Hong Kong Activist Sentenced to Jail After World-Wide Protest Against Chinese Oppression

hong kong - The Hong Kong High Court has sentenced all 45 activists guilty of 'subversion' after holding unofficial primary elections for the pro-democracy opposition, violating the controversial national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020.

The Hong Kong High Court handed down prison sentences to all 45 activists found guilty in the largest-ever trial against the pro-democracy opposition. They were convicted of 'subversive activities' after holding unofficial primary elections, which violated the internationally contested security law.

Prominent activist Benny Tai, considered the 'mastermind' behind the primary elections, received the longest sentence of 10 years. A total of 47 activists, politicians, lawyers, and others were charged, with two later acquitted. The security law imposed by Beijing in 2020 aimed to end pro-democracy protests and suppress dissenting opinions.

Criticism of the court ruling has been voiced by the European Union, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Western nations accused Beijing of acting against democracy and restricting freedoms in Hong Kong.

The United States strongly condemned the sentences, stating that the individuals were aggressively prosecuted and imprisoned for peacefully engaging in normal political activities. Australia expressed serious concerns over the conviction of Australian citizen Gordon Ng, part of the convicted activists, and called on China to stop suppressing freedoms of speech, assembly, media, and society, urging the repeal of the national security law in Hong Kong.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian responded, saying that nobody can commit illegal acts in the name of democracy and evade legal consequences. Lin argued that Hong Kong aims to protect national security through these convictions.