Anonymous letters regarding wanted Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Kevin Yam have recently been received by some Melbourne locals, offering $200,000 for his whereabouts.

Yam, the Australian resident whose photograph appears in the letter, is accused of having committed a “range of national security related offences”.

The activist is a lawyer and political commentator that has publicly criticised the situation in Hong Kong. He is one of eight activists that are currently living overseas who have Hong Kong arrest warrants regarding similar breaches of national security laws.

A spokesperson for Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s office described the situation of the letters as “deeply worrying”, and her office is in contact with Chinese authorities, according to The Age.

“The Australian government and our security agencies are acting to keep Australians safe, protect their democratic rights, and support affected individuals and communities,” the spokesperson said.

China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning has already offered $130,000 in July 2023 for information on Yam and urged Australia, the UK and the US to “stop providing a safe haven for fugitives”.

According to The Guardian, he has said in the past that he is lucky to not be silenced like his friends and fellow activists as he is in a democracy where the “right to free speech is valued” in Australia.

Photo: Senator the Hon Penny Wong giving the keynote address at Women and National Security at Australian National Universityat Staff Sgt. Katherine Spessa found HERE and used under a Creative Commons license. This image has not been modified.