Archive · 26 Jun 2025
Departing US Diplomat in Hong Kong Criticizes National Security Law
The top American diplomat in Hong Kong, who is leaving his job, is speaking out about some issues.
He's upset that Hong Kong is using a law to put people in jail who speak out for democracy, including a famous media boss named Jimmy Lai.
Lai has been in jail for a long time.
The diplomat also doesn't like that Hong Kong is trying to punish people who are activists living outside of Hong Kong.
He said that the U.S. government, including former President Trump, is very concerned about Jimmy Lai and other people in Hong Kong who are imprisoned for expressing their political opinions.
The departing U.S. consul general in Hong Kong criticized the city's use of the national security law.
The diplomat highlighted concerns over the imprisonment of democracy campaigners and transnational repression.
Jimmy Lai, a media tycoon, is a key figure, having been held in solitary confinement for over 1,500 days.
The U.S. government is concerned about the fate of Lai and other individuals jailed for expressing political views.
The consul general also criticized attempts to pressure overseas Hong Kong activists.
- Who
- Gregory May, the departing U.S. consul general, criticized Hong Kong authorities.
- What
- The departing U.S. consul general criticized Hong Kong's use of the national security law and the treatment of democracy campaigners.
- When
- The criticism was made by the departing consul general after a U.S. Independence Day reception.
- Where
- Hong Kong
- Why
- May expressed concern over the imprisonment of democracy campaigners and the pressure on overseas activists.
U.S. Stance
Hong Kong Authorities
Use of the National Security Law
U.S. Stance
The U.S. government is critical of the Hong Kong government's use of the National Security Law.
Hong Kong Authorities
The Hong Kong authorities are enforcing the National Security Law.
- U.S. Consul General
- Gregory May
- Location
- Hong Kong
- Main Issue
- National Security Law and Treatment of Activists
- Notable Case
- Jimmy Lai
- Lai's Imprisonment
- Held in solitary confinement for over 1,500 days
- Law Implementation
- 2020 in response to pro-democracy protests
- Overseas Repression
- Issuing arrest warrants and offering bounties
- Currency Conversion
- HK$1 million ($127,393)