The arrest of Anna Kwok's father and brother under Hong Kong's national security law signals an alarming new phase in the crackdown on pro-democracy activists, as the family faces charges for allegedly aiding her financially.
Hong Kong Police Target Family of Pro-Democracy Activist in National Security Crackdown
Hong Kong Police Target Family of Pro-Democracy Activist in National Security Crackdown
Authorities arrest relatives of Anna Kwok, a US-based democracy advocate, marking a troubling extension of the national security law.
Hong Kong police have arrested the father and brother of Anna Kwok, a pro-democracy activist based in the United States, for allegedly assisting her with financial matters. This marks the first incident where relatives of an "absconder" have been prosecuted under the region's stringent national security law. The 26-year-old Kwok is accused of violating these laws by participating in anti-government protests back in 2019, prompting her to flee to the US in 2020. Now, she holds the position of Executive Director for the Hong Kong Democracy Council (HKDC) in Washington D.C.
According to reports by Reuters, the police have detained two men aged 35 and 68 on charges of managing "funds or other financial assets" associated with Kwok. Local media confirmed that both are her family members, with the elder identified as Kwok Yin-sang, her father. He allegedly attempted to access his daughter’s life and personal accident insurance policy, which could be used to procure finances on her behalf.
The Hong Kong police began their investigation after tracking the two men’s overseas meetings with Kwok. National security judge Victor So denied bail to Kwok Yin-sang, although his 35-year-old son, reportedly Anna's brother, was released on bail while further inquiries are conducted.
In light of rising tensions, Hong Kong officials placed bounties in 2023 on several pro-democracy activists, including Kwok, who have fled the city. The Hong Kong government accuses them of colluding with foreign forces, a charge that can carry a life sentence. Kwok condemned the bounties as a blatant intimidation tactic used by the Hong Kong government and the Chinese Communist Party to silence dissenting voices.
Since regaining sovereignty from the UK in 1997, Hong Kong has enjoyed certain freedoms surpassing those in mainland China, yet there is widespread belief that these liberties are deteriorating swiftly.
