Finance

U.S. government imposes sanctions on Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam and 10 others involved in crackdown

by Charlie Smith on August 8th, 2020 at 8:10 AM
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      The U.S. Treasury Department has ramped up pressure on those involved in suppressing the democratic desires of Hong Kong people.

      It came in the form of sanctions against 11 current and former top Hong Kong and Macau officials involved at some level in the crackdown on freedom of expression and freedom of assembly.

      Among those named is Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam.

      It means that these people's majority ownership of property, either directly or indirectly with other named people, is "blocked". Under U.S. law, these assets must be reported to the Office of Foreign Assets Control.

      "The recent imposition of draconian national security legislation on Hong Kong has not only undermined Hong Kong's autonomy, it has also infringed on the rights of people in Hong Kong, allowing mainland China's security services to operate with impunity in the region, mandating 'national security education' in Hong Kong schools, undermining the rule of law, and setting the groundwork for censorship of any individuals or outlets that are deemed unfriendly to China," the Treasury Department stated.

      Others named include Hong Kong Police Force Commissioner Chris Tang, former HKPF commissioner Stephen Lo, Secretary for Security John Lee Ka-chiu, and Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng.

      In response, democracy activist Nathan Law tweeted a call for the U.K. government to take similar actions.

      "At least, get the infamous Carrie Lam banned and her asset frozen," Law declared. "We should be united and defend democracy together. Hold China accountable!"

      Law is living in exile in the U.K.

       

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