The Secretary for Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Chris Tang Ping-keung, announced on Tuesday the imposition of measures against seven individuals who have absconded from Hong Kong. Exercising powers under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, Tang specified the absconders and detailed the measures in a gazette notice.
The seven individuals named are Hui Chi-fung, Kwok Fung-yee, Yuan Gong-yi, Kwok Wing-hang, Kevin Yam, Hui Wing-ting, and Joey Siu. They are accused of engaging in activities that endanger national security while overseas.
The measures applied to all seven include:
- Prohibition against making available funds or dealing with their funds and property.
- Prohibition against certain activities related to immovable property.
- Prohibition on entering into joint ventures or partnerships with the absconders.
- Cancellation of their HKSAR passports and travel documents.
Additional measures have been imposed on specific individuals. Kwok Wing-hang and Kevin Yam face suspension of their qualifications to practice, while Yuan Gong-yi is subject to temporary removal from positions as a director.
Addressing the media, Tang emphasized the necessity of these actions, stating that they are crucial to preventing further activities that threaten national security. He urged the absconders to return to Hong Kong to face legal and judicial processes.
In a related development, the Hong Kong Police Force has placed six additional individuals on a wanted list under suspicion of violating the national security law. The individuals named are Chung Kim-wah, Lau Ka-man, Chung Hon-lam, Ho Leung-mau Victor, Joseph Tay, and Cheung Hei-ching Chloe. Authorities have offered a bounty of 1 million Hong Kong dollars (approximately $128,758) for information leading to the arrest of each person.
The Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR expressed firm support for the enforcement actions. In a statement, the office condemned the absconders for conducting smear campaigns against Hong Kong’s rule of law and soliciting external interference in Hong Kong affairs.
“Their abominable actions severely harm the fundamental interests of Hong Kong and gravely jeopardize national sovereignty, security, and development interests,” the statement read. “These enforcement actions are just and necessary to safeguard national security and ensure Hong Kong’s stability and prosperity.”
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
