Washington’s in the news over U.S. support for Hong Kong activists, Belarus political prisoners, and military law debates—power plays and protests continue.
Recent developments in Syria show a significant shift in US support and regional power dynamics. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's offensive has altered the balance of power, with the US backing his efforts to unify Syria under one government. The US's stance has shifted from supporting Kurdish-led forces to partnering with Damascus, amid regional tensions.
Kwok Yin-sang, 68, has been convicted under Hong Kong's national security law for attempting to handle funds linked to his daughter, Anna Kwok, a prominent exile. His daughter, a leader of the Hong Kong Democracy Council in Washington, is wanted by authorities and accused of colluding with foreign forces. The case highlights ongoing transnational repression efforts.
On February 26-27, 2026, Hong Kong courts sentenced Kwok Yin-sang, father of pro-democracy activist Anna Kwok, to eight months for attempting to withdraw funds from her insurance policy, marking the first conviction under the 2024 national security law targeting family members. Separately, Jimmy Lai's 2022 fraud conviction was overturned, though he remains imprisoned under a 20-year national security sentence.