A Hong Kong court sentenced dozens of pro-democracy figures to up to 10 years in prison in the largest trial under a national security law that critics say has been used to silence political dissent. This includes Benny Tai, a former law professor who received the longest sentence of 10 years. The defendants were charged with conspiracy to commit subversion for their roles in an unofficial primary election held in 2020. The primary aimed to boost pro-democracy candidates for the Hong Kong legislature. Many of the defendants argued that their actions were within the bounds of Hong Kong law. Critics of the national security law say it has led to a crackdown on civil liberties in the territory.
Most of the defendants have been held without bail since their arrests, and the U.S. and other Western governments have criticized the trial as politically motivated. Experts believe that the trial is part of authorities’ efforts to eliminate opposition in Hong Kong. The trial also aims to re-educate the public about how to act on their political beliefs. Recent arrests under local national security laws show a growing influence from Beijing, but surveys indicate that a majority of Hong Kong adults support a democratic system with multiple political parties. The government denies claims of threats to judicial independence and says cases are handled according to the law. The total number of arrests under the national security law and related to the 2019 protests is over 10,000, with authorities indicating that there is no time limit for prosecuting these cases.
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