(June 12, 2024) The Hong Kong government’s decision to cancel the passports of the six exiled activists – Nathan Law, Mung Siu-tat, Simon Cheng, Finn Lau, Fok Ka-chi, and Choi Ming-da – appears to be a symbolic move aimed at further isolating and punishing them, even though they are unlikely to return to Hong Kong voluntarily.
By revoking their travel documents, the authorities are:
1) Stripping them of their Hong Kong identity and rights as permanent residents, essentially rendering them stateless if they don’t have other nationalities.
2) Sending a strong warning that they are considered fugitives and enemies of the state, further criminalizing their pro-democracy activism abroad.
3) Attempting to cut off their access to funds and support networks in Hong Kong by making it illegal for anyone to provide them financial assistance or engage in business dealings with them.
4) Exercising new powers under the controversial Article 23 national security law to take extraterritorial action against perceived dissidents and critics overseas.
While the activists are already wanted by Hong Kong police and unlikely to travel on Hong Kong documents, canceling their passports is a punitive measure designed to marginalize them and deter others from supporting their cause. It escalates the crackdown on the city’s pro-democracy movement beyond its borders.
