WASHINGTON: The United States criticized Hong Kong authorities on Monday( Jul3) for awarding rewards connected to foreign democracy protesters, claiming that the action sets a risky precedent that could endanger human rights.
For information that would result in the capture of eight prominent dissidents who reside abroad and are wanted for national security crimes, Hong Kong police offered prizes of HK$ 1 million( roughly US$ 127, 600 ) and nbsp.
According to a speech from State Department spokesman Matthew Miller,” the United States condemns the Hong Kong Police Force’s release of an intercontinental wealth” against the eight activists.
He continued,” China is engaging in” transnational repression efforts ,” adding that the” extraterritorial application of the Beijing-imposed National Security Law is a dangerous precedent that threatens the human rights and fundamental freedoms of people all over the world.”
” We implore the Hong Kong government to instantly retreat this bounty, respect the sovereignty of other nations, and halt Beijing’s global assertion of the National Security Law.”
The national security law has the authority to hold people accountable all over the world. It has transformed Hong Kong society and weakened the barrier that when separated the unique autonomous region from the mainland.
Up to life in jail is the punishment for the allegation that all eight activists conspired with international troops to jeopardize national security.
Human Rights Watch ( HRW) also voiced its disapproval of the bounties from its New York headquarters, calling them” baseless” and an expansion of China’s” political intimidation campaign beyond its borders.”
Maya Wang, HRW’s interact Asia director, stated in a statement that the Hong Kong government” goes above and beyond” to persecute calm dissent both locally and internationally.
A cross-border wealth is a weak attempt to intimidate campaigners and elected officials outside of Hong Kong who defend people’s rights in the face of growing repression in Beijing.