US Decries ‘Unjustified Use of Force’ in Hong Kong

The United States (US) decried the "unjustified use of force" in Hong Kong, calling on Beijing to protect freedom there, according to a senior official in US President Donald Trump’s administration.

“We condemn the unjustified use of force and urge all parties to refrain from violence and engage in a constructive dialogue, " the official said. “As the president has said, the US expects Beijing to honor its commitments under the Sino-British Joint Declaration and to protect freedom, the judicial system and the democratic way of life in Hong Kong."

Noteworthy, the Hong Kong education office announced last Thursday that all schools will be suspended from Friday to Sunday due to problems related to transportation and safety reasons.

On the other hand, many universities announced that there would be no classes on campuses for the rest of the year starting Thursday, meaning they would rely on online learning.

Anti-government protests paralyzed parts of Hong Kong for the fourth consecutive day on Thursday, shutting down schools, universities, highways amid marked escalating protests, riots, and violence.

The protesters’ demands include dropping charges against demonstrators who have been arrested and formally withdrawing an extradition bill that would allow suspects in Hong Kong to stand trials in mainland China, but also to investigate the use of force by police against the protesters.