Hong Kong: US sanctions chief executive Carrie Lam for role in draconian crackdown on political freedom

The US has imposed sanctions on senior Hong Kong officials, including chief executive Carrie Lam, for their part in restricting democratic freedoms.

The sanctions come as part of July’s executive order signed by president Donald Trump to punish China for suppressing protests and political dissent in the territory.

A statement from the US Treasury Department named Ms Lam as being “directly responsible for implementing Beijing’s policies of suppression of freedom and democratic processes”.

In addition to the chief executive, sanctions also target police commissioner Chris Tang and his predecessor Stephen Lo, as well as secretary of security John Lee Ka-chiu, and justice secretary Teresa Cheng.

“The United States stands with the people of Hong Kong and we will use our tools and authorities to target those undermining their autonomy,” says Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin.

More to follow...