HONG KONG — In a dramatic escalation, Hong Kong's national security police have unveiled arrest warrants targeting 19 activists located outside the territory, marking the largest such operation to date in a crackdown under the controversial security legislation.

These activists stand accused of subversion, allegedly involved in organizing the so-called "Hong Kong Parliament," a group that Hong Kong authorities claim aims to undermine the government. This action comes in the wake of intense anti-government protests that erupted in 2019, leading to the imposition of the stringent national security law by Beijing in 2020.

The individuals implicated are said to have played roles in pushing for self-determination and drafting a proposed "Hong Kong constitution" through an illicit referendum and unofficial elections.

Among those identified are notable figures such as businessman Elmer Yuen, commentator Victor Ho, and activists Johnny Fok and Tony Choi. Interestingly, four of these activists were already under active arrest warrants, each with a bounty of HK$1 million (about $127,000) on their heads.

For the remaining 15 activists, police have announced bounties of HK$200,000 (approximately $25,480) for information leading to their capture, especially targeting those who participated in the election and assumed roles as councilors.

Attempts to contact the accused for comment have been unsuccessful.

Originally, the former British colony was promised a high degree of autonomy, including freedom of expression, under the "one country, two systems" framework established during the 1997 handover to Chinese rule.

Critics of the national security law assert that it is being wielded as a tool to quash dissent and silence opposition.

Government officials maintain that the legislation is essential for restoring stability following the civil unrest witnessed in 2019, which at times escalated to violence.

In a firm statement, police reiterated that national security offenses carry severe penalties and extend beyond Hong Kong's borders, urging those on the run to surrender. "Offenders who voluntarily cease their unlawful activities and come forward may qualify for leniency, including reduced sentences if they provide crucial information that aids ongoing investigations," the statement warned.

Authorities also cautioned that assisting or financing anyone involved with the "Hong Kong Parliament" could lead to criminal charges, further tightening the noose around dissenting voices.