Activists Blasted Over 'unfounded Charges' In US

The government has hit back after pro-democracy activists sought bipartisan support in the US Congress for a bill which will threaten Hong Kong's special status, saying the allegations made were unfounded, while expressing deep regret over their action.

A group of activists including Demosisto secretary-general Joshua Wong and singer Denise Ho had called for possible sanctions, during a congressional hearing in Washington overnight on the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act.

The government said in a statement that foreign legislatures should not intervene in the SAR's domestic affairs, and accused the activists of making serious and unfounded allegations about the recent protests. They had claimed Hong Kong was on the verge of a humanitarian disaster and protesters are being treated brutally by the police.

The government said the police had exercised a high level of restraint, and used minimum force when dealing with the protests.

"In the past few months, there has been a series of protests in Hong Kong with continuous escalation of violence," it said. "The police have been exercising a high level of restraint and have been carrying out enforcement actions in strict accordance with the law."

The government also rejected claims that freedoms are being curtailed, defending the authorities' rejection of some rally applications.

"Since early June this year, the police have received more than 190 notifications of public meetings or public processions. In over 83 per cent of the cases, applicants were issued a Letter of No Objection," it said.