The last batch of 45 Hong Kong activists made their final pleas on Tuesday, seeking lighter sentences in a significant national security trial. They face charges of forming a "conspiracy to subvert state power," an offense that could result in life imprisonment under the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020.

This law was enacted following extensive pro-democracy protests in 2019. Judge Andrew Chan announced that sentencing for the activists would occur at a later date, which has yet to be determined.These activists were among 47 individuals arrested in 2021 for participating in an unofficial primary election aimed at selecting pro-democracy candidates for the 2020 legislative council elections.

While 31 defendants pleaded guilty, 16 faced a trial, and two were acquitted. The mitigation hearings for the 45 convicted activists have been ongoing for three months, with the last group of eight defendants presenting their cases recently. Notably, journalist-turned-activist Gwyneth Ho stated through her lawyer that she had no mitigation to offer, a decision that could lead to a harsher sentence.During the hearings, various activists expressed their beliefs and hopes for democracy in Hong Kong. 

Owen Chow wrote in his mitigation letter that he still believes in a "democratically elected government" for Hong Kong, while Ventus Lau defended his actions, asserting that he did not believe the pre-selection poll was illegal. Activist Mike Lam, who testified for the prosecution, acknowledged being influenced by external factors and requested community service, which was denied by the judges. The trial has drawn significant attention, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding political dissent in Hong Kong.