(26 Jun 2025)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Hong Kong – 26 June 2025
1. Wide of U.S. Consul General in Hong Kong, Gregory May walking in and meeting reporters UPSOUND
2. Mid of May and reporters
3. SOUNDBITE (English) Gregory May, U.S. Consul General:
“The treatment of Jimmy Lai, and not just Jimmy Lai, but other political prisoners. President Trump himself has mentioned Jimmy Lai several times now and he’s very concerned about the fate of Mr Lai. But I just emphasize that U.S. government concern is not just on this one individual, there are many other people unfortunately in Hong Kong who are in jail for peaceful expression of political views.”
4. Mid of May and reporters
5. SOUNDBITE (English) Gregory May, U.S. Consul General:
(ON LOCAL EDUCATION AUTHORITIES REPORTEDLY CAUTIONING TEACHERS AND STUDENTS NOT TO ATTEND EVENTS MARKING U.S. INDEPENDENCE DAY ORGANISED BY AMERICAN DIPLOMATS)
“I was disappointed. You know that the educational official would have that kind of order. Hong Kongers know that these events that consulates put on are perfectly normal. This is perfectly normal diplomatic activities. In my career, I have gone to hundreds of national day events including China’s national day event in Washington and you’ve all been here and I challenge any of you to find anything about this event that’s happening in the Murray Hotel this afternoon that would any way violate the national security of any country. I find it pretty perplexing.”
6. Pan left of performers, May, officials and audience singing the U.S. national anthem
7. Zoom-out of May and officials clinking glasses
8. Wide pan right of the reception
STORYLINE:
Hong Kong’s top American diplomat said the policies of the Chinese and Hong Kong governments have curtailed freedoms, pointing to the cases of jailed prominent activist Jimmy Lai.
“I just emphasize that U.S. government concern is not just on this one individual, there are many other people unfortunately in Hong Kong who are in jail for peaceful expression of political views,” U.S. Consul General in Hong Kong, Gregory May told reporters on Thursday.
Beijing imposed a national security law that it deemed necessary for the city’s stability after the 2019 anti-government movement that filled Hong Kong’s streets with protesters.
Under the law, Lai and many other leading activists were prosecuted.
May said U.S. President Donald Trump was very concerned about the fate of Lai, who is fighting national security charges that carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Before he was elected, Trump said he would “100%” get Lai out of jail.
On Tuesday, the U.S. Consulate condemned the Hong Kong government for what it called repression of 4th of July celebrations after city education authorities reportedly cautioned teachers and students not to attend events marking the day and organized by American diplomats.
May was disappointed over the move.
“Hong Kongers know that these events that consulates put on are perfectly normal. This is perfectly normal diplomatic activities” he said.
On Tuesday, the city’s education bureau responded to media queries, saying schools have the responsibility to be good gatekeepers and to enhance the sensitivity of teachers and students to national security at that time.
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