Hong Kong Issues Arrest Warrants for 19 Activists Linked to Opposition Group

Authorities in Hong Kong have issued arrest warrants for 19 overseas activists accused of organizing or participating in the so-called “Hong Kong Parliament.” This group has been labeled by officials as an attempt to subvert state power under the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020, following widespread pro-democracy protests in 2019. The activists are alleged to have conducted a referendum and run as candidates within this unofficial parliamentary framework, which aims to promote self-determination and draft a potential “Hong Kong constitution.”

The Hong Kong Police Force stated that the organization sought to overthrow the governments of China and Hong Kong through unlawful means. As investigations continue, authorities have indicated that further arrests may occur. Among those named in the warrants are businessman Elmer Yuen, commentator Victor Ho, and activists Johnny Fok and Tony Choi. Four of the accused are already subject to previous arrest warrants, each carrying a bounty of HK$1 million (approximately NZ$211,000). The remaining 15 individuals, for whom police are offering a bounty of HK$200,000, are reportedly involved in organizing or running for election and being sworn in as councillors.

None of the activists have made themselves available for comment regarding the charges. The situation has drawn international attention, leading to a joint statement from the UK’s Foreign and Home Secretaries. They condemned the arrest warrants as “another example of transnational repression,” asserting that such actions damage Hong Kong’s international reputation.

In response, the Chinese embassy in the UK criticized the British government’s remarks, describing them as a “gross interference” in China’s internal affairs and the rule of law in Hong Kong. The embassy urged the UK to cease its interference in Hong Kong matters and “stop shielding criminals.”

Hong Kong was handed back to Chinese sovereignty in 1997 under the “one country, two systems” framework, which promised a high degree of autonomy, including freedom of speech. Critics of the national security law assert that it is being used to suppress dissent. Chinese and Hong Kong officials maintain that the law is essential for restoring stability after the city experienced months of often violent anti-government protests in 2019.

The police reiterated that national security offenses are serious crimes with extraterritorial implications. They urged the wanted individuals to return to Hong Kong and surrender. The police stated, “If offenders voluntarily give up continuing to violate the crime, turn themselves in, truthfully confess their crimes, or provide key information that helps solve other cases, they may be eligible for reduced punishment.” Additionally, authorities warned that providing assistance, funding, or encouragement for others to participate in the “Hong Kong Parliament” could also constitute a criminal offense.

As tensions continue to rise, the international community watches closely to see how this situation unfolds and its implications for civil liberties in Hong Kong.