In a significant escalation of Hong Kong’s enforcement of its national security law, authorities have arrested the father and brother of exiled pro-democracy activist Anna Kwok. This marks the first instance where the law has been applied to target the family members of activists residing overseas, raising serious concerns among international human rights organizations.
Anna Kwok, 28, serves as the executive director of the Washington-based Hong Kong Democracy Council and is among 19 overseas activists wanted by Hong Kong authorities. The government has placed a HK$1 million (approximately US$127,600) bounty on each of these individuals, accusing them of colluding with foreign forces and endangering national security .
On April 30, 2025, Hong Kong’s national security police arrested Kwok’s 68-year-old father, Kwok Yin-sang, and her 35-year-old brother. They were detained on suspicion of handling financial assets linked to Anna Kwok, specifically involving changes to a life insurance policy. While her brother was released on bail pending further investigation, her father was charged and denied bail, facing up to seven years in prison if convicted. The case is scheduled to return to court on June 13 .
Human rights organizations have condemned these arrests as acts of collective punishment and attempts to intimidate overseas dissidents by targeting their families. Yalkun Uluyol, a China researcher at Human Rights Watch, stated, “The Chinese government has increased its appalling use of collective punishment against family members of peaceful activists from Hong Kong. The Hong Kong authorities should immediately and unconditionally release Anna … “ .
This incident is part of a broader pattern of Hong Kong authorities targeting the relatives of exiled activists … In recent months, family members of other overseas pro-democracy figures, such as Tony Chung, Frances Hui, and Carmen Lau, have been questioned by police. Some have even received threatening letters offering rewards for information leading to the activists’ capture .
The international community has expressed alarm over these developments. The United States has condemned Hong Kong authorities’ ongoing harassment of the family members of pro-democracy activists living overseas, viewing it as a form of transnational repression intended to intimidate and silence individuals for exercising their human rights and fundamental freedoms .
Anna Kwok, who is based in Washington, D.C., has vowed to continue her advocacy work despite the pressure on her family. She stated, “Little do they know nothing can stop me from pursuing freedom” .
The arrests of Kwok’s family members underscore the Hong Kong government’s commitment to enforcing its national security law beyond its borders, raising significant concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and the rule of law in the territory.
