The United States has issued a strong condemnation of the sentences announced on the 17th of Novermber, 2024 in Hong Kong’s National Security Law (NSL) trial of pro-democracy advocates, known as the NSL 47. The 45 defendants sentenced were aggressively prosecuted, facing life-altering imprisonment for their peaceful participation in political activities protected under the Basic Law of Hong Kong.
In response, the Department of State is imposing new visa restrictions on multiple Hong Kong officials responsible for the implementation of the NSL, pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The U.S. will continue to monitor the implementation of Hong Kong’s national security laws and promote accountability for human rights in the PRC and Hong Kong.
The U.S. calls on Hong Kong authorities to immediately and unconditionally release these 45 individuals and similarly detained political prisoners. These harsh sentences erode confidence in Hong Kong’s judicial system and harm the city’s international reputation. The U.S. urges the PRC government and Hong Kong authorities to uphold Hong Kong’s judicial independence, cease the use of vague national security laws to silence those peacefully expressing their political views, and restore the openness crucial to Hong Kong’s vitality and success.
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