Hong Kong Issues Arrest Warrants for 19 Activists in Controversial Case

Hong Kong has issued arrest warrants for 19 overseas activists, accusing them of organizing or participating in the so-called “Hong Kong Parliament.” Authorities claim this group aimed to subvert state power under the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020, following extensive pro-democracy protests in 2019. The activists are alleged to have either launched a referendum or run as candidates in this unofficial assembly, which seeks self-determination and the drafting of a “Hong Kong constitution.”

Charges and Implications

According to police, the organization intended to overthrow the governments of both China and Hong Kong through unlawful means. Investigations are ongoing, with further arrests anticipated. Among those named are businessman Elmer Yuen, commentator Victor Ho, and activists Johnny Fok and Tony Choi. Four individuals already face existing arrest warrants, each with a bounty of HK$1 million (approximately NZ$211,000).

The remaining 15 activists, for whom the police have set a bounty of HK$200,000 each, are believed to have played significant roles in organizing the election and were sworn in as councillors. Efforts to reach the accused for comment were unsuccessful.

International Response

The move has drawn sharp criticism from the United Kingdom. The UK’s Foreign Secretary and Home Secretary issued a joint statement condemning the arrests as “another example of transnational repression,” asserting that such actions damage Hong Kong’s international standing. They emphasized that the UK would not tolerate attempts by foreign governments to coerce or intimidate critics abroad.

In a rebuttal, the Chinese embassy in the UK described the British government’s remarks as a “gross interference” in China’s internal matters. The embassy urged the UK to abandon what it termed a “colonial mentality” and to cease its interference in Hong Kong affairs, accusing it of shielding criminals.

Hong Kong, which returned to Chinese sovereignty in 1997, was guaranteed a high degree of autonomy, including freedom of expression, under the “one country, two systems” framework. Critics of the national security law argue that it is being used to suppress dissent. Chinese and Hong Kong authorities maintain that the law is essential for restoring stability after the city experienced months of often violent protests in 2019.

Police reiterated the seriousness of national security offenses, which they claim have extraterritorial reach. They urged the wanted individuals to return to Hong Kong and surrender. “If offenders voluntarily cease their illegal activities, turn themselves in, and provide key information, they may be eligible for reduced punishment,” a police statement indicated.

Additionally, police warned that assisting or funding participation in the “Hong Kong Parliament” could lead to criminal charges.