• Hong Kong cancels passports and bans financial support for 16 overseas activists.
• Measures target individuals linked to a subversive group known as the "Hong Kong Parliament."
• Authorities accuse these activists of continuing activities that threaten national security.
• The actions draw significant international criticism from nations, including the U.S. and EU.
• Violators of new regulations face penalties of up to seven years in prison.

On August 4, 2025, Hong Kong authorities announced stringent new measures against 16 overseas activists, including banning financial support and cancelling most passports, as part of a crackdown based on allegations of their involvement in a group deemed subversive under the national security law. The group, known as the "Hong Kong Parliament," is not recognized as the city's official legislature, and its influence is described as limited; however, the government has categorized their actions as a threat to national security, according to SCMP and India Times.

Measures were imposed following the issuance of arrest warrants for these activists in July and include prohibiting any economic transactions or partnerships involving the targeted individuals. Among those affected are Victor Ho, Chongyi Feng, and Gong Sasha, whose activities have reportedly continued to incite hatred against the Beijing and Hong Kong authorities, as stated by a government spokesman. Failure to comply with the new regulations could result in up to seven years in prison, according to LA Times and Le Monde.

These developments are viewed as part of a broader strategy following the Beijing-imposed national security law enacted in 2020, which has significantly curtailed dissent in the city. Critics, including the U.S. government, have condemned the actions as transnational repression, arguing that they infringe on the sovereignty of nations sheltering the activists. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described these moves as an attempt to apply national security laws extraterritorially, thereby targeting individuals exercising their freedoms. This perspective has been echoed widely, highlighting the growing concern regarding human rights in Hong Kong, as reported by Al Jazeera and LA Times.

As the crackdown intensifies, activists and international observers continue to voice concerns about the implications for human rights and freedoms in Hong Kong and beyond. This situation represents a significant escalation in efforts to control dissent and silence opposition, aligning with previous actions taken by the Hong Kong government in response to pro-democracy movements, according to SCMP, India Times, and Al Jazeera.