US: The move sets a dangerous precedent that could threaten human rights. theSun theSundaily activist crime democracy HongKong USA
Photos of eight activists who have been issued arrest warrants over national security are displayed during a press conference in Hong Kong, China July 3, 2023. REUTERSPIX: The United States on Monday condemned Hong Kong authorities for issuing bounties linked to democracy activists based abroad, saying the move sets a dangerous precedent that could threaten human rights.
“The United States condemns the Hong Kong Police Force’s issuance of an international bounty” against the eight activists, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement. “We call on the Hong Kong government to immediately withdraw this bounty, respect other countries’ sovereignty, and stop the international assertion of the National Security Law imposed by Beijing.”
All eight activists are alleged to have colluded with foreign forces to endanger national security -- an offense that carries a sentence of up to life in prison.