United States Condemns Hong Kong Government’s Bounties on Expression
Washington D.C. – The U.S. Department of State has issued a strong condemnation of the Hong Kong government’s recent announcement of bounties targeting individuals who have exercised their freedom of expression. The statement, released on July 26, 2025, at 14:36 ET, expressed deep concern over this latest action, which the Department views as a further erosion of fundamental freedoms and human rights in Hong Kong.
The U.S. government maintains that the Hong Kong authorities’ decision to place bounties on these individuals sets a dangerous precedent. Such measures are seen as an attempt to silence dissent and stifle legitimate political discourse, which are cornerstones of any open and democratic society. The Department emphasized that these actions contravene the commitments made under the Sino-British Joint Declaration, a legally binding treaty that guarantees Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy and its residents’ fundamental rights and freedoms.
Specifically, the U.S. Department of State highlighted that targeting individuals for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and association is unacceptable. These are universally recognized human rights, and their suppression is a cause for significant international concern. The statement also alluded to the broader implications of these bounties, suggesting they could have a chilling effect on civil society and further limit the space for open dialogue within Hong Kong.
The U.S. government reiterated its unwavering support for the people of Hong Kong and their aspirations for autonomy and the protection of their rights. The Department called on the Hong Kong government to uphold its international obligations and to respect the fundamental freedoms and human rights of its citizens. The statement concluded with a call for the cessation of such retaliatory measures, urging a return to policies that foster open discourse and uphold democratic principles. This action by the Hong Kong government is part of a continuing pattern of actions that have raised alarms among international observers and governments committed to democratic values.
AI has delivered the news.
The answer to the following question is obtained from Google Gemini.
U.S. Department of State published ‘Condemning the Hong Kong Government’s Latest Round of Bounties on Individuals Exercising Freedom of Expression’ at 2025-07-26 14:36. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.