HKB received a notice from the pro-democracy activist Mr. Honcques Laus that Bank of China (Hong Kong) had sent a letter to inform him that it terminated his account since Dec 24. The letter did not provide reasons. The bank required Mr. Laus to return to Hong Kong for ‘the closure of account(s) and withdrawal the account balance (if any)’.
Since Mr. Laus has been publicly known for being wanted by the Hong Kong police due to his political opinions, he has been applying for asylum and awaiting a decision from the UK government, with the assistance of Haven Assistance and its referral lawyers. Mr. Laus said Bank of China (Hong Kong) ignores the fact that he will be persecuted if he returns to Hong Kong, it rather assisted the regime in Hong Kong to retaliate and confiscate his private property. He also said this is an infringement of private property rights and undermining Hong Kong’s reputation as an international financial centre.
Although seizing just about HKD 50, Mr. Laus said it was a serious violation of private property rights and destroyed Hong Kong’s century-old foundation. HKB upholds Mr. Laus’s legitimate rights to seek political asylum in the UK, and oppose any ensuing retaliation and suppression against Hongkongers in Britain. We urge the Home Office to follow up on such a situation and continue to provide him with the necessary assistance.
