An Australian academic has been caught up in a sweeping crackdown in Hong Kong, learning through a WhatsApp message that he is wanted by authorities.
Dr Feng Chongyi, who is an associate professor in China Studies at University of Technology, Sydney, is one of 19 overseas activists targeted in arrest warrants issued by Hong Kong police.
Slapped with a bounty of HK$200,000 (AU$38,000), he has dismissed the latest charges against him as absurd.
Hong Kong has seen its pro-democracy movement crushed in recent years under the weight of increasingly draconian laws supported by the Chinese government.
The recent warrant relates to Dr Feng’s involvement in the ‘Hong Kong Parliament’, a self-declared pro-democracy body based outside the city.
Authorities have accused the organisation of attempting to form a ‘shadow legislature’ and ‘pursuing the ideal of Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong’.
They’ve called the group’s activities subversive and in breach of sweeping national security laws imposed by the Beijing government in 2020.
‘This action shows the world the brutality of the Chinese communist regime,’ Dr Feng told ABC News, adding that he found out on the messaging service WhatsApp.
Sydney-based academic Feng Chongyi (pictured) is wanted for arrest by Hong Kong police
Feng is among 19 overseas activists targeted by authorities over a pro-democracy campaign
Born in mainland China, Dr Feng has advocated for democratic reform in Hong Kong and was previously detained and interrogated by Chinese authorities in 2017.
‘(This warrant) also reminds the world that Hong Kong has been completely controlled by China,’ he said.
‘The autonomy is gone, basic liberties protected by law (are) gone, they’ve completely destroyed a beautiful city, it’s so sad.’
Dr Feng said he was not overly concerned by the warrant, given he has no plans to return to Hong Kong or mainland China: ‘I do not take it as a big deal.’
Authorities say the wanted individuals either helped organise or took part in the Hong Kong Parliament’s unofficial election.
The campaign saw 18 candidates from Australia, the UK, US, Canada, Taiwan and Thailand win more than 15,000 online votes.
Police have offered the bounty of HK$200,000 for information leading to the arrest of 15 individuals.
Meanwhile, they are offering HK$1 million (AU$194,000) for four people who were previously issued warrants: Elmer Yuen, Victor Ho, Johnny Fok and Tony Choi.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong (pictured) condemned the arrest warrant against Dr Feng
Dr Feng faces a $38,000 bounty which he discovered via WhatsApp
The police warned that anyone assisting or supporting the group, including via the internet, could face prosecution under national security laws.
In a statement, they urged the accused to ‘turn back before it’s too late’ and ‘surrender themselves in Hong Kong.’
Dr Feng, a close friend of jailed Australian writer Yang Hengjun, said he joined the organising committee out of solidarity.
‘I have many friends in Hong Kong who want democracy,’ he said.
The crackdown has triggered widespread condemnation from Australian politicians across parliament.
‘Australia has consistently expressed strong objections to the broad and extraterritorial application of Hong Kong’s national security law,’ Foreign Minister Penny Wong posted on social media on Saturday.
‘Freedom of expression and assembly are essential to our democracy.’
Shadow Foreign Minister Michaelia Cash said the Coalition held ‘serious concerns’ over the targeting of pro-democracy activists abroad.
‘We fundamentally believe in free speech,’ she said.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who is currently visiting Sydney, also labelled the move ‘totally, totally unacceptable.’
