The United States has strongly condemned the sentencing of pro-democracy advocates in Hong Kong under the National Security Law (NSL), a case known as the NSL 47. On Tuesday (Washington time), 45 defendants were handed severe sentences after being aggressively prosecuted for their peaceful political activities, which should be protected under Hong Kong’s Basic Law. Many now face life-altering imprisonment for actions that were peaceful expressions of political views.
In response, the U.S. Department of State announced it would impose new visa restrictions on several Hong Kong officials responsible for implementing the NSL, citing Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The U.S. reiterated its commitment to monitoring the situation closely and holding the Chinese and Hong Kong governments accountable for human rights violations.
A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department stated, "We call on Hong Kong authorities to immediately and unconditionally release these 45 individuals, as well as all other political prisoners detained under similar circumstances. These harsh sentences undermine confidence in Hong Kong’s judicial system and damage the city’s global standing."
The U.S. government continues to urge the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Hong Kong authorities to uphold the city’s judicial independence, end the use of vague national security laws to silence peaceful political expression, and restore the openness that once defined Hong Kong’s success and international reputation.
Bd-Pratidin English / Jisan
