Rights groups denounce arrest of relatives of Hong Kong activist Anna Kwok
Human rights organizations have sharply criticized the arrest of two family members of Anna Kwok, a pro-democracy activist living in exile and wanted by Hong Kong authorities. The case marks the first known instance of Hong Kong’s national security law being used to target relatives of an overseas dissident.
Kwok, 28, serves as the executive director of the Washington-based Hong Kong Democracy Council. She is one of 19 overseas activists pursued by Hong Kong’s national security police, who have issued HK$1 million (about £97,000) bounties for information leading to their capture.
On April 30, Kwok’s 68-year-old father and 35-year-old brother were arrested on suspicion of attempting to handle financial assets allegedly linked to Kwok. Authorities accuse the pair of assisting her in altering the beneficiary details of a life insurance policy and withdrawing its remaining funds. Her father has been formally charged and remains in custody, while her brother was released on bail pending further investigation.
Yalkun Uluyol, a China researcher at Human Rights Watch, condemned the arrests, stating: “The Chinese government is expanding its cruel practice of collective punishment by targeting relatives of peaceful Hong Kong activists. Authorities must release Anna Kwok’s father immediately and stop harassing families of dissidents.”
U.S.-based advocacy group ChinaAid described the move as a disturbing escalation. “This is a brazen attempt to intimidate overseas activists by punishing their loved ones at home, in clear violation of basic human rights and legal norms,” the group said in a statement.
Hong Kong police have previously questioned relatives of several other exiled activists, including Tony Chung, Frances Hui, and Carmen Lau. In recent months, neighbors of Chung and Lau—both currently based in the UK—have received anonymous letters offering rewards for tips that could lead to their apprehension.
However, the arrests of Kwok’s family represent the first instance of criminal charges being filed against relatives. If convicted, her father could face up to seven years in prison. He has been denied bail, and his case has been adjourned until June 13, according to Reuters.
Neither the Hong Kong Police Force nor the Hong Kong Democracy Council responded to requests for comment. Kwok was also unavailable.
