The Hong Kong government has revoked the passports of six democracy activists who fled to the UK, labeling them as “lawless wanted criminals”. Last year, Hong Kong authorities offered bounties for 13 activists accused of national security crimes, with six of them now based in the UK. The government cited the national security law passed in March as the legal basis for this action, warning of severe consequences for anyone aiding these individuals.
The activists include former lawmaker Nathan Law and activist Simon Cheng, among others, facing charges of incitement to secession and foreign collusion. This move comes on the fifth anniversary of a violent clash between protesters and police, marking a turning point in the 2019 pro-democracy protests. City leader John Lee has vowed to pursue the activists for life and urged them to surrender.
The imposition of the national security law in 2020 and subsequent enhancements have reshaped Hong Kong society, blurring the lines between the city and mainland China. This latest development underscores Beijing’s firm stance on maintaining control over Hong Kong’s political landscape.
© 2024 AFP