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https://www.voanews.com/a/hong-kong-imprisons-pro-democracy-activists-in-landmark-national-security-case-/7868919.html>
"Hong Kong’s High Court on Tuesday sentenced 45 pro-democracy activists to up
to 10 years in jail under subversion charges, marking an end to the largest
national security case in Hong Kong under a sweeping law imposed by Beijing.
Tuesday’s sentencing triggered widespread condemnation from countries around
the world, with the United States, Britain and the United Nations urging
Chinese and Hong Kong authorities to cease the politically motivated
prosecution of Hong Kong citizens.
The defendants were accused of conspiracy to commit subversion for taking part
in an unofficial primary election aimed at selecting opposition candidates to
run in the 2020 legislative council election.
Authorities said the activists were planning to paralyze the Hong Kong
government and force the city’s leader to resign by aiming to win a legislative
majority and use that to block government budgets.
The 45 defendants were given prison sentences between four years and two
months, and 10 years. Legal scholar Benny Tai, viewed as the mastermind of the
primary election by the government, received the longest sentence.
In addition to Tai, other prominent activists involved in the case were also
given lengthy prison sentences. Journalist-turned-activist Gwyneth Ho was
sentenced to seven years in prison, and prominent Hong Kong activist Joshua
Wong was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison.
Analysts say Tuesday’s sentencing reflects the rapid disappearance of basic
rights and freedom in Hong Kong since the imposition of the national security
law in 2020."
Via David.
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
