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 academics and college students to not attend such occasions organized by American diplomats.
The consulate accused the Hong Kong authorities of interfering with U.S. Consulate Normal-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 mentioned in an emailed reply to The Related Press’ questions. “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 faculties asking their academics to not “casually be a part of” the consulate’s occasions and be cautious about violating the national security law. The reminder additionally requested the colleges to discourage their college students from becoming a member of such occasions, it mentioned.
The Related Press couldn’t independently confirm the claims by the Fb web page, which frequently offers updates concerning the schooling sector. An area English-language newspaper, the South China Morning Submit, additionally reported that the authorities had reminded faculties to be vigilant about any makes an attempt to advertise U.S. Independence Day celebrations on campus.
The town’s schooling bureau has not instantly commented.
Hong Kong Secretary for Safety Chris Tang beforehand accused the founding father of the web page, Hans Yeung, of seizing alternatives to incite division in society in a media interview printed in March.
Beijing imposed the nationwide safety regulation on Hong Kong in 2020 following large anti-government protests in 2019, saying the laws was essential to return stability to town.
Beneath the regulation, dozens of main activists had been prosecuted or jailed whereas others fled. Fears concerning the regulation drove many middle-class households and younger professionals to to migrate elsewhere.