Hong Kong Revokes Passports of Six Democracy Advocates

Hong Kong Revokes Passports of Six Democracy Advocates

Last year, Hong Kong offered HK$1 million ($128,000) rewards for 13 activists residing abroad, whom authorities accused of committing national security offenses.

The six individuals named on Wednesday, all listed for rewards, are branded as “lawless wanted criminals” by Hong Kong authorities, claiming they are hiding in the United Kingdom.

“These individuals persist in engaging in activities that jeopardize national security and spread fear-mongering remarks to tarnish the reputation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,” stated a government spokesperson.

In addition to revoking their Hong Kong passports, law enforcement warned that anyone providing financial support, renting property, or conducting business with the named individuals could face up to seven years in prison.

The six include former pro-democracy lawmaker Nathan Law, seasoned unionist Christopher Mung Siu-tat, and activists Finn Lau, Fok Ka-chi, Choi Ming-da, and Simon Cheng, founder of the civil society group Hongkongers in Britain.

Hong Kong officials cited a national security law passed in March, referred to as Article 23, as the legal basis for passport cancellations.

Finn Lau criticized the government’s actions, asserting that he only possesses a British National Overseas passport, available to Hong Kong residents born before the 1997 handover to China.

“It’s absurd to cancel a Hong Kong passport that doesn’t exist,” Lau remarked on social media.

Nathan Law, who has been granted asylum in the United Kingdom since 2021, deemed the passport cancellation unnecessary.

Addressing the potential legal consequences for those supporting him, Law advised prioritizing personal safety amid concerns.