A court in Hong Kong sentenced 45 pro-democracy activists to prison on Tuesday. The sentences range from four years to ten years. This is the largest trial under the city’s national security law imposed by Beijing.
After a 118-day trial, 14 activists were found guilty in May, while the other 31 pleaded guilty. These sentences are having a major impact on Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement.
Benny Tai, a former legal scholar, received the longest sentence of 10 years for subversion. The activists were found guilty of organizing an unofficial “primary election” in 2020. The court said they aimed to disrupt the government if elected.
The trial included pro-democracy figures like Au Nok-hin, Andrew Chiu, Ben Chung, and Australian citizen Gordon Ng. They received sentences of up to seven years and three months.
The court’s ruling has drawn criticism from international observers, with Australia expressing concern over the sentencing of Gordon Ng. “This is a deeply difficult time for Mr Ng, his family and supporters,” said foreign minister Penny Wong, reiterating “strong objections” to the “continuing broad application of national security legislation.”
The United States called the trial politically motivated. “The democrats should be released as they had been peacefully participating in political activities that were legal,” said the US government.
The Hong Kong and Chinese governments defended the law. They said it is needed to maintain order after the 2019 unrest.
The court hearings drew many supporters. “I feel such an injustice needs witnessing,” said Margaret, 59, who had been in line since Sunday. “I’ve long followed their case. They need to know they still have public support.”
These convictions follow the arrest of 47 activists in 2021. They were charged under the national security law, which Beijing imposed in 2020. The law aimed to stop dissent after pro-democracy protests in 2019.