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The United States has expressed deep concerns about the convictions of 14 pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong under a Beijing-imposed national security law. In response, the U.S. State Department is planning to impose new visa restrictions on mainland Chinese and Hong Kong officials responsible for implementing the legislation. This comes after the United Kingdom also called for the release of the detained activists following the landmark verdicts.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller criticized the politically motivated prosecution of the activists, stating that they were jailed for peacefully participating in protected political activities. The activists were accused of attempting to paralyze Hong Kong’s government and topple its leader. While three judges approved their convictions, two others were acquitted due to uncertainty about their intentions.
The mass prosecution of the activists has dealt a blow to Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement and raised concerns about China’s commitment to the city’s autonomy. The U.S. is urging Chinese and Hong Kong authorities to uphold judicial independence and stop using vague national security laws to quash dissent.
This latest development underscores the ongoing tension between Beijing and Hong Kong over issues of freedom and democracy.
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