Human rights organizations have expressed outrage over the recent detainment of relatives of Anna Kwok, an exiled pro-democracy advocate sought by the Hong Kong police. This incident marks the initial case of the city’s national security law being employed to target the family members of an activist residing abroad. Kwok, now 28, serves as the executive director of the Washington-based Hong Kong Democracy Council and is among the 19 overseas activists being sought by the national security police, who are offering substantial rewards for information leading to their apprehension.
Kwok’s father, aged 68, and her brother, 35, were taken into custody on 30 April under suspicion of “attempting to deal with directly or indirectly, any funds or other financial assets or economic resources belonging to, or owned or controlled by, a relevant absconder.” The police accused the men of assisting Kwok in altering details of a life insurance policy and withdrawing its remaining value. Kwok’s father was subsequently charged and detained, while her brother was released on bail pending further investigations.
Yalkun Uluyol, a China researcher at Human Rights Watch, criticized the action by the Chinese government, labeling it as an increase in collective punishment against the families of peaceful activists from Hong Kong. Uluyol called for the immediate and unconditional release of Anna Kwok’s father and an end to the harassment of Hong Kong activists’ families.
ChinaAid, a US-based human rights group, viewed this as a disturbing escalation in retaliatory actions against the families of exiled activists, emphasizing that targeting family members at home is a blatant disregard for fundamental human rights and the rule of law.
In recent months, local authorities have repeatedly interrogated the relatives of other exiled activists, including Tony Chung, Frances Hui, and Carmen Lau. These individuals, wanted by the Hong Kong police and residing abroad, have faced letters sent to their neighbors offering rewards for information that could lead to their capture.
The cases against Kwok’s relatives represent the first instances of criminal charges being brought against family members. Kwok’s father faces up to seven years in prison if found guilty, with the case adjourned to 13 June. The Hong Kong police and the Hong Kong Democracy Council have not yet responded to comments on the matter, and attempts to contact Kwok herself have been unsuccessful.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/05/anna-kwok-father-brother-arrested-hong-kong
