In Hong Kong, a court sentenced several pro-democracy figures to up to 10 years in prison as part of the largest trial under the national security law, which critics argue has stifled political dissent in the territory. The defendants, including former law professor Benny Tai, were charged with conspiracy to commit subversion in connection with an unofficial primary election held in July 2020. The primary aimed to boost democrats’ chances of winning in an upcoming election and drew over 600,000 voters. The court, overseen by judges appointed by the government, rejected the defendants’ arguments and handed down harsh sentences, with many pleading guilty in hopes of leniency.
Critics, including Human Rights Watch, have condemned the trial as politically motivated and stated that civil liberties in Hong Kong have rapidly declined since the imposition of the national security law in 2020. The U.S. and other Western governments called for the immediate release of the defendants. Despite growing influence from Beijing, surveys show that a majority of adults in Hong Kong support a democratic system with competitive political parties.
The trial is seen as an effort by authorities to eliminate opposition in Hong Kong. Some activists, like Joshua Wong, received shorter sentences while others, including Jimmy Lai, face prolonged legal battles. Supporters of the defendants lined up outside the court to witness the sentencing, with one attendee describing the trial as unjust and a blow to democracy. Despite the outcome, some in Hong Kong remain hopeful for the future of the territory’s democratic principles.
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