Fourteen pro-democracy activists were found guilty in a landmark subversion trial in Hong Kong. Critics say this could deal another blow to the city’s rule of law and its reputation as a global financial hub.
Hong Kong verdicts come three years after arrests
The verdicts in Hong Kong’s biggest trial come three years after the arrest of 47 democrats. Police arrested them in raids at homes across the city. They were charged with conspiracy to commit subversion.
Sentencing will come at a later date for those found guilty. They range from three years to life for this national security offence. Thirty-one defendants have pleaded guilty and four have become prosecution witnesses.
The US and some other countries have criticised the trial as politically motivated.
US, UK and European diplomats attend trial
Security was tight around the High Court where diplomats from the US, Britain and Europe have attended proceedings. Scores of police officers and vehicles patrolled the area. Some supporters queued overnight to secure a spot.
The government accuses the defendants of a “vicious plot” to paralyse the state. The state also accuses them of forcing the city’s leader to resign. This was in an unofficial pre-selection ballot. in a July 2020 citywide election.
The democrats maintain it was an unofficial attempt to select the strongest candidates in a bid to win a majority in Hong Kong’s legislature.
Mass pro-democracy protests erupted in Hong Kong in 2019 against Beijing’s plans for security legislation. Democrats argued these legislations infringed on freedoms.
With inputs from Reuters
