Hong Kong Issues Bounty for 6 Democracy Activists, Including 2 Canadians

Hong Kong police have issued bounties for six more pro-democracy activists, including two Canadians, who fled the city amid Beijing’s tightening control.

The Hong Kong authorities issued arrest warrants Dec. 24 for six activists under the region’s national security law, offering a reward of HK$1 million (approximately CAD $185,000) for any information that could lead to their capture.
Among those on the wanted list are two Canadians: Victor Ho, former chief editor of Canada’s Sing Tao Daily, and Joseph Tay, founder of the advocacy platform, HongKonger Station, and current Conservative Party candidate for the Ontario riding of Markham-Unionville.

Ho was charged by the Hong Kong authorities on Aug. 3, 2022 under the national security law for “contravening the offence of subversion,” which the Chinese regime often levies against pro-democracy activists. Ho had co-founded the Hong Kong Parliament Electoral Organizing Committee, a Toronto-based group aimed at establishing an “exile” Hong Kong parliament.
Hong Kong police also issued arrest warrants and bounties in July of 2023 for eight other pro-democracy activists who fled Hong Kong under the national security law. Among them was Dennis Kwok, a former Hong Kong politician born in Canada. The Hong Kong authorities also ordered the cancellation of passports for seven “absconders,” including Kwok…