United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed strong condemnation for the actions of Hong Kong authorities, who have offered bounties on five pro-democracy activists, including a U.S. citizen residing overseas. Blinken called upon the international community to unite against what he termed as “transnational repression.”
In a statement issued on Friday, Blinken highlighted the seriousness of the situation, pointing out that the bounties, amounting to one million Hong Kong dollars ($128,000), aimed at facilitating the arrest of these activists, underscored Hong Kong authorities’ blatant disregard for both international norms and human rights.
In a resolute statement, Secretary of State Antony Blinken declared, “We strongly oppose any efforts to intimidate and silence individuals who choose to make the United States their home and will not waver in standing up for those who are targeted simply for exercising their human rights.” Blinken urged the international community to unite in condemning what he termed as “transnational repression,” emphasizing the United States’ unwavering commitment to defending the rights and freedoms of all individuals. He also called on the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to uphold its international commitments and legal obligations. the actions of Hong
The United Kingdom Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, also voiced condemnation against the move by Hong Kong authorities, describing it as a “threat to our democracy and fundamental human rights.”
Hong Kong authorities had announced rewards for information leading to the arrest of Joey Siu, Simon Cheng, Frances Hui, Johnny Fok, and Tony Choi. These individuals, targeted under Hong Kong’s draconian national security law, face accusations of incitement to secession, incitement to subversion, foreign collusion, and betrayal of their own country, according to Hong Kong police Chief Superintendent Steve Li Kwai-wah. The controversial national security law, extending its jurisdiction globally, has faced criticism for stifling dissent and opposition to Beijing’s authority. The five activists, now advocating for democracy and civil liberties from abroad, have become symbols of resistance following a sweeping crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong.
Siu holds US citizenship, and Hui was granted asylum in the US in 2021.
Cheng, who was granted asylum by the British government in 2020, Fok and Choi all live in the UK.