Washington – Hong Kong pro-democracy activists living in exile remain defiant in the face of recent bounties issued by authorities for their arrest. The bounties, which offer 1 million Hong Kong dollars ($128,200) each, were issued by the National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force for information leading to the arrest of five activists accused of violating the territory’s National Security Law. All five activists have already left Hong Kong and now reside overseas, with one being a U.S. citizen.
In interviews with VOA’s Cantonese Service, the activists expressed their dismissiveness towards the bounties, viewing them as absurd and merely a publicity stunt. Frances Hui Wing-ting, one of the activists named in the arrest warrants, stated that she was not surprised by the news, as she had anticipated such actions when she announced her exile in 2020. Hui emphasized that advocating for Hong Kong’s human rights inevitably leads to these kinds of consequences.
Hui believes that her alleged violations of the National Security Law may be linked to her involvement in promoting the Hong Kong Sanctions Act, a U.S. bill that calls for sanctions against Hong Kong officials, including judges and prosecutors. Hui played a role in advocating for the bill, which seems to have offended the Hong Kong government. She noted that the government is particularly sensitive to having their officials sanctioned, and many individuals on the previous round of the wanted list were known for pushing for foreign sanctions.
The Hong Kong Sanctions Act, introduced by five members of the United States Congress in November, lists 49 Hong Kong officials, judges, and prosecutors who have been involved in Hong Kong National Security Law cases. The act requires the U.S. president to determine whether these officials violated human rights and whether sanctions should be imposed.
Despite the bounties and arrest warrants, the activists remain undeterred in their fight for democracy in Hong Kong. They vow to continue their advocacy work, including pressing for the sanctioning of Hong Kong officials, building overseas Hong Kong communities, and promoting local Hong Kong culture.
Joey Siu Nam, another of the wanted activists and a U.S. citizen, criticized the Chinese Communist regime’s intimidation, asserting that it demonstrates that Hong Kong is no longer an international financial center with an independent judicial system and rule of law. Siu pledged to never be silenced or back down.
Simon Cheng Man-kit, a former employee of the British Consulate General in Hong Kong, also dismissed the bounties as absurd. He described being targeted by China’s secret police and being offered a bounty as a lifelong honor. Cheng stated that he expected such actions from the regime and emphasized the importance of criticizing the government for the betterment of society.
The activists’ unwavering determination in the face of these bounties highlights their commitment to fighting for democratic rights in Hong Kong. They refuse to be swayed or silenced by the threats issued by the authorities.
