HONG KONG, May 2 (Reuters) — Hong Kong national security police have arrested the father and brother of exiled activist Anna Kwok, marking the first known use of the controversial security law against the family of an overseas dissident.
Kwok, 26, a Washington D.C.-based executive director of the Hong Kong Democracy Council, has been labeled a fugitive by Hong Kong authorities. She is among 19 overseas pro-democracy activists wanted under the national security law, and authorities have issued a HK$1 million ($127,656 USD) bounty for her arrest.
The two men, aged 68 and 35, were taken into custody on April 30 for allegedly handling financial assets linked to Kwok. According to a charge sheet reviewed by Reuters, 68-year-old Kwok Yin-sang, believed to be Anna’s father, was formally charged with attempting to manage her life and accident insurance policy, which could potentially be converted into funds.
He was denied bail on Friday by national security judge Victor So at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts. The younger man, reportedly Kwok’s brother, was released on bail as the investigation continues. The case has been adjourned until June 13.
Authorities emphasized that dealing with the finances of a wanted individual is a serious crime under the law, carrying a penalty of up to seven years in prison.
Critics, including the U.S. government and human rights organizations, have condemned Hong Kong’s ongoing use of the national security law to target activists and their families. They argue the law undermines freedoms and suppresses dissent in the former British colony.
Chinese and Hong Kong officials defend the law, saying it has restored order and stability essential for economic growth.
