AUSTRALIA: Anthony Albanese, the prime minister of Australia, said on Wednesday that it was “unacceptable” that Hong Kong had placed bounty requests on two Australian citizens who are among eight overseas democracy campaigners sought as per a national security statute.
Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee, stated on Tuesday that the eight overseas-based activists who have arrest warrants issued against them for alleged national security offences will be “pursued for life.”
Hong Kong police have announced rewards of HK$1 million ($127,656) for any information that helps arrest eight individuals. Among them are Melbourne-based lawyer and Australian citizen Kevin Yam, as well as former Hong Kong lawmaker Ted Hui, who has been residing in Australia since 2021.
In response to the Hong Kong announcement, Albanese said, “It’s just unacceptable,” during a Nine television interview.
“We will continue to cooperate with China where we can, but we will disagree where we must. And we do disagree over human rights issues,” she added.
Hong Kong activists are facing accusations of soliciting foreign powers to impose sanctions on Hong Kong and China. They are wanted under a national security law that Beijing enforced on the former British colony in 2020.
Australia’s Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, expressed concern about the extensive application of the national security law, leading to arrests and pressure on pro-democracy figures and civil society.
Chinese and Hong Kong authorities argue that the law has been instrumental in restoring stability, which is crucial for maintaining the economic prosperity of the Asian financial hub.
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