US, UK condemn arrests of Hong Kong activists

ISAAC LAWRENCE / AFP

The arrests of 15 pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong has been condemned by the US and the UK as a bid to silence dissent.

They described it unlawful and an encroachment on human rights.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo asserted that the actions were "inconsistent with commitments made under the Sino-British Joint Declaration that include transparency, the rule of law, and guarantees that Hong Kong will continue to 'enjoy a high degree of autonomy'".

Meanwhile, Britain's Foreign Office representative said the government expected any arrests and court procedures to be "conducted in a fair and transparent manner".

The arrested, who are aged between 24 and 81, are due to appear in court on May 18.

The arrests on Saturday were the biggest crackdown on the city's anti-government protests since it first kicked-off last year.

More from International News

  • UN: 70% of Gaza fatalities women and children

    The UN Human Rights Office said on Friday nearly 70 per cent of the fatalities it has verified in the Gaza war were women and children, and condemned what it called a systematic violation of the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law.

  • Britain names Jonathan Powell as national security adviser

    Britain on Friday named Jonathan Powell, who was chief of staff to former prime minister Tony Blair, as its national security adviser.

  • Indonesian volcano spews ash 10 km high

    Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted several times on Friday, belching volcanic ash that rose up to 10 km (32,800 ft) into the sky, officials said, following a big eruption on Sunday night that killed nine people.

  • Israeli PM directs two rescue planes to Amsterdam

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed two rescue planes to Amsterdam after being informed of "a very violent incident" targeting Israeli citizens, his office said on Friday.

Blogs