Hong Kong authorities have tightened measures against 16 activists based outside the country and previously accused of threatening national security. Among the decisions taken are blocking financial transactions involving them and stripping most of the group of their valid overseas documents.
The men are among 19 people who were issued arrest warrants over the summer for their links to Hong Kong's parliament, an institution designated by police as a destabilizing foreign organization.
This group does not have the official status of a legislative body of the metropolis, and its real influence is minimal.
Three of the individuals on the initial list had previously faced similar restrictions.
According to an official statement, security chief Chris Tang approved a ban on financial transactions and economic cooperation with 16 activists, including Victor Ho, Keung Ka-wai, Australian researcher Chongyi Feng and American Gong Sasha.
Twelve members of the group had their Hong Kong travel permits revoked.
The authorities also restricted the ability to rent real estate or conduct business with these individuals.
Violators of the established rules face criminal liability with a maximum prison term of up to seven years.
According to the statement, the group's members live in the UK, the US, Canada, Germany, Australia, Thailand, Taiwan and other countries, continuing what authorities believe to be destabilizing activities.
They are also accused of promoting false information aimed at creating negative attitudes towards central and local authorities.
“The steps taken are intended to create significant obstacles to their malicious activity,” the statement emphasized.
Following mass protests in 2019, Beijing imposed a national security law on the region in 2020, leading to a sharp reduction in public opposition activity.
Most of the activists were either imprisoned, stopped speaking out in public, or left the country.
The new restrictions were introduced under powers enshrined in a security law passed in Hong Kong a year earlier.
The summer arrest warrants drew condemnation from the international community, including the United States, Britain and the European Union.
Law enforcement agencies have set a cash reward of HKD 200,000 (USD 25,480) to HKD 1,000,000 (USD 127,400) for assistance in arresting the defendants.
Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called such actions unacceptable.
“The use of extraterritorial measures against citizens exercising their rights is a form of cross-border repression,” he said.
“The United States will not allow Hong Kong law to be used to pressure its citizens or persons on American soil.”
China's Hong Kong mission rejected international criticism, affirming the legitimacy of all decisions.
Both Beijing and local authorities say security measures are critical to maintaining order in the city.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
