The Hong Kong police were criticized by Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States for issuing arrest warrants and bounty notices for eight exiled pro-democracy campaigners.
The Hong Kong police issued a reward of $127,600 for information that results in the capture of the eight people who are exiled.
Hong Kong’s bounty program
According to Matthew Miller, US State Department spokesperson, China’s extraterritorial application of the National Security Law threatens the rights and liberties of people around the world.
The eight are accused by Hong Kong of “collusion with foreign forces” under the National Security Law, which Beijing enforced on the territory in 2020. This includes three former legislators.
- US State Department warns Beijing’s extraterritorial implementation risks global human rights.
- 2019 demonstrations led to the 2019 National Security Law prohibiting secessionist, subversive, and cooperative behavior.
- Human Rights Watch warns of National Security Law’s potential detainment of civil society.
In addition to advocating penalties, undermining Hong Kong, and intimidating Hong Kong officials, the police claimed that the eight had committed significant offenses harming national security. A “further illustration of the authoritarian reach of China’s extraterritorial law” is the arrest warrants.
The National Security Law, which was established in the wake of widespread demonstrations in favor of democracy that swept the region in 2019, makes it illegal to engage in secessionist, subversive, and cooperative behavior with foreign powers.
Human Rights Watch has voiced alarm over the widespread use of the National Security Law to detain or exert pressure on members of civil society and those who support democracy.
A pathetic attempt has been made to frighten activists and elected officials outside of Hong Kong who stands up for human rights in the face of Beijing’s intensifying crackdown. Persecuting peaceful dissent both within Hong Kong and abroad has been a priority for the Hong Kong government.
