Hong Kong’s High Court sentenced 14 pro-democracy activists to guilty verdicts for the charge of “conspiracy to subvert state power,” on Thursday, May 30th, sparking strong condemnation from European and Australian governments as well as human rights organizations.
This marked the largest trial against pro-democracy figures by the Hong Kong government. Over three years ago, in a pre-dawn raid, the police arrested 47 democracy advocates in various residences across Hong Kong. Subsequently, they were charged with plotting to subvert state power under the national security law implemented by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This judgment has received support from the CCP, who was also the architect of the national security law in Hong Kong.
The convicted individuals will be sentenced later, with terms ranging from three years to life imprisonment. 31 defendants pleaded guilty, with four of them turning into prosecution witnesses.
The United States and several other countries criticized the trial as politically motivated, calling for the immediate release of the defendants. Diplomats from countries, including the UK and the EU, attended the hearings.
Since the implementation of the national security law in Hong Kong by the CCP, the city’s freedoms and rule of law have gradually eroded.
According to the Associated Press, the unprecedented verdict prompted a statement from the European Union’s Foreign Affairs Office, labeling these convictions as a “further deterioration of basic freedoms and democratic participation in Hong Kong.”
The office added that the defendants are being punished for engaging in peaceful political activities, activities that should be lawful in any political system respecting fundamental democratic principles.
The statement further underscored that such verdicts raise doubts about Hong Kong’s commitment to openness and diversity, essential elements that underpin its status as an international business and financial hub.
Australian Foreign Minister, Huang Yingxian, expressed deep concern over the judgment, including that of Australian citizen Wu Zhengheng. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she stated, “We have consistently opposed China’s systematic erosion of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong, and we will continue to do so.”
Sarah Brooks, the China Director of Amnesty International, stated that these convictions are the “harshest proof to date” indicating that the Hong Kong national security law is being used to suppress dissent.
She noted that these convictions send a chilling message to all those opposing government actions.
Maya Wang, Acting Director of China Affairs at Human Rights Watch, commented that this ruling demonstrates an “extreme contempt” by the CCP towards democratic political processes and the rule of law.
“No matter what the Chinese government and its handpicked Hong Kong courts claim, democracy is not a crime,” she emphasized.
On Thursday, tight security surrounded the Hong Kong High Court, with dozens of police officers (some with police dogs) patrolling the area. Supporters queued overnight in hopes of securing a spot.
“I am here because this is a critical stage and a historic moment for Hong Kong,” said Chiu, a 35-year-old man who only revealed his surname, as he waited from midnight. He mentioned that the defendants “have stood up for themselves and for the Hong Kong people who aspire for change.”
Among the 47 pro-democracy figures prosecuted were individuals accused of participating in the 2020 Legislative Council primaries, facing charges of “conspiracy to subvert state power” under the national security law. Sixteen individuals denied the charges, with barrister Lawrence Lau Wai-chung and social worker Lee Yu-sin acquitted.
The other 14 individuals convicted include former Legislative Council members Leung Kwok-hung, Lam Cheuk-ting, Claudia Mo, and Chow Ting.
Other pro-democracy figures found guilty included Australians Wu Zhengheng, Cheng Dahong, Agnes Chow, Ventus Lau, Chow Kai-lam, Lester Shum, Tiffany Yuen, Gerry Chui, Daniel Wong, and Winnie Yu.
Last month, Hong Kong police stated that since the enactment of the national security law, 291 individuals have been arrested under the legislation.
The full-scale implementation of the national security law in Hong Kong in 2020 by the CCP led to the arrest of numerous democracy activists, closure of liberal media outlets, and non-governmental organizations. For decades, Hong Kong democracy advocates have pressured Beijing for full democratization of the city.
Nurse Winnie Yu from Hong Kong was one of the 14 individuals convicted. She had contemplated leaving Hong Kong due to the bleak political prospects under CCP control. However, in 2019, amidst the wave of democratic protests, she found the motivation to stay and participate.
The Wall Street Journal reported, “I was moved to tears.” Following a massive protest involving hundreds of thousands of people, Yu wrote, “I am convinced that Hong Kong is still full of hope.”
From being a lesser-known protester to becoming a prominent figure in one of Hong Kong’s most high-profile political trials, Yu’s journey reflects Hong Kong’s transformation from a former British colony with hopes for democracy to a city increasingly dominated by an expanding CCP national security apparatus aimed at preserving CCP power.
In 2019, during the Hong Kong protests, the 37-year-old Yu provided first aid to protesters and helped establish a union of like-minded healthcare workers. A year later, she decided to take a step further and run for a local Legislative Council seat.
In March 2020, she wrote, “To make a breakthrough, we must start with institutional reforms, even overturning the system and starting anew. This year’s Legislative Council elections might be a good opportunity to break from the old and establish something new.”
In January 2021, Yu was among over 50 individuals arrested in a police raid during an early morning operation.