been accused of various national security offences, such as collusion with foreign forces and subversion of state power. This development has drawn strong condemnation from rights groups and Western governments.
Since leaving Hong Kong in recent years, these activists have been vocal in their criticism of Beijing's crackdown on the city's freedoms and autonomy. They have sought refuge in countries such as the United States, Canada, Britain, and Australia, which have suspended their extradition treaties with Hong Kong due to concerns over the controversial national security law.
The imposition of the national security law by Beijing in 2020 has significantly impacted Hong Kong's political landscape. The law criminalises activities related to secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign powers, carrying severe penalties, including life imprisonment. Critics argue that the law has been wielded as a tool to suppress the opposition movement, curtail media freedom, overhaul the electoral system, and weaken civil society in the once-vibrant city. Numerous pro-democracy figures have either been detained or forced into self-imposed exile.
While the Hong Kong government asserts that the national security law has restored stability to the city, it has faced consistent criticism from both domestic and international quarters. The move by the police to issue cash bounties on exiled activists has further escalated tensions and drawn condemnation from the United States, Britain, and Australia. These governments have called for the withdrawal of the bounty offer and expressed concerns over the targeting of democratic figures.
Human Rights Watch has also strongly criticised the national security law, accusing it of eroding the human rights of Hong Kong residents. The organisation has urged democratic governments to provide greater protection to activists in exile and consider imposing additional sanctions on the Hong Kong government.
The response from Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, a former police officer and security chief, has been defiant. He rebuked the criticisms and warned the exiled activists to surrender themselves or face a perpetual state of fear.
The situation in Hong Kong remains highly contentious, with the national security law continuing to have a profound impact on the city's political landscape, civil liberties, and international relations. The issuance of cash bounties on exiled activists marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions and raises concerns about the state of democracy and human rights in the region.
Responce of the activists
The announcement of cash bounties on exiled democracy activists by the Hong Kong police has evoked mixed emotions and strong reactions from those targeted. Kevin Yam, one of the eight activists named, expressed sadness for Hong Kong, seeing the situation as an indication of the city's decline in the eyes of many.
Meanwhile, Nathan Law, now based in Britain, acknowledged the stress and increased caution that the news brings but reaffirmed his commitment to speaking out for the people of Hong Kong and his hope for a future with full democracy. Anna Kwok, another activist targeted, shared her disbelief at seeing her teenage ID card photo being publicised globally in an arrest warrant, highlighting the intimidation tactics employed by the authorities.
The actions of the Hong Kong police have drawn widespread criticism, with many viewing the move as an attempt to suppress dissent and further marginalise pro-democracy supporters.
The international community, including governments such as the United States, Britain, and Australia, has condemned the bounties and called for their withdrawal. Human rights organisations, such as Human Rights Watch, have also voiced concerns about the erosion of human rights in Hong Kong and urged democratic governments to provide greater protection to activists in exile.
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