In a robust response, UK authorities condemned Hong Kong's monetary rewards aimed at apprehending pro-democracy activists in the UK, labeling it transnational repression.
UK Denounces Hong Kong's Bounty on Pro-Democracy Activists
UK Denounces Hong Kong's Bounty on Pro-Democracy Activists
UK officials criticize Hong Kong's cash incentives for informants targeting activists residing in Britain.
The United Kingdom has expressed strong condemnation against Hong Kong authorities' recent offering of financial bounties for information leading to the arrest of pro-democracy activists currently residing in Britain. This initiative has been characterized by Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper as "another example of transnational repression" against individuals holding opposing views to the Beijing regime.
The Hong Kong government is offering sums ranging from $25,000 (HK$200,000) to $125,000 for relevant information concerning 19 activists accused of violating Beijing's stringent national security law, which was instated in response to the anti-government protests that burgeoned in 2019. The individuals under scrutiny include prominent pro-democracy figures such as Nathan Law and activist and commentator Yuan Gong-Yi.
The first report of such cash offers surfaced in July and December of the previous year, notably targeting Nathan Law—who conveyed to the BBC that the announcement of a bounty escalated threats against his life. Simon Cheng, a former employee of the UK consulate who faced detention in 2019, was also included in earlier targets, along with six pro-democracy activists residing in the UK and Canada.
In 2021, a special visa scheme initiated by the UK allowed approximately 150,000 Hong Kong residents to relocate to the UK, affirming the country’s commitment to those fleeing political oppression. The crackdown has endured relentless scrutiny, particularly following a Hong Kong court's sentencing of numerous pro-democracy leaders to lengthy prison terms for such alleged subversion.
Reiterating their solidarity with the Hong Kong populace, both Lammy and Cooper emphasized the UK’s dedication to preserving the rights and safety of activists in UK territory. Their statement underscored the importance of human rights and announced measures to sever any remaining extradition links with Hong Kong under the Extradition Act 2003, reinforcing the UK's stance on these pressing global issues.
The Hong Kong government is offering sums ranging from $25,000 (HK$200,000) to $125,000 for relevant information concerning 19 activists accused of violating Beijing's stringent national security law, which was instated in response to the anti-government protests that burgeoned in 2019. The individuals under scrutiny include prominent pro-democracy figures such as Nathan Law and activist and commentator Yuan Gong-Yi.
The first report of such cash offers surfaced in July and December of the previous year, notably targeting Nathan Law—who conveyed to the BBC that the announcement of a bounty escalated threats against his life. Simon Cheng, a former employee of the UK consulate who faced detention in 2019, was also included in earlier targets, along with six pro-democracy activists residing in the UK and Canada.
In 2021, a special visa scheme initiated by the UK allowed approximately 150,000 Hong Kong residents to relocate to the UK, affirming the country’s commitment to those fleeing political oppression. The crackdown has endured relentless scrutiny, particularly following a Hong Kong court's sentencing of numerous pro-democracy leaders to lengthy prison terms for such alleged subversion.
Reiterating their solidarity with the Hong Kong populace, both Lammy and Cooper emphasized the UK’s dedication to preserving the rights and safety of activists in UK territory. Their statement underscored the importance of human rights and announced measures to sever any remaining extradition links with Hong Kong under the Extradition Act 2003, reinforcing the UK's stance on these pressing global issues.
