Forty-five pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong were sentenced to prison terms ranging from four years to 10 years under Beijing’s national security law, marking the city’s largest national security trial. The activists were accused of subversion through their involvement in a 2020 unofficial primary election aimed at securing legislative majority.

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• Forty-five activists sentenced; two acquitted in the case involving the 2020 unofficial primary election.
• Sentences range from four years and two months to 10 years; Benny Tai received the longest term.
• Activists accused of attempting to paralyze the government by blocking budgets and demanding city leader’s resignation.
• Judges cited activists’ efforts as a coordinated plan that could undermine the government’s authority.
• Primary election in July 2020 attracted 610,000 voters aiming to secure legislative majority for pro-democracy demands.
• Beijing delayed subsequent legislative elections, citing COVID-19 concerns.
• Activists included prominent figures like Joshua Wong, lawmakers, and student leaders; most were detained for over three years pre-sentencing.
• Some activists showed remorse, while others remained defiant in court.
• Observers see the case as part of a broader crackdown on dissent and erosion of promised civil liberties post-1997 handover.
• Public interest remains high, with supporters waiting in court lines to witness the proceedings.