US imposes visa restrictions on certain Hong Kong and Syrian officials

The US Department of State issued a written statement regarding the visa restrictions.

In the statement, the law adopted under Article 23 of the Basic Law, which expands the powers of regional authorities, was criticized, and China was accused of "taking actions against Hong Kong's democratic institutions, rights, and freedoms."

The statement noted that visa restrictions have been imposed on many Hong Kong officials due to these actions, and called for the "restoration of the rights and freedoms of Hong Kongers and the release of those unjustly detained."

VISA RESTRICTIONS ON 10 SYRIAN OFFICIALS

In another statement from the Department, it was announced that visa restrictions have been imposed on 10 Syrian officials and their immediate family members.

The statement, which criticized the Bashar al-Assad regime, noted that the restrictions were imposed on these officials and their family members on the grounds that they "suppressed Syrians and were involved in human rights violations."

The statement emphasized that the US will not "normalize" relations with the Assad regime until progress is made toward a lasting solution in accordance with United Nations Security Council (UNSCR) Resolution 2254.

NATIONAL SECURITY LAW HAD BEEN PASSED BY THE LEGISLATURE

The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, which had been shelved for 21 years following the protests in 2003 in China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, was passed unanimously by the Legislative Council.

The law, which was passed unanimously by the Council, defines 39 crimes such as treason, secession, attempted subversion of the government, incitement to rebellion, sabotage, collusion with foreign forces, disclosure of state secrets, and espionage.

The law provides for life imprisonment for crimes such as treason, insurrection, incitement of members of the Chinese Armed Forces to mutiny, and damaging public infrastructure in collusion with foreign forces.

The law also paves the way for some crimes to be prosecuted in Hong Kong even if they are committed abroad.