HK$1m rewards target people accused of national security crimes who fled after pro-democracy protests

Summary

Hong Kong police issued HK$1m ($128,000 USD) bounties for six overseas pro-democracy activists accused of national security crimes, including inciting secession and collusion with foreign forces.

Authorities also plan to cancel the passports of seven others, such as ex-lawmakers Ted Hui and Dennis Kwok.

This follows Beijing’s 2020 national security law, which quashed political dissent after the 2019 protests.

Western governments criticized the bounties, which are largely symbolic as extradition is unlikely.

Human Rights Watch called the move an act of intimidation, urging countries like the UK and Canada to respond.