A Hong Kong court has sentenced the 69-year-old father of a U.S.-based pro-democracy activist to eight months in prison for attempting to access funds from his daughter’s insurance policy. The ruling marks the first application of the 2024 national security law, known locally as Article 23 legislation, against a relative of an overseas activist labeled an “absconder” by authorities.
Details of the Conviction
Kwok Yin-sang faced charges of handling financial assets linked to his daughter, Anna Kwok, executive director of the Washington-based Hong Kong Democracy Council. Authorities have placed a HK$1 million (approximately $127,900) bounty on her capture and prohibited dealings with her assets. Anna Kwok ranks among 34 individuals targeted by such bounties, viewed as part of efforts to curb dissent after the 2019 anti-government protests.
Police accuse her of inciting foreign sanctions, blockades, and other actions against China and Hong Kong during engagements with international politicians.
Family Reaction and Incident Background
Anna Kwok denounced the conviction as “transnational repression” in an Instagram post. She described the sentencing as a “judicial farce,” arguing it falsely claims her father’s actions reduce her chances of returning for trial. “My father was convicted and sentenced under the guise of ‘national security’ … this is guilt by blood, this is hostage taking,” she stated. She maintains she does not own the policy.
Kwok Yin-sang purchased the insurance policy for his daughter as a toddler; she assumed control at age 18. Last year, he attempted to cancel it and withdraw about $11,000. Authorities arrested him shortly after for dealing with an absconder’s funds.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Acting principal magistrate Cheng Lim-chi delivered the sentence. Defense counsel sought a 14-day term, noting no proof existed that Kwok intended to transfer funds to his daughter. Cheng acknowledged the acts posed no direct national security threat but warned they might discourage the activist’s return. He emphasized the case avoids “collective punishment” and dismissed the family tie’s relevance.
The charge allows up to seven years imprisonment, though magistrates’ courts typically limit terms to two years.
Broader Context and International Response
Similar bounties target other exiled activists, such as former lawmakers Nathan Law and Ted Hui. The U.S. and U.K. have criticized these measures. In 2025, Washington imposed sanctions on six Chinese and Hong Kong officials for alleged transnational repression eroding city autonomy. Beijing responded by sanctioning U.S. officials, lawmakers, and NGO leaders over Hong Kong matters.
Hong Kong and Chinese authorities maintain the 2024 law and the 2020 Beijing-imposed security legislation are essential for restoring stability.
