A Hong Kong court has sentenced several key pro-democracy leaders to prison for subversion following a controversial national security trial.
Among those convicted were Benny Tai and Joshua Wong, both members of the Hong Kong 47 group, who were involved in a plan to select opposition candidates for local elections. Tai received a 10-year sentence, while Wong was sentenced to over four years in prison.
A total of 45 individuals were found guilty of conspiring to subvert the government, while two were acquitted.
This trial marks the most significant use of Hong Kong’s harsh national security law (NSL), which was imposed by China after the city’s large-scale pro-democracy protests in 2019. The protests, sparked by a controversial extradition bill, quickly evolved into broader demands for democratic reforms.
The use of the NSL and the outcome of the trial have been criticized for significantly weakening Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement and the rule of law, with observers claiming it allows China to solidify its control over the region.
The United States has condemned the trial as politically motivated, and Australia expressed grave concerns, especially over the sentencing of one of its citizens, Gordon Ng.
In contrast, the Hong Kong and Chinese governments defend the NSL as essential for maintaining stability, stating that the convictions serve as a warning against those attempting to undermine national security.
The case has garnered significant attention from Hongkongers, many of whom queued for days to witness the proceedings. Inside the courtroom, emotional scenes unfolded as sentences ranging from four to 10 years were handed down.
Tai, a former law professor, received the longest sentence for allegedly “advocating for a revolution.” Wong’s sentence was reduced after he pleaded guilty but was not granted further reductions due to the severity of his actions.
Other pro-democracy figures, including former lawmakers Claudia Mo and Leung Kwok-hung, as well as former journalist Gwyneth Ho, were also sentenced to prison terms ranging from four to seven years.
As the proceedings ended, Leung’s wife, activist Chan Po-ying, was heard chanting a protest against his sentencing.
