A court in Hong Kong has sentenced 45 pro-democracy activists to prison terms of up to 10 years.
The convictions are part of the largest trial held under China’s controversial national security law.
The activists were found guilty of “subversion” for organizing unofficial primary elections in 2020.
The group aimed to select opposition candidates for legislative elections, according to Digi24.
Their goal was to win a majority in Hong Kong’s legislature to veto government budgets. This move was seen as an attempt to pressure then-leader Carrie Lam, a pro-Beijing official, to resign.
Longest Sentence Under Security Law
Among those sentenced was Benny Tai, a former law professor. He was identified as the lead organizer of the elections and received a 10-year sentence.
This is the longest sentence handed down so far under the national security law. The law was introduced in 2020, following large-scale pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong in 2019.
A total of 47 activists were arrested in 2021.
They were charged with conspiracy to commit subversion under the law imposed by Beijing. While some faced potential life sentences, Tuesday’s verdicts varied, with most receiving lengthy prison terms.
The case has drawn widespread international criticism. Western governments have condemned the trial as politically motivated.
The United States called for the release of the activists, arguing that their actions were peaceful and fell within the scope of previously legal political activities.
Critics of the national security law argue it has been used to suppress dissent and erode Hong Kong’s freedoms. Supporters of the law claim it is necessary to restore stability after the 2019 protests.
