11 July 2023 – Today, the Hong Kong national security police took away the parents and brother of Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Nathan Law for questioning. They were released without arrest.
Last week, two days after the three-year anniversary of the imposition of the National Security Law, theHong Kong government issued arrest warrants and placed HK$1 million bounties for eight prominent Hong Kong activists who now live in the US, UK and Australia. Nathan Law, who lives in the UK, has been charged with “crimes” which include meeting foreign politicians, attending hearings, participating in media interviews, publishing social media posts and advocating for the Hong Kong people.
The questioning of Mr Law’s family comes after Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said in a press conference, "The eight wanted criminals have committed [offences under the] Hong Kong national security law, endangered national security and been involved in serious crimes… As I have said, everyone should treat them as street rats and avoid [them] at all costs."
Nathan Law sought political asylum in the UK in December 2020 after becoming the youngest elected lawmaker in the Hong Kong legislature. At the time, he publicly stated that he was no longer in contact with his family. In Britain, Mr Law has continued his pro-democracy activities by engaging with the British Parliament, organising cultural events and speaking out against the Hong Kong authorities.
The Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation utterly condemns the Hong Kong national security police questioning Nathan Law’s family.
Mark Sabah, UK and EU Director of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation, said:
“It is sinister that the Hong Kong authorities questioned the family members of Nathan Law. This tactic mirrors how the Chinese government targets the families of Uyghurs, Tibetans and other dissidents abroad. This latest escalation is clearly designed to intimidate and silence Hong Kongers abroad from exposing the true nature of the Hong Kong authorities and their Beijing masters.
Last week, two days after the three-year anniversary of the imposition of the National Security Law, the ately meet with Nathan Law, Finn Lau and Christopher Mung, who have all had bounties placed on their heads and are currently under UK protection, to ensure their safety.”