Man arrested after threats to burn down offices of Hong Kong media outlets
Suspect allegedly demanded media platforms run article supporting Hong Kong independence, promoting crowdfunding for fugitives
A man has been arrested for allegedly threatening to burn down the offices of local media organisations if they did not publish an article that promoted Hong Kong independence and a crowdfunding website for fugitives wanted under the national security law.
Police said on Friday that the suspect, 43, was arrested for seditious intent under the national security law and criminal intimidation.
“In June, multiple media organisations received an anonymous letter with threats in their mail, instructing them to publish an article for free or risk having their offices set on fire,” said Superintendent Chow Hok-yin of the police force’s National Security Department.
Chow said the article promoted a website that claimed to sell souvenirs to crowdfund for those who absconded and were wanted by police under the national security law. The website also supported calls for foreign governments to sanction Hong Kong officials and judges.
According to a source, the blackmail message included a link and screenshot of the website that was selling products promoting Hong Kong independence.
The insider added that some of the proceeds might have been used to help fugitives who were wanted by police and had fled overseas by, for example, supporting their participation in and promotion of overseas activities.