All articles tagged with #democracy activists
In Hong Kong's largest national security trial, 14 democracy activists were convicted on charges of conspiracy to commit subversion, highlighting China's crackdown on dissent. The trial, which included prominent figures like Benny Tai and Joshua Wong, underscores the use of Beijing's national security law to suppress opposition.
A Hong Kong court has found 14 out of 16 democracy activists guilty of subversion under the Beijing-imposed national security law, marking the largest trial under the law. The trial, which does not allow jury trials, involved 47 people charged over a 2020 primary election. Two defendants were acquitted, while the rest pleaded guilty. The prosecution argued that the group's plan to block the annual budget would have caused political instability. The verdict has drawn criticism from human rights organizations, highlighting concerns over the erosion of democratic processes in Hong Kong. Sentencing will follow, with potential life imprisonment for primary offenders.
Fourteen of the 47 Hong Kong pro-democracy activists, known as the Hong Kong 47, have been convicted of subversion under the National Security Law imposed by China. The activists, including prominent figures like Joshua Wong and Benny Tai, were accused of attempting to overthrow the government by organizing unofficial primaries for local elections. The case is seen as the largest crackdown on pro-democracy efforts in Hong Kong, with most of the accused having been in jail since their arrest in early 2021. Sentencing for the convicted activists is expected at a later date.
Hong Kong police have offered cash bounties of HK$1 million ($127,603) each for information leading to the arrests of eight prominent democracy activists who are currently in self-imposed exile overseas. The activists, including former lawmakers Nathan Law, Dennis Kwok, and Ted Hui, have been accused of violating national security offenses. They have continued to speak out against Beijing's crackdown on Hong Kong's freedoms and autonomy. The activists are now based in countries that have suspended their extradition treaties with Hong Kong due to concerns over the controversial national security law. Critics argue that the law has been used to suppress freedoms and silence opposition in the city.