Hong Kong's Crackdown on Democracy Supporters: Arrests, Sanctions, and Investigations

Hong Kong authorities have offered a 1 million Hong Kong dollar ($128,000) bounty for information leading to the arrest of eight pro-democracy activists living in self-exile in the United States, Britain, and Australia. This move comes as Hong Kong tries to repair its image following years of Covid restrictions and the imposition of a national security law, which has been criticized for eroding freedoms. The US, Britain, and Australia have condemned the bounties, describing them as an attempt by China to intimidate and silence overseas critics. The activists are accused of breaching the national security law by advocating for Hong Kong's independence and urging foreign governments to impose sanctions on the city.