Hong Kong's High Court on Tuesday sentenced 45 pro-democracy activists to prison terms of up to 10 years in a landmark national security trial that has damaged the city's security. and drew international condemnation.
In 2021, a total of 47 pro-democracy activists were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit subversion under a measure imposed by Beijing. and was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Benny Tai, a former legal scholar who was labeled an “organizer” of the 47 pro-democracy activists, was sentenced to 10 years in prison. The sentences ranged from just over four years to ten years.
The charges related to organizing unofficial 'primaries' in 2020 to select the best candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections. Prosecutors accused the activists of plotting to paralyze the government by engaging in potentially disruptive acts if elected.
The US has criticized the trial as “politically motivated” and said the Democrats should be released because they had “peacefully participated in political activities” that were legal.
US President-elect was a staunch critic of the trial and in an earlier open letter criticized the convictions of the 47 Democrats as evidence of the national security law's “comprehensive attack on Hong Kong's autonomy, rule of law and fundamental freedoms.”
The Chinese and Hong Kong governments say national security laws were necessary to restore order after massive pro-democracy protests in 2019, and that Democrats have been treated in accordance with local laws.
Process closely monitored
Hundreds of people had been queuing outside the court since the early hours, many carrying umbrellas in the light rain as they tried to get a seat in the main courtroom and several overflow courts.
Authorities deployed a tight police presence outside the West Kowloon Magistrates Court and for several blocks in the area.
“I think such an injustice should be witnessed,” said Margaret, 59, wearing a white raincoat and black face mask, who had been queuing since Sunday afternoon. “I have been following their case for a long time. They (the Democrats) need to know they still have public support.”
After a 118-day trial, 14 of the Democrats were found guilty in May, including Australian citizen Gordon Ng and activist Owen Chow, while two were acquitted.
The remaining 31 pleaded guilty, including student activist Joshua Wong and Benny Tai.
Among the prisoners is Australian man Gordon Ng
Australian citizen Gordon Ng is one of 45 activists facing jail time.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a statement that the government was deeply concerned by the conviction.
“The Australian Government has made high-level representations in support of Mr Ng's interests and welfare and has sought consular access to Mr Ng. We will continue to do so,” the statement said.
“Australia has expressed our strong concerns to the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities over the continued broad application of national security law, including to Australian citizens.
“We call on China to stop its suppression of freedom of expression, assembly, media and civil society, in accordance with the recommendations of the Human Rights Committee and the Special Procedure, including the repeal of the National Security Law in Hong Kong.”
Senator Simon Birmingham, opposition spokesman for foreign affairs, called the conviction of the activists “appalling and unacceptable”.
He said in a statement that the verdicts were “another grim reminder of the Chinese government's continued attacks on freedoms and rights in Hong Kong.”
He added that the Albanian government has the coalition's bipartisan support “to strongly pursue Australia's rejection of the prosecution and detention of Gordon Ng and other democracy advocates in Hong Kong.”
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