A Hong Kong court sentenced dozens of pro-democracy figures to up to 10 years in prison in the largest trial under a national security law, which critics say has stifled political dissent in the Chinese territory. The defendants were charged with conspiracy to commit subversion, stemming from their roles in an unofficial primary election held in 2020. Benny Tai, a former law professor, received the longest sentence of 10 years. The primary aimed to boost democrats’ chances of winning in an upcoming election, drawing over 600,000 voters. Authorities warned that the primary risked violating the national security law, which was implemented in response to the pro-democracy demonstrations in 2019.
The U.S. and other Western governments criticized the trial as politically motivated, while Human Rights Watch condemned the harsh sentences. Critics argue that the law has led to a crackdown on civil liberties in Hong Kong. The trial is seen as an effort to eliminate opposition in the territory. Some defendants pleaded guilty, while others were convicted or acquitted. The trial is viewed as an attempt to “re-educate” Hong Kong people about political beliefs. Recent arrests under the national security law, including individuals charged for wearing protest slogans on clothing, show a growing restriction on freedom of expression in the territory. Despite growing influence from Beijing, a majority of adults in Hong Kong support a democratic system with political competition. The Hong Kong government denies threatening judicial independence, stating that cases are handled according to the law. Over 300 people have been arrested under the national security law, while thousands arrested during the 2019 protests are still awaiting charges.
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