On Tuesday, Hong Kong’s High Court sentenced 45 pro democracy activists to up to 10 years in prison in a landmark national security case that has drawn widespread international condemnation.
According to media reports,this was the largest case prosecuted under Beijing’s controversial National Security Law, introduced in 2020, which effectively dismantled Hong Kong’s once-thriving pro-democracy movement.
Renowned legal scholar Benny Tai, regarded as a central figure in the movement, received the longest sentence. The activists were prosecuted for their roles in organizing unofficial primary elections in 2021, accused of attempting to paralyze Hong Kong’s government and force the resignation of its leader. Most defendants pleaded guilty, while others were convicted of conspiracy to commit subversion by a panel of government-appointed judges.
On the other side, Australia expressed “grave concern” over the sentences, particularly regarding Australian citizen Gordon Ng. Foreign Minister Penny Wong criticized the sweeping application of the law. Meanwhile, U.S. Congressman Chris Smith denounced the arrests, accusing Beijing of silencing dissent while simultaneously seeking U.S. investment. Amnesty International also condemned the crackdown, stating that civil discourse and healthy public debate have been systematically erased in Hong Kong, where opposition is now treated as hostility.
