In a legal verdict that has sparked international condemnation, Kwok Yin-sang, the father of a prominent Hong Kong activist and daughter of Anna Kwok, was found guilty on Wednesday under the nation’s stringent National Security Law. The ruling marked a significant milestone as it was the first conviction for violating Article 23’s provisions.
Anna Kwok, 68 years old and now living in exile, had been actively involved with Hong Kong Democracy Council, a group based in Washington that advocates for pro-democracy causes. Her father, known for his philanthropic spirit towards his children, encountered legal trouble when he attempted to terminate her education savings insurance policy, which was established when she was just under two years old.
Kwok Yin-sang’s attempt to end the policy and withdraw HK$88,609 ($11,342) sparked outrage within the international community. The court proceedings highlighted a complex interplay of familial obligations with national security laws—arguably violating Article 23’s provisions that target individuals suspected of aiding foreign forces or engaging in collusion.
The decision came as no surprise to some observers, given Kwok Yin-sang’s previous statements: when arrested, he claimed he understood his daughter was wanted by Hong Kong’s National Security Bureau. “I knew my daughter is on the run. She had already left Hong Kong; hence I just stopped her insurance policy,” he explained.
His conviction not only set a precedent but also underscored China’s growing scrutiny of its citizens and residents, as it applied these stringent new laws to their families and close connections. The case has further strained relations between Hong Kong and Beijing.
Kwok Yin-sang had initially faced denial of bail; however, the High Court granted him temporary release under strict conditions that included travel bans and restrictions on communication with his daughter, Anna Kwok. This ruling sent a strong message from authorities about the gravity of such violations against national security laws.
The case now moves to sentencing, as legal experts await further rulings. The prosecution maintains that the violation was directly linked to handling funds belonging to a fugitive under national security considerations. Meanwhile, Anna Kwok’s brother faces similar charges and has also been placed on bail pending his trial proceedings.
Kwok Yin-sang’s conviction serves as a stark reminder of how even familial ties are now subject to scrutiny within Hong Kong’s national security framework. As China continues to enforce these stringent measures across its territories, the balance between personal freedoms and state sovereignty remains contentious and fraught with controversy.