A Hong Kong court sentenced 69-year-old Kwok In-san to eight months in prison under the national security law, marking a significant case involving the family of a prominent democracy activist. He was found guilty of handling financial assets linked to his exiled daughter, Anna Kwok, who is a leading figure in the Hong Kong Democratic Council (HKDC) and is wanted by authorities with a reward for her arrest.
Kwok In-san was accused of attempting to withdraw funds from an insurance policy intended for his granddaughter, as providing aid to a “fugitive” is a crime under the new Article 23 legislation enacted in 2024. Anna Kwok denounced the charges as unfounded, emphasizing that she had no involvement in her father’s actions.
This case is the first instance of an activist’s family member being penalized for overseas lobbying, highlighting an aggressive crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong. Analysts argue that such punitive measures aim to intimidate activists and their families, effectively enabling collective punishment.
Anna Kwok, who became publicly active post-national security law enactment, stated that authorities have kept her estranged from her family since investigations began in 2023. Despite the challenges, she remains committed to advocacy, asserting the importance of continuing to fight for democracy and human rights in Hong Kong.
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