In a radio interview on Wednesday, Hui said Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade had contacted him to offer protection. Yam confirmed to Reuters he had also been offered protection.
Australia suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong in 2020, and a foreign interference law makes it illegal for foreign powers to monitor dissidents or silence community members from exercising freedom of speech.
The other dissidents facing Hong Kong bounties, living in the US and Britain, have had bank accounts frozen, Hui told ABC radio.
“Some of them can be frightened, but they are assured that there is no immediate or imminent threat against them personally. But in terms of travel, in terms of bank account, in terms of financial support, they are a bit worried now,” he said.
Yam, who migrated to Australia as a 10-year-old, said on Twitter: “I am not a fugitive. I left Hong Kong through its international airport openly in 2022. I am an Australian citizen now living in Australia.”