19-11-2024 (HONG KONG) Hong Kong’s High Court delivered its highly anticipated sentencing on Tuesday in one of the territory’s most significant national security cases, handing down prison terms of up to 10 years to 45 pro-democracy activists in a ruling that observers say marks another blow to the city’s democratic movement.
Former legal scholar Benny Tai, identified as a key organiser, received the maximum sentence of 10 years, while other defendants faced terms ranging from just over four years to a decade. The charges stemmed from their involvement in organising an unofficial primary election in 2020, which prosecutors argued was part of a broader conspiracy to paralyse the government.
The case, involving a total of 47 activists arrested in 2021 under the Beijing-imposed national security law, has drawn widespread international criticism. Fourteen defendants, including Australian national Gordon Ng, were found guilty after a marathon 118-day trial, while 31 others, including prominent activist Joshua Wong, entered guilty pleas. Two activists were acquitted.
The courthouse attracted hundreds of supporters who queued for days in inclement weather, demonstrating continued public backing for the democracy movement despite increasing restrictions. “I feel such an injustice needs witnessing,” said Margaret, 59, who had waited since Sunday afternoon to secure a courtroom seat.
The verdicts have sparked international condemnation, with the United States describing the proceedings as “politically motivated” and calling for the release of the activists, who they maintain were engaged in legitimate political activities. US President-elect Donald Trump’s secretary of state nominee, Marco Rubio, has particularly criticised the convictions as evidence of eroding freedoms in Hong Kong.
Chinese and Hong Kong authorities have defended the prosecutions, maintaining that the national security legislation was essential for restoring order following the 2019 protests and insisting that all legal proceedings adhered to local laws.
