Security Law Suspects Shocked To Be On 'wanted' List

Hong Kong activists who've been named on a list of people wanted for violating the SAR's new National Security Law have reacted with surprise, with one pointing out that he is an American citizen.

State media reported on Friday that Hong Kong police had issued arrest warrants for six prominent pro-democracy figures, all of whom are now overseas, for allegedly inciting secession and colluding with foreign forces.

One of the six, Samuel Chu of the Hong Kong Democracy Council, said on Saturday that he had been an American citizen for almost 25 years.

"If the reports are true, the Hong Kong police is issuing an arrest warrant against an American citizen for advocating and lobbying my own government," he said in a statement.

"Let me be very clear – I might be the first non-Chinese citizen to be targeted, but I will not be the last. If I am targeted, any American and any citizen of any nation who speaks out for Hong Kong can, and will be, too. We are all Hong Kongers now."

Another of the six, Ray Wong, said in a Tweet that he had announced in May last year that he no longer supported Hong Kong independence, adding that since the National Security Law took effect last month, he had not discussed independence for the SAR with any foreign politicians.

"So the only reason why I was sought for 'incitement to secession and collusion with foreign forces' must be based on my activities before the NSL is in force. Today, #HKGov unveils the fact that they'd use the law retrospectively," he Tweeted.

Wong was granted asylum in Germany last year. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said overnight that Berlin was suspending its extradition treaty with Hong Kong.

"For me, the situation faced by Hong Kongers is even more dangerous than what I face. I can’t think too much about my personal safety," Wayne Chan, a pro-independence activist, told Reuters by phone from an undisclosed country.

Others on the list include disqualified former lawmaker Nathan Law, activist Honcques Lau and former British consulate worker Simon Cheng.

Supporters say the security legislation is needed to restore stability and order to the SAR after a year of sometimes violent anti-government protests. (RTHK/Reuters)