A court in Hong Kong has dismissed all appeals in the city’s biggest national security case, upholding convictions and sentences against dozens of pro-democracy activists.
A court in Hong Kong on Monday dismissed all appeals linked to the city’s largest case under the Beijing-imposed national security law, upholding convictions and sentences against pro-democracy activists.
The case involved 47 activists charged in 2021 with conspiracy to commit subversion over their role in an unofficial primary election. The prosecution, linked to the aftermath of the 2019 anti-government protests, dealt a major blow to the city’s pro-democracy movement.
Forty-five defendants were sentenced in 2024 to prison terms ranging from four to 10 years, drawing criticism from foreign governments and rights groups. Appeals by 11 activists — including former lawmakers Leung Kwok-hung, Lam Cheuk-ting, Raymond Chan and Helena Wong — were rejected, while the Court of Appeal also dismissed challenges to their sentences.
Former district councillor Lawrence Lau remained acquitted after judges upheld the earlier ruling despite a prosecution appeal.
Prosecutors argued the activists sought to paralyse the government and force the city’s leader to resign. Judges ruled in 2024 that their strategy through the unofficial primary would have undermined government authority and triggered a constitutional crisis. Authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong maintain the national security law is necessary for stability, while critics say the case reflects a wider crackdown on dissent.
Among those sentenced were legal scholar Benny Tai, who received a 10-year prison term, and former student leader Joshua Wong, sentenced to four years and eight months.
Supporters queued outside the court
Nearly 20 activists involved in the case have been released over the past year. Supporters queued outside the court building for days to attend Monday’s hearing, while those still in custody waved to family members and supporters inside the courtroom.
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