Hong Kong’s judiciary has handed down some of the harshest sentences yet under the controversial National Security Law (NSL), dealing a severe blow to the city’s pro-democracy movement. The court sentenced prominent pro-democracy figures, including Benny Tai and Joshua Wong, to lengthy prison terms for subversion. This landmark trial involved 47 activists and lawmakers, known as the “Hong Kong 47,” who were accused of conspiring to undermine Beijing’s authority through an unofficial primary election in 2020.
Benny Tai and Joshua Wong Sentenced
Benny Tai, a former law professor, received the longest sentence of 10 years. Judges ruled that his plan for the primary election had “advocated for a revolution.” Joshua Wong, one of Hong Kong’s most recognizable pro-democracy activists, was sentenced to over four years. Wong, already serving a separate prison term for protest-related charges, saw his sentence reduced by a third after pleading guilty. However, the court declined to grant him further reductions, citing concerns about his character.
Other notable figures sentenced include Gwyneth Ho, a journalist-turned-politician, and former lawmakers Claudia Mo and Leung Kwok-hung. Their sentences ranged from four to seven years, marking a grim turning point for Hong Kong’s once-vibrant pro-democracy movement.
Origins of the Trial
The case stems from an unofficial primary election held in July 2020, organized by the pro-democracy camp to strategize for the Legislative Council elections. Over 600,000 Hongkongers participated, demonstrating significant public support for democratic ideals. Organizers hoped the opposition could win enough seats to veto pro-Beijing legislation.
While the primary was conducted under Hong Kong’s Basic Law, which guarantees certain freedoms, it alarmed Beijing and Hong Kong authorities. Officials argued that the campaign aimed to “overthrow” the government. Days after the NSL came into force in June 2020, authorities arrested the activists in early 2021, accusing them of attempting to create a constitutional crisis.
A Harsh Crackdown
The trial is the largest prosecution under the NSL, imposed by Beijing after widespread pro-democracy protests in 2019. Those demonstrations initially opposed an extradition bill but evolved into broader demands for democratic reforms. Following months of unrest, Beijing imposed the NSL to curb dissent, criminalizing acts deemed as secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion with foreign forces.
Critics argue that the NSL undermines Hong Kong’s autonomy and rule of law. The law’s broad scope has been used to dismantle civil society, silence dissent, and suppress political opposition. Most of the Hong Kong 47 were found guilty, with only two defendants acquitted, demonstrating the law’s sweeping power.
International Outcry
The sentences have drawn sharp criticism globally. The United States called the trial “politically motivated,” while Australia expressed “grave concern” over the sentencing of one of its citizens, Gordon Ng. Observers say these developments signal the erosion of Hong Kong’s freedoms and autonomy, guaranteed under the “one country, two systems” framework when the city was handed back to China in 1997.
Beijing and the Hong Kong government, however, maintain that the law is essential for stability and national security. Officials argue that the convictions send a clear warning to those seeking to undermine China’s sovereignty.
Impact on Hong Kong’s Future
The sentencing has dealt a significant blow to Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement, which had already been weakened by the pandemic and years of crackdowns. The NSL has allowed Beijing to consolidate its control, leaving little room for opposition voices.
The trial’s outcome underscores the growing authoritarian grip on Hong Kong, silencing a generation of activists who once symbolized hope for democratic reform. As the city grapples with its new reality, international scrutiny and condemnation are likely to persist, though they may do little to alter Beijing’s course.
