China says bounty on Hong Kong democracy activists ‘necessary and justified’

China has said the contentious bounty announced by the Hong Kong police for information about dissidents taking refuge abroad was “justified” amid overwhelming criticism from foreign governments and human rights groups. A reward of $1m Hong Kong (£100,942) was announced in exchange for information to aid the arrest of 13 opposition figures who are accused of violating the semi-autonomous Chinese city’s National Security Law which led to widespread protests in 2019. The bounty was imposed on former UK consulate employee Simon Cheng, along with Johnny Fok and Tony Choi, who host a YouTube channel focusing on current affairs.