Hong Kong cancels passports of six fugitive democracy activists
Hong Kong's government has revoked the passports of six democracy activists who fled to the United Kingdom, labeling them as "lawless wanted criminals." This decision was made under the national security law passed in March, which grants authorities the power to cancel passports and imposes penalties on anyone who provides financial or other forms of support to the named individuals. The six activists affected are former legislator Nathan Law, unionist Mung Siu-tat, and activists Simon Cheng, Finn Lau, Fok Ka-chi, and Choi Ming-da.
The revocation coincides with the fifth anniversary of a significant clash between protesters and police during the Hong Kong pro-democracy protests. Last year, Hong Kong authorities had also issued bounties amounting to HK$1 million (US$128,000) for 13 activists, including the six whose passports were recently canceled, accusing them of committing national security crimes. The law also stipulates that anyone engaging in financial transactions, leasing property, or conducting business with the listed individuals could face up to seven years in prison.
