US condemns detention of and charges against pan-democratic candidates

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called  for the immediate release of Hong Kong acitivists charged and detained under the  national security law.

"We condemn the detention of and charges filed against pan-democratic candidates in Hong Kong's elections and call for their immediate release," Blinken said on Twitter.

"Political participation and freedom of expression should not be crimes. The US stands with the people of Hong Kong."