By James Pomfret and Jesse Peng
HONG KONG (Reuters) – Hong Kong’s high court on Tuesday sentenced 45 pro-democracy activists to 10 years in prison in a landmark national security case that has damaged the city’s once pro-democracy movement and Internationally condemned.
A total of 47 pro-democracy activists were arrested in 2021 and charged with conspiracy to subvert under the Beijing-imposed National Security Law and face life sentences.
Benny Tai, a former legal scholar labeled as the “organizer” of 47 pro-democracy activists, was sentenced to 10 years in prison. The sentences ranged from just four years to 10 years.
Allegations of holding an unofficial “primary election” in 2020 to select the best candidates for the upcoming legislative elections. The activists were accused by prosecutors of conspiring to paralyze the government by engaging in potentially disruptive actions if elected.
The US has criticized the trial as “politically motivated” and said the Democrats should be freed because they were “peacefully engaging in political activities” that were legal.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio has been a vocal critic of the case, and in an earlier open letter touted the convictions of 47 Democrats as evidence of the national security law’s “comprehensive assault on Hong Kong’s sovereignty.” was criticized. Rule of Law, and Fundamental Freedoms.”
The Chinese and Hong Kong governments say national security laws were necessary to restore order after mass pro-democracy protests in 2019, and democrats have been treated according to local laws.
A closer look at the trial
Hundreds of people lined up outside the court from the early hours, many carrying umbrellas in the light rain as they tried to get seats inside the main courtroom and several spillover courts.
Authorities had deployed a heavy police presence outside and around the West Colony Magistrate’s Court for several blocks.
“I think this kind of injustice needs to be witnessed,” said Margaret, 59, dressed in a white raincoat and black face mask, who had been in line since Sunday afternoon. “I’ve followed their case for a long time. They (Democrats) need to know they still have public support.”
After a 118-day trial, 14 Democrats were found guilty in May, including Australian citizen Gordon Ng and activist Owen Chow, while two were acquitted.
Another 31 pleaded guilty, including student activists Joshua Wong and Tai.
