Kurt M. Campbell Deputy Secretary of State | Official Website
The United States has expressed strong condemnation regarding the sentences announced in Hong Kong's National Security Law trial involving pro-democracy advocates, known as the NSL 47. According to a statement from Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson, 45 defendants were sentenced and are facing severe imprisonment for their involvement in political activities deemed peaceful under Hong Kong's Basic Law.
In response to these developments, the U.S. Department of State is implementing new visa restrictions targeting several Hong Kong officials linked to the enforcement of the National Security Law. This action is being taken under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The department has committed to ongoing monitoring of Hong Kong’s national security laws and promoting accountability for human rights in both the People's Republic of China (PRC) and Hong Kong.
The U.S. government has called on Hong Kong authorities for the immediate and unconditional release of these individuals, alongside other political prisoners held under similar circumstances. The statement highlights that such severe sentences undermine confidence in Hong Kong's judicial system and damage its international standing.
Furthermore, there is an appeal to both the PRC government and Hong Kong authorities to maintain judicial independence in Hong Kong, halt the use of ambiguous national security laws against those peacefully expressing political views, and restore openness essential for Hong Kong’s prosperity.
