Official announcements from Hong Kong government or legislative records

Hong Kong Jails 45 Pro-Democracy Activists for Subversion; Benny Tai Sentenced to 10 Years

Nov 19, 2024, 06:44 AM

A Hong Kong court has sentenced 45 pro-democracy activists to prison terms ranging from 50 months to 10 years, totaling over 245 years collectively, in the city's largest national security trial to date. Legal scholar Benny Tai received the longest sentence of 10 years, considered the 'ringleader' of the group, while prominent activist Joshua Wong was sentenced to four years and six months, former journalist Gwyneth Ho received seven years, and Owen Chow was sentenced to seven years and nine months. The activists were convicted of 'conspiracy to subvert state power' under the Beijing-imposed national security law, following their involvement in an unofficial primary election held in July 2020, in which over 610,000 Hong Kong residents voted. The primary aimed to select pro-democracy candidates for the Legislative Council elections. The activists had been detained since their arrests in January 2021, with some held for over 1,400 days before sentencing. The sentencing has drawn international criticism from foreign governments, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and the United Nations, who expressed concern over the erosion of political freedoms in Hong Kong. Beijing and Hong Kong authorities have defended the sentences, emphasizing the rule of law and the need to uphold national security.