By James PomfretHONG KONG (Reuters) – Hong Kong authorities announced on Tuesday that bounties of HK$1 million ($128,728) have been imposed on six additional pro-democracy campaigners found to be in violation of national security laws. Additionally, the passports of seven others have been revoked, marking a continued tightening of security measures in the financial hub. Hong Kong’s Secretary for Security, Chris Tang, stated that the six individuals, who are based overseas in countries such as Britain and the United States, were involved in alleged offenses of incitement to secession and subversion. Among those targeted were UK-based commentator Chung Kim-wah, former leader of a pro-independence group Tony Chung, and Carmen Lau, a member of the Hong Kong Democracy Council. “As a fervent supporter of Hong Kong nationalism, the issuance of arrest warrants with bounties today is a validation of my cause,” Chung expressed on Instagram. The decision to add more names to Hong Kong’s wanted list comes as the city aims to rejuvenate its economic growth and global standing following a prolonged crackdown on dissent that has drawn criticism worldwide. Both Chinese and Hong Kong authorities have justified the crackdown under sweeping national security laws, asserting that stability has been restored following the mass pro-democracy protests in 2019. Tang highlighted that the six pro-democracy campaigners engaged in activities such as delivering speeches, posting on social media, and advocating for foreign governments to impose sanctions on Hong Kong officials and judges, actions deemed to jeopardize national security. Some individuals were accused of promoting Hong Kong’s independence from China. Hong Kong, a former British colony for over 150 years, reverted to Chinese sovereignty in 1997 and is considered an integral part of China. “Rather than celebrating Christmas, Hong Kong is intensifying its campaign of transnational repression,” remarked Anna Kwok, a Hong Kong activist based in the U.S. The city’s wanted list now includes a total of 19 opposition figures, including lawyers Kevin Yam and Dennis Kwok, former legislator Ted Hui, and activists Nathan Law and Frances Hui. Tang disclosed that Hui had HK$800,000 seized from an unspecified bank in the city. Images of the “fugitives” have been displayed publicly, including at Hong Kong’s international airport. Seven individuals classified as “absconders,” including Hui, who are currently residing overseas, had their passports revoked under a new set of national security laws known as Article 23, which was introduced this year. “They will essentially become stateless,” Tang informed reporters.($1 = 7.7683 Hong Kong dollars)(Additional reporting by Jessie Pang; Editing by Michael Perry)
