December 2024 saw more overseas activists hit with arrest warrants and HK$1 million bounties, while authorities for the second time invoked powers under Hong Kong security legislation to cancel the passports of others already in their crosshairs.
December 2024 was the 54th month since a Beijing-imposed security law was enacted in Hong Kong, and nine months since further security legislation was passed into law by Hong Kong’s opposition-free legislature. As the public was beginning to feel the festive vibe on Christmas Eve, the government announced another round of action against overseas activists.
Meanwhile, in the city’s courtrooms, the marathon trial of pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai, who faces two counts of conspiring to collude with foreign forces under Beijing’s security law, continued; the first legal challenge launched against the newer security law was rejected; and a sedition case was adjourned to await an appeal ruling.
Passports of overseas activists ‘cancelled’
The Hong Kong government cancelled the passports of seven overseas activists it labelled “absconders” under the city’s security law on December 24, including former lawmakers Ted Hui and Dennis Kwok.
Secretary for Security Chris Tang invoked his powers under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, known as Article 23, and imposed a series of special orders against Ted Hui, Anna Kwok, Elmer Yuen, Dennis Kwok, Kevin Yam, Frances Hui and Joey Siu. Each had earlier been issued an arrest warrant and had an existing HK$1 million bounty on their head over alleged national security offences.
The cancellation of their passports marked the second time that Hong Kong authorities had exercised such powers under Article 23, which came into force in March. In June, similar orders were imposed on six “fugitives,” including prominent activist Nathan Law who is currently based in the UK.
Yam, an Australian citizen, said on Facebook after the announcement that he did not hold a Hong Kong passport and had never applied for one.
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Explainer: Hong Kong’s national security crackdown – month 54
