Hong Kong’s national security police have issued arrest warrants for 19 overseas-based activists, accusing them of subversion under the sweeping national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020. The move marks the largest number of warrants issued against overseas individuals since the law’s enactment.
The activists are accused of participating in or organising the so-called “Hong Kong Parliament,” an unofficial body that authorities claim aims to subvert state power and promote self-determination through unlawful means. Police allege the group sought to draft a separate constitution for Hong Kong and overthrow the governments of China and Hong Kong.
According to police, those targeted either launched a referendum or ran as candidates in the shadow parliamentary body, which they describe as an effort to undermine national sovereignty.
Among those named in the latest announcement are businessman Elmer Yuen, commentator Victor Ho, and activists Johnny Fok and Tony Choi. Four of the 19 were already subject to previous warrants carrying bounties of HK$1 million (approximately $127,000). The remaining 15 now each face a bounty of HK$200,000 (around $25,480).
Authorities confirmed that none of the individuals named could be reached for comment. Police said the investigation remains ongoing and that additional arrests may follow.
The warrants come amid broader concerns over Hong Kong’s shrinking civic space. The city, a former British colony, returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under the “one country, two systems” arrangement, which promised a high degree of autonomy and protection of freedoms, including free speech.
Critics argue that the national security law has been used to silence dissent and crush the pro-democracy movement that gained momentum during the 2019 anti-government protests. Beijing and Hong Kong officials, however, defend the law as necessary to restore order and safeguard national sovereignty.
In a statement, police warned that national security offences are serious crimes with extraterritorial reach. They urged those who wanted to surrender voluntarily, adding that leniency could be considered in exchange for cooperation.
“If offenders voluntarily give up continuing to violate the crime, turn themselves in, truthfully confess their crimes, or provide key information that helps solve other cases, they may be eligible for reduced punishment,” the police statement said.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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