U.S. consulate condemns Hong Kong’s authorities for ‘repression’ of Independence Day celebrations

HONG KONG — The U.S. consulate in Hong Kong on Tuesday condemned town’s authorities for what it referred to as repression of U.S. Independence Day celebrations after native schooling authorities reportedly cautioned lecturers and college students to not attend occasions marking the day and arranged by American diplomats.

The consulate accused the Hong Kong authorities of interfering with U.S. Consulate Basic-hosted occasions, saying U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide have a good time Independence Day yearly by internet hosting receptions and different festivities.

“We condemn the Hong Kong authorities’s repression of U.S. Independence Day celebrations,” it stated in an emailed reply to The Related Press. “Its makes an attempt to characterize these actions as ‘illegal’ solely additional reveals its insecurity and worry of freedom.”

The consulate’s criticism got here days after a Fb web page, “Edu Lancet,” reported that town’s schooling authorities had despatched “pleasant reminders” to a number of colleges asking lecturers to not “casually be part of” the consulate’s occasions and be cautious about violating the nationwide safety legislation. The reminder additionally requested the colleges to discourage their college students from becoming a member of the festivities, it stated.

The Related Press couldn’t independently confirm the claims by the Fb web page, which regularly supplies updates in regards to the schooling sector. A neighborhood English-language newspaper, the South China Morning Submit, additionally reported that authorities had reminded colleges to be vigilant about any makes an attempt to advertise U.S. Independence Day celebrations on campus.

Town’s schooling bureau, in response to media queries, stated it issued administrative and academic pointers to varsities, requiring them to take their very own measures to safeguard nationwide safety, however didn’t verify the reported nature of the reminders.

“Colleges have the accountability to be good gatekeepers and to boost the sensitivity of lecturers and college students to nationwide safety,” it stated.

Hong Kong Secretary for Safety Chris Tang beforehand accused the founding father of the Fb web page, Hans Yeung, of seizing alternatives to incite division in society in a media interview revealed in March.

Beijing imposed the nationwide safety legislation on Hong Kong in 2020 following large anti-government protests in 2019, saying the laws was essential to return stability to town.

Beneath the legislation, dozens of main activists have been prosecuted or jailed whereas others fled. Fears in regards to the legislation drove many middle-class households and younger professionals to to migrate elsewhere.