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Hong Kong police on Friday announced a bounty for 19 overseas-based activists for their roles in a "subversive organization" aborad, accusing they are in violation of a national security law imposed by Beijing.
The group — "Hong Kong Parliament" — aimed to promote self-determination and establish a "Hong Kong constitution," the police said in a statement, adding it was using illegal means to overthrow China's power over the region. They alleged the activists had conducted an election abroad and set up, or became members of the group.
As a result, Hong Kong's court issued an arrest warrant for activists Elmer Yuen, Johnny Fok, Tony Choi, Victor Ho, Keung Ka-wai and 14 others. The authorities have announced a reward of 200,000 Hong Kong dollars ($25,500 or €21,700) for each of the 15 activists and 1 million Hong Kong dollars for information leading to the arrest of Yuen, Ho, Fok, and Choi.
"The investigation is still ongoing. If necessary, police will offer bounties to hunt down more suspects in the case," police said. They also called upon the activists to return to the city and turn themselves in, instead of "making more mistakes."
Police also warned that aiding or funding others to participate in the "Hong Kong Parliament" could be a criminal offense.
China's clampdown has stifled Hong Kong's democracy movement
What else do we know about the group?
The pro-democracy group based in Canada held an online vote on their Facebook page to form a "legislature" aimed at "opposing one-party dictatorship and tyranny and pursuing Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong."
"Hong Kong Parliament" group members are located in several countries, including Australia, Canada, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Despite the name, the group's influence is unofficial and limited.
According to the group's statement on June 30, its online vote drew 15,700 votes through a mobile application and online voting systems.
Beijing's control over Hong Kong
China has systematically quashed political dissent and pro-democracy movements in Hong Kong by imposing a controversial national security law in 2020, despite mass protests.
Several opposition leaders have fled the city while others were arrested and sentenced to prison time.
This is now the fourth time Hong Kong's authorities have issued a bounty to caputre those in violation of the national security law. Previous instances led to criticism from Western nations but China retaliated calling it "interference."
As of July 1, authorities had arrested some 333 people under the law. Just earlier this week, the police arrested an 18-year-old for writing "seditious words" on a toilet wall in a commercial building.
