On Tuesday, the High Court of Hong Kong sentenced 45 pro-democracy activists to jail terms of up to 10 years in a landmark trial under the national security law. This ruling significantly impacted the city’s robust democracy movement and attracted widespread international criticism.
In 2021, 47 activists were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit subversion under a national security law imposed by Beijing. They faced the possibility of life sentences.
Among them, Benny Tai, a former legal scholar and noted “organizer” of the group, received a 10-year sentence. The other sentences varied, starting from just over four years to a maximum of 10 years.
The charges stemmed from their organization of an unofficial “primary election” in 2020 aimed at selecting optimal candidates for a forthcoming legislative election. Prosecutors accused the activists of attempting to disrupt government operations if elected.
The United States has denounced the trial as “politically motivated,” advocating for the release of the democrats, whom it claims were merely engaging in legally permissible political activities.
The nominee for Secretary of State by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has been a vocal critic of the trial. In a previous open letter, he denounced the convictions of the 47 democrats, citing them as evidence of the national security law’s “comprehensive assault on Hong Kong’s autonomy, rule of law, and fundamental freedoms.”
Both the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities defend the national security laws as crucial for restoring order following the extensive pro-democracy protests in 2019. They maintain that the democrats were treated fairly under local laws.
Closely Watched Trial
Early in the morning, hundreds lined up outside the courthouse, many with umbrellas in the light rain, hoping to secure a spot in the main courtroom and several spillover courts.
The area around the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Court saw a heightened police presence spanning several blocks.
“I feel such an injustice needs witnessing,” stated Margaret, 59, dressed in a white raincoat and black facemask, who had been in the queue since Sunday afternoon. “I’ve long followed their case. They (the democrats) need to know they still have public support.”
After a lengthy 118-day trial, 14 democrats were found guilty in May, including Australian citizen Gordon Ng and activist Owen Chow. Two were acquitted, while the remaining 31, including student activist Joshua Wong and Tai, entered guilty pleas.
