Hong Kong's jailing of pro-democracy activists provokes international fury

Yesterday, a court handed down sentences ranging from four years and two months to 10 years to activists, former legislators, councillors and academics, who - along with two people acquitted in May - made up a group known as the Hong Kong 47.
The activists were arrested in 2021 under the city's national security law (NSL) for their participation in an unofficial primary election in July 2020, weeks after the NSL had been imposed by Beijing in response to months of pro-democracy protests. More than 600,000 people participated in the unofficial Vote.
A spokesperson for the US consulate in Hong Kong said the US "strongly condemns', the sentences, adding that the defendants were "aggressively prosecuted and jailed for peacefully participating in normal political activity".
Benny Tai, a legal academic and activist who pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 10 years in jail for his role as an organiser ofthe primaries. Tai's is the longest sentence handed out so far under the NSL, which was introduced by Beijing on 30 June 2020.
Tai was accused of being the "mastermind" behind a plan for the city's pro-democracy camp to win a majority in the upcoming legislative council election, and then force the dissolution ofthe legislature and resignation of the chief executive.
Denne historien er fra November 20, 2024-utgaven av The Guardian.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9500+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra November 20, 2024-utgaven av The Guardian.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9500+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på

No margin for error as Djokovic tackles imperious Sinner
The 38-year-old has chance to prove he remains among the elite in semi-final meeting with relentless world No 1

Deignan's farewell tour off to tricky start on home turf
Le Court takes stage win after breakaway, with Ferguson the best Briton in fifth place
Queen's to offer women equal prize money by 2029
The LTA has pledged to secure equal prize money for the new women's tennis tournament held at Queen's and the mixed event in Eastbourne by 2029 at the latest.

'No crisis at all' Wiegman hits back over squad withdrawals as James returns
Sarina Wiegman has defended her management style after finding herself without the Euro 2022 winners Mary Earps, Fran Kirby and Millie Bright for July's defence of their European title, saying she does not beat around the bush when it comes to having honest conversations with her players.

World Cup players given US travel ban exemption
Donald Trump's newly signed travel ban contains an exemption that could apply to players, staff, or associated families with clubs participating in the 2025 Club World Cup, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, or the 2028 Olympics.

Wiegman still has work to do as clouds of doubt hang over England
A glitzy Euro squad launch for the reigning champions to 'go again' helps the feelgood factor but questions remain over team harmony, strength in depth and player welfare
Hopefully I can turn into a starter for England... I'll play wherever
Despite his laid-back and laconic demeanour, Cole Palmer is hungry to make his mark on the national team
Biden dismisses inquiry ordered by Trump into his mental state
Joe Biden has accused Donald Trump of \"distraction\" after the current president launched an inquiry into his predecessor's time in office, claiming aides covered up his cognitive decline and took decisions on his behalf.

I have no regrets over Test cricket'
A superstar in the T20 format, Andre Russell is frank about the obstacles to West Indies success in the longer format
Muslim Labour politicians back sanctions against Israel
Labour is facing calls for action from Muslim MPs, councillors and mayors who believe Keir Starmer has been mishandling the Gaza crisis.