ExplainerWhat will be impact of Hong Kong passport cancellations on 6 fugitives?
- The Post also looks at whether subscribing to UK-based absconders’ YouTube and Patreon accounts violates new curbs on fundraising
The Hong Kong government has exercised new powers under the domestic national security law for the first time to cancel the passports of six wanted activists and prohibit anyone from funding them.
The UK-based fugitives included former lawmaker Nathan Law Kwun-chung and others who were active on platforms such as YouTube, Patreon and Ko-fi, which allowed them to monetise content and raise funds.
Authorities said the latest move was “necessary” to combat and deter absconders who committed offences under the separate, Beijing-imposed national security law.
Security chief Chris Tang Ping-keung on Wednesday warned Hongkongers that it was illegal for anyone to provide or handle funds via “any platform” for the fugitives, whom the government described as “colluding with external forces to protect their evil deeds”.
The Post explains the latest restrictions and the impact on the wanted activists’ efforts to raise money.
1. Will the cancellations limit the fugitives’ ability to travel?
The six wanted activists, all living in the United Kingdom, were among 13 Hongkongers targeted with HK$1 million (US$128,000) bounties last July and December over alleged national security offences.