In a pivotal moment for Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement, a recent court ruling has resulted in severe sentences against several prominent activists, known collectively as the Hong Kong 47. These sentences stem from a controversial national security trial under the National Security Law (NSL), imposed by Beijing in mid-2020. Among the most notable figures sentenced are Joshua Wong and Benny Tai, who have long been recognized as symbols of the struggle for democracy in the region.
The court’s ruling came as the result of a crackdown that commenced three years ago, with a group of 47 individuals charged in connection with an unofficial primary election held in July 2020. The primary was organized with the intent of selecting opposition candidates for the Legislative Council elections, aiming to create a sufficient parliamentary presence to challenge the pro-Beijing leadership. The event drew substantial public interest, attracting over half a million voters. However, it was immediately perceived as a threat by the authorities, who asserted that it contravened provisions of the recently enacted NSL.
During the trial, despite the defendants arguing that their participation was constitutionally protected under the Basic Law—the governance framework that allows certain freedoms in Hong Kong—the judges ultimately sided with the prosecution. Officials claimed that the primary could incite a constitutional crisis, particularly if those elected were to make significant political strides. Consequently, out of the original 47, only two were acquitted, while the majority received prison sentences ranging from several years to over a decade.
Among those sentenced, Benny Tai is particularly notable for his role in founding the Occupy Central movement in 2014, which advocated for democratic reforms. A law professor by trade, Tai was labeled a “hardcore troublemaker” by Chinese authorities for his outspoken criticism of the regime. His conviction under the NSL has resulted in a ten-year prison sentence.
Joshua Wong, arguably the most recognizable face among Hong Kong’s pro-democracy activists, faced a similar fate. His activism began at a young age, notably during the Umbrella Movement in 2014. Despite multiple incarcerations throughout his career, Wong’s resilience remained evident after each conviction. His latest sentence, four years and eight months, reflects a long-standing commitment to the pro-democracy cause, which he maintains even while behind bars.
Another significant figure among the sentenced is Long Hair, also known as Leung Kwok-hung, a former opposition lawmaker recognized for his flamboyant protests. He famously wielded a yellow umbrella during parliamentary sessions and was vocal about representing the marginalized. Since the NSL’s introduction, his political actions have seen him imprisoned for six years and nine months.
Claudia Mo, a prominent lawmaker known for her journalistic background, has also been sentenced to four years and two months. She was part of a mass resignation from the Legislative Council following the ousting of pro-democracy lawmakers in a politically charged atmosphere. Mo’s arrest on January 6, 2021, epitomizes the growing crackdown on dissent, reducing the space for democratic expressions in Hong Kong.
Jimmy Sham, an influential LGBTQ rights activist and former leader of the Civil Human Rights Front, received a sentence of four years and three months. His leadership and advocacy for equal rights faced severe backlash, leading to repeated incidents of violence against him. Despite these challenges, his voice has continued to resonate within the activist community.
Lastly, Gwyneth Ho, a journalist-turned-politician, garnered attention for her bravery during the protests in 2019, which resulted in her being assaulted while covering the events. Ho expressed the hopelessness that many Hongkongers feel under current circumstances, stating that attempts at fighting for democracy against the backdrop of the Chinese Communist Party have often been perceived as a quixotic endeavor. She has been sentenced to seven years in jail for her involvement in the primary.
The situation of the Hong Kong 47 reflects a grim chapter in Hong Kong’s history, as many activists face unprecedented sentences under a law that many argue undermines the autonomy and freedoms previously afforded to the region. The crackdown illustrates Beijing’s tightening grip on dissent and its implications for the future of democracy in Hong Kong, where voices advocating for change are increasingly silenced.
