Hong Kong: 45 Pro-Democracy Activists Sentenced in Landmark National Security Case

On Thursday, November 21, 2024, a Hong Kong court handed down prison sentences to 45 democracy advocates in the city's largest trial under the 2020 national security law. This landmark case has drawn international attention and raised concerns about the shrinking space for dissent in Hong Kong.

The trial, which spanned 118 days, involved charges of conspiracy to commit subversion. The defendants, who included prominent activists, lawyers, and academics, were accused of organizing and participating in unofficial primaries in 2020. These primaries were seen as a potential challenge to the pro-Beijing government, and authorities argued they constituted a threat to national security.

14 of the defendants were found guilty in May 2024, including Australian citizen Gordon Ng and activists Owen Chow and Gwyneth Ho. The remaining defendants were convicted in November 2024.

The sentences ranged from 10 months to 10 years, with prominent activist Benny Tai receiving the longest sentence of 10 years. The court found that the defendants had conspired to "overthrow" the Hong Kong government and "disrupt" its operations.

The case has been widely condemned by international human rights groups and governments, who have criticized the use of the national security law to suppress dissent and political opposition. Critics argue that the law has been used to silence critics of the government and erode Hong Kong's freedoms.

The convictions and sentences have further raised concerns about the erosion of Hong Kong's autonomy and the shrinking space for dissent under the "one country, two systems" framework. The case highlights the ongoing challenges to human rights and democratic values in Hong Kong.