Activist from Hong Kong alleges that UK police requested her to curb her speech autonomously

Activist from Hong Kong alleges that UK police requested her to curb her speech autonomously

In recent developments, the Metropolitan Police's counter-terrorism unit in the UK is investigating bounty letters targeting exiled Hong Kong dissidents, including Carmen Lau and Tony Chung. Similar investigations are ongoing in Australia concerning other targeted individuals [3].

The bounty letters, offering substantial rewards for information on the activists' movements or their apprehension by authorities, have raised concerns about the potential for self-censorship and the chilling effect of such attacks and investigations. For instance, a Hong Kong activist reported that UK police asked her to "self-censor," highlighting fears about the potential impact of these threats [3].

The UK government is facing criticism for considering resuming some extraditions to Hong Kong on a case-by-case basis despite Hong Kong’s imposition of bounties on dissidents in exile and suspending extraditions itself. This proposal has alarmed exiled dissidents who fear political persecution disguised as ordinary criminal charges, undermining their safety and free expression in the UK [1][2].

The British Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, David Lammy, and British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, have vowed to protect the "rights and freedoms" of exiled activists in the UK. They believe the letters are an example of "transnational repression" and have called on "Chinese and Hong Kong authorities to end the deliberate targeting of opposition voices" [1][2].

Carmen Lau, a Hong Kong democracy activist who is wanted by Hong Kong authorities for allegedly contravening the territory's National Security Law, has been asked by Thames Valley police to avoid public gatherings and self-censor. She feels that this request shifts responsibility away from safeguarding her right to speak and gather freely in the UK [1].

Lau, who works with the Hong Kong Democracy Council, a Washington-based organization dedicated to "raising international support for the advancement of its democracy and human rights," has not stopped campaigning despite agreeing to the request from Thames Valley police [2].

The National Security Law grants sweeping extraterritorial powers to prosecute acts or comments made anywhere in the world that it deems criminal. The law has been criticised by Melbourne-based lawyer Kevin Yam, who is also wanted for criticism of Hong Kong authorities, for the tepid response from UK authorities to the bounty letters against Lau and Chung [2].

Tony Chung, a democracy activist who was jailed under Hong Kong’s national security law, but now lives in the UK, was also the subject of similar letters. On Saturday last week, Hong Kong’s national security police issued arrest warrants for 19 activists based overseas, accusing them of breaching its national security law [1].

The UK foreign and home secretaries believe the letters are an example of "transnational repression" and have called on "Chinese and Hong Kong authorities to end the deliberate targeting of opposition voices." However, the lack of trust remains due to ongoing repression in Hong Kong, exemplified by cases like imprisoned British citizen and publisher Jimmy Lai [2].

Thames Valley police would not confirm or deny details about individuals they may be safeguarding or safeguarding tactics they may use, as this would undermine any such protection. The memorandum requested that Lau "cease any activity that is likely to put her at risk" and "avoid attending public gatherings" such as protests. The request was outlined in a signed "memorandum of understanding" [1].

In summary, authorities in the UK and Australia are actively investigating the bounty letter threats against Hong Kong exiles, while political and human rights concerns persist about the impact on freedom of speech, self-censorship, and the potential risks from proposed extradition arrangements with Hong Kong.

1. The controversy surrounding the bounty letters has raised questions about the extent of war-and-conflicts in Hong Kong, with activists like Carmen Lau and Tony Chung being targeted for their political beliefs.
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