In the first instance of Hong Kong’s security law to deal with an absconder’s relatives, local media reported on Friday ( May 2 ) that the city’s national security police have detained the father and brother of wanted activist Anna Kwok for allegedly dealing with her finances.
One of 19 foreign protesters wanted by the state’s national surveillance officers is Kwok, the executive producer of the Hong Kong Democracy Council in Washington. Police have offered a bounty of HK$ 1 million ( US$ 127, 656 ) for her arrest and she is accused of colluding with foreign forces.
Right groups and some democratic countries have criticized Hong Kong’s national security law for eroded freedoms and upheld opposition in the economic hub. The state’s continued abuse of the families of pro-democracy activists living abroad has also been highly condemned by the United States.
On fear of handling “funds or other monetary property” belonging to Kwok, two men, 35 and 68, were detained by police in a media release on Friday.
The two men’s father and brother, according to unknown options, were Kwok’s parents.
Kwok Yin-sang, 68, was charged under the protection legislation on Friday night for trying to manage the funds, according to a cost sheet seen by Reuters. Hong Kong internet identified him as Anna Kwok’s parents.
According to the report, he claimed he had been attempting to deal with Kwok’s lifestyle and personal accident insurance policy, which might be used to get money.
Local media reported that the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts’ designated national security determine Victor But denied him loan, while the younger man was released on bail pending further research. The situation was adjourned until June 13.
Kwok’s family attorney could not be reached for comment.
Authorities cautioned the public that using an absconder’s funds was a serious crime that could result in a maximum sentence of seven years in prison.
According to Chinese and Hong Kong officials, the safety law has provided the balance required to maintain Hong Kong’s financial growth.