Hong Kong Sentences 14 Pro-democracy Activists For Subversion  

A Hong Kong court has sentenced 14 pro-democracy activists to prison for subversion.

They were convicted for their involvement in organising an unofficial primary election aimed at improving their chances in city-wide lawmaker polls in 2020.

The trial, dubbed “the trial of the Hong Kong 47,” saw 47 figures accused, with 31 pleading guilty and 16 opting for a full trial.

The judges, appointed by Hong Kong-Beijing leaders, convicted 14 defendants under the national security law imposed after mass anti-government protests.

Two persons, former district councillors Lawrence Lau and Lee Yu-shun, were acquitted, with prosecutors planning to appeal.

Human rights activists condemned the convictions, arguing they targeted peaceful activism and showed utter contempt for democratic political processes and the rule of law.

The government stated the law aims to restore stability, signalling intolerance toward any opposition activism.

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