Hong Kong Sentences 45 Democracy Activists

A Hong Kong court sentenced 45 democracy activists to prison terms of up to 10 years for subversion, following their involvement in an unofficial primary election aimed at increasing pro-democracy representation in the Legislative Council. This case is considered the largest crackdown on dissent under the Beijing-imposed National Security Law (NSL), which critics argue is used to suppress political dissent. The sentencing has drawn severe criticism from international figures including Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Britain's last colonial governor of Hong Kong, Lord Patten, who condemned the trials as unjust and an affront to democracy. Pro-democracy advocates and foreign governments have raised concerns about the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong, calling for further sanctions and support for those fleeing the political crackdown. Chinese officials defended the rulings, asserting that no one should use democracy as a pretext for unlawful actions. The case highlights a significant escalation in the political repression faced by pro-democracy figures in Hong Kong.