Convictions of Hong Kong Activists Show Beijing’s Contempt for Democracy, Say Human Rights Groups

Fourteen activists and former elected oficials, including an Australian citizen, now face anywhere from 3 years to life in prison.

Policemen are seen outside the West Kowloon Magistrates' Court in Hong Kong on May 30, 2024, which found 14 people guilty of subversion in the biggest case against pro-democracy campaigners since China imposed a national security law to crush dissent. PETER PARKS/AFP via Getty Images

A Hong Kong court has convicted 14 pro-democracy activists under the draconian National Security Law imposed by Beijing that has effectively silenced public dissent, leading Human Rights Watch to call for the verdicts of what it labels a “show trial” to be overturned.

All were charged with “conspiracy to commit subversion,” and included former elected politicians, protest leaders, labour organisers, and academics, ranging in age from 26 to 68. Many have been in pretrial detention since their arrests in January 2021.