'Wanted List Report Meant To Have A Chilling Effect'

Former British consulate worker Simon Cheng has accused the Hong Kong police force of trying to send a political message to the world by reportedly putting him on a wanted list for breaching the national security law.

Speaking to RTHK, Cheng said: "They wanted to show a high-profile message to the world that no matter where you are, if you offend the Chinese Communist Party and its regime, then you could be deemed as a criminal suspect any time, for any reason, and regardless of your nationality and whereabouts."

He said the report is having a "chilling effect" on a lot of ordinary people who have a network or connection to Hong Kong.

Cheng, who was granted political asylum by the UK government in June, also said that he suspected that he was being tailed by someone, and said he would inform the UK authorities about his suspicions.

"It’s not only means to ensure the safety of the activists in exiles leaving, but also it’s because to protect the British citizens," he said.

Cheng is a former British consulate worker who claimed he was tortured by police in Shenzhen trying to extract information about anti-government protests in the SAR, after he was detained during a business trip in August.

He is one of six people, now overseas, apparently wanted by the Hong Kong police force for allegedly inciting secession and colluding with foreign forces.

This was reported by the mainland media on Friday and Hong Kong police have not commented on it.

Responding to query from RTHK on Friday night about this, the police said they will not comment on media reports.