Hong Kong Court Convicts 14 Democracy Activists in National Security Case.

By Caroline Ameh

A Hong Kong court on Thursday found 14 democracy activists guilty of subversion under the National Security Law (NSL) imposed by China.

The activists were charged in 2021 with attempting to “overthrow” the government by organizing an unofficial election. This case, the largest under the NSL, has drawn international attention to the erosion of civil liberties in Hong Kong.

Among the convicted are veteran politicians and student campaigners, representing a cross-section of the city’s pro-democracy advocates.

The defendants were accused of planning to disrupt the government by organizing an unofficial election primary in 2020. Prosecutors argued that if elected, the activists would have posed a national security risk, leading to a “constitutional crisis.”

The court acquitted two defendants, Lawrence Lau and Lee Yue-shun, while the remaining 14 face the possibility of life imprisonment for subversion. The acquittals are being appealed by the Department of Justice, indicating the contentious nature of the case.

Critics of the NSL argue that it has stifled dissent and created a climate of fear in Hong Kong. Rights groups have condemned the verdict, asserting that democracy is not a crime and calling for accountability from Beijing for reneging on promises of universal suffrage.

The trial, which began in February 2023, has been marked by a denial of bail for many defendants and the absence of a jury. Legal experts note that these conditions undermine the chance of a fair trial and reflect the erosion of rights under the NSL.

The ruling comes amidst ongoing international scrutiny of China’s actions in Hong Kong and its broader human rights record.