US Sanctions | The US Consulate General denounces Hong Kong Government for affecting freedom of speech: inappropriate comments, political operations

Political situation

Written by: Zhai Ruimin

2020-08-07 21:31

The US Consulate in Hong Kong issued a statement today (7th) stating that the "Hong Kong National Security Act" will have a chilling effect on civil society and the media, and affect the public's freedom of speech, expression and assembly. This is a violation of China's "Sino-British Joint Declaration". Promise of.

A spokesperson for the SAR government issued a statement in the evening, expressing strong dissatisfaction and opposition to the incorrect and inappropriate comments. The spokesperson pointed out that it is an international practice to maintain national security through laws. Every country has laws to safeguard its national security and sovereignty, and it is also its responsibility. The Hong Kong National Security Law only targets four types of behaviors and activities that endanger national security. As far as the United States is concerned, there are at least 20 laws to safeguard national security and sovereignty, including the National Security Act and the Homeland Security Act. The spokesperson criticized that the inappropriate comments made by the United States were entirely a double-standard political operation and grossly interfered in China's internal affairs and seriously violated the basic norms of international relations.

US Consulate General in Hong Kong and Macau. (Profile picture)

The spokesperson reiterated that the capitalist system, high degree of autonomy and legal system in Hong Kong will not be changed, and the administrative power, legislative power, independent judicial power and final adjudication power of the SAR will not be affected. In addition, it will not affect the legitimate exercise of freedom of speech by Hong Kong residents, including criticizing government policies or official policies and decisions, nor will it affect freedom of information, academic freedom, policy research, personal data privacy, and general business activities.

The spokesperson emphasized that the "Hong Kong National Security Law" regulates the use of Hong Kong by foreign and foreign forces to split, subvert, infiltrate, and sabotage activities. This is clearly different from normal communication activities and will not cause ordinary citizens to fall into the law. It will not affect the legal rights and freedoms enjoyed by citizens in accordance with the law. However, criminal acts that really involve the crime of colluding with foreign countries or foreign forces to endanger national security must be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.

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