A Hong Kong court has sentenced dozens of pro-democracy leaders, including prominent figures Benny Tai and Joshua Wong, to lengthy prison terms in a highly contentious national security trial. Tai was sentenced to 10 years, while Wong received over four years, as part of the case involving the so-called “Hong Kong 47” group. These activists and lawmakers were accused of conspiring to subvert state power by organizing a primary election to select opposition candidates for legislative polls.
In total, 45 members of the group were convicted of subversion under China’s sweeping national security law (NSL), which was imposed on Hong Kong in 2020 after the massive pro-democracy protests of 2019. Two defendants were acquitted earlier this year. The trial is considered the largest under the NSL and has been widely seen as a severe blow to the city’s pro-democracy movement.
The 2019 protests, initially triggered by a proposed extradition treaty with mainland China, quickly evolved into a broader push for democratic reforms, with hundreds of thousands taking to the streets. Critics argue that the NSL has curtailed freedoms and weakened the rule of law in Hong Kong, with Beijing using it to exert control over the once semi-autonomous city.
Emily Lau, former chair of the Democratic Party of Hong Kong, described the oppressive atmosphere created by the law, stating, “Recently, we could not even organise a dinner party for members and friends. And that’s how stressful things are.” Despite the crackdown, Lau expressed determination for the fight for democracy to continue through peaceful and legal means.
International criticism of the trial has been strong. The United States labeled it “politically motivated,” while Australia voiced “strong objections” to the NSL and expressed concern over the sentencing of its citizen, Gordon Ng. In the UK, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reportedly brought up the case of jailed billionaire and pro-democracy figure Jimmy Lai during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit.
Beijing and Hong Kong authorities have defended the law and the convictions, arguing that they are essential to maintaining stability and national security. “No one can engage in illegal activities in the name of democracy and attempt to escape justice,” China’s foreign ministry said, condemning Western criticism of the trial as interference in the city’s affairs.
