Hong Kong Exile Jeffrey Leung Files ICC Petition, Seeking Investigation into UK-National Officials for Human Rights Abuses in Hong Kong
Amsterdam, August 2, 2025 — Jeffrey Leung, a young Hong Kong exile known by his pseudonym Fragile Bard, has launched a bold petition urging the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate Hong Kong officials who hold British or British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) citizenship for alleged crimes against humanity. The petition, filed under Article 15(1) of the Rome Statute, accuses these officials of participating in systematic human rights abuses through their enforcement of the controversial Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL).
Combining a detailed legal submission to the ICC, a personal history of persecution, and an exclusive interview, Leung's action seeks to hold accountable those who enjoy the freedoms of a democratic society abroad while assisting authoritarian oppression in Hong Kong.
Background and Motivation
Leung’s activism is rooted in a profound personal experience. At the age of 15, during the Lunar New Year, national security police raided his home with a search warrant signed by a judge, confiscated his computer, and took him in for questioning. This shocking experience ignited his determination to challenge the system. "I realized that the system isn’t just for oppressing people; it can also be used to counter power," Leung said in an exclusive interview. "Why would judges who were educated in free, democratic societies and hold British passports use the NSL to suppress Hong Kong people? I decided to use international law to hold these human rights perpetrators accountable."
The petition, filed on Change.org under Leung's real name, specifically targets officials who allegedly hold UK or BN(O) citizenship. These individuals include:
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Roberto Alexandre Vieira Ribeiro (李義)
Joseph Paul Fok (霍兆剛)
Frank Stock (施德)
Patrick Chan Siu-oi (陳兆愷)
Amanda Jane Woodcock (胡雅文)
Kwok Wai-kin (郭偉健)
Stanley Chan Kwong Chi (陳廣池)
Andrew Chan Hing Wai (陳慶偉)
Alex Lee Wan Tang (李運騰)
Johnny Chan Yong Heng (陳仲衡)
Peter Law Tak Chuen (羅德泉)
Victor So Wai-tak (蘇惠德)
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According to the submitted documents, these officials have been instrumental in Hong Kong's judicial rulings that have significantly restricted freedoms, particularly through the NSL, which has been criticized by the United Nations, the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom for violating international human rights standards.
The Role of UK-National Officials in Hong Kong’s Judiciary
The submission argues that under Article 12(2)(b) of the Rome Statute, the ICC has jurisdiction over these British-national officials because they are citizens of the UK, a state party to the statute. The document accuses them of participating in "imprisonment or other severe deprivation of physical liberty" (Article 7(1)(e)) and "persecution against any identifiable group or collectivity" (Article 7(1)(h)), which constitute crimes against humanity. Specific cases cited include:
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Jimmy Lai's Bail Refusal (2021): Judges Ribeiro, Fok, Stock, and Chan participated in the Court of Final Appeal (CFA) ruling that upheld a strict interpretation of NSL Article 42, denying bail to pro-democracy newspaper founder Jimmy Lai unless there were "sufficient grounds" to believe he would not endanger national security again. This ruling overturned the common law presumption of bail, leading to Lai's prolonged detention.
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Lui Sai-yu's Sentence Appeal (2022): Judges Woodcock, Fok, and Stock denied Lui's appeal to reduce his sentence. Lui pleaded guilty to secession on Telegram but was denied the one-third sentencing reduction common under common law due to the NSL's minimum sentencing requirement. This ruling criminalized online speech, which the UN described as having a "chilling effect" on freedom of expression.
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Speech Therapists' Case (2022): Judge Kwok Wai-kin sentenced five speech therapists to 19 months in prison for publishing children's books deemed seditious, effectively classifying non-violent storybooks as a national security threat.
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Tam Tak-chi's Sedition Conviction (2022): Judge Stanley Chan Kwong Chi convicted former radio host Tam Tak-chi on seven counts of "uttering seditious words," sentencing him to 40 months. The ruling implied that proof of intent to incite violence was not required for conviction, significantly broadening the scope of sedition.
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47 Pro-democracy Activists' Subversion Trial (2024): Judges Andrew Chan and Alex Lee on May 30, 2024, convicted 14 of 16 defendants, ruling that organizing an unofficial primary election constituted "subversion" under the NSL. The sentences, starting at several years, effectively criminalized democratic participation.
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Chu Kai-pong's Article 23 Conviction (2024): Chief Magistrate Victor So Wai-tak sentenced Chu Kai-pong to 14 months in prison for wearing a T-shirt with protest slogans, marking the first speech-related conviction under Hong Kong's new Article 23 security law.
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47 Democrats' Bail Appeal (2021): Judge Peter Law Tak Chuen had previously denied bail to pro-democracy figures accused of "conspiracy to commit subversion" and has since been cited for his tough sentencing in other NSL cases.
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These cases, documented in the 43-page submission, demonstrate a systematic pattern of judicial rulings that suppress freedom of speech, assembly, and democratic participation, targeting Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement.
International Reaction and Legal Strategy
The international community has repeatedly condemned the NSL. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, in a November 19, 2024 press briefing, called for the law's repeal, noting its "significant chilling effect" on civil society, media, and legal professionals. The US Congress-Executive Commission on China recommended sanctions against relevant officials in May 2023. The EU expressed concerns about the law's impact on free expression on October 8, 2020. While the UK has voiced concerns about Hong Kong's judicial independence, Leung argues that the UK's inaction regarding its own citizens' involvement weakens these statements.
The petition urges the ICC to:
Initiate a preliminary examination under Article 15(1) of the Rome Statute.
Issue arrest warrants for the named officials under Article 58.
Request that state parties like the UK freeze the assets and restrict the financial dealings of the officials under Article 93(1)(k).
Leung emphasized the clarity of the legal basis: "The ICC has jurisdiction because these officials hold British or BN(O) citizenship. The evidence is in the rulings—imprisoning people for children's books, slogans, or organizing an election. It's a systematic attack on the pro-democracy community."
Personal Story and Broader Significance
Now 19, Leung received emails from the National Security Department demanding he present himself even after fleeing Hong Kong. This ongoing harassment fueled his activism. "Leaving Hong Kong didn't end the persecution," he said. "But it gave me a platform to speak out. I won't let Hong Kong people live in fear forever."
As an artist, Leung uses his satirical works on the CCP and Xi Jinping to express himself, fully aware of the risks. "Art is my language," he said. "The CCP wants silence, so I'll be louder. Saying what is 'not allowed to be said' is the beginning of civil disobedience." His work on Discord and YouTube has been called a "modern underground newspaper" for amplifying dissenting voices and organizing petition support.
The campaign has received initial support from the Hong Kong diaspora, with the Change.org petition gaining traction. "The more signatures we have, the greater our chance of pushing the ICC to act," Leung stated. He also plans to reach out to the UN Human Rights Council, the European Court of Human Rights, and the Canadian and UK parliaments to broaden the campaign's impact.
A Call to the Global Community
Leung frames the petition as a test of international law's integrity. "If British judges can serve an authoritarian regime without consequence, international law is a joke," he said. "Today, it's Hong Kong people going to jail; tomorrow, it could be anyone. When international law fails, no one is safe."
Addressing potential accusations of "political retribution," Leung responded with conviction: "This isn't a personal vendetta; it's based on evidence and the law. If someone commits a crime against humanity, regardless of their identity, they should face justice."
A Vision for Hong Kong's Future
Leung hopes to see a rebuilt Hong Kong with genuine elections, press freedom, and the rule of law. "The ICC’s intervention will send a message: you cannot escape accountability by claiming you were 'just following orders.' Accountability starts here," he said. To other young people struggling under authoritarian rule, his message is clear: "You are not alone. One voice may seem weak, but thousands of voices can change the world. Act now—freedom starts with you."
Contact Information
For more information or to support the petition, please visit:
About Jeffrey Leung
Jeffrey Leung, known as Fragile Bard, is a Hong Kong exile, activist, and artist who uses digital platforms to challenge authoritarianism. Inspired by his personal experiences of persecution, his work seeks to restore justice and freedom to Hong Kong through international advocacy.
Editor: Jiang PeiKun
Originally published by Anticcpnl. Please credit when sharing.
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