Joshua Wong Declares ‘I Love Hong Kong’ as Over 40 Democracy Leaders Receive Lengthy Prison Sentences.

 

In a landmark mass trial, over 40 of Hong Kong’s most prominent pro-democracy figures were sentenced on Tuesday to prison terms of up to 10 years. The convictions mark one of the most significant crackdowns on dissent since Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law on the city four years ago.

Joshua Wong, a former student leader and emblem of Hong Kong’s democracy movement, shouted “I love Hong Kong” before being led from the courtroom. Wong, alongside other activists, union leaders, journalists, and former lawmakers, faced charges of “conspiracy to commit subversion” after organizing an unofficial primary election in 2020.

The sentences ranged from just over four years to a maximum of 10 years, totaling more than 240 years collectively. Among the most notable sentences, legal scholar Benny Tai was handed the harshest penalty of a decade in prison, while Wong received a sentence of 4 years and 8 months.

Diminishing Freedoms

The trial, dubbed the “Hong Kong 47” case, represents a pivotal moment in the city’s transformation under Beijing’s control. Once a hub of political diversity and activism, Hong Kong has increasingly mirrored the authoritarian systems of mainland China, with opposition figures jailed, media outlets shuttered, and civil society groups disbanded.

The court ruled that the primary election organized by the defendants constituted a coordinated effort to overthrow the government. Judges emphasized that had their plan succeeded, it would have had “far-reaching” consequences for the city’s governance.

Tearful Goodbyes in Court

As the sentences were read in the packed West Kowloon courtroom, some supporters teared up while others waved to the defendants, who waved back. Outside, tensions ran high as police monitored the area and arrested a woman for displaying a protest banner.

International Backlash

The sentencing has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights groups and foreign governments. The United States called for the immediate release of all political prisoners, describing the convictions as “politically motivated.” Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong also voiced grave concerns, citing the case of Australian citizen Gordon Ng among the convicted.

Beijing’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the criticism, accusing Western nations of “interfering in China’s internal affairs.” Hong Kong authorities, meanwhile, defended the sentences as essential to maintaining national security and order.

Sweeping Political Changes

Since the introduction of the national security law in 2020, Hong Kong’s political landscape has been dramatically altered. The Legislative Council, once home to a vocal opposition, is now dominated by pro-Beijing loyalists, with election processes heavily restricted and candidates vetted for “patriotism.” Protests, once commonplace in the city, have all but disappeared under strict regulations and fear of reprisal.

The “Hong Kong 47” trial underscores the profound changes to the city’s autonomy and freedoms, leaving many wondering about the future of political expression in what was once a bastion of democracy in Asia.