Hong Kong: A Hong Kong court has convicted 14 pro-democracy supporters in a case related to national security. Let us tell you that these 14 pro-democracy supporters were convicted on Thursday in the biggest national security case under the law implemented by Beijing. Those who have been convicted include former MPs Leung Wok-hung, Lam Cheuk-ting, Helena Wong and Raymond Chan. A three-judge committee formed by the government acquitted former district councilor Lee Yu-shun and Lawrence Lau.
Those convicted could face life imprisonment. 47 pro-democracy supporters were prosecuted for their involvement in an unofficial primary election in 2021. The prosecution accused these supporters of trying to paralyze the Hong Kong government and oust the city’s leader by gaining the required majority. Observers said the case shows how the security law is being used to crush the opposition after massive anti-government protests in 2019.
Freedom of expression is limited in Hong Kong
However, Beijing and the Hong Kong government insisted that the law has helped restore stability in the city and that judicial independence is being protected. Observers say that since the implementation of this law in the year 2020, Hong Kong authorities have significantly restricted freedom of expression and assembly in the name of national security. They said that in the name of this law, many activists were arrested, silenced or forced to leave the country. (AP)
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