Hong Kong Offers Bounties for Pro-Democracy Activists

Hong Kong authorities have announced bounties of HK$1 million (approximately US$130,000) for information leading to the arrest of six pro-democracy activists residing abroad, while also revoking the passports of seven others. The targeted individuals, accused of incitement to secession and subversion, include activists based in the UK and Canada, such as Chung Kim-wah and Tony Chung. This marks the third round of bounties since the introduction of the national security law in 2020, which has significantly curtailed political dissent. Critics argue the bounties are largely symbolic, as they affect individuals in countries unlikely to extradite political activists. Hong Kong's Secretary for Security, Chris Tang, justified the crackdown by stating these activists endangered national security through lobbying for foreign sanctions against officials. The ongoing actions reflect a broader effort to suppress dissent in a city that has faced international criticism for its diminishing political freedoms.