Moolenaar, Lawmakers Call on Biden Administration to Sanction Hong Kong Officials for Human Rights Abuses
WASHINGTON, D.C.-- In a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen, Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party call for sanctions on 28 members of Hong Kong’s government who are responsible for the deterioration of human rights and persecution of pro-democracy protestors amid the CCP’s takeover of Hong Kong.
Congressional-Executive Commission on China Chair Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Co-Chair Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) also joined the call for sanctions.
In the letter, the lawmakers write, “We write to express our profound concern over the recent actions by Hong Kong authorities that have further eroded democracy, the rule of law, and human rights in the region. Specifically, we refer to the passage of the “Safeguarding National Security Ordinance” (Hong Kong’s local version of the National Security Law, or the “Article 23 legislation”) in March 2024 and the conviction of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists (Hong Kong 47) charged under the National Security Law on May 29th, 2024. These actions by Hong Kong authorities represent a significant escalation in their efforts to dismantle Hong Kong’s autonomy and stifle dissent at the behest of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP).”
They continue, “We acknowledge the State Department’s response to these convictions with the announcement of visa restrictions on Hong Kong officials. However, such a measure alone is not adequate. The U.S. government must enforce the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act (Pub. L. 116-76), the Hong Kong Autonomy Act (Pub. L.116-149), and Executive Order 13936 that hold individuals accountable for eroding Hong Kong’s rule of law, democracy, and abusing human rights.”
The lawmakers urge Secretary Blinken and Secretary Yellen to consider sanctions on the following Hong Kong officials:
Secretary of Justice, Paul LAM Ting-kwok
Director of Office for Safeguarding National Security, DONG Jingwei
Secretary General of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security, Sonny AU Chi-kwong
Commissioner of the Police Force, Raymond SIU Chak-yee
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Margaret CHIU Wing-lan
Assistant Commissioner of Police for National Security, Dick WONG Chung-chun
Senior Superintendent of Police, Bruce HUNG Ngan
Prosecutors Maggie YANG Mei-kei, Anthony CHAU Tin-hang, Laura NG Shuk-kuen, Karen NG Ka-yuet, Jonathan MAN Tak-ho, William SIU Kai-yip, Ivan CHEUNG Cheuk-kan, Vincent LEE Ting-wai, Memi NG.
Judges and Magistrates known to handle national security cases Esther TOH Lye-ping, Stanley CHAN Kwong-chi, KWOK Wai-kin, Johnny CHAN Jong-herng, Alex LEE Wan-tang, Amanda Jane WOODCOCK, Victor SO Wai-tak, Peter LAW Tak-chuen, Amy CHAN Wai-Mun, CHENG Lim-chi, Andrew CHEUNG Kui-nung.
Click HERE to view the letter or continue reading below.
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Dear Secretary Blinken and Secretary Yellen,
We write to express our profound concern over the recent actions by Hong Kong authorities that have further eroded democracy, the rule of law, and human rights in the region. Specifically, we refer to the passage of the “Safeguarding National Security Ordinance” (Hong Kong’s local version of the National Security Law, or the “Article 23 legislation”) in March 2024 and the conviction of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists (Hong Kong 47) charged under the National Security Law on May 29th, 2024. These actions by Hong Kong authorities represent a significant escalation in their efforts to dismantle Hong Kong’s autonomy and stifle dissent at the behest of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP).
The passage of the Article 23 legislation marks a severe further encroachment on civil liberties in Hong Kong. The law broadly expands the definitions of sedition, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces to grant the authorities sweeping powers, effectively criminalizing a wide range of activities and expressions fundamental to a democratic society. This move clearly illustrates Hong Kong authorities’ willing contribution to the CCP’s strategy to undermine the freedoms that distinguish Hong Kong from mainland China.
Moreover, in the Hong Kong 47 case, the conviction of 14 activists who refused to plead guilty is deeply troubling. These individuals were charged with “conspiracy to commit subversion” merely for participating in an informal primary elections intended to select candidates for the Legislative Council elections. Some of the convicted could face life imprisonment. This case starkly exemplifies the National Security Law being used to silence political opposition and intimidate those who advocate for democratic principles. The U.S. government should act decisively to strengthen the credibility and effectiveness of our policy tools designed to support Hong Kong’s autonomy and the rights of its citizens.
We acknowledge the State Department’s response to these convictions with the announcement of visa restrictions on Hong Kong officials. However, such a measure alone is not adequate. The U.S. government must enforce the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act (Pub. L. 116- 76), the Hong Kong Autonomy Act (Pub. L.116-149), and Executive Order 13936 that hold individuals accountable for eroding Hong Kong’s rule of law, democracy, and abusing human rights.
In light of these considerations, we urge the Department of State and the Department of Treasury to determine whether the Hong Kong officials listed below meet the criteria for sanctions pursuant to the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, the Hong Kong Autonomy Act, and Executive Order 13936 by July 30, 2024.
Secretary of Justice: Paul LAM Ting-kwok
Director of Office for Safeguarding National Security DONG Jingwei
Secretary General of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security: Sonny AU Chi-kwong
Commissioner of the Police Force: Raymond SIU Chak-yee
Assistant Commissioner of Police: Margaret CHIU Wing-lan
Assistant Commissioner of Police for National Security: Dick WONG Chung-chun
Senior Superintendent of Police: Bruce HUNG Ngan
Prosecutors: Maggie YANG Mei-kei, Anthony CHAU Tin-hang, Laura NG Shuk-kuen, Karen NG Ka-yuet, Jonathan MAN Tak-ho, William SIU Kai-yip, Ivan CHEUNG Cheuk-kan, Vincent LEE Ting-wai, Memi NG.
Judges and Magistrates known to the public so far at various levels appointed by the Hong Kong Chief Executive for handling national security cases: Esther TOH Lye-ping, Stanley CHAN Kwongchi, KWOK Wai-kin, Johnny CHAN Jong-herng, Alex LEE Wan-tang, Amanda Jane