In a strong show of support for pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong, the United States has expressed its deep concerns regarding the recent convictions under the Beijing-imposed national security law. The US State Department announced on Friday that it is taking steps to impose new visa restrictions on mainland Chinese and Hong Kong officials responsible for the implementation of the sweeping legislation.

The convictions of 14 pro-democracy activists have raised alarm bells among the international community. The defendants were charged with organizing unofficial primaries with the aim of building a pro-democracy majority in the legislature and exerting pressure on the government by vetoing budgets.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller called for the release of the detained activists, stating that they were subjected to a politically motivated prosecution and imprisoned for peacefully participating in political activities protected under the Basic Law of Hong Kong, the city's mini-constitution. The landmark verdicts on Thursday prompted the United Kingdom to make a similar appeal.

The 47 activists, including those convicted as well as others who pleaded guilty earlier, were part of the city's largest national security case to date. While two were acquitted by a court, authorities plan to appeal the acquittal. Most of the defendants have been in custody since their arrests over three years ago.

The US response to the convictions reflects the growing concern over the erosion of freedoms and the rule of law in Hong Kong. Rep. Chris Smith and Sen. Jeff Merkley, leading a congressional panel on China, strongly criticized the Hong Kong government for "bulldozing" the values that once made the city so vibrant. They emphasized that the verdicts violate international law and treaty obligations.

The mass prosecution of the activists has dealt a severe blow to the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong, following the large-scale anti-government protests in 2019. Sunny Cheung, a former pro-democracy candidate who fled to the US after participating in the July 2020 primary, stated that these verdicts effectively eliminate the political opposition in Hong Kong.

James Griffiths of the Globe and Mail noted that the loss of political life in Hong Kong has had a profound effect on the city's character. Opposition parties have disbanded or become defunct, and their leaders are either imprisoned or living in exile. Furthermore, new rules imposed by Beijing restrict all elections to "patriots," candidates who are pre-vetted by a government-appointed committee. Griffiths also highlighted the alarming trend of passing laws to suppress dissent, including prohibitions on commemorations of the Tiananmen Square massacre.

As Hong Kong faces an uncertain future, many citizens are expressing bleakness and contemplating leaving the city. The loss of political freedom has had a lasting impact on Hong Kong's once optimistic and forward-looking identity.

The international community's condemnation of the convictions and show of support for the pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong highlights the significance of safeguarding democratic values and human rights. The US's announcement of visa restrictions on officials involved in the national security law's implementation underscores the commitment to protecting the rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong.