National security law in Hong Kong: 8 wanted suspects should be treated like ‘rats in the street’, city leader John Lee says
- City leader urges ‘everyone to be cautious’ about helping wanted opposition figures after police offer HK$1 million rewards for suspects’ arrests
- Lee also says all residents welcome to participate in coming district council election

Eight opposition figures wanted by Hong Kong police over alleged national security violations should be treated like “rats in the street”, the city’s leader has said, urging everyone to avoid all contact with them.
Police would “vigorously pursue” anyone accused of endangering national security and “strictly enforce the law”, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Friday said.
The force on Monday announced a HK$1 million (US$127,873) reward for information leading to each arrest of the eight opposition activists, who are currently living overseas.
“We should treat the people wanted by police, especially those who violated the national security law, as rats in the street that should be avoided for our sake,” Lee said at a press appearance during a trip to Guiyang in Guizhou province.
Lee was asked whether engaging in business or monetary transactions with the wanted figures would be a crime.