Australia Raises Concerns Over Threats to Hong Kong Dissident Kevin Yam

Australia raises concerns with China over anonymous letters threatening pro-democracy activist Kevin Yam in Melbourne. The letters offer a reward for his whereabouts, triggering a response from Australian authorities against foreign interference. Yam, unwilling to return to Hong Kong, voices his commitment to living freely in Australia.

Australia’s Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, expressed concerns to China regarding anonymous letters threatening an Australian-based Hong Kong dissident. These letters, which offered a reward for information about Kevin Yam, an Australian citizen and pro-democracy activist, surfaced in Melbourne. Yam is wanted by Hong Kong for his involvement in 2019 anti-government protests. Wong emphasized that Australia will not tolerate foreign interference with its citizens’ safety.

The letters, believed to have originated from Hong Kong, provided contact information for the Hong Kong police. However, there is no certainty regarding the sender’s identity or direct involvement from Beijing or Hong Kong authorities, as stated by Wong. She has communicated Australia’s position on the targeting of its citizens to both the Hong Kong and Chinese governments and stated, “I have made my view about Australians being targeted by the Hong Kong authorities very clear to both Hong Kong and to China.”

Yam, who returned to Australia in 2022 after fleeing Hong Kong, is among eight activists based abroad that Hong Kong seeks for their protest activities. He expressed his intent to maintain his lifestyle in Australia despite the letters, declaring, “I will not voluntarily return to Hong Kong before it is free.” Local media outlets reported the recent developments, but officials from the Chinese embassy in Canberra and the Hong Kong government have not commented on the issue.

In summary, Australia has formally expressed its concerns to China regarding threats directed at pro-democracy activist Kevin Yam via anonymous letters. The Australian government firmly stands against foreign interference with its citizens while emphasizing the safety of individuals like Yam. Furthermore, the ambiguity surrounding the origin of these letters highlights ongoing tensions between Australia and Hong Kong regarding human rights and activism.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com