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Mass Sentencing of Pro-Democracy Activists Highlights Hong Kong’s Erosion of Freedoms
A Hong Kong court has sentenced 45 pro-democracy activists in the largest national security trial since the introduction of the controversial National Security Law. The group, accused of organizing an unofficial primary election to select pro-democracy candidates for the legislature, faced charges of subversion. Authorities alleged that their aim was to force the dissolution of the legislature by rejecting the city’s budget, a legal mechanism under Hong Kong’s Basic Law.
The trial resulted in harsh sentences for key figures. Legal scholar Benny Tai, a prominent activist involved in past pro-democracy movements, received 10 years for allegedly orchestrating the campaign. Owen Chow, 27, was sentenced to seven years and nine months, while former journalist Gwyneth Ho received seven years. Both had pleaded not guilty. Australian citizen Gordon Ng, who promoted the election, was sentenced to seven years and three months.
Of the 47 defendants arrested in January 2021, 31 pleaded guilty, including Tai. Fourteen others were convicted in May 2023. The trial, which lasted 118 days, deviated from traditional legal norms, such as trial by jury and the presumption of bail, underlining the sweeping powers of the National Security Law. Those who pleaded guilty received reduced sentences as part of mitigation.
Critics, including foreign governments and human rights organizations, condemned the verdicts. Observers pointed out that the activists were targeted for engaging in constitutional processes and peaceful political advocacy. “Running in an election is now a crime punishable by a decade in prison in Hong Kong,” said a rights advocate. The Australian government and the U.S. consulate in the city expressed strong objections to the broad application of the law.
The National Security Law, enacted in 2020, criminalizes secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces. Since its implementation, Hong Kong has seen a dramatic curtailment of freedoms, with 286 individuals arrested under its provisions by the end of 2023. Critics argue that the law has dismantled the city’s judicial independence and civil liberties.
The sentencing marks a significant escalation in the crackdown on dissent in the city, with potential appeals looming. Observers warn that harsher penalties could be sought for high-profile figures like Tai and Joshua Wong, who also received a prison sentence during the trial.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the diminishing political freedoms in Hong Kong and the profound impact of Beijing's tightening grip on the city.
