Fourteen Hong Kong activists were found guilty while two were acquitted on May 30 in a landmark subversion trial that critics say could deal another blow to the city's rule of law and its reputation as a global financial hub.
The verdicts in Hong Kong's biggest trial come more than three years after police arrested 47 democrats in mass dawn raids at homes across the city, later charging them with "conspiracy to commit subversion" under a China-imposed national security law.
Sentencing will come at a later date for those found guilty, with prison terms ranging from three years to life for this national security offence.
Thirty-one defendants pleaded guilty, and four of them have become prosecution witnesses.
The US and some other countries have criticised the trial as politically motivated, calling for the accused to be immediately released.
"Australia has expressed our strong objections to the Hong Kong authorities on the continuing broad application of national security legislation to arrest and pressure pro-democracy figures," Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a statement.
She said her government was "deeply concerned" with the verdicts and would continue to seek consular access to Gordon Ng, an Australian citizen and one of those convicted.
Security was tight around the High Court, where diplomats from the US, Britain and Europe have attended proceedings.
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin May 31, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin May 31, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
US weighs breakup of Google in landmark online search case
WASHINGTON – The United States said on Oct 8 that it may ask a judge to force Alphabet's Google to divest parts of its business, such as its Chrome browser and Android operating system, that it noted are used to maintain an illegal monopoly in online search.
Home-grown CRU will close last fitness studio on Nov 10
Refunds will be addressed once moving-out process is finalised, says staff member
Oil slides on possible ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel
HOUSTON – Oil prices slid on Oct 8, settling down more than 4 per cent on news of a possible ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, although prices found some support on fears of a potential attack on Iranian oil infrastructure.
HBO documentary suggests Peter Todd is creator of Bitcoin
PORTLAND, Oregon - A new HBO documentary about the origins of Bitcoin suggests that Mr Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of the original cryptocurrency, is likely Canadian software developer Peter Todd.
China's finance minister to hold briefing, raising stimulus hopes
He is expected to launch moves to shore up growth, strengthen fiscal policy on Oct 12
More travel during China's Golden Week, but spending still lags
BEIJING - Chinese tourists shelled out less money during their long holiday that ended on Oct 7 than before the Covid-19 pandemic, even as signs emerged that spending is stabilizing after a recent barrage of stimulus measures unveiled by the government.
Wall Street gains lift investors here with S'pore stocks up 0.6%
● SGX is STI's biggest gainer, rising 1.8% to $11.61 ● Local banks end higher; regional indexes mixed ● S&P 500 up 1%; Nasdaq adds 1.4%; Dow Jones rises 0.3%
46 schools to get new principals – 22 taking on role for first time
Forty-six schools will receive new principals at the start of the school year in 2025, as part of the Ministry of Education's (MOE) annual reshuffle exercise.
Board members of statutory boards get reminder on gift rules
Board members of statutory boards have been sent a letter by the Public Service Division (PSD) to make clear the circumstances under which they could be considered public servants under the law.
Body of hiker who fell off cliff in Everest region brought back
The body of Mr Harry Tan Eng Kwang, who died after he slipped and fell while hiking in the Everest region of Nepal about two weeks ago, arrived in Singapore on Oct 9. His family is holding a three-day wake at The Garden of Remembrance in Old Choa Chu Kang Road and the cremation will be held on Oct 12.