The police state that the 19 activists are involved in what they called a "subversive organization". It is about Hong Kong Parliament – a pro-democratic organization founded in Canada.
A reward of approximately 245,000 kronor is offered for 15 of the activists, while the four others were already wanted with rewards of approximately 1.2 million kronor, according to the statement.
The rewards are seen to a large extent as symbolic, since they apply to people living in countries that are likely not to extradite political activists to Hong Kong or China.
The political opposition in Hong Kong has been suppressed since Beijing introduced a comprehensive national security law in 2020, after the large pro-democratic protests the year before. A large number of pro-democratic and civil society organizations, including trade unions and media houses, have been shut down.
Many opposition figures have fled abroad, while others have been arrested and sentenced to several years in prison.
