US State Department Secretary Marco Rubio has announced visa restrictions for foreign officials who have fined, intimidated or prosecuted US citizens for exercising their right to free speech.
"Foreigners who work to undermine the rights of Americans should not enjoy the privilege of traveling to our country," Rubio announced, saying that the new policy will affect them wherever they are, including in Europe.
"For too long, Americans have been fined, harassed, and even charged by foreign authorities for exercising their free speech rights.
Today, I am announcing a new visa restriction policy that will apply to foreign officials and individuals who are complicit in the censorship of Americans. Freedom of speech is fundamental to the American way of life - a birthright over which foreign governments have no authority.
"Foreigners who work to undermine the rights of Americans should not enjoy the privilege of traveling to our country. Whether in Latin America, Europe or elsewhere, the days of passive treatment for those who work to undermine the rights of Americans are over," Rubio announced.
The United States has long condemned censorship and repression by the Chinese Communist Party, Russia, and the Iranian and Cuban regimes, but the Trump administration has recently increased criticism against allies in Europe.