Hong Kong Police Target Family of Pro-Democracy Activist Under Security Law

Fri Jul 18 2025 16:17:12 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
Hong Kong Police Target Family of Pro-Democracy Activist Under Security Law

The arrests raise concerns over family dynamics and the tightening grip of the national security law in Hong Kong.


In a controversial move, Hong Kong authorities have arrested the father and brother of US-based pro-democracy activist Anna Kwok, marking a significant escalation in the implementation of the national security law. The arrests stem from allegations of financial support provided to Kwok, who has been in exile since 2020.


Hong Kong police have taken into custody the father and brother of pro-democracy activist Anna Kwok, reportedly investigating them for their alleged roles in supporting her financially from abroad. This action represents an unprecedented instance of family members of an exiled activist being charged under the contentious security law enacted in Hong Kong.

Anna Kwok, aged 26, became a prominent figure during the pro-democracy protests of 2019 and subsequently fled Hong Kong in 2020. Now serving as the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Democracy Council (HKDC) in Washington, D.C., she has faced accusations of violating national security legislation. The Hong Kong police stated that they arrested two men, aged 35 and 68, suspecting them of managing funds associated with Ms. Kwok.

According to local media reports, the older suspect is Ms. Kwok's father, Kwok Yin-sang, who allegedly attempted to access his daughter's insurance policies upon returning to Hong Kong. He has been denied bail by a national security judge, while the younger suspect, Ms. Kwok's brother, has reportedly been released on bail as the investigation continues.

The legal ramifications stem from the Safeguarding National Security Bill, which criminalizes the act of financially supporting individuals deemed absconders under the law. This legislation has tightened the grip on dissent in the city, becoming a tool for the authorities in their crackdown on pro-democracy advocates.

The ongoing campaign against pro-democracy activists escalated in 2023 when Hong Kong authorities placed bounties on several figures in exile, including Kwok, accused of conspiring with foreign entities. Critics, including Kwok herself, described the bounties as attempts to instill fear and silence opposition.

Since its establishment as a Special Administrative Region of China in 1997, Hong Kong has maintained certain freedoms, though many observers believe these liberties are increasingly eroded under Beijing's influence. The latest arrests serve as a stark reminder of the climate of fear surrounding advocates for democratic reform in the territory.

MORE ON THEME

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 20:12:54 GMT

Thai Authorities Crack Down on Monastic Scandal Involving Extortion and Misconduct**

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 20:12:54 GMT
Wed, 16 Jul 2025 05:47:48 GMT

Tragic Loss of Fauja Singh: The Journey of a Resilient Marathon Legend Ends in Hit-and-Run

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 05:47:48 GMT
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 22:04:39 GMT

Convicted Murderer of British Backpacker Peter Falconio Passes Away in Custody

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 22:04:39 GMT
Mon, 14 Jul 2025 09:15:33 GMT

German Backpacker Survives 11 Days in Western Australia’s Outback

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 09:15:33 GMT
Sun, 13 Jul 2025 02:49:27 GMT

Survival Against All Odds: German Backpacker Rescued After 11 Nights in the Outback

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 02:49:27 GMT
Sat, 12 Jul 2025 15:42:44 GMT

Tragic Balcony Fall Claims Young Life in Malta

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 15:42:44 GMT
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 10:44:37 GMT

Southern China and Hong Kong on Alert as Typhoon Danas Causes Heavy Rains

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 10:44:37 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 20:18:54 GMT

South Korea's Ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol Faces New Arrest for Expanded Criminal Charges

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 20:18:54 GMT
Mon, 07 Jul 2025 04:21:11 GMT

South African Police Force Continues Use of Torture Tactics from Apartheid Era

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 04:21:11 GMT
Fri, 04 Jul 2025 11:16:48 GMT

**Julio Cesar Chavez Jr's Arrest by US Immigration Sparks Controversy**

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 11:16:48 GMT
Fri, 04 Jul 2025 04:25:55 GMT

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Faces Deportation Amid Controversial Arrest

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 04:25:55 GMT
Tue, 01 Jul 2025 08:28:39 GMT

**Melbourne Childcare Worker Charged in Disturbing Case, Testing Recommended for 1,200 Kids**

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 08:28:39 GMT
Tue, 01 Jul 2025 04:22:11 GMT

Turkish Authorities Crack Down on Journalists Over Controversial Cartoon

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 04:22:11 GMT
Mon, 30 Jun 2025 05:05:01 GMT

### Title: The Cost of Democracy: Young Activists in Hong Kong Facing Lasting Impacts

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 05:05:01 GMT
Mon, 30 Jun 2025 04:26:50 GMT

The Lasting Impact of Hong Kong's Pro-Democracy Protests

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 04:26:50 GMT
Mon, 30 Jun 2025 01:16:55 GMT

**Hong Kong's League of Social Democrats Shuts Down Amid Political Pressure**

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 01:16:55 GMT
Sun, 29 Jun 2025 23:01:28 GMT

Crackdown on Gay Erotica Writers Sparks Outcry in China

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 23:01:28 GMT
Sun, 29 Jun 2025 20:09:59 GMT

Disbandment of Hong Kong’s Last Major Pro-Democracy Party Highlights Erosion of Civil Liberties

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 20:09:59 GMT
Sat, 28 Jun 2025 04:57:28 GMT

Budapest Pride March Set to Defy Government Crackdown Amidst Rising Tensions**

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 04:57:28 GMT
Fri, 27 Jun 2025 14:39:16 GMT

U.K. Activists Face Terrorism Charges After Military Base Protest

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 14:39:16 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.