The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government has announced new measures against seven individuals accused of endangering national security. On Tuesday, Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung exercised powers under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance to impose restrictions on seven self-exiled activists.
The individuals named are Hui Chi-fung, Kwok Fung-yee, Yuan Gong-yi, Kwok Wing-hang, Kevin Yam, Hui Wing-ting, and Joey Siu. The measures include prohibiting them from accessing or dealing with funds, restricting activities related to property, banning joint ventures or partnerships with them, and canceling their HKSAR passports.
Additional actions have been taken against specific individuals: Kwok Wing-hang and Kevin Yam face suspension of their professional qualifications, while Yuan Gong-yi has been temporarily removed from his position as a company director.
At a press briefing, Chris Tang stated that these individuals continue to engage in activities that threaten national security. “We must impose these measures to prevent further harm and urge them to return to Hong Kong to face legal proceedings,” he said.
The Hong Kong Police Force has also placed six other individuals on a wanted list for suspected violations of the national security law. The police are offering a reward of 1 million Hong Kong dollars (about $128,758) for information leading to the arrest of each person. The wanted individuals are Chung Kim-wah, Lau Ka-man, Chung Hon-lam, Victor Ho Leung-mau, Joseph Tay, and Chloe Cheung Hei-ching.
The Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR expressed firm support for these actions. In a statement, the office emphasized that these steps are necessary to uphold national security and ensure Hong Kong’s stability and prosperity.
Authorities allege that the individuals have been engaging in activities such as urging external forces to interfere in Hong Kong’s affairs. They assert that such actions violate the national security law and harm the region’s fundamental interests.
The HKSAR government’s recent moves highlight its commitment to enforcing the national security law enacted in 2020, which aims to prevent secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
