Beijing-backed Hong Kong CEO John Lee says that eight pro-democracy activists who are currently being pursued by the Hong Kong police for alleged violations of the communist regime’s national security law should be aware they will be pursued “for life.”
“I also want to tell the criminals that, well, the only way to end their destiny of being an abscondee who will be pursued for life is to surrender,” he said. “We'll be pursuing the abscondees’ criminal responsibilities for life until they surrender themselves.”
The eight activists have been accused of “endangering” Hong Kong’s national security—more specifically, the allegations of “incitement to secession, subversion, incitement to subversion, and collusion with a foreign country.”
Hong Hong authorities have announced a reward of HK$1 million ($127,862) for information leading to an arrest of the individuals, which is the first time a reward has been offered.
Mr. Lee said that the decision to pursue the activists is a signal “that endangering national security is not something we will tolerate.”
Arrest Warrants Unacceptable
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told Australian media on July 5 that the actions of Beijing’s Hong Kong authorities are unacceptable.“It’s just unacceptable,” Mr. Albanese told Nine’s Today program. "We are concerned about the announcements ... that have been made.
“We will continue to cooperate with China where we can, but we will disagree where we must. And we do disagree over human rights issues.”
The prime minister also drew attention to Beijing’s continued incarceration of Australian journalist Cheng Lei, who he said was being held in China without any proper processes.“This decision overnight is an example of where Australia and China do have different approaches to these issues. And we'll stand up for our values,” he said.
Meanwhile, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said in a media statement said the UK wouldn’t tolerate any attempts by Beijing to intimidate and silence individuals in the UK and overseas.
“The UK will always defend the universal right to freedom of expression and stand up for those who are targeted,” he said.
“We call on Beijing to remove the National Security Law and for the Hong Kong authorities to end their targeting of those who stand up for freedom and democracy.”
US, Australian, and UK Officials Risk Breaking Hong Kong Law
However, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Security, Chris Tang, says his department will double down on the offensive against the eight activists, with authorities seeking to cut off the dissidents’ access to finances, reported AP.This would include freezing and confiscating their assets and investigating anyone who chooses to support them financially in Hong Kong or overseas.
Mr. Tang also warned that anyone who assists them in endangering national security may also be considered to be violating the national security law.
