Amnesty International has condemned the jail sentences given to 45 Hong Kong opposition figures who were convicted of “conspiring to subvert state power” under the city’s National Security Law. The sentences, which range up to 10 years, have sparked criticism from the human rights organization.
Sarah Brooks, Amnesty International‘s China Director, said, “No one convicted in this politically motivated case should be spending a day in jail; let alone be facing the kind of lengthy sentences meted out today.” She added, “Months ago, we called these convictions a ‘ruthless purge’ of the opposition, and today that has been borne out. These sentences, despite going through the motions of mitigation and respect for due process, are clearly intended to punish opponents of the Hong Kong government while intimidating others who might dare to follow them.”
Brooks also emphasized the severity of the situation, saying, “These harsh sentences underline the dire state of Hong Kong’s justice system. None of the 45 people sentenced have committed an internationally recognized crime; they have been jailed only for exercising their human rights. We call once again for their immediate and unconditional release.”
This case marks the largest prosecution under Hong Kong’s National Security Law, which was enacted in June 2020. The 47 defendants were collectively charged with “conspiracy to commit subversion.” Of the 47, 31 pleaded guilty to the charge, 16 pleaded not guilty, and two were acquitted.
The charges stemmed from the defendants’ organization and participation in self-organized “primaries” for the 2020 Legislative Council elections. These elections were postponed by authorities on the grounds of the Covid-19 pandemic, and a new electoral system was introduced by the Chinese government, which tightly vetted candidates. At the time, Carrie Lam, Hong Kong’s chief executive, had warned that the “primaries” could violate the National Security Law, which had been enacted just weeks earlier.
Amnesty International has raised concerns about the disproportionate application of the National Security Law, stating that treating self-organized primaries as a threat to Hong Kong’s existence, territorial integrity, or political independence does not meet the high standards of international human rights law.
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Since the law’s implementation, Hong Kong’s human rights situation has deteriorated, with nearly 300 individuals arrested for violating the National Security Law or colonial-era sedition laws. The recent introduction of Article 23 legislation has further deepened repression and silenced opposition voices in the city.