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Dec. 27, 2024 | Seoul, Korea
The Asia Democracy Network condemns the Hong Kong government’s latest act of transnational repression, issuing arrest warrants and HK$1 million bounties for six exiled pro-democracy activists: Tony Chung, Carmen Lau, Chung Kim-wah, Chloe Cheung, Joseph Tay, and Victor Ho. This brazen escalation exemplifies a ruthless campaign to obliterate dissent and crush democratic aspirations globally. Hong Kong authorities’ weaponization of the draconian 2020 national security law against journalists, activists, and democracy advocates is an intolerable attack on fundamental freedoms. The revocation of passports and threats against supporters reveal a government bent on expanding its authoritarian reach beyond its borders—violating international norms and setting a chilling precedent for transnational repression. The targeted individuals are not criminals but courageous defenders of democracy and human rights. We salute their resolve to stand against a regime desperate to silence its critics. These attempts to suppress dissent will fail, as they only further expose the illegitimacy of Hong Kong’s oppressive governance. This campaign of intimidation is a grave threat to global democratic principles. We call on the international community to take urgent, concrete action to: Condemn Hong Kong’s extraterritorial persecution of activists. Ensure the safety of those targeted by these bounties from harassment, retaliation, or abduction. Demand an immediate halt to the misuse of the national security law to stifle dissent. We reaffirm its continued support for the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong. Repression cannot erase the demand for freedom. Advocating for human rights and democracy is not a crime but a noble endeavor to protect people’s rights. Such actions are widely recognized and respected by international communities and upheld by international law.
We urge governments, institutions, and civil society to hold Hong Kong authorities accountable and stand united against this blatant attack on human rights and democratic values. Silence is complicity.
