China Issues Arrest Warrant for Six Hong Kong Activists in Exile

(Patria) – Hong Kong police have issued arrest warrants for six pro-democracy activists in exile, marking the first time the city authorities have used the new security law to target dissidents living outside Hong Kong.

Some of the six include Samuel Chu, a US citizen residing in the United States; Nathan Law, a prominent activist who recently moved to the United Kingdom; and Simon Cheng, a former employee of the British consulate who was granted asylum in the UK after claiming he was subjected to torture in China.

Chinese state media reported that the six are wanted for 'inciting secession and colluding with foreign forces'.

This move followed China's introduction of a controversial national security law in Hong Kong, which allows it to prosecute suspects for 'intent to secede, subversive activities, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces' and sentence them to up to life imprisonment.

Critics immediately assessed the new law as an opportunity to crack down on legitimate opposition, noting as a curiosity that the law applies to Hong Kong residents as well as those living outside the autonomous region – giving China judicial power beyond its borders.

The first target is Chu, who has lived in the US since 1996 and runs the Hong Kong Democracy Council in Washington, an organization advocating for Hong Kong's freedoms and democracy. He claims that the warrant for his arrest sends a clear message from China to other activists.

Since the new law came into effect, several countries have canceled extradition agreements with Hong Kong, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia. The US had already revoked Hong Kong's special economic status earlier this month.

- Behind the security law is the illogical, irrational idea that (China) has the right to judge anyone who is not even a resident of Hong Kong, anywhere in the world, who engages in anything they consider a threat, Chu emphasized.

The other members of the six subject to the arrest warrant are Ray Wong, Wayne Chan, and Honcques Laus.

Ray Wong, who lives in the UK, told Reuters that the charges indicate the Chinese government's fear of international activism by Hong Kong citizens.

- I think they want to cut off our connection with Hong Kong citizens... which will instill fear among people that they can violate the security law just by being in contact with us, Wong explained.