Hong Kong democracy leaders convicted in most significant verdicts since Beijing’s national security crackdown

Hong Kong CNN

More than a dozen of Hong Kong’s leading democracy figures were found guilty Thursday on subversion charges, following the largest national security trial since Beijing’s sweeping crackdown on the once free-wheeling city.

The 14 activists and politicians were convicted of “conspiracy to commit subversion” for their roles in holding an unofficial primary election in 2020 to decide who should contest city lawmaker elections.

They were among 47 defendants in what became known as the trial of the “Hong Kong 47” – a closely watched, landmark prosecution under a national security law Beijing imposed on the city in the wake of mass anti-government protests the previous year.

Those on trial represented a broad swathe of Hong Kong’s now dismantled democracy movement and most pleaded guilty during the prosecution process.

But 16 activists and politicians decided to fight the charges, opting for a full trial which lasted for more than a year. Two were acquitted on Thursday and walked free from the court. The remaining 45 now await sentencing at a later date and could face a maximum punishment of life imprisonment.

Thursday’s verdict offers one of the clearest windows into how the national security law has rewritten the city’s political landscape, with a once-permitted pro-democracy opposition now decimated and dissent all but erased.

The Hong Kong and Beijing governments have repeatedly denied the national security law is suppressing freedoms, arguing it has ended chaos and “restored stability” to the city. In an executive summary outlining the convictions, a panel of judges ruled the prosecution had proved the defendants were engaged in a conspiracy to disrupt the government’s “duties and functions … with a view to subverting the state power.”

Supporters of those convicted maintain they were simply taking part in the kind of oppositional politics that was once allowed to flourish in Hong Kong, and Thursday’s verdict signals China’s control of the once-outspoken city is all but complete.

Since the national security law came into effect in 2020, civil groups have disbanded, and independent media outlets have been shut down. The city’s legislature now comprises only of pro-Beijing loyalists, while most pro-democracy figures are either in jail or in exile overseas.

The 47 defendants were first arrested in dawn raids on January 6, 2021 – 1,240 days ago – and most have been held in detention for more than three years.

They include seasoned politicians, elected lawmakers and young protest leaders, as well as academics, unionists, journalists and medical workers. They hail from multiple generations and a wide political spectrum - from moderate democrats to those who advocate for Hong Kong’s self-determination.

Among those who pleaded not guilty and were convicted on Thursday were former journalist Gwyneth Ho, 33, who famously live-streamed an attack on pro-democracy demonstrators inside a subway station, and former lawmaker Leung Kwok-hung, 68, known by the nickname “Long Hair,” a left-wing activist who began his long political career campaigning against British colonial rule.

Following the verdicts, some family members cried openly in the courtroom and waved to the defendants. Some defendants smiled and waved back, others looked resigned.

The two acquitted were former district councilors Lawrence Lau and Lee Yu-shun, who took part in the unofficial primary held by democrats in 2020.

“Today, I shouldn’t be the focus of attention. I hope everyone will continue to pay attention to other friends in the case,” Lau, a barrister, said after he walked free from the court. “Thank you very much for the concern over all the defendants of this case, please, please carry on your concern and give them love.”

Lee, sporting a golden chain and a tiger print shirt, said he could not say much even after being acquitted. “Because the Department of Justice has indicated that it may appeal, I cannot make any comments or give any opinions on the ruling or this case at this stage.” he said. “So I can only tell you that I feel very calm and thank you for your concern. Now I want to go have dimsum with my family because I haven’t been able to see them yet....READ MORE