US imposes visa restrictions on Chinese & Hong Kong officials after pro-democracy leaders' conviction

The United States has imposed visa restrictions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials involved in the conviction of more than a dozen pro-democracy leaders.

Earlier this week, 14 pro-democracy activists and politicians of Hong Kong were convicted under a national security law that Beijing imposed in the city in 2020. The implementation of the law marked the end of civil liberties in Hong Kong that the city had long been known for under the ‘one nation, two systems’ framework. Such liberties were not there in the mainland China as the Communist Party of China (CPC) rules the country with an iron first.

The verdict for the 14 people came three years after a total of 47 pro-democracy figures were picked up the Chinese regime in dawn raids.

In a statement on Friday, Department of State Spokesperson Mathew Miller said the conviction was a result of “politically motivated prosecution”. He added that the activists and politicians were “jailed simply for peacefully participating in political activities” that were protected under the Hong Kong’s local laws.

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Miller further said, “In response, the Department of State is taking steps to impose new visa restrictions on PRC and Hong Kong officials responsible for implementing the National Security Law, pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.”

Hong Kong’s judicial independence should be upheld: US

The US said that the Chinese and Hong Kong’s authorities should uphold the city’s judicial independence.

The verdicts handed out in China and China-controlled Hong Kong are seen as being predetermined by the CPC as its writ is supreme in China.

In his statement, Miller said that the judicial independence of Hong Kong was key to the city’s status as an international business hub.

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Miller said, “Instead of imposing harsh sentences that would further erode confidence in Hong Kong’s judicial system, Hong Kong authorities should immediately release these unjustly detained individuals. We urge the PRC government and Hong Kong authorities to uphold Hong Kong’s judicial independence, cease the use of vague national security laws to curb peaceful dissent, and restore the openness that was so crucial to Hong Kong’s vitality and competitiveness as an international business hub.”

Among the bunch of people arrested in 2020 under the national security law were lawmakers, protest leaders, academics, unionists, journalists, and medical workers, according to CNN. The report said that they came from diverse orientations ranging from moderate democrats to those seeking self-determination for Hong Kong.