Hong Kong's High Court has sentenced 45 pro-democracy activists to prison for up to 10 years following a landmark national security trial that has severely impacted the city’s democracy movement. The trial, which has drawn international criticism, particularly from the U.S. and other countries, highlights growing concerns over the city’s political freedoms.

In 2021, 47 activists were arrested under a national security law imposed by Beijing, with charges related to conspiracy to commit subversion. The accused had organized an unofficial “primary election” in 2020 to select candidates for a future legislative election. Prosecutors claimed they were attempting to disrupt the government if they were elected. The charges carried potential life sentences.

Benny Tai, a former legal scholar and one of the leading figures of the movement, received the longest sentence—10 years—making it the most severe penalty under the 2020 national security law. The trial has been widely criticized by Western governments. The U.S. called the prosecution "politically motivated," asserting that the activists were peacefully engaged in lawful political activities.

China and Hong Kong’s local governments have defended the national security law, stating that it was crucial for restoring order following the mass pro-democracy protests of 2019. They also insisted that the trial adhered to local laws.

Following a trial lasting 118 days, 14 activists were found guilty in May, including Australian citizen Gordon Ng and activist Owen Chow. Two individuals were acquitted, while 31 others pleaded guilty. Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed concern over the verdict, urging China to stop suppressing freedoms of expression, assembly, and the media in Hong Kong.

Sentences for the activists varied, with some receiving prison terms ranging from just over four years to 10 years. Among the sentenced, Joshua Wong, a prominent Hong Kong activist, was given a term of four years and eight months. Former journalist Gwyneth Ho was sentenced to seven years, while Hendrick Lui was sentenced to over four years. Lui’s mother, Elsa Wu, voiced her distress outside the court, insisting that her son was not a political prisoner and questioning the justice of his imprisonment.

Supporters of the activists gathered outside the courthouse, braving rain and tight security measures to witness the proceedings. Many stood in line for hours to show their support. One woman, Margaret, who had been following the case closely, remarked, “I feel such an injustice needs witnessing. They (the activists) need to know they still have public support.”

The trial and its outcomes have cast a shadow over Hong Kong’s reputation as a global financial hub, with critics warning that the ruling could damage the city’s international image. As Hong Kong hosts an international financial summit, calls for greater political freedoms and respect for democratic principles grow louder.

The U.S. government has condemned the trial, with the head of the U.S. consulate in Hong Kong’s political section, Roxie Houge, stating that the U.S. opposes the continuous prosecution of individuals expressing political views. Britain, which handed Hong Kong back to China in 1997, has also voiced concerns, criticizing the security law for curbing dissent and freedom.

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