A Hong Kong Street
Washington: The United States of America has announced that it will extend the deferment of enforced departure for eligible Hong Kong residents until February 5, 2027.
This measure provides a temporary “safe haven” for Hong Kongers who are apprehensive about returning to their home city, underscoring the US “commitment” to stand in solidarity with the people of Hong Kong amid what Washington describes as Beijing’s ongoing encroachment on the rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Basic Law and the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated today that this extension of ‘Deferred Enforced Departure’ aligns with similar actions taken by allies such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, aimed at offering alternatives to those who fear returning to Hong Kong.
Miller emphasized that this decision reflects the persistent and systematic attacks by Beijing and Hong Kong authorities on the rights and freedoms valued by the people of Hong Kong. He cited the “unjust” sentencing of two former editors of Stand News for publishing articles deemed “seditious,” the “wrongful” sentencing of 45 pro-democracy activists for their “peaceful political engagement”, and the ongoing national security trial of democracy advocate and Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai.
Additionally, Miller pointed out the targeting of overseas democracy advocates by Beijing and Hong Kong authorities. Recently, on December 24, 2024, Hong Kong officials issued new arrest warrants and bounties for six overseas democracy activists and revoked the passports of seven others, including some residing in the United States. These actions represent a form of transnational repression that poses a threat to U.S. sovereignty and national security, demonstrating a blatant disregard for democratic principles and human rights.
“We continue to urge Beijing and Hong Kong authorities to cease the use of vague national security laws to silence those peacefully expressing their political views, to immediately and unconditionally release those detained or imprisoned solely for exercising their human rights and fundamental freedoms, and to restore the openness that was so crucial to Hong Kong’s international reputation,” Miller said.
– global bihari bureau
