The sentencing of 45 activists in Hong Kong under the controversial national security law has sparked widespread criticism, with international bodies and governments condemning it as a significant blow to political freedom in the city. The trial, regarded as the largest since the law’s enactment in 2020, involved figures accused of attempting to subvert state power through an unofficial primary election aimed at gaining control of Hong Kong’s legislature.
Key Details:
- Longest Sentence: Legal scholar Benny Tai, labeled as the “mastermind,” received the maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
- National Security Law: Enacted in 2020, it criminalizes acts of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces. Critics argue it undermines the “one country, two systems” framework promised to Hong Kong after its handover from Britain to China.
- International Response:
- United States and Australia: Both governments have strongly criticized the sentencing, calling it evidence of Beijing’s tightening grip on the city’s autonomy.
- Rights Groups: Organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch condemned the trial and sentences as politically motivated and aimed at silencing dissent.
Implications:
The sentences underline Hong Kong’s shifting legal and political landscape, with increasing suppression of dissenting voices. Critics warn this could deter political participation and further alienate Hong Kong from its previously vibrant civic life.
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