The US State Department said on Thursday ( Dec. 26 ) that Hong Kong’s announcement of bonuses for six democracy activists based abroad “is a form of transnational repression that threatens US sovereignty.
The extrajudicial enforcement of Hong Kong’s national safety laws is a form of international suppression that threatens US independence and the rights and basic freedoms of people all over the world, according to Matthew Miller, the agency’s spokesperson.
On Tuesday, Hong Kong police announced the bounty of HK$ 1 million ( roughly US$ 130, 000 ) for information leading to the arrest of the six activists who are accused of crimes against national security.
According to local media, regulators even threatened to revoke the visas of seven people for whom now money had been reportedly collected, including ex-lawmakers Ted Hui and Dennis Kwok.
Since Beijing enacted a comprehensive national security law in Hong Kong in 2020 following extensive, often violent pro-democracy protests the year before, social opposition has been suppressed in Hong Kong.
Many opposition numbers emigrated to other countries, while others were detained and given lengthy prison sentences.
Washington on Thursday criticized the new arrest warrants and bounty, noting that some of the protesters involved were based in the United States.
We reject the Hong Kong government’s attempts to ensnare and solitude those who make the country their home, Miller said in a statement.
These actions show the disrespect for international laws and the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly by Hong Kong government.
Authorities in Hong Kong announced this week that it was the second time to reward people who allegedly broke the state’s national protection laws with HK$$ 1 million.
The two past rounds of bounty payments in July and December of last year were met with fierce criticism from human rights organizations and individuals.
Responding to previous censure, Hong Kong and China have railed against “interference” from foreign countries.