UPDATE: A shocking wave of sexually explicit letters and posters targeting high-profile pro-democracy Hong Kong activists has emerged in the UK and Australia, escalating fears of transnational harassment by the Chinese Communist Party. These disturbing communications mark a significant increase in the threats faced by critics of the regime.
In recent weeks, letters bearing digitally altered images of Carmen Lau, an exiled activist, were sent to her former neighbors in Maidenhead, UK. These letters, originating from Macau, include fake sexualized images of Lau, alongside invasive personal details such as her former home address and body measurements. One letter explicitly invites recipients to “visit” her, underscoring the terrifying nature of this campaign.
In Australia, similar harassment tactics have emerged. Ted Hui, a former Hong Kong legislator, and his wife were targeted with a fake poster advertising sexual services, sent to their acquaintances in Adelaide. The poster featured an old photograph of Hui and his wife, listing a menu of services and an unrelated address, further amplifying the fears of those involved.
Lau expressed her terror upon learning of the letters, stating, “I am a woman, and they threaten me like this.” She described the letters as representing an “escalation of transnational repression” that specifically targets female activists. Hui noted that his wife, a non-public figure, was “speechless” at being dragged into the harassment.
The disturbing trend has drawn significant attention. A resident who received the letter in Maidenhead reported graphic images that were “basically offering services.” This incident follows previous threats, including “wanted” posters offering a reward of HK$1 million (approximately £96,000) for information about Lau, indicating a growing pattern of intimidation.
Authorities in both regions are investigating these reports. A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police confirmed they are looking into the malicious communications, which are believed to contain digitally altered images. However, no arrests have been made yet. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the UK government emphasized that the safety of Hongkongers is their top priority.
Lau’s ordeal is not an isolated incident. Other activists, such as Kevin Yam, an Australian-Hongkonger lawyer, have faced similar harassment, but this marks the first time such explicit materials have been used against individuals wanted by Hong Kong authorities. The targeting of activists with sexualized content raises serious concerns about the lengths to which the regime will go to intimidate dissenters.
A resident in Adelaide who received the poster expressed confusion and fear, asking, “How did they get our address? Why did they pick us?” This highlights the far-reaching implications of the harassment campaigns, which not only threaten the activists but also draw innocent bystanders into the fray.
Political leaders are taking notice. Joshua Reynolds, the MP for Maidenhead, condemned the letters as acts of transnational repression, urging the UK government to take decisive action, including sanctions against officials involved in threatening activists. “It’s utterly grotesque what they’re doing,” Reynolds stated, calling for immediate attention to the safety of Hongkongers in the UK.
The Chinese embassy in London has denied involvement, reiterating previous claims that bounty letters were fabricated. However, the embassy’s spokesperson emphasized the legitimacy of pursuing fugitives who seek to destabilize Hong Kong, dismissing the activists’ experiences as “cheating and sadfishing.”
As investigations continue, the psychological toll on the victims cannot be understated. Lau has expressed that she feels uneasy in public, often concealing her identity to avoid recognition. “The psychological burden is heavy,” she lamented.
This unfolding situation is a stark reminder of the threats faced by activists worldwide and underscores the urgent need for international support and action. The global community must remain vigilant and responsive as these disturbing developments continue to emerge.
