|
The consulate accused the Hong Kong government of interfering
with U.S. Consulate General-hosted events, saying U.S. embassies
and consulates worldwide celebrate Independence Day every year
by hosting receptions and other festivities.
"We condemn the Hong Kong government’s repression of U.S.
Independence Day celebrations," it said in an emailed reply to
The Associated Press’ questions. “Its attempts to characterize
these activities as ‘unlawful’ only further reveals its
insecurity and fear of freedom."
The consulate's criticism came days after a Facebook page, “Edu
Lancet," reported that the city's education authorities had sent
“friendly reminders" to multiple schools asking their teachers
not to “casually join” the consulate's events and be cautious
about violating the national security law. The reminder also
asked the schools to discourage their students from joining such
events, it said.
The Associated Press could not independently verify the claims
by the Facebook page, which often provides updates about the
education sector. A local English-language newspaper, the South
China Morning Post, also reported that the authorities had
reminded schools to be vigilant about any attempts to promote
U.S. Independence Day celebrations on campus.
The city's education bureau has not immediately commented.
Hong Kong Secretary for Security Chris Tang previously accused
the founder of the page, Hans Yeung, of seizing opportunities to
incite division in society in a media interview published in
March.
Beijing imposed the national security law on Hong Kong in 2020
following massive anti-government protests in 2019, saying the
legislation was necessary to return stability to the city.
Under the law, dozens of leading activists were prosecuted or
jailed while others fled. Fears about the law drove many
middle-class families and young professionals to emigrate
elsewhere.
All contents © copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights
reserved |
|
