HONG KONG (AP) – Hong Kong authorities on Monday implemented measures that included increasing the crackdown on 16 overseas-based activists who had previously been targeted for allegedly putting national security at risk, banning financial support for them and canceling most of those passports.
The activists are Arrest letter In July, allegedly his role in the Hong Kong Parliament, a group that police called a destructive organization overseas. The organization is not the city’s official council and its impact is limited.
Three of the original 19 activists were already there Targets for similar measures last year.
Security secretary Chris Tan has banned the provision of funds or economic resources to 16 activists, including Victor Ho, Kyon Kawai, Australian Academic Chonggi Feng and US citizen Gong Sasha, Hong Kong government said in a statement.
The travel documents were cancelled for 12 out of 16 people who hold Hong Kong passports.
The government also banned property from being leased to people on the list or formed a joint venture with them. Anyone who violates the order will be fined up to seven years in prison.
The 16 activists said they accused the government of continuing to engage in activities that put national security at risk, including hiding in the UK, the US, Canada, Germany, Australia, Thailand and Taiwan.
The notice also accused them of intending to incite hatred against Beijing and Hong Kong through smears and slander.
“Therefore, we have taken such steps to make a significant impact,” the statement said.
Beijing imposed National Security Law The 2020 territory effectively wiped out most public opposition in 2019 following massive anti-government protests. Many activists were forced to arrest, silence or self-exile.
The measures announced on Monday were issued under the authority granted by Hong Kong Your country’s national security law It was established last year.
The arrest warrant issued in July attracted criticism from foreign governments, including the US, the UK and the European Union. Police provided rewards ranging from HK$200,000 ($25,480) to HK$1 million ($127,400) for information leading to arrest.
In a July statement, the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio He condemned the movement.
“Out-territorial targets of Hong Kongers exercising basic freedoms are a form of cross-border oppression,” he said. “We will not tolerate any attempt by the Hong Kong government to apply national security laws.
China’s Foreign Ministry’s Hong Kong office responded by opposing criticism from foreign politicians, claiming that the action was legal.
The Beijing and Hong Kong governments said security laws are necessary for the city to stabilize.
