Hong Kong government cancels passports of 6 activists under new law
- Hong Kong government enforces new national security law to revoke passports of 6 overseas-based activists.
- Targeted activists include prominent figure Nathan Law, known for his involvement in Hong Kong politics.
- This move escalates the crackdown on dissidents who have sought refuge abroad.
The government of Hong Kong has taken measures against six individuals who have absconded to the U.K., prohibiting anyone from providing funds or resources to them. These actions were deemed necessary due to the individuals' activities endangering national security and colluding with external forces. The government cited the new powers granted by Hong Kong's national security law as the basis for these measures. Beijing had previously imposed a similar law in 2020 to restore stability after anti-government protests in 2019. The U.K. introduced a pathway in 2021 in response to the security law. Activists Law and Cheng were granted asylum in the U.K. and vowed to continue fighting for Hong Kong. China's Foreign Ministry supported Hong Kong's actions, emphasizing that the city's affairs are internal and should not face external interference. Two British judges resigned from Hong Kong's top court, citing political concerns, and one judge warned of the city's rule of law being in grave danger. In May, U.K. authorities charged three men for activities aiding the Hong Kong intelligence service.