BREAKING: U.S. Sanctions Six Chinese, Hong Kong Officials For ‘Targeting’ Pro-Democracy Activists

The U.S. government has imposed sanctions on six Chinese and Hong Kong officials for their involvement in policies that restrict citizens’ freedom and undermine Hong Kong’s autonomy.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the sanctions on Monday, stating that the targeted officials had participated in transnational repression, including targeting individuals residing in the United States.

“These actions demonstrate the Trump Administration’s commitment to holding accountable those responsible for depriving the people of Hong Kong of their protected rights and freedoms, or engaging in transnational repression on U.S. soil or against U.S. persons,” Rubio said.

The sanctioned officials include Sonny Chi Kwong Au, Secretary-General for the Committee for Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong, and Raymond Chak Yee Siu, Commissioner of the Hong Kong Police Force.

Others are Dong Jingwei, Dick Chung Chun Wong, Margaret Wing Lan Chiu, and Paul Ting Kwok Lam.

According to the State Department, the Hong Kong and Chinese officials have used national security laws to intimidate, silence, and harass 19 pro-democracy activists who sought refuge overseas. Among them are a U.S. citizen and four other U.S. residents.

Paul Ting Kwok Lam, identified as Hong Kong’s Secretary for Justice, has been instrumental in implementing the National Security Law, which critics argue stifles political dissent and civil liberties.

Human Rights Watch has condemned the law, stating that it punishes peaceful speech, expands police powers, and undermines due process rights.

As a result of the sanctions, and under Executive Order 13936, all assets and properties belonging to the sanctioned individuals that fall under U.S. jurisdiction are frozen.

Also, U.S. citizens and entities are prohibited from engaging in transactions involving the designated individuals unless authorized by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

Furthermore, any entity that is at least 50% owned by one or more sanctioned individuals is also subject to restrictions. The prohibitions extend to financial contributions, goods, and services related to the sanctioned persons.