A Hong Kong appeals court has affirmed the convictions and sentences of twelve democracy advocates imprisoned for subversion under a national security law imposed by Beijing. These twelve individuals were part of a group of 45 opposition figures, including prominent activists in the city, who were jailed in 2024 for organizing an unofficial primary election considered subversive by authorities.
The primary election, held in 2020, aimed to enhance the chances of pro-democracy lawmakers winning a majority in the legislature. The goal was to then use this position to pressure the government into accepting demands such as universal suffrage. Chief Judge Jeremy Poon of the High Court described the primary as a “constitutional weapon of mass destruction,” stating that pursuing universal suffrage does not justify actions that disrupt the constitutional order.
Despite appeals from the twelve individuals, including well-known figures like “Long Hair” Leung Kwok-hung, Gwyneth Ho, and Australian citizen Gordon Ng, the court panel upheld their convictions. The activists acknowledged their supporters in the courtroom, with some supporters having completed their sentences in the same case.
Following the court’s decision, pro-democracy activist Chan Po-ying, the wife of one of the defendants, criticized the outcome as “absurd,” while Amnesty International Hong Kong Overseas spokesperson Fernando Cheung expressed disappointment in the missed opportunity to address what he termed a “mass injustice.”
The case, known as the “Hong Kong 47,” originated from the aftermath of widespread pro-democracy protests in 2019, leading to the imposition of a national security law by Beijing in 2020. The primary election in question attracted a significant voter turnout in Hong Kong, selecting pro-democracy candidates for a later legislative election.
In 2021, authorities arrested the opposition figures in a mass operation that drew global criticism and raised concerns about diminishing freedoms under the security law. The convicted individuals, aged between 28 and 69, included elected lawmakers, unionists, academics, and others with varying political stances.
The convicted campaigners received jail terms ranging from four years and two months to ten years based on their roles and mitigating factors. While the appellants have the option to appeal to the top court in Hong Kong, their decision remains pending. Some defendants who did not contest their convictions have been released, choosing to maintain a low profile and avoid involvement in political discussions.
During the recent court session, prosecutors challenged the acquittal of one individual, Lawrence Lau, but the court upheld the decision, citing doubts about Lau’s alleged subversive intentions.
