Posted on Feb 6, 2023
A landmark subversion trial opens against high-profile Hong Kong democracy activists
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https://www.npr.org/2023/02/06/ [login to see] /a-landmark-subversion-trial-opens-against-high-profile-hong-kong-democracy-activ
Some of Hong Kong's best-known pro-democracy activists went on trial Monday in the biggest prosecution yet under a law imposed by China's ruling Communist Party to crush dissent.
The 18 defendants face up to life in prison if convicted under the national security law critics say is eroding the autonomy promised when Hong Kong returned to China in 1997, and its status as a global business center.
They were among 47 pro-democracy figures who were arrested in 2021 under the legislation that was imposed following protests in 2019. They were charged in connection with an informal 2020 primary election.
Some of Hong Kong's best-known pro-democracy activists went on trial Monday in the biggest prosecution yet under a law imposed by China's ruling Communist Party to crush dissent.
The 18 defendants face up to life in prison if convicted under the national security law critics say is eroding the autonomy promised when Hong Kong returned to China in 1997, and its status as a global business center.
They were among 47 pro-democracy figures who were arrested in 2021 under the legislation that was imposed following protests in 2019. They were charged in connection with an informal 2020 primary election.
A landmark subversion trial opens against high-profile Hong Kong democracy activists
Posted from npr.org
Hong Kong
Democracy
China
Communism
National Security
Posted 1 y ago
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."They were among 47 pro-democracy figures who were arrested in 2021 under the legislation that was imposed following protests in 2019. They were charged in connection with an informal 2020 primary election.
The pro-democracy movement has largely dried up after activists were jailed or went into exile. Growing numbers of young professionals have responded to the erosion of Hong Kong's Western-style civil liberties by leaving for Britain, the United States and other countries. The United States imposed sanctions on officials it said were to blame for the abuses.
The primary in 2020 aimed at picking pro-democracy candidates who could win control of the territory's Legislative Council. Prosecutors accuse them of trying to paralyze Hong Kong's government and topple the city's leader by securing a majority to veto budgets.
"The purpose of the conspiracy is to subvert the state power," the prosecutor said in his opening statement.
The prosecution involves many of the city's most prominent activists, including legal scholar Benny Tai, former student leader Joshua Wong and opposition party leaders Wu Chi-wai and Alvin Yeung.
Tai and four others were the election organizers and had indispensable involvement, the prosecutor said."...
..."They were among 47 pro-democracy figures who were arrested in 2021 under the legislation that was imposed following protests in 2019. They were charged in connection with an informal 2020 primary election.
The pro-democracy movement has largely dried up after activists were jailed or went into exile. Growing numbers of young professionals have responded to the erosion of Hong Kong's Western-style civil liberties by leaving for Britain, the United States and other countries. The United States imposed sanctions on officials it said were to blame for the abuses.
The primary in 2020 aimed at picking pro-democracy candidates who could win control of the territory's Legislative Council. Prosecutors accuse them of trying to paralyze Hong Kong's government and topple the city's leader by securing a majority to veto budgets.
"The purpose of the conspiracy is to subvert the state power," the prosecutor said in his opening statement.
The prosecution involves many of the city's most prominent activists, including legal scholar Benny Tai, former student leader Joshua Wong and opposition party leaders Wu Chi-wai and Alvin Yeung.
Tai and four others were the election organizers and had indispensable involvement, the prosecutor said."...
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