Hong Kong prohibits financial dealings with 16 national security fugitives

Hong Kong authorities have introduced new punitive measures targeting 16 overseas activists wanted for alleged national security offences, prohibiting anyone from funding them and cancelling most of the absconders’ passports.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung exercised the powers under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance on Monday to impose new measures against 16 absconders involved in a group called the “Hong Kong Parliament”.

Authorities have deemed the group to be subversive and accused it of violating the Beijing-imposed 2020 national security law.

The 16 targeted activists include Victor Ho Leung-mau, Chin Po-fun and Chan Lai-chun.

The government has prohibited anyone from making available or dealing with funds and certain activities in connection with the immovable property of all 16 wanted activists, while also banning any joint ventures or partnerships with them.

It also cancelled the Hong Kong passports of 12 of the 16 absconders.