A Hong Kong court sentenced numerous pro-democracy figures to prison terms ranging from four years and two months to 10 years, with former law professor Benny Tai receiving the longest sentence. The defendants were charged with conspiracy to commit subversion under the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020 in response to pro-democracy demonstrations. The charges stemmed from their roles in an unofficial primary election held in 2020 to boost democrats’ chances in the Hong Kong legislature election. Critics argue that the security law has suppressed civil liberties and political dissent in the territory.
Of the 47 defendants, 31 pleaded guilty, hoping for lesser sentences, while 14 were convicted in May and two were acquitted. Those sentenced included primary organizers and active participants, with some receiving shorter sentences for their roles. The trial is seen as part of the authorities’ efforts to eliminate opposition, especially targeting pro-democracy politicians and activists. Critics, including the U.S. and other Western governments, have called the trial politically motivated and demanded the immediate release of the defendants.
Despite growing influence from Beijing, a majority of adults in Hong Kong support a democratic system with political competition. The trial has drawn significant public interest, with hundreds of people lining up to attend and express their support for the defendants. Many see the trial as a pivotal moment for Hong Kong’s common law system and a symbol of ongoing struggles for democracy in the territory.
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