Nov 19 (V7N) – Hong Kong’s High Court sentenced 45 pro-democracy activists on Tuesday to prison terms ranging from just over four years to 10 years in a closely watched trial under the Beijing-imposed national security law. The verdict marks a pivotal moment in the erosion of Hong Kong’s once-vibrant pro-democracy movement, sparking international condemnation.

A total of 47 activists were arrested in 2021 and charged with conspiracy to commit subversion, with sentences carrying a potential life imprisonment. Among them, legal scholar Benny Tai, accused of being an organizer of the group, received the maximum 10-year term.

The charges stemmed from the activists' organization of a 2020 unofficial "primary election" aimed at selecting pro-democracy candidates for the Legislative Council. Prosecutors argued that their actions were part of a plot to paralyze the government.

The U.S. has criticized the trial as “politically motivated” and called for the immediate release of the activists, emphasizing that their actions were peaceful and lawful. Prominent critics, including U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, have denounced the case as an attack on Hong Kong's autonomy and freedoms under the national security law.

China and Hong Kong authorities defended the law, asserting that it was necessary to restore stability following the 2019 mass protests. They maintain that all judicial processes were conducted according to local laws.

Hundreds of supporters gathered outside the West Kowloon Magistrates Court under rainy skies, holding umbrellas and waiting in line to secure seats in the courtroom. Authorities deployed heavy police presence in the area.

Margaret, a 59-year-old supporter, said, “I feel such an injustice needs witnessing. They need to know they still have public support.”

The trial, which spanned 118 days, saw 14 of the activists, including Australian citizen Gordon Ng and Owen Chow, found guilty earlier this year. The remaining 31, including notable figures such as Joshua Wong, pleaded guilty.

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