Hong Kong Father Convicted in Security Law Case

A man in Hong Kong, whose daughter is an activist living in the US, has been found guilty under the city's national security law. The case involves trying to access money. Some people worry this is a way to put pressure on activists who live outside Hong Kong.
By Newsroom | Hong Kong, National Security |

The father of a U.S.-based Hong Kong activist has been convicted under Hong Kong’s national security law, in a move seen by some as an escalation of Beijing’s efforts to silence dissent. This development marks the first instance of a family member of a “wanted” overseas activist being prosecuted under these stringent laws. The conviction stems from an attempt to access financial assets belonging to his daughter, a prominent figure in a U.S.-based advocacy group. Critics argue this targets relatives to exert pressure, while authorities maintain the laws are vital for stability.

Background: Targeting Dissidents Abroad

Kwok Yin-sang, the father of U.S.-based activist Anna Kwok, was found guilty by a Hong Kong court. The charge relates to an alleged attempt to deal with financial assets connected to his daughter, who is considered a fugitive by Hong Kong authorities. Anna Kwok is the executive director of the Hong Kong Democracy Council, a Washington-based organization advocating for democracy in the city. She is among a list of 34 exiled activists targeted with bounties.

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  • Hong Kong authorities accuse Anna Kwok of seeking foreign sanctions and engaging in hostile activities against China.

  • Her father’s alleged offense involved attempting to access funds from an insurance policy under her name.

  • This case is reportedly the first where a family member of a "wanted" activist living abroad has been convicted under Hong Kong's national security legislation.

The conviction occurred under Hong Kong’s Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, commonly known as the ‘Article 23’ law. The acting principal magistrate, Cheng Lim-chi, ruled that any indirect or direct handling of assets belonging to a fugitive is illegal. Kwok Yin-sang had pleaded not guilty.

"Since Anna Kwok is a fugitive, directly or indirectly handling her insurance policy is illegal." - Acting Principal Magistrate Cheng Lim-chi

During the trial, the defense argued that sections 89 and 90 of Article 23 should not apply to the simple act of handling an insurance policy purchased years ago for his children. Kwok Yin-sang did not testify during the proceedings.

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  • Anna Kwok’s brother was also arrested in connection with the same alleged offense and is currently out on bail.

  • The defense questioned the applicability of the law to a pre-existing financial arrangement.

International Reaction and Human Rights Concerns

Human rights organizations have condemned the conviction, labeling it a "disturbing escalation" of Hong Kong’s repressive measures. Amnesty International has called for the immediate release of Kwok Yin-sang, asserting that he should only be held if found guilty of an internationally recognized crime.

"This conviction is the first time a family member of a ‘wanted’ pro-democracy activist living abroad has been convicted under Hong Kong’s national security laws." - Joey Siu, Amnesty International Hong Kong Overseas spokesperson

  • Critics argue that Hong Kong and Beijing officials are using national security laws extraterritorially to intimidate and silence activists abroad.

  • The targeting of relatives is viewed as a tactic to pressure exiled dissidents.

Government Stance on National Security Laws

Both the Chinese and Hong Kong governments maintain that their national security laws are essential for the city’s stability and order. They assert that these laws do not infringe upon the rights of ordinary citizens and are necessary to counter threats to national security.

Core Findings

  • Conviction: Kwok Yin-sang convicted under Hong Kong’s national security law for attempting to deal with assets linked to his exiled daughter, Anna Kwok.

  • Precedent: This is reportedly the first case of a family member of a "wanted" overseas activist being convicted under these laws.

  • Legal Basis: The conviction was under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (‘Article 23’), with the court citing the fugitive status of Anna Kwok.

  • Defense: Arguments centered on the claim that handling a pre-existing insurance policy should not constitute a national security offense.

  • Criticism: Human rights groups decry the move as an escalation and a tactic to intimidate exiled dissidents by targeting their families.

  • Official Position: Authorities assert the laws are crucial for stability and do not unduly restrict freedoms.

Sources:

Read More: Jimmy Lai Gets 20 Years in Hong Kong Jail

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was the father convicted?
He was found guilty of trying to deal with money that belonged to his daughter, who is considered a wanted activist by Hong Kong.
Q: Is this the first time this has happened?
Yes, this is the first time a family member of a wanted activist living outside Hong Kong has been convicted under these laws.
Q: What do critics say about this case?
Critics say that Hong Kong and China are using these laws to scare activists who live abroad by targeting their families.
Q: What does the Hong Kong government say?
The government says the laws are needed to keep Hong Kong stable and safe.