November 19, 2024 — A Hong Kong court has sentenced 45 pro-democracy leaders to prison for subversion, marking the most extensive trial under the controversial National Security Law (NSL). Among those jailed were Benny Tai, a prominent law professor, and Joshua Wong, a long-time activist, who received sentences of 10 years and more than four years, respectively.
The case involved members of “Hong Kong 47,” a group of activists and former lawmakers accused of conspiring to subvert state power through an unofficial primary election in 2020. primarily sought to consolidate opposition candidates ahead of Legislative Council elections, aiming to challenge pro-Beijing policies.
This trial, regarded as a watershed moment in Hong Kong’s political landscape, has drawn widespread condemnation from Western governments and human rights groups, who view it as an assault on the city’s freedoms.
A Crackdown on Dissent
NSL, enacted by Beijing in 2020 following mass pro-democracy protests in 2019, criminalizes acts deemed to undermine national security. Critics argue it has been weaponized to silence dissent, eroding Hong Kong’s autonomy and freedoms promised under the “one country, two systems” framework.
Prosecutors argued that the unofficial primary election constituted an illegal act designed to overthrow the government, with judges describing Benny Tai as advocating for a “revolution.”
Defendants and Sentencing
sentences, ranging from four to 10 years, were handed down during an emotional courtroom session. Family members and supporters waved at the defendants, many of whom have been in pre-trial detention since their arrest in early 2021.
Joshua Wong, already serving time for his role in earlier protests, shouted “I love Hong Kong” as he left the dock. Wong’s sentence was reduced by a third after a guilty plea but was not further mitigated due to his perceived lack of “good character,” according to judges.
Veteran lawmakers Claudia Mo and Leung Kwok-hung, alongside younger activists like Gwyneth Ho, were among those sentenced. Tai received the heaviest punishment for allegedly masterminding the primary election plan.
International and Local Reactions
sentencing has provoked strong international criticism.
- UK government described rulings as a “clear demonstration” of NSL’s use to “criminalize political dissent.”
- The U.S. called the trial “politically motivated.”
- Australia voiced “grave concerns” over the sentencing of its citizen, Gordon Ng.
Locally, sentences have devastated the families of those jailed and sparked an outcry from pro-democracy supporters. Emily Lau, former chair of the Democratic Party, expressed sadness, emphasizing that activists were merely exercising their democratic rights.
One acquitted defendant, Lee Yue-shun, urged Hongkongers to question the case’s broader implications, warning that its outcome could affect anyone under NSL.
Broader Implications
Observers see the trial as a turning point for Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement, already weakened by Beijing’s sweeping crackdown. Many activists remain in exile, and remaining opposition voices have been significantly curtailed.
Beijing and Hong Kong authorities defended the trial, asserting that NSL ensures stability and justice. “No one can engage in illegal activities in the name of democracy,” China’s foreign ministry stated, rejecting Western criticism.
A Fragile Future
case underscores diminishing space for political expression in Hong Kong. With its pro-democracy leaders behind bars and its autonomy increasingly curtailed, the city faces an uncertain future.
Supporters of activists vow to continue its fight for democratic rights, while Beijing signals its intent to maintain control. For many in Hong Kong, sentences mark not just the end of an era but a profound transformation of the city’s political identity.
