Wong speaks out for freedom in Hong Kong after bounty placed on Aussie activist
Foreign Minister Penny Wong says the government will support people exercising their right to freedom of speech after Hong Kong officials placed a bounty on an Australian democracy campaigner.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong addresses the media s during a press conference in Adelaide. (AAP Image/Matt Turner)
Hong Kong police have offered rewards for the arrests of eight overseas-based activists after accusing them of national security offences.
The activists include Australian Kevin Yam.
Senator Wong said she had expressed Australia’s concerns about the far-reaching national security laws in Hong Kong and their broad application.
“We have a view about people’s right to express their political views peacefully,” she told ABC radio on Tuesday.
“People in Australia who do so in accordance with our laws will be supported.
“We will support those in Australia who exercise these rights.”
Opposition acting foreign spokesman James Paterson said the coalition was gravely concerned over reports Hong Kong police have issued arrest warrants and HK$1 million “bounties” for Mr Yam and Australian resident Ted Hui.
“This represents an unacceptable attempt to silence and intimidate critics of the Chinese government living in Australia, and further demonstrates the corrosive effects of the National Security Law to democratic principles and the rule of law in Hong Kong,” he said.
“Australia must always defend the fundamental values of democracy including freedom of speech and assembly and can never tolerate attempts to undermine the safety and freedom of Australians.”
