Hong Kong Court Convicts Activist’s Father Under Security Law, Raising Debate on Family Liability

Post by : Saif Nasser

A Hong Kong court has found the father of a well-known overseas activist guilty under the city’s national security law. The case is drawing strong reactions because it involves a family member of a wanted pro-democracy campaigner and centers on an old insurance policy. Legal experts and rights groups say the decision could have wide effects on how the law is used in the future.

The man convicted is Kwok Yin-sang, 68, father of U.S.-based activist Anna Kwok. She is among dozens of overseas activists wanted by Hong Kong national security police. Authorities accuse her of working with foreign forces and have announced a reward for information leading to her arrest. She does not live in Hong Kong.

According to court findings, Kwok Yin-sang tried to cancel his daughter’s education savings insurance policy and withdraw the money. The policy was bought many years ago when she was a small child. Prosecutors said this act counted as dealing with the financial assets of a wanted person, which is banned under Hong Kong’s newer national security rules, often called Article 23.

This is the first conviction under that specific part of the homegrown security law. The law was passed in 2024 to expand on earlier national security rules introduced in 2020. Officials said the newer law was needed to close legal gaps and better protect national interests. Critics warned at the time that the law was too broad and could reach into private and family matters.

In court, the judge ruled that because Anna Kwok is officially listed as a fugitive, handling her financial assets — even indirectly — is illegal. That included trying to close or withdraw funds from the insurance policy. Kwok Yin-sang had pleaded not guilty and did not testify during the trial. His sentence has not yet been announced.

Prosecutors said that after his arrest, he told police he knew his daughter was wanted and decided to cancel the policy because she no longer lived in Hong Kong. The amount involved was about HK$88,000, which equals a little over $11,000 in U.S. dollars.

The defense argued that the law should not apply in this situation. His lawyer told the court that the insurance plan was bought by the father long ago and was a normal family financial product. He said applying national security rules to such a case turns family ties into a legal risk. He described it as a prosecution connected more to relationship than real wrongdoing.

The case also involves other family members. Anna Kwok’s brother has also been arrested under similar accusations and is currently out on bail. Kwok Yin-sang himself was first denied bail but later released under strict conditions. These include a travel ban and a rule that he must not contact his daughter.

International rights groups and some foreign governments have already voiced concern. They say targeting relatives of activists sends a chilling message and may discourage political speech and advocacy abroad. They worry that family members could face pressure for actions they did not control.

Hong Kong and Chinese officials have repeatedly said the national security laws are lawful and necessary. They argue the rules target acts that threaten stability and safety, not normal family life. Authorities also say the laws are enforced by courts and follow legal procedures.

This case highlights a deeper question: how far should national security laws reach? Most countries have rules to stop people from funding or helping fugitives. But critics say the line becomes unclear when it comes to family finances, especially for policies created years before any crime was alleged.

Another concern is predictability. People want to know clearly what actions are legal and what are not. When laws are new and broad, it can be hard for ordinary citizens to understand the limits. Legal clarity is important so that enforcement is fair and consistent.

The verdict will likely be studied closely by lawyers, activists, and governments around the world. It may shape how future cases are charged and defended under Article 23. Much will also depend on the sentence and on any appeals that may follow.

No matter the legal outcome, the case shows that national security laws in Hong Kong are entering a new phase. Their reach is being tested not only in political actions, but also in personal and financial decisions inside families.