US condemns China’s ‘politically motivated’ crackdown in Hong Kong

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a statement on Friday condemned China’s crackdown on democracy activists in Hong Kong and accused Beijing of denying people the freedom they were promised. 

In its latest move to silence dissent, China on Friday sentenced several activists for taking part in protests. Calling the charges “politically motivated,” Blinken demanded “those detained or imprisoned for exercising their fundamental freedoms,” to be released.  

The protests have been going on since 2019.

Also Read: Veteran Hong Kong activists convicted over huge democracy rally

Blinken called the sentencings an example of how authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong “undermine protected rights and fundamental freedoms” guaranteed when Britain handed Hong Kong back to China, “in an effort to eliminate all forms of dissent.”

He added, “We will continue to stand with Hong Kongers as they respond to Beijing’s assault on these freedoms and autonomy.”

Also Read: Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai handed additional jail term

Media tycoon Jimmy Lai was jailed for 14 months on Friday. Four other veteran activists were imprisoned as well. Martin Lee, known as the “father of democracy” in Hong Kong received a suspended sentence.

The European Union and Britain joined the US in condemning the sentence terms handed out to Lai and the other activists, reported AFP.