Forty-five prominent activists in Hong Kong have been sentenced to jail for up to 10 years, following their involvement in an unofficial primary election to select opposition candidates. These individuals were among 47 people charged under a national security law imposed by Beijing in 2021. The activists were accused of conspiring to veto government-proposed budgets and potentially forcing the dissolution of the legislature and the removal of the city's leader.
Thirty-one of the accused pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit subversion, while the remaining 14 were convicted after a lengthy trial. Two individuals were acquitted in what has been described as Hong Kong's most significant national security case to date.
Foreign governments and rights groups have criticized the sentencing, with Australia expressing grave concern over the treatment of Australian citizen Gordon Ng and the other activists. Britain's Foreign Office condemned the use of the security law to suppress political dissent, while China defended the decisions, stating that democracy should not be used as a pretext for unlawful activities.
The European Union labeled the sentencing as a blow against fundamental freedoms and democratic participation in Hong Kong. Taiwan's presidential office spokesperson condemned the Chinese government for suppressing political participation and freedom of speech among pro-democracy figures in Hong Kong.
The United Nations expressed grave concern over the criminalization of conduct protected by human rights, including freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. The United States strongly condemned the sentences and called for the immediate release of the activists, planning to impose new visa restrictions on Hong Kong officials responsible for implementing the security law.
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch criticized the sentences as politically motivated and a violation of human rights, with Amnesty International stating that the activists should not be jailed for exercising their rights.
Hong Kong officials defended the handling of the case, emphasizing the importance of national security in safeguarding the city's prosperity. The government maintained that the sentencing was carried out in accordance with the law, despite international criticism.
The sentencing of these activists has sparked widespread condemnation and raised concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and democratic principles in Hong Kong since the introduction of the security law.
