A Hong Kong court has sentenced 45 pro-democracy activists for subversion under the controversial national security law. The activists were convicted for their involvement in organizing and participating in unofficial primaries in 2020, which authorities claimed were part of a plot to overthrow the government. This move has drawn criticism from international human rights groups, who argue it suppresses dissent.
The court described the activists’ actions as a coordinated effort to disrupt governance, citing their aim to secure a legislative majority to block government policies. Many of the accused have been in custody since their arrests in early 2021, enduring lengthy pretrial detentions. The case has become a focal point in the global conversation about Hong Kong’s diminishing freedoms under China’s tightening control.
International reactions have been swift, with Western governments and NGOs condemning the sentences. They argue the case highlights the erosion of the “one country, two systems” principle promised when Hong Kong was handed over to China in 1997. Meanwhile, Beijing has defended the convictions, stating they are necessary to maintain stability and national security.
