Four Hong Kong lawmakers freed from prison after national security trial

Four former pro-democracy lawmakers—Claudia Mo, Kwok Ka-ki, Jeremy Tam, and Gary Fan—were released in Hong Kong after serving over four years in prison as part of the high-profile '47 democrats' national security trial. Their release marks the first among those convicted in the territory’s largest subversion case, which drew widespread international criticism for being politically motivated under Beijing-imposed security laws. The activists were charged with conspiracy to subvert the government by organizing an unofficial primary election, a move authorities claimed threatened the city's constitutional order. Most of the 47 activists were convicted and sentenced to between four and ten years in prison, with only two acquitted and several planning to appeal. The case has highlighted the ongoing tension between pro-democracy advocates and authorities, following a broader crackdown on dissent since 2019. Upon their release, the freed lawmakers expressed gratitude to supporters but indicated they would keep a low profile.