The UK has strongly condemned Hong Kong’s latest initiative offering cash incentives for information that leads to the apprehension of pro-democracy activists residing in Britain. In a joint declaration, Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper called this move an example of transnational repression. Individuals are being offered between $25,000 and $125,000 for providing information that results in the arrest of 19 pro-democracy activists living abroad. China has dismissed criticisms of this appeal as interference, a stance it has taken three times previously.
The 19 individuals targeted are accused of violating Beijing’s national security law introduced in 2020, in response to the extensive anti-government protests of 2019. The rewards, varying by individual, include high offers for individuals such as Choi Ming-da and Fok Ka-chi, who allegedly operated a social media channel named “Tuesdayroad.” Also targeted are activist Nathan Law, a former Legislative Council lawmaker of Hong Kong, and commentator Yuan Gong-Yi. Initially, rewards were issued in July and December 2023, specifically targeting Law and Simon Cheng, a former UK consulate employee detained in 2019. The third round of rewards aimed at six pro-democracy activists in the UK and Canada, including former leader of a pro-independence group, Tony Chung.
The UK has seen the arrival of approximately 150,000 Hong Kong residents under a special visa scheme introduced in 2021, according to the Home Office. In November, a Hong Kong court sentenced numerous pro-democracy leaders to prison for subversion, following a highly contentious national security trial.
In response to the latest bounty, Ms. Cooper and Mr. Lammy emphasized their government’s commitment to supporting the people of Hong Kong, including those who have made the UK their home. They stressed the importance of protecting the rights, freedoms, and safety of these individuals. Their joint statement also highlighted the UK’s dedication to human rights, the rule of law, and the safety of all individuals in the UK. Consequently, the UK has taken further measures to sever ties between its extradition system and that of Hong Kong, removing Hong Kong from the Extradition Act 2003.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdx069we39xo
