US diplomat calls for freedom of opposition tycoon Jimmy Lai and warns of risks for tech companies
MADRID, March 2 (EUROPA PRESS) – The Consul General of the United States in Hong Kong, Gregory May, has expressed his concern about the increase in Internet censorship and the reduction of freedoms in China, and has demanded the release of tycoon Jimmy Lai, one of the drivers of the massive 2019 demonstrations against Beijing’s claims to limit the city’s autonomy.
May has pointed to connectivity issues and data security as two issues affecting some US companies operating in Hong Kong, forcing them to use single-use phones and laptops during their stay. “Hong Kong is starting down the path of trying to remove certain content from the Internet and block certain websites,” May told Bloomberg in her first interview since taking office in 2022. “It’s a dangerous path when the Internet begins to be censored. Where does this stop?”, asked the diplomat.
The Government removes the song ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ from the Internet and blocks access to human rights websites
In this regard, the Government has taken steps to remove from the Internet the song ‘Glory to Hong Kong’, which became an anthem during the anti-government protests of 2019, which has highlighted the dangers for large technology companies Westerners like Google. Likewise, Internet service providers in the city have also denied access to a small number of websites, including that of the rights group Hong Kong Watch, based in the United Kingdom.
In both cases, the Hong Kong authorities have alleged that these measures have been applied for reasons of national security. Despite the fact that the population of Hong Kong continues to enjoy largely free access to the Internet, these first restrictions have generated great concern about the possibility of mainland China’s own controls being implemented in this territory, where several Western platforms are already prohibited and there are systematic restrictions and censorship on content that is against the Government.
Hong Kong is trying to strengthen its image as an international business center
May’s remarks come at a time when Hong Kong is trying to consolidate its position as an international business center to attract tourism that will allow it to revive its economy after years of isolation. The US consul has suggested that “freeing (tycoon and opposition leader) Jimmy Lai and these other people facing prison for political expression would do more to improve Hong Kong’s image than all the financial summits and tourism promotion campaigns together.”
Beijing has accused Washington of being behind mass protests against Communist Party influence that rocked the center in 2019.
Hong Kong condemns the interference of the US consul
Shortly after, and as reported by the ‘South China Morning Post’, a spokesperson for the Hong Kong Government has criticized May’s request for Lai’s freedom, understanding that “the insinuation that certain individuals or organizations should be exempted from the legal consequences for their illegal acts is completely against the spirit of the rule of law.”
“It is extremely inappropriate for the US Consul General to make baseless comments about the ongoing criminal proceedings in court and even try to compare Lai’s case to the government’s efforts to promote the city,” he added. Hong Kong authorities have reminded the diplomat that the United States is “not in a position to point the finger” at other countries and regions to enact national security laws, and urged him to stop making “irresponsible comments” and interfering in their affairs.