The United Kingdom has issued a strong condemnation of Hong Kong's recent initiative to offer monetary rewards for individuals providing information that could lead to the arrest of pro-democracy activists residing in the UK. Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper characterized this move as a significant instance of transnational repression, aimed at intimidating activists afar.
The Hong Kong authorities are promising financial incentives ranging from $25,000 (approx. HK$200,000) to $125,000 for actionable tips regarding 19 individuals accused of breaching Beijing’s national security law, which was enacted in 2020 amid widespread protests against perceived government overreach. The move has been labeled by China as an infringement on its sovereignty in response to ongoing international criticism, having previously attempted similar measures on at least three other occasions.
Among the individuals targeted by the financial offers are Choi Ming-da and Fok Ka-chi, who are reportedly connected to a pro-democracy social media channel called "Tuesdayroad." Notably, Nathan Law, once part of Hong Kong’s Legislative Council, and prominent activist Yuan Gong-Yi are also included in the list. This marks a continuation of a pattern that began in 2023 when rewards were first publicized for the capture of dissenters. Nathan Law has previously expressed concerns for his own safety following the establishment of a bounty on his head, alongside others like Simon Cheng, who faced detention under controversial circumstances.
In addition, the introduction of a special visa program in 2021 has allowed approximately 150,000 individuals from Hong Kong to relocate to the UK, seeking safety from oppressive conditions. Last November, a Hong Kong court condemned several pro-democracy leaders to lengthy prison terms following a national security trial deemed unjust by many observers.
In their joint statement against the latest bounty, Lammy and Cooper reiterated the UK government’s steadfast support for the people of Hong Kong, particularly expatriates now residing in the UK. The officials stressed, “This government will continue to stand with the people of Hong Kong, including those who have made the UK their home,” and underscored their commitment to protect human rights and the rule of law. They further noted efforts to dissociate from the Hong Kong extradition framework by amending the Extradition Act of 2003.
The Hong Kong authorities are promising financial incentives ranging from $25,000 (approx. HK$200,000) to $125,000 for actionable tips regarding 19 individuals accused of breaching Beijing’s national security law, which was enacted in 2020 amid widespread protests against perceived government overreach. The move has been labeled by China as an infringement on its sovereignty in response to ongoing international criticism, having previously attempted similar measures on at least three other occasions.
Among the individuals targeted by the financial offers are Choi Ming-da and Fok Ka-chi, who are reportedly connected to a pro-democracy social media channel called "Tuesdayroad." Notably, Nathan Law, once part of Hong Kong’s Legislative Council, and prominent activist Yuan Gong-Yi are also included in the list. This marks a continuation of a pattern that began in 2023 when rewards were first publicized for the capture of dissenters. Nathan Law has previously expressed concerns for his own safety following the establishment of a bounty on his head, alongside others like Simon Cheng, who faced detention under controversial circumstances.
In addition, the introduction of a special visa program in 2021 has allowed approximately 150,000 individuals from Hong Kong to relocate to the UK, seeking safety from oppressive conditions. Last November, a Hong Kong court condemned several pro-democracy leaders to lengthy prison terms following a national security trial deemed unjust by many observers.
In their joint statement against the latest bounty, Lammy and Cooper reiterated the UK government’s steadfast support for the people of Hong Kong, particularly expatriates now residing in the UK. The officials stressed, “This government will continue to stand with the people of Hong Kong, including those who have made the UK their home,” and underscored their commitment to protect human rights and the rule of law. They further noted efforts to dissociate from the Hong Kong extradition framework by amending the Extradition Act of 2003.
