Archive · 4 Aug 2025
Hong Kong Cancels Passports, Blocks Funds for Overseas Activists
Hong Kong is cracking down on 16 activists living abroad.
They've cancelled the passports of 12 of them, and are blocking financial help.
They are also not allowing anyone to rent properties to them.
The government says the activists are hurting national security and trying to make people dislike Beijing and Hong Kong.
These actions are based on a security law put in place after protests in 2019.
Other countries, like the US and UK, are not happy about this because they think it's unfair to target people for expressing their opinions.
Hong Kong authorities have implemented measures against 16 overseas-based activists.
The measures include canceling passports, banning financial support, and prohibiting property leases.
The activists are accused of endangering national security through their activities.
The actions were taken under Hong Kong's national security law.
Foreign governments, including the US and UK, have criticized the measures.
- Who
- Hong Kong authorities and 16 overseas-based activists.
- What
- Hong Kong authorities are cracking down on 16 overseas-based activists.
- When
- The measures were announced on August 4th.
- Where
- Hong Kong and various locations where the activists reside.
- Why
- The measures were taken due to the activists' alleged involvement in activities endangering national security.
Criticism of Actions
Hong Kong Government's Stance
Extraterritorial Targeting
Criticism of Actions
The extraterritorial targeting of Hong Kongers who are exercising their fundamental freedoms is a form of transnational repression.
Hong Kong Government's Stance
The actions were legitimate and necessary.
- Activists Targeted
- 16
- Passport Cancellations
- 12
- Financial Support Ban
- Yes
- Property Restrictions
- Yes
- Affected Countries
- UK, US, Canada, Germany, Australia, Thailand, Taiwan
- Law Used
- Hong Kong National Security Law