Antony Blinken, the Secretary of State of the United States, has criticized the actions of Hong Kong authorities for offering rewards for the capture of five pro-democracy activists who are based abroad. Among the targeted people is a US citizen.
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Blinken has urged the global community to unite against such "transnational repression" and condemned the authorities' disregard for human rights and internationally recognized standards. The bounties, amounting to one million Hong Kong dollars ($128,000), were announced by Hong Kong officials.
Blinken said, We firmly oppose any attempts to intimidate and silence individuals who choose to make the United States their home, and we will not back down in our support for those who are targeted simply for exercising their human rights.
He added that, We urge the international community to unite with us in denouncing this act of transnational repression. The United States remains dedicated to safeguarding the rights and freedoms of all individuals, and we call on China to act in accordance with its international commitments and legal obligations, referring to China's official name, the People's Republic of China.
The United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, previously condemned the actions of Hong Kong authorities as a direct threat to our democracy and fundamental human rights.
In an announcement made on Thursday, Hong Kong authorities revealed that rewards would be given to individuals who provide information about Joey Siu, Simon Cheng, Frances Hui, Johnny Fok, and Tony Choi. These individuals are wanted under Hong Kong's national security law, which asserts jurisdiction beyond the Chinese-ruled territory.
According to Hong Kong police Chief Superintendent Steve Li Kwai-wah, the five individuals are suspected of incitement to secession, incitement to subversion, foreign collusion, and betraying their country as well as Hong Kong.
Following a crackdown on the city that has criminalized opposition to Beijing, the five individuals have been advocating for democracy and civil liberties in Hong Kong from abroad. Joey Siu holds US citizenship, while Frances Hui was granted asylum in the US in 2021. Simon Cheng, Johnny Fok, and Tony Choi currently reside in the UK, with Cheng having been granted asylum by the British government in 2020.
Hong Kong authorities have recently offered rewards for information leading to the apprehension of eight Hong Kong activists residing overseas, including former lawmaker Ted Hui. Despite this, they remain undeterred and committed to their cause. Siu expressed her determination to never be silenced or retreat.
Hui said that his efforts to advocate for democracy and freedom would persist. Cheng regarded the charges against him as an honorable battle.
Amnesty International condemned the bounties, saying that it signified the global expansion of Hong Kong's human rights infringement. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs defended the bounties, accusing Western governments of maliciously meddling in Hong Kong.
Around 300 people have been apprehended under Hong Kong's national security law, which has significantly limited the rights and liberties intended to differentiate the city from mainland China under the "one country, two systems" framework. Among those arrested is Jimmy Lai, a prominent media magnate in Hong Kong and the founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper. His trial for allegedly colluding with foreign entities is scheduled to commence on Monday.
According to Aljazeera.
