China accuses UK of giving asylum to fugitives
China on Tuesday accused Britain of ‘protecting’ eight exiled Hong Kong pro-democracy activists.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee during his press conference on May 30, 2023.
AFP
“British politicians have openly offered their protection to the fugitives,” a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom condemned in a press release, condemning London’s “interference” in Chinese internal affairs.
Hong Kong’s leader summoned eight pro-democracy activists accused of violating the National Security Act on Tuesday, after police promised rewards earlier in the day in exchange for information leading to their arrest.
“The only way to end their fate of being hunted for life is to surrender,” said John Lee, adding that otherwise they would live “in fear.”
A call to condemnation
Eight activists fled after Beijing introduced a national security law in Hong Kong in 2020 to crack down on dissent after pro-democracy protests in 2019, which were sometimes violently suppressed.
John Lee called on the public to help police, saying even “relatives and friends” of activists could provide information.
The move was condemned by the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia, which are home to some of the wanted activists. “I’m not afraid of political pressure on us because we’re doing what we think is right,” John Lee said Tuesday.
The group includes former pro-democracy lawmakers Nathan La Kwun-chung, Ted Hui Chi-fung and Dennis Kwok Wing-hong. Also included are former trade unionist Mung Siu-tat and activists Elmer Yuen Gong-yi, Finn Lau Cho-dik, Anna Kwok Fung-yee and Kevin Yam Kin-fung.
AFP
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