Pompeo Expresses Concern for the Safety of Hong Kong Democracy Activists Detained in China

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued a statement on the 11th (local time) expressing concern over the whereabouts of 12 Hong Kong pro-democracy activists recently detained by Chinese authorities.

According to major foreign media on the 12th, Secretary Pompeo criticized Guangdong provincial authorities in China for blocking lawyers from meeting with the detained activists and for providing no information regarding their whereabouts or the charges against them.

The Guangdong Coast Guard announced on its social network service (SNS) account at the end of last month that it had apprehended at least 10 people on a vessel off the coast of Guangdong Province.

At that time, Hong Kong media reported, citing anonymous sources, that the 12 detainees were on their way to Taiwan seeking political asylum.

In this regard, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam stated earlier this week, "If they were arrested for crimes committed on the (Chinese) mainland, they should be handled according to mainland law."

In response, Secretary Pompeo emphasized, "We express doubt about Chief Executive Lam’s commitment to protecting the rights of Hong Kong citizens and demand that authorities ensure due process."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.