Hong Kong Sentences 45 Pro-Democracy Leaders in Landmark Trial

A Hong Kong court has sentenced 45 pro-democracy leaders to prison terms of up to 10 years under the Beijing-imposed national security law, marking a significant crackdown on opposition figures. The activists were charged with "conspiracy to commit subversion" for participating in an unofficial primary election. The trial, involving the largest number of defendants in a national security case, highlights the erosion of Hong Kong's judicial independence and the increasing influence of Beijing's authoritarian policies in the territory.