Hong Kong Convicts 14 Pro-Democracy Activists of Subversion Under China-Imposed National Security Law

Hong Kong has convicted 14 pro-democracy activists of subversion in the largest application of the China-imposed National Security Law to date.

EU Today

The group includes former lawmakers Leung Kwok-hung and Helena Wong, journalist-turned-campaigner Gwyneth Ho, and ordinary citizens like nurse Winnie Yu, who participated in the 2019 mass protests.

These activists were among the 47 charged with attempting to “overthrow” the government by organizing an unofficial primary in 2020 to select candidates for office.

The court ruled on Thursday that, had they been elected, they would have “created a constitutional crisis for Hong Kong.”

Three High Court judges, Andrew Chan, Alex Lee, and Johnny Chan, supported the prosecution’s claim that the defendants intended to veto any budgets introduced by the government, thereby obstructing governance. The court presented letters and campaign materials found in the defendants’ homes and on their devices as evidence.

However, the court acquitted two defendants, former district councillors Lawrence Lau and Lee Yue-Shun, due to insufficient evidence proving they were involved in the scheme or intended to subvert state power. The justice department has announced plans to appeal these acquittals.

The 47 activists are notable figures in the pro-democracy movement, which gained prominence during the 2014 protests advocating for free and fair elections. Simon Cheng, accused of violating the National Security Law and now granted asylum in the UK, described these individuals as embodying Hong Kong citizens’ desire for democracy and freedom.

This case has garnered significant attention as a barometer for Hong Kong’s civil liberties under Beijing’s governance. It follows the trial of billionaire Jimmy Lai and highlights the criticism that the National Security Law has been employed to suppress dissent.

In contrast, China maintains that the law has restored stability following the 2019 protests and is crucial for maintaining order. Responding to the verdict, Beijing’s foreign ministry asserted that Hong Kong is a society governed by the rule of law, and no one can engage in illegal activities under the guise of democracy.

The ministry’s spokeswoman, Mao Ning, emphasized opposition to foreign intervention in China’s domestic affairs, criticizing countries that undermine Hong Kong’s legal system.

Hong Kong officials commend the National Security Law’s high conviction rate, but legal experts argue this illustrates its use to silence opposition, with nearly 300 arrests for various acts under the law.

Sentencing for the 14 convicted activists, as well as the remaining 31 who pleaded guilty, will occur at a later date. Subversion carries a maximum life sentence, and it remains unclear if guilty pleas will result in reduced sentences under the National Security Law.

Many guilty pleas were likely pragmatic decisions, given the slim chances of a fair trial, according to Cheng. He remarked that these concessions reflect the dire situation for activists under an increasingly authoritarian regime.

Australia’s foreign minister, Penny Wong, expressed strong objections to the broad application of the National Security Law, which she claims is used to arrest and pressure pro-democracy figures, opposition groups, media, trade unions, and civil society. Among the convicted activists is Gordon Ng, an Australian citizen.

This case is a significant development in the ongoing tension between pro-democracy movements in Hong Kong and the Chinese government’s efforts to assert control, raising concerns about the future of civil liberties in the region.

Main Image: By Voice of America, Cantonese Service, Iris Tong – https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=91811712