Hong Kong activists freed as first group from historic “47 democrats” trial released, marking a key milestone in the fight for democracy. Authorities imprisoned these activists for more than four years after charging them with conspiracy to conduct subversion under Beijing’s national security legislation.
Release Under Tight Security
On Tuesday morning, authorities released four prominent former pro-democracy lawmakers—Claudia Mo, Kwok Ka-ki, Jeremy Tam, and Gary Fan—from different prisons in Hong Kong. Their freedom followed tight security measures, with police patrols and restricted access to roads near the correctional facilities.
Authorities held Kwok and Tam at Stanley Prison, while Mo and Fan were incarcerated at Shek Pik Prison and Lo Wu Women’s Correctional Institution. Vehicles left the prisons as political prisoners reunited with their families.
Background on Convictions and Sentencing
The four recently released MPs were among the 47 pro-democracy activists that authorities imprisoned in early 2021. In 2020, authorities charged them with subversion for planning an unlawful primary election, seen as an attempt to choose candidates for Hong Kong’s legislative elections and challenge the current political structure. Of the 45 campaigners convicted guilty, just two were exonerated.
The activists faced jail sentences of up to 10 years under Beijing’s national security law, implemented in Hong Kong in 2020. Western countries have denounced the sentences, arguing that the trial politically motivated. However, Beijing and Hong Kong maintain that the national security laws treat everyone equally and that the trial was fair.
Is Hong Kong’s Pro-Democracy Movement Making Headway?
Tensions persist, even though the activists’ release marks a significant victory for Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement. Since the massive pro-democracy demonstrations in 2019, China has gradually increased its authority over Hong Kong while restricting free speech and criticism. The national security law still influences politics, and many people worry it will further curtail opposition.
Supporters of the activists feel relieved by their release but remain concerned about continued persecution under Beijing’s rule.
Source: CNN