The operation, called "Recover Freeway", saw protesters in San Francisco, Berkeley, San Jose, Los Angeles and Denver drape banners over bridges with the words "No Beijing Genocide Winter Olympics" and "End CCP" (Chinese Communist Party).

The Hong Kong Independence Flag and Guangshi flag were also flown.

In June 2020, China introduced the National Security Law in the wake of pro-democracy protests throughout the region in the previous year.

The controversial law reduces Hong Kong's judicial autonomy and makes it easier to punish demonstrators and activists. 

It criminalises secession, subversion and collusion with foreign forces and carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Since it was enacted more than 100 people - including protesters, pro-democracy politicians and journalists - have been arrested under its provisions.

Beijing insists that the law is needed to bring stability to the city, but critics say it violates the "one country, two systems" principle under which the former British colony was handed back to China.

"China is a non-respect of human rights," said a member of the Association.

"Why can the country host the Olympics?

"Many organisations, not only Hong Kong people, including Tibet and Xinjiang, do not want China to host the Beijing Olympics."

In Berkeley there were two protest sites and one in the other four cities.

"We heard many people honking on the way," said Christopher Ngaan, a member of the Hong Kong Association of America.

"I think many people accept our message and support our message.

"In the process of our demonstration, there were one or two pedestrians.

"The atmosphere is very peaceful and the police have been here.

"They are very enthusiastic and want to understand.

"Especially the police in Berkeley want to understand our demands."

Approximately 12 people attended the displays in each of the six locations.

"This type of activity in multiple locations can make more Americans know that the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics will be based on Hong Kong, the bloody suppression in Xinjiang and Tibet, and the aggressiveness towards Taiwan," said Li Pei, a member of the Far East Freedom Youth League.

China has been accused of using forced Uyghur labour, operating a mass surveillance programme, detaining thousands in internment camps, carrying out forced sterilisations and intentionally destroying Uyghur heritage in Xinjiang.

The CCP claims the camps are training centres designed to stamp out Islamist extremism and separatism, and denies the charges laid against it.

A number of athletes have spoken out against China's hosting of the Games.

"The genocidal Chinese government and the insecure tyrant behind it all XI JINPING must not be allowed to host the upcoming Winter Olympics," said Turkish basketball player Enes Kanter, who plays for Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association.

"Say NO to Beijing 2022!!"

The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics are scheduled to take place from February 4 to 20, and the Winter Paralympics from March 4 to 13.

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