4 Hong Kong Democracy Activists Freed After Prison Term for Unofficial Primary
Four ex-legislators of Hong Kong, who were advocates for democratic reforms, have been freed following their release from jail where they served time due to their participation in related activities. A non-official 2020 presidential primary election .
Claudia Mo, Gary Fan, Jeremy Tam, and Kwok Ka-ki were among the initial batch of 45 pro-democracy activists who were released from prison late Monday night into Tuesday morning. convicted in the city's biggest national security case , which ended in November.
Mo was freed from Lo Wu Correctional Institution, whereas Fan departed from Lantau’s Shek Pik Prison. Tam and Kwok, ex-prominent figures of the defunct Civic Party, were released from Stanley Prison.
As reported by an HKFP journalist present at the location, law enforcement prevented journalists from gathering at the primary entry point of Shek Pik Prison to await Fan. Instead, members of the press were compelled to station themselves on a nearby bridge close to Shek Pik Reservoir, offering a view of the prison complex.
At 5:39 am, a minivan carrying seven people departed from the prison, soon followed by another private car and a taxi. The private cars were fitted with curtains, leading authorities to believe that Fan was likely inside one of these vehicles.
Law enforcement established a barrier on the bridge to stop journalists from pursuing the vehicles.
The remaining three Democrats exited their individual detention centers during the early morning hours on Tuesday, as reported by local media outlets.
HKFP has contacted the Correctional Services Department for verification.
Local media outlet HK01 captured A fan posted a video of him arriving at his home in Tseung Kwan O. The former legislator mentioned that he was going back to be with his loved ones and expressed gratitude to the people of Hong Kong and the press for their support and attention.
The four advocates for democracy received prison terms of four years and two months each after admitting guilt to conspiring to commit subversion.
Following the deductions from their sentences for the time served in custody since late February 2021—when their police bail was canceled—their release was approved. Initially, when they were presented before the court in March of that same year, the judiciary denied them bail due to concerns over national security.
Among those charged, the four individuals received some of the more lenient prison terms. In contrast, the most extended imprisonment was handed down to ex-law professor Benny Tai, whom the trio of appointed national security judges labeled as the "instigator" of the electoral scheme.
See also: Who are the 45 Hong Kong pro-democracy activists imprisoned for subversion? Part I – Organizers of primary elections and former district council members
The prominent case revolved around an unsanctioned primary election conducted in July 2020, which was designed to assist the pro-democracy faction in securing a dominant position within the legislative body.
The judiciary determined that the Democrats intended to utilize their constitutional rights to reject the government’s budget, which would eventually lead to the resignation of the head of state and a halt in governmental operations.
They determined this would lead to a "constitutional crisis."
See also: Who are the 45 democracy advocates from Hong Kong imprisoned for subversion? Part II – Activists, Former Legislators
The rationale behind the sentencing was that Mo, Fan, Tam, and Kwok received a one-third decrease in prison terms due to entering guilty pleas. Additionally, they were granted an extra three months off their sentence because of their previous community work and their apparent lack of legal knowledge.
Beijing inserted national security legislation straight into Hong Kong's mini-constitution in June 2020 Following a year marked by pro-democracy demonstrations and civil disturbances, it outlawed svn commit, breaking away, collaborating with outside entities And terror attacks — which encompass disruptions to transportation systems and other infrastructures. The relocation granted law enforcement extensive additional authorities. resulting in hundreds of arrests amid new legal precedents , while dozens of civil society groups disappeared The officials claim it restored stability and peace to the city, rejecting criticism from trade partners , the UN and NGOs .
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