Mr. Snowden hid out in Hong Kong for two weeks in June 2013 after he leaked documents revealing extensive U.S. government surveillance. Mr. Tibbo said his clients would appeal the ruling, which leaves them at risk of being detained or deported to their home countries. Irrelevant questionsThe Hong Kong government “has repeatedly tried to question the four adults about their involvement with Mr. Snowden. For example, about how long had Mr. Snowden been staying with them, what was Mr. Snowden’s movement in the territory, which is irrelevant to the [asylum] claims,” he said. Mr. Tibbo said that when they refused to answer the questions, their social assistance payments for rent and food were cut off.

Source: The Hindu May 16, 2017 02:03 UTC