US Condemns Hong Kong’s Bounties on Democracy Activists
Hong Kong’s Announcement of Bounties on Six Democracy Activists
Authorities in Hong Kong have offered a HK$1 million (US$130,000) bounty for information leading to the arrest of student activist Tony Chung and five others.
US State Department’s Response
The US State Department has condemned Hong Kong’s announcement of bounties on six democracy activists based overseas, calling it a “form of transnational repression that threatens US sovereignty.”
Matthew Miller’s Statement
“The extraterritorial application of Hong Kong’s national security laws is a form of transnational repression that threatens US sovereignty and the human rights and fundamental freedoms of people all over the world,” said the department’s spokesman Matthew Miller.
Background
Hong Kong police on Tuesday announced the bounties of HK$1 million (around US$130,000) for information leading to the arrest of the six activists, who are accused of national security crimes. Authorities also said they would cancel the passports of seven others for whom bounties had already been issued, including ex-lawmakers Ted Hui and Dennis Kwok.
Political Dissent in Hong Kong
Political dissent in Hong Kong has been quashed since Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law in 2020 after huge, sometimes violent pro-democracy protests the year before. Many opposition figures fled abroad, while others have been arrested and sentenced to years in jail.
US Condemnation
On Thursday, Washington condemned the new arrest warrants and bounties, noting that some affected activists were based in the US. “We reject the Hong Kong government’s efforts to intimidate and silence individuals who choose to make the United States their home,” Miller said in a statement. “These actions demonstrate Hong Kong authorities’ disregard for international norms and for the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”
Previous Bounties
The Hong Kong announcement this week was the third time authorities have offered rewards of HK$1 million for help capturing those alleged to have violated the southern Chinese city’s national security laws. The two previous rounds of bounties in July and December last year were met with intense criticism from rights groups and others.
Response to Criticism
Responding to past criticism, Hong Kong and China have railed against “interference” from foreign countries.
Conclusion
The US State Department’s condemnation of Hong Kong’s bounties on democracy activists is a strong statement against the erosion of human rights and the suppression of dissent in Hong Kong. The announcement highlights the urgent need for the international community to take action against Beijing’s growing repression of political dissent in Hong Kong.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the bounties offered by Hong Kong authorities?
A: The bounties are offered to capture six democracy activists accused of national security crimes.
Q: What is the US State Department’s response to the bounties?
A: The department has condemned the bounties, calling them a “form of transnational repression that threatens US sovereignty.”
Q: Have there been previous bounties offered by Hong Kong authorities?
A: Yes, this is the third time authorities have offered rewards of HK$1 million for help capturing those alleged to have violated the southern Chinese city’s national security laws.