Under the newly established domestic security law, Hong Kong authorities have revoked the passports of six pro-democracy activists, who are living in exile overseas, calling them ‘lawless wanted criminals.’
Besides, terminating their travel documents, the establishment has also prohibited these six people from indulging in any business deals in Hong Kong, including financial transactions converting from cash to gold.
Issuing the statement, government spokesperson stated, ‘These lawless wanted criminals are hiding in the United Kingdom and continue to blatantly engage in activities that endanger national security.’
The spokesperson also accused them of fearmongering and for slandering Hong Kong special region.
‘They also make scaremongering remarks to smear and slander the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. More so, they continue to collude with external forces to protect their evil deeds. We therefore have taken such measure to give them a strong blow’.
These six activists who are wanted by the authority include, retired legislator Nathan Law, Activist Finn Lau, Labour rights activist Christopher Mung, Fok Ka-chi and Uk consultant worker Simon Cheng and Choi Ming-da.
Furthermore, the authorities announced that individuals found engaging in business transactions or offering financial support to them will face seven years of imprisonment.
Reacting to the cancellation, Finn Lau labelled Hong Kong’s actions as an “explicit act of transnational repression.” He boldly declared that he would continue advocating for his beliefs unabated. Lau also added that he never possessed HKSAR’s official passport.
‘The act of repression does not deter me from advocating for human rights & democracy.” He added, “The fighting spirit of Hongkongers, including mine, remains.’
Moreover, the Hong Kong police has also promised 1 million Hong Kong dollars, to any individual who gives information regarding 13 pro-democracy activists including that of activists, whose passports are revoked.
Arrests Under Newly Enacted Domestic Law
Previously, the city’s national police detained six individuals, among them a woman, based solely on suspicions of engaging in activities with seditious intent.
Officials report that a woman, along with five others, allegedly exploited the ‘approaching sensitive date’ loophole to disseminate seditious posts on social media since April.