The Hong Kong court convicted 14 activists in a landmark subversion trial on Thursday under Hong Kong’s biggest national security case.
Following a 2019 protest movement that filled the city’s streets with demonstrators, authorities have largely silenced dissent in Hong Kong by limiting public choice in elections, cracking down on the media, and enforcing the Beijing-imposed security law, as per Associated Press.
Under this law, a total of 47 democrats were arrested including, former lawmakers Leung Kwok-hung, Lam Cheuk-ting, Helena Wong, and Raymond Chan, under the conspiracy to commit subversion, who could face up to life in prison when sentenced. Most of the accused have been in detention since February 28, 2021, and have endured lengthy bail hearings.
The trial has faced criticism from the U.S. and several other nations, who describe it as politically motivated and are demanding the immediate release of the accused. Diplomats from countries including Britain and members of the European Union were present at the hearing.
According to Reuters, the defendants stand accused of orchestrating a “vicious plot” to incapacitate the government in the former British colony and compel the city’s leader to step down through a pre-selection ballot during a citywide election in July 2020. The democrats argue that it was an unofficial effort to identify the strongest candidates to secure a historic majority in Hong Kong’s legislature.
Beijing asserts that the national security laws have restored stability to Hong Kong while respecting human rights.