China roars over exiled Hong Kong activists – Skanska Dockbladet

Police in Hong Kong have offered the equivalent of SEK 1.4 million in exchange for information leading to the arrest of eight prominent exiled democracy activists.

“The only thing they can do to avoid being persecuted fugitives for the rest of their lives is to surrender,” Hong Kong President John Lee told reporters on Tuesday.

He urged the public to help the police and said “relatives and friends” of activists could also become whistleblowers.

The offer has been criticized by the US, UK and Australia – countries where some of the wanted activists live.

“We will not tolerate any attempts by China to intimidate and silence individuals in the UK and abroad. Britain will always defend the universal right to freedom of expression and stand up for those who are vulnerable,” said British Foreign Secretary James Wisely. reported to AFP on Monday.

The statement seems to have irked the Chinese delegation.

“British politicians have openly offered shelter to the fugitives,” a spokesman for the Beijing embassy in London said in a statement late Monday, according to AFP.

“This is serious interference in Hong Kong’s rule of law and China’s internal affairs,” the statement continued, underscoring China’s deep displeasure.

Australian Foreign Minister Benny Wong has said that those who express their views peacefully in Australia will be supported.

Wong warns Hong Kong and other authorities not to jump on the tip money offer – stressing that Australia has a “tough law” on foreign interference.

The eight activists left Hong Kong after Beijing introduced a sweeping national security law in 2020 in response to widespread pro-democracy protests in 2019.

The eight have been charged with treason and subversive activities and collaboration with foreign powers to endanger national security – a crime that carries a life sentence.