The United Kingdom has condemned Hong Kong authorities for placing bounties on pro-democracy activists living in exile, even as the British government begins steps toward reinstating an extradition agreement with the Chinese territory.
On Saturday, Hong Kong’s national security police issued arrest warrants for 19 overseas activists, accusing them of subversion under sweeping national security legislation. It marks the largest such list to date.
According to police, the activists were allegedly involved in organising or contesting in the unofficial “Hong Kong Parliament” group, which authorities claim seeks to draft a new constitution and achieve self-determination.
Police accused the group of aiming “to overthrow the governments of China and Hong Kong by unlawful means,” and said further arrests were under investigation.
The activists are based in various countries, including the UK, where officials quickly responded to the announcement. On Friday, Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper issued a joint statement condemning Hong Kong’s actions.
“The Hong Kong Police Force’s issuing of further arrest warrants and bounties on individuals living in the UK is another example of transnational repression,” the statement read.
“This Government will continue to stand with the people of Hong Kong, including those who have made the UK their home. We take the protection of their rights, freedoms, and safety very seriously.”
Bounties ranging from 200,000 to one million Hong Kong dollars (approximately $25,000–$125,000 have been offered for information leading to the activists’ arrests.
This is the fourth time Hong Kong authorities have announced financial rewards for the capture of exiled democracy campaigners, actions that have drawn repeated condemnation from Western governments. In response, Beijing has accused the West of interfering in its internal affairs.
The controversy is further complicated by a recent proposal by the UK Home Office to amend extradition rules. The plan, disclosed in documents sent to Parliament on July 17 and confirmed in a letter to Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp a day later, has triggered concerns that it could pave the way for extradition arrangements with Hong Kong to resume.
In his July 18 letter, Security Minister Dan Jarvis said, It is in our national interest to have effective extradition relationships to prevent criminals from evading justice and the UK becoming a haven for criminals.”
The Home Office has also proposed restoring extradition frameworks with Chile and Zimbabwe. Jarvis noted that future cases involving Hong Kong and Zimbabwe would be considered “on a case-by-case basis.”
Extraditions to Hong Kong were suspended by the UK in 2020, shortly after China imposed a sweeping national security law that critics say has eroded fundamental freedoms in the once semi-autonomous city.
Earlier this year, Hong Kong lawmakers passed a new national security law, known as Article 23, which gives authorities broader powers to crack down on dissent under charges such as treason, espionage, sedition, and foreign interference.
Since then, Hong Kong authorities have intensified their pursuit of activists abroad, with many facing charges linked to their roles in the pro-democracy movement.
The latest moves have once again underscored the deepening rift between the UK and China over the future of Hong Kong. Once a British colony, Hong Kong was handed back to China in 1997 under a “one country, two systems” arrangement meant to preserve its freedoms and autonomy.
Critics say those guarantees have been systematically dismantled in the years since Beijing imposed its national security crackdown.
Erizia Rubyjeana
Follow us on:
