Shocking letter urges Aussies to commit unthinkable acts: 'Completely unacceptable'
By
Gian T
- Replies 7
In a troubling development that has unsettled communities across Australia, unsettling letters have appeared in mailboxes nationwide.
These messages challenge fundamental values and legal principles and contain disturbing calls to action that have sparked widespread concern.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious correspondence.
The letters specifically targeted Kevin Yam, a former lawyer and advocate for democracy in Hong Kong who has since relocated to Australia.
The pamphlets included a photograph of Mr Yam, branding him a 'wanted person' and claiming he is suspected of a range of national security-related offences.
The letters reward approximately $200,000 for information leading to his capture or for physically taking him to the Hong Kong or Australian Metropolitan Police.
Mr Yam, who is currently a PhD candidate at Melbourne Law School, has expressed his shock and concern, interpreting these letters as a direct call for his kidnapping by Chinese authorities.
He pointed out that including official Hong Kong police contact details in the letters suggested that they are the work of either the Chinese or Hong Kong authorities or entities acting with their approval, whether explicit or tacit.
This unsettling campaign has not been limited to Mr Yam.
Former Hong Kong politician Ted Hui has also been targeted similarly, with pamphlets distributed to Adelaide mosques misrepresenting him as a pro-Israel lawyer intent on waging war against Islamic terrorism.
The Australian government and the Opposition have condemned these pamphlets, reassuring Mr Yam and Mr Hui that the threats against them are being taken seriously.
This response is a testament to Australia's commitment to protecting its residents from foreign intimidation and upholding its democratic values.
The implications of these letters are far-reaching. Mr Yam parallels these personal threats and broader geopolitical tensions, such as the Chinese navy's recent live firing exercises within Australia's exclusive economic zone.
He has criticised China's actions as those of an 'authoritarian bully' that undermines Australia's sovereignty, democracy, and social cohesion.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has addressed the issue, affirming Australia's position as a sovereign nation that will not tolerate the bullying, harassment, or threatening of its citizens by a foreign power.
'We are a sovereign nation,' he said.
'We do not accept any one of our citizens or on our shores, people being bullied or harassed or threatened by a foreign power.'
'We expect our democracy and our citizens to be able to operate free from such interference, that kind of pressure or threats.'
Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Paterson has echoed these sentiments, labelling the campaigns as 'completely unacceptable and illegal'.
In response to these allegations, the Hong Kong government has denied any involvement in sending anonymous letters.
However, the situation remains a stark reminder of the lengths some entities will go to exert influence and control, even beyond their borders.
As members of the Seniors Discount Club, it is crucial to remain vigilant and informed about such incidents.
They serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting our democratic values and the safety of individuals who have made Australia their home.
If you ever encounter such disturbing material, it is imperative to report it to the authorities immediately.
Credit: YouTube
Have you or someone you know received similar letters? How do you feel about the actions taken by the Australian government in response to these threats? Your insights are valuable to us, and we encourage a robust discussion in the comments below.
These messages challenge fundamental values and legal principles and contain disturbing calls to action that have sparked widespread concern.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious correspondence.
The letters specifically targeted Kevin Yam, a former lawyer and advocate for democracy in Hong Kong who has since relocated to Australia.
The pamphlets included a photograph of Mr Yam, branding him a 'wanted person' and claiming he is suspected of a range of national security-related offences.
The letters reward approximately $200,000 for information leading to his capture or for physically taking him to the Hong Kong or Australian Metropolitan Police.
Mr Yam, who is currently a PhD candidate at Melbourne Law School, has expressed his shock and concern, interpreting these letters as a direct call for his kidnapping by Chinese authorities.
He pointed out that including official Hong Kong police contact details in the letters suggested that they are the work of either the Chinese or Hong Kong authorities or entities acting with their approval, whether explicit or tacit.
This unsettling campaign has not been limited to Mr Yam.
Former Hong Kong politician Ted Hui has also been targeted similarly, with pamphlets distributed to Adelaide mosques misrepresenting him as a pro-Israel lawyer intent on waging war against Islamic terrorism.
The Australian government and the Opposition have condemned these pamphlets, reassuring Mr Yam and Mr Hui that the threats against them are being taken seriously.
This response is a testament to Australia's commitment to protecting its residents from foreign intimidation and upholding its democratic values.
The implications of these letters are far-reaching. Mr Yam parallels these personal threats and broader geopolitical tensions, such as the Chinese navy's recent live firing exercises within Australia's exclusive economic zone.
He has criticised China's actions as those of an 'authoritarian bully' that undermines Australia's sovereignty, democracy, and social cohesion.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has addressed the issue, affirming Australia's position as a sovereign nation that will not tolerate the bullying, harassment, or threatening of its citizens by a foreign power.
'We are a sovereign nation,' he said.
'We do not accept any one of our citizens or on our shores, people being bullied or harassed or threatened by a foreign power.'
'We expect our democracy and our citizens to be able to operate free from such interference, that kind of pressure or threats.'
Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Paterson has echoed these sentiments, labelling the campaigns as 'completely unacceptable and illegal'.
In response to these allegations, the Hong Kong government has denied any involvement in sending anonymous letters.
However, the situation remains a stark reminder of the lengths some entities will go to exert influence and control, even beyond their borders.
As members of the Seniors Discount Club, it is crucial to remain vigilant and informed about such incidents.
They serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting our democratic values and the safety of individuals who have made Australia their home.
If you ever encounter such disturbing material, it is imperative to report it to the authorities immediately.
Credit: YouTube
Key Takeaways
- Letters found in Melbourne mailboxes include a photo of Kevin Yam, labelling him 'wanted' and offering a reward for information leading to his capture, which he sees as a kidnapping call by Chinese authorities.
- The pamphlets also target former Hong Kong politician Ted Hui, misrepresenting him as pro-Israel and anti-Islamic, reflecting attempts to intimidate them on Australian soil.
- Both the Australian Government and the Opposition have strongly reacted against these pamphlets, viewing them as a serious threat and as disrespect for Australia's sovereignty.
- Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Paterson condemned the harassment and intimidation of individuals in Australia by foreign powers, asserting the expectation of freedom from foreign interference in Australia's democracy.