Hong Kong government cancels passports of seven activists under security law

The Hong Kong government has cancelled the passports of seven activists, including former lawmakers Ted Hui (許智峯) and Dennis Kwok (郭榮鏗), under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO), a homegrown law targeting national security offences. Secretary for Security Chris Tang announced the decision on 24 December 2024, citing offences related to foreign interference and other alleged violations. The individuals, labelled as "absconders," have a HK$1 million (approximately S$174,865) bounty each on their heads. Tang also issued special orders freezing their assets, prohibiting dealings in funds, immovable properties, and business partnerships in Hong Kong. Those affected are now based overseas, including in the US and the UK. Among the seven are Anna Kwok (郭鳳儀), Elmer Yuen (袁弓夷), Kevin Yam (任建峰), Frances Hui (許穎婷), and Joey Siu (邵嵐). In addition to asset freezes, Yuen was temporarily removed from office as a director, while Yam and Kwok had their legal qualifications suspended. This marked only the second use of the controversial powers under Article 23 of the SNSO, which was fast-tracked in March 2024 and unanimously approved by Hong Kong's legislature.

Hong Kong Police Issue Fresh Arrest Warrants for Six Activists

A similar move in June targeted six other activists, including prominent pro-democracy figure Nathan Law, now in the UK. The police also issued fresh arrest warrants against six more individuals: activists Carmen Lau, 29; Tony Chung, 23; Chloe Cheung, 19; former pollster Chung Kim-wah, 64; former TVB actor Joseph Tay, 62; and Canada-based YouTuber Victor Ho, 69. The six are accused of committing offences under the Beijing-imposed National Security Law (NSL), including inciting secession and colluding with foreign forces and are subject to a HK$1 million bounty each for information leading to their arrest. The latest arrest warrants mark the third round of such actions under the security law.

Critics Condemn Article 23 as a Blow to Freedoms

Last year, police issued warrants for eight activists in July and another five in December, including ex-lawmakers Dennis Kwok and Ted Hui, as well as activists Simon Cheng and Tony Choi. The SNSO, separate from the Beijing-enacted 2020 National Security Law, criminalises treason, sedition, espionage, and external interference. The law permits detention of up to 16 days without charge and restricts access to legal counsel for suspects. Critics have described it as overly broad and vague. The enactment of Article 23 follows years of resistance. Initially proposed in 2003, the legislation was shelved amid mass protests and remained politically sensitive until its approval in March. Authorities justified the move as necessary to address “loopholes” exposed during the 2019 protests, citing a constitutional duty to safeguard national security. Rights groups, Western governments, and the UN have condemned the law as a tool for suppressing dissent. Human Rights Watch called it “a devastating blow to freedom in Hong Kong,” while the Chinese government and Hong Kong officials maintain that the legislation is vital for restoring stability and countering perceived foreign interference.

Ted Hui Dismisses Passport Cancellation as Futile and Highlights Global Implications

In his Facebook post, Ted Hui stated that the cancellation of his passport under Hong Kong's authoritarian regime and oppressive laws was unsurprising and criticised the decision to cancel his passport as shortsighted and counterproductive. He argued that the move inadvertently strengthens the case for democratic countries to grant political asylum or refugee status to Hong Kongers and further confirms China’s human rights violations on the global stage. "As for my Australian legal qualifications, the Hong Kong authorities certainly have no right to interfere, let alone revoke them, " Hui added. "My primary source of funding for my efforts to "liberate Hong Kong" comes from the salary I earn through my work as a lawyer in Australia. I wonder how the Hong Kong regime could possibly sever my so-called "funding chain"?"