Wanted Notices Issued for 19 Individuals Linked to Hong Kong's Subversive "Parliament"

On Friday, the National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force announced that they are looking for 19 people allegedly involved with the subversive group known as the "Hong Kong Parliament." Among those being pursued are fugitives Yuan Gongyi and Ho Leung-mau Victor, both suspected of breaching the national security law in Hong Kong, alongside others accused of organizing elections for this group.

The authorities state that individuals like Yuan, Ho, Fok Ka-chi, and Choi Ming-da are being sought for their roles in orchestrating overseas elections aimed at establishing a body referred to as the "Hong Kong Parliament." Additionally, ten other individuals are alleged to have been candidates in these elections, taking oaths after their so-called "election" to serve as so-called "members" of the organization, further violating national security provisions.

Previously, a bounty of HK$1 million had been placed on the heads of prominent figures such as Yuan and Ho for their suspected actions against national security. The Secretary for Security has invoked powers to officially designate certain fugitives as absconders, placing further restrictions on them. In light of this, there are HK$200,000 rewards offered for information leading to the capture of the remaining individuals, as investigations continue and more names may be added to the wanted list.

According to the Hong Kong Police, the "Hong Kong Parliament" seeks to undermine state authority, promoting aims of "self-determination" and drafting an alleged "Hong Kong Constitution." Their actions are suspected of violating Article 22 of the National Security Law, which prohibits the subversion of state power. Consequently, arrest warrants were sought, backed by detailed legal bases outlined in official documentation.

The Office for Safeguarding National Security has voiced strong support for these police actions, characterizing the so-called parliament's activities as serious offenses against China's sovereignty and national security. Experts have emphasized that this latest strategy serves as a reminder of the extraterritorial reach of the National Security Law and aims to deter ongoing disruptions caused by external forces in Hong Kong. Legal scholars have noted that the measures align with international principles concerning a state's right to uphold its national security, reaffirming the legal justifications for pursuing such individuals.