Hong Kong’s Court of Appeal on Monday, February 23, rejected the appeals of 12 pro-democracy activists convicted in the city’s largest national security case, leaving their lengthy prison sentences in force.
The case, widely known as the ’’Hong Kong 47’’ relates to the mass arrests of opposition figures in early 2021. Detained politicians and activists were accused of conspiracy to overthrow state power. Many were denied bail and remained in custody for extended periods, while the proceedings became one of the longest and most complex trials in Hong Kong’s history.
According to prosecutors, the defendants organized an unofficial primary election in 2020 to select pro-democracy candidates. Authorities argued their ultimate goal was to secure a parliamentary majority and paralyze the government by blocking the budget, ultimately forcing the resignation of the executive leadership.
The court ruled that these actions constituted an attempt to overthrow the state power under the national security law. As a result, in late 2024 most defendants were found guilty and sentenced to between four and ten years in prison, with only two acquitted out of 47. Around 20 of those convicted have already been released after completing their terms.
The appellate court’s latest decision effectively upholds the original verdicts and closes one of the main legal avenues for several prominent activists and former lawmakers.
Western governments and human rights organizations argue that the case criminalizes normal political activity, while Hong Kong and Chinese authorities maintain that the national security law was necessary to restore stability in the city.
Author: Mariam Simsive
