US visa ban on several officials from China and Hong Kong
Last Updated on June 1, 2024 4:50 pm
The United States has announced new visa restrictions on several Chinese and Hong Kong officials in connection with the court’s verdict convicting 14 pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong. US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller made the announcement on Friday (May 31).
In a statement Friday, Matthew Miller said the United States is deeply concerned about the unjust verdicts announced under the National Security Act against pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong. The defendants were subjected to politically motivated trials. They were jailed for their peaceful participation in political activities. But they have the right to do such activities under Hong Kong law.
Miller then said that with this ruling, the United States is imposing new visa restrictions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials responsible for implementing national security laws.
The Hong Kong High Court on Thursday found the 14 pro-democracy activists guilty under the National Security Act. On this day, two people were acquitted in the historic sabotage case. Critics see the ruling as another blow to the city’s reputation as a center for the rule of law and the global economy.