Hong Kong starts largest ever trial against pro-democracy activists

Police stand guard outside the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts building during the hearing of the 47 pro-democracy activists charged with conspiracy to commit subversion under the national security law, in Hong Kong, China February 6, 2023. REUTERS - TYRONE SIU

Some of Hong Kong’s best-known pro-democracy activists went on trial Monday in the biggest prosecution yet under a law imposed by China’s ruling Communist Party to crush dissent.

The 18 defendants face life in prison if convicted under a national security law that critics say is eroding the autonomy promised that was promised to Hong Kong whne it was returned to China in 1997.