Fourteen Hong Kong pro-democracy activists have been found guilty and two have been acquitted in a landmark subversion trial that critics say could deal another blow to the city’s rule of law and its reputation as a global financial hub.
The verdicts in Hong Kong’s biggest trial against the democratic opposition come more than three years after police arrested 47 democrats in dawn raids at homes across the city. On Thursday, the protesters were charged with conspiracy to commit subversion under a national security law imposed by China.
Thirty-one defendants have already pleaded guilty, and four have become prosecution witnesses. Sentencing will come at a later date for those found guilty at trial and prison terms could range from three years to life.
The US has criticised the trial as politically motivated, calling for the accused to be released immediately. Both American diplomats and representatives from several European Union countries also attended the hearing.
Tight security was in place around the High Court throughout the trial, with scores of police officers and vehicles patrolling the area. Some supporters queued overnight to secure a spot nearby.
Mr Chiu, 35, who only provided his surname, joined the queue at midnight. He said: “I came because it’s a critical stage and a historic moment,” adding that the defendants “all stood up for themselves and for Hong Kong”.
The defendants have been accused of staging a “viscous plot” to paralyse government in the former British colony and force the city’s leader to resign through a pre-selection ballot in the July 2020 citywide election.
The democrats maintain it was an unofficial attempt to select the strongest candidates in a bid to win a historic majority in Hong Kong’s legislature.
‘Constitutional crisis’
Summarising their verdict, Judges Andrew Chan, Alex Lee and Johnny Chan wrote that if the defendants had succeeded, it would have created “a constitutional crisis for Hong Kong” and led to “serious interfering in, disrupting or undermining the performance of duties and functions in accordance with the law by the [Hong Kong] government.”
The verdicts were delivered to a packed courtroom as the defendants, including activists Owen Chow and Gwyneth Ho, listened from the dock.
Those convicted included former democratic lawmakers Leung Kwok-hung, Lam Cheuk-ting and Helena Wong. It was not yet clear whether any would appeal, with the court adjourned until an afternoon session.
Mr Leung, 68, is the oldest defendant. Speaking to the press, his wife, Chan Po-ying, said: “Although he might not be well emotionally and still not yet adapted to prison life… he always told me that he’s innocent.”
Lawrence Lau, a barrister, and Lee Yue-shun, a social worker, were both acquitted.
Outside the court, Mr Lau said: “There are still other defendants in this case warranting our concern and even love.” He added that he could not comment further given the possibility his acquittal may be appealed by the prosecution.
‘Near-total purge of political opposition’
Hong Kong’s democratic opposition has placed pressure on Beijing for decades to allow full democracy in the city.
Mass pro-democracy protests erupted in Hong Kong in 2019 after Beijing announced plans for a bill amending current extradition legislation. Protestors argued the change infringed on the freedoms guaranteed to Hong Kong when it returned to China’s control in 1997.
In 2020, Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law that led to the arrest of several democratic campaigners and the closure of liberal media outlets and NGOs.
Street marches, demonstrations and vigils essentially ceased amid the intensified policing.
Sarah Brooks, Amnesty International’s China director, said: “This unprecedented mass conviction is the most ruthless illustration yet of how Hong Kong’s national security law is weaponised to silence dissent. It represents a near-total purge of the political opposition.”
Beijing said the human rights of campaigners are respected and that the national security laws have brought stability to Hong Kong.
Most of the accused have been detained since Feb 28, 2021, having faced marathon bail hearings.
Those who have pleaded guilty include former law scholar Benny Tai, whom the prosecution called a “mastermind” of the “conspiracy”, alongside activist Joshua Wong.
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