Hong Kong – In a significant development in Hong Kong, more than a dozen prominent figures in the democratic movement were found guilty on Thursday of subversion charges. This follows one of the largest national security trials in the city since Beijing’s crackdown on its freedoms.
The 14 activists and politicians were convicted of “conspiracy to commit subversion” for their involvement in organizing an unofficial primary election in 2020 to select candidates for city lawmaker elections. They were among 47 defendants in what became known as the trial of the “Hong Kong 47” under a national security law imposed by Beijing following mass anti-government protests.
While most of the defendants pleaded guilty during the prosecution process, 16 activists and politicians chose to contest the charges in a trial that lasted over a year. Two individuals were acquitted, while the remaining 45 face sentencing at a later date with the possibility of life imprisonment.
The verdict is seen as a reflection of how the national security law has reshaped Hong Kong’s political landscape, effectively decimating the once-vibrant pro-democracy opposition and eliminating dissent. Both the Hong Kong and Beijing governments have denied that the law suppresses freedoms, instead claiming that it has restored stability to the city.
Critics, however, argue that the convictions signal China’s firm control over Hong Kong, where civil groups have disbanded, independent media outlets have closed, and the legislature is now dominated by pro-Beijing loyalists. Many pro-democracy figures are either incarcerated or in exile.
The case of the “Hong Kong 47” originated from an unofficial primary election held by the pro-democracy opposition to select candidates for the city’s legislature. Despite aspirations to win the Legislative Council election through the primaries, the event was deemed a threat by Hong Kong authorities, who accused participants of planning to disrupt government functions.
The national security law, which criminalizes activities such as subversion and collusion with foreign powers, has raised concerns about the erosion of Hong Kong’s judicial independence. With nearly 300 arrests made under the law since its enactment, the legal system in Hong Kong is undergoing significant changes that align more closely with mainland Chinese law.
Overall, the convictions of the democracy leaders have sparked outrage from human rights groups, who argue that these individuals were prosecuted for advocating peaceful activism. The trials highlight the ongoing struggle for democracy and freedom of expression in Hong Kong amid increasing government control and restrictions.