19 overseas activists targeted with Hong Kong bounties on subversion charges

Hong Kong Police Offer Rewards for Information on Overseas Activists
Since Beijing introduced a national security law in 2020, political dissent in Hong Kong has been severely restricted. After the pro‑democracy protests of the previous year, many opposition figures fled abroad, while others faced lengthy jail sentences.
Targeted Group
Police announced bounties on 19 activists linked to an organization called Hong Kong Parliament, a pro‑democracy NGO based in Canada. The group was accused of operating a “subversive organization” that sought to “unlawfully overthrow the fundamental system” of the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities.
Reward Details
- HK$200,000 ($25,500) each for 15 activists.
- HK$1 million for four activists already on a wanted list.
Why the Bounties Matter
Although the rewards appear symbolic—foreign governments are unlikely to extradite political protesters—the announcement reflects Hong Kong’s growing use of financial incentives to curb dissidence. This is the fourth time the authorities have offered rewards for the alleged violation of national security laws.
Historical Context
- The 2020 law criminalized secession, subversion, terrorism, and foreign collusion, with offenders facing life imprisonment.
- By July 1, Hong Kong had arrested 333 people on national security charges, with 165 convicted.
- In recent months, police arrested individuals, including a teenager, for alleged affiliation with a Taiwanese group calling for the overthrow of the Chinese Communist Party.
Recent Arrests
This week, Hong Kong police arrested an 18‑year‑old who wrote “seditious words” on a toilet wall in a commercial building. The city also cancelled passports of other pro‑democracy activists under its 2024 national security law.
Conclusion
Hong Kong’s national security crackdown continues to push pro‑democracy activists overseas, while the authorities expand their tactics—financial bounties included—against those who challenge the government’s authority.