Hong Kong Court Jails 45 Democracy Campaigners for Subversion
A Hong Kong court has sentenced 45 democracy campaigners to prison terms for charges of subversion under the National Security Law (NSL), in one of the largest cases since Beijing imposed the contentious law in 2020.
Background
The case stems from a primary election organized by pro-democracy activists in 2020 aimed at selecting candidates for the city’s legislative council elections. Authorities accused the campaigners of plotting to paralyze the government by attempting to secure a majority in the legislature and potentially blocking government budgets.
Key Details
- Charges: The activists were accused of engaging in acts that undermined the government under the NSL.
- Convictions: The court ruled that the primary election was part of a subversive plan aimed at disrupting the functioning of the Hong Kong government.
- Sentences: Prison terms range from several months to years, with some activists receiving reduced sentences due to guilty pleas.
Prominent Figures Among Those Sentenced
- Benny Tai, a law professor and co-organizer of the primaries, received a lengthy sentence for his role.
- Joshua Wong, a prominent democracy activist, was also among those convicted.
Reactions
- Criticism from Rights Groups: Human rights organizations condemned the convictions, describing them as a crackdown on peaceful political activities.
- Global Concern: Governments, including those of the US, UK, and EU, have raised concerns about the erosion of freedoms and democracy in Hong Kong under the NSL.
Implications
The verdict is a stark reminder of how Beijing’s influence over Hong Kong has grown, curtailing freedoms guaranteed under the “one country, two systems” framework. The arrests and convictions have effectively dismantled much of the pro-democracy movement in the city.
