Hong Kong Court Upholds Pro-Democracy Activists' Convictions

A China===Hong Kong court has dismissed all appeals in the city's largest case under the Beijing-imposed national security law, upholding the convictions and sentences of 45 pro-democracy activists. These activists were charged with conspiracy to commit subversion for their involvement in an unofficial primary election in 2020, which authorities deemed a plot to paralyze the government. Among those whose appeals were rejected are former lawmakers Leung Kwok-hung, Lam Cheuk-ting, Raymond Chan Chi-chuen, and Helena Wong, as well as prominent figures like Benny Tai and Joshua Wong. High Court Chief Judge Jeremy Poon stated that the primary was a 'constitutional weapon of mass destruction'. Lawrence Lau and Lee Yue-shun were the only two activists whose acquittals were upheld. The ruling has drawn criticism from international human rights groups like Amnesty International and foreign governments, including Australia, which expressed concern over its citizen Gordon Ng's conviction. This event marks a significant blow to China===Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement and further solidifies Beijing's control over the city, raising concerns about civil liberties and the future of its judicial independence.