Hong Kong Offers Bounties on Six Activists

Hong Kong authorities have intensified their crackdown on pro-democracy activists by announcing bounties of HK$1 million (US$130,000) for the arrest of six overseas activists accused of national security violations, bringing the total number of wanted individuals to 19. The activists face serious charges, including incitement to secession and collusion with foreign forces, reflecting the city's ongoing efforts to suppress dissent following the pro-democracy protests in 2019. Among those targeted are prominent figures like Tony Chung and Carmen Lau, both of whom have vowed to continue their activism despite the threats. Critics, including Human Rights Watch, have condemned these measures as acts of intimidation and urged the international community, particularly the U.K. and Canada, to intervene. The Hong Kong government maintains that these actions are necessary to restore stability and protect national security. However, experts argue that the bounties are largely symbolic, given the low likelihood of extradition from countries where the activists reside.