Hong Kong Police Offer Bounties for 19 Overseas Activists Accused of National Security Crimes

Strategic Insights -

Hong Kong police have announced bounties for information leading to the arrest of 19 overseas activists accused of national security crimes. The move comes as part of an ongoing crackdown on political dissent in Hong Kong, which has been quashed since Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law in 2020. Many opposition figures have fled abroad, while others have been arrested and sentenced to years in jail. The police have accused the 19 activists of being involved in a "subversive organisation", Hong Kong Parliament, a pro-democracy NGO established in Canada.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Hong Kong police have announced bounties for 19 overseas activists accused of national security crimes, with 15 of them facing a reward of HK$200,000 ($25,500) each, while the remaining four are wanted for HK$1 million each.
  • The announcement is the fourth time the financial hub's authorities have offered rewards for help capturing those alleged to have violated the city's national security laws.
  • A total of 34 people are now wanted for national security offences, including secession, subversion, or foreign collusion, according to the Hong Kong police's website.
  • Hong Kong has previously cancelled the passports of other pro-democracy activists on its wanted list, under its second homegrown national security law enacted in 2024.
  • As of July 1, authorities had arrested 333 people for alleged national security crimes, with 165 convicted in Hong Kong.
  • Hong Kong police have also arrested four people, including a 15-year-old, who were allegedly part of a group in Taiwan that called for the overthrow of the Chinese Communist Party.
  • An 18-year-old was arrested for writing "seditious words" on a toilet wall in a commercial building.

Statistics:

  • 19 overseas activists are charged with national security crimes and face bounties
  • 15 individuals face a reward of HK$200,000 ($25,500) each
  • 4 individuals are wanted for HK$1 million each
  • 34 people are currently wanted for national security offences in Hong Kong
  • 333 people have been arrested for alleged national security crimes as of July 1
  • 165 people have been convicted of national security crimes in Hong Kong

Sources:

  • [doc.afp.com](https://doc.afp.com)