In a defiant response to a recent court ruling in Hong Kong, exiled activist Anna Kwok has declared that her father's imprisonment has only intensified her commitment to fighting for the territory's people. Speaking from the United States, where she resides in exile, Kwok emphasised that the Hong Kong government's actions have not deterred her but instead fueled her determination to pursue activism with greater strategic focus.
Father Sentenced Under National Security Law
On Thursday, a Hong Kong court sentenced Kwok's 69-year-old father, Kwok Yin-sang, to eight months in prison. The case centred on his attempt to withdraw approximately $11,000 from an insurance policy originally purchased when Anna was a child, which she gained control of at age 18. In 2025, he sought to terminate the policy and access the funds, leading to his arrest on charges of dealing with funds belonging to an "absconder."
This marks the first instance where a family member of a pro-democracy advocate wanted by Hong Kong authorities has been prosecuted under a 2024 national security law. Anna Kwok, who serves as the executive director of the Washington-based Hong Kong Democracy Council, labelled the sentence "ridiculous" and highlighted the personal toll her activism has taken on her family.
U.S. Government Condemns the Ruling
The case has drawn sharp criticism from the United States government. Riley Barnes, the assistant secretary of state for democracy, human rights, and labour, called for Kwok Yin-sang's immediate release in a social media post on Thursday. Barnes stated, "The targeting of individuals who advocate for basic freedoms in Hong Kong and their families is unacceptable," reflecting broader international concerns over human rights in the region.
Kwok's Activism and Bounty
Anna Kwok is among 34 individuals for whom Hong Kong police have offered bounties, a move widely perceived as part of a crackdown on dissent following the mass anti-government protests of 2019. The police have offered 1 million Hong Kong dollars (about $127,900) for information leading to her arrest, and the government has prohibited anyone from handling funds on her behalf.
She faces accusations of lobbying for foreign sanctions and engaging in hostile activities against China and Hong Kong during meetings with foreign politicians and officials. Despite these challenges, Kwok remains resolute, stating that she will not allow guilt to undermine her efforts. "I have to constantly remind myself that it's not my fault, but the regime's fault and the regime's purpose, to do something like this," she explained.
Personal Costs and Communication Barriers
Kwok revealed that she is no longer able to communicate with her family and friends in Hong Kong, a consequence of her exile and the government's actions. She decided to conduct an on-camera interview following her father's sentencing to reassure loved ones of her well-being. "I want to show my family and people who care about me that I cannot really communicate with that I'm doing okay, please don't worry too much about me," she said.
Reflecting on her journey, Kwok noted that her activism has taken on new meaning with the "very real personal cost" borne by her family. She asserted that the Hong Kong government's attempts to use guilt and emotional pressure have only strengthened her resolve. "I think obviously the government wants to use guilt, wants to use a lot of emotions to weigh me down, but I've found my way to really find my calling in activism for Hong Kong," she declared.
Looking ahead, Kwok vowed to continue her advocacy with increased dedication and long-term planning. "So I'm not going to back down. I'm just going to be more strategic with more long-term thinking and be more dedicated to the Hong Kong cause," she affirmed, underscoring her unwavering commitment to the fight for democracy and human rights in Hong Kong.
