Civicidea

Forty-five members of the “Hong Kong 47” have been sentenced to prison terms of four to 10 years in the largest national security trial since Beijing imposed the controversial National Security Law (NSL) in 2020. The group, which includes prominent activists, lawmakers, and campaigners, was prosecuted for conspiracy to commit subversion over their involvement in an unofficial primary election in 2020. 

Legal scholar and activist Benny Tai, accused of masterminding the primary election plan, received the longest sentence of 10 years. The court found Tai’s strategy—intended to secure a pro-democracy legislative majority, block government budgets, and pressure the chief executive to resign—to be a violation of Hong Kong’s mini-constitution, the Basic Law, and an act of subversion under the NSL. The judges stated that Tai’s writings advocating the plan amounted to “advocating for a revolution.” 

Australian-Hong Kong dual national Gordon Ng was sentenced to over seven years after pleading not guilty and being convicted earlier this year. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed “grave concern” over the sentence, criticizing the broad application of the NSL and objecting to the prosecution. The U.S. consulate in Hong Kong strongly condemned the sentencing, stating that the defendants were “aggressively prosecuted and jailed for peacefully participating in normal political activity”. They also called for the immediate release of all political prisoners.

In response, China’s Foreign Ministry accused foreign governments of interfering in Hong Kong’s internal affairs and undermining the rule of law. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Security Minister Chris Tang emphasized that the heavy sentences send a clear message that any action endangering national security will not be tolerated.

Human Rights Watch described the sentences as evidence of Hong Kong's deteriorating civil liberties and judicial independence since the NSL’s implementation. Critics, including academics, say the trial demonstrates Beijing’s efforts to suppress dissent and re-educate the population on prioritizing national security. 

“The pro-democracy movement has been greatly weakened, with self-censorship becoming the norm,” said Stephan Ortmann, a political science professor. Activists report feeling the chilling effect firsthand. Emily Lau, former Democratic Party chair, shared that even informal gatherings are now fraught with fear of arrest. “That’s how stressful things are,” she said, though she vowed the fight for democracy would continue “peacefully and legally.”

The city’s current legislature, which the 47 originally sought to control, is now composed entirely of pro-Beijing loyalists. Citizens can only vote for 20 out of the 90 members of the Legislative Council in direct elections. A pro-Beijing group elects 40 members, giving them a majority, while the remaining members are chosen by professional groups, most of which lean pro-Beijing. Additionally, all lawmakers undergo a “patriotism” vetting process before they can stand for election. 

The sentencing on Tuesday highlights the dramatic transformation of Hong Kong, once known for its vibrant democracy movement, into a city where opposition voices are silenced or forced into exile. 

The U.S. government, along with several Western nations and human rights organizations, has argued that the law has been used to suppress peaceful dissent. 

During his first term, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials in response to the crackdown and declared that Hong Kong no longer enjoyed a high level of autonomy from China. After winning re-election earlier this month, Trump announced a proposed cabinet filled with several hardliners on China, which will put China in a rather tense situation.