Six pro-democracy activists living in exile in Western countries are being sought by police in Hong Kong, according to the BBC.
The report said Chinese state TV had reported that the six, whom they referred to as ‘troublemakers’, were wanted on suspicion of violating a new security law imposed in Hong Kong by Beijing. The station said the six were accused of inciting secession or colluding with foreign forces. Both crimes can be punished with up to life in prison under the new security law.
The station said the six were accused of inciting secession or colluding with foreign forces. Both crimes can be punished with up to life in prison under the new security law.
The group reportedly includes former United Kingdom consulate worker Simon Cheng, well-known activist Nathan Law and United States citizen Samuel Chu.
The report said Hong Kong police declined to comment.
The development comes after legislative elections scheduled for September were delayed for a year by Hong Kong’s government on Friday. The government claimed the move was necessary because of a spike in Covid-19 infections, but the opposition accused it of using the pandemic as a pretext. The White House said the move undermined democracy.
The BBC said many in Hong Kong, a former British colony handed back to China in 1997, fear that unique freedoms meant to be guaranteed until 2047 are under serious threat.
Britain and Australia are among countries that have suspended their extradition treaties with Hong Kong in recent weeks. Germany did so on Friday – one of those reported to be on the new ‘wanted list’ has received asylum there.