A pro-democracy activist who escaped Hong Kong has told that his life has become more perilous due to a bounty placed on him.
Nathan Law, now residing in the UK, is one of eight exiled activists sought by Hong Kong police. Authorities have offered rewards of HK$1 million (£100,581; $127,637) for information leading to their arrest.
Mr. Law mentioned that he must exercise greater caution about revealing his location because of the bounty.
The eight activists are accused of conspiring with foreign entities—a charge that can result in a life sentence under Hong Kong’s stringent security law, enacted three years ago following widespread pro-democracy protests in 2019.
UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly stated that the UK would not tolerate any attempts by China to intimidate and silence individuals within the UK or abroad.
He called on Beijing to abolish the National Security Law and for Hong Kong authorities to cease targeting advocates for freedom and democracy.
The National Security Law has led to the arrest and conviction of numerous pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong.
While Beijing argues that the law is essential for restoring stability, critics contend that it is designed to suppress dissent.
The eight individuals named in this announcement are currently based in the UK, the US, and Australia—all countries that do not have extradition agreements with China.
Steven Li, chief superintendent of Hong Kong’s national security department, stated that while the Hong Kong police cannot apprehend them abroad, the pursuit will continue.
Nathan Law, a leading figure in the pro-democracy movement, expressed that although he feels relatively safe in the UK, he must be more vigilant due to the bounty.
He noted the potential risk of someone in the UK or elsewhere providing information to Hong Kong authorities about his whereabouts, which could jeopardize his safety.
Mr. Law urged others to avoid cooperating with the authorities and to resist self-censorship and fear.
This view was supported by another exiled activist, Anna Kwok, executive director of the Hong Kong Democracy Council, who said the bounty was meant to intimidate activists.
Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed deep disappointment with the announcement and reiterated Australia’s concern over the ongoing erosion of Hong Kong’s rights, freedoms, and autonomy.
The other six activists named are Ted Hui, Dennis Kwok, Mung Siu-tat, Elmer Yuen, Finn Law, and Kevin Yam.
